Spread by insects, the European Union views Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, causing numerous diseases that significantly impact agriculture economically.” The EU is the largest producer of olive oil globally, contributing 73% of total production. Spain alone is responsible for 56% of the world’s olive oil supply. In comparison, the next four leading producers—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively yield only half of Spain’s annual output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The United States produces a mere 0.6% of Spain’s olive oil.
Currently, there is hope that stringent European regulations mandating the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases will help slow the spread of this disease. Nonetheless, EU olive oil production is already facing challenges, as reported by the International Olive Council, with a decline of 42% from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged by nearly 80% during that time, and these increased production costs have been passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, consumers may start to seek alternative healthy oils, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp oil. However, these options generally contain more polyunsaturated fat and less monounsaturated fat than olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known to lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels in the blood, while monounsaturated fats are believed to be even more beneficial as they can also elevate HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels. Other oils rich in monounsaturated fat include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oil, but none has as high a concentration as olive oil. Some, like sesame oil, can be pricier and have a more pronounced flavor than olive oil.
In light of these developments, consumers may also consider dietary supplements such as bariatric advantage chewable calcium, which can help meet nutritional needs while they explore alternative oils. With the ongoing challenges in olive oil production and rising prices, it’s essential for shoppers to remain informed about their options, including the benefits of various fats and the potential role of supplements like bariatric advantage chewable calcium in their diets.