Olives

The olive industry produces two main products: table olives and olive oil, however the Australian industry is heavily focussed on the production of good quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).  World production of olives in 2006 was 16.2 million tonnes (FAO), down from the record 18.3 million tonnes in 2003. The main producing countries border the Mediterranean Sea.

The olive industry in Australia continues to increase its production as trees planted over the last 10 years start to mature. In 2007, it is estimated that about 9.5 million litres or more of olive oil was produced in Australia. This makes up approximately 0.3 per cent of global production.

Oil production has grown 2400 per cent since 2001 and exports have grown 650 per cent.

Even without further plantings of olive trees, Australian olive oil production is projected to reach 25-30 million litres by 2013, around three times the current level of production.