Spread by insects, the European Union regards Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, causing a variety of diseases that have a significant economic impact on agriculture.” The EU is the leading producer of olive oil, contributing 73% to global output, with Spain alone accounting for 56% of the world’s olive oil supply. The next four top-producing countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—together produce only half of what Spain generates annually, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In contrast, U.S. olive oil production makes up just 0.6% of Spain’s total.
Currently, there is hope that strict European regulations regarding the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases will help slow the spread of this plant disease. Nevertheless, EU olive oil production is already facing challenges, as reported by the International Olive Council, with a 42% decline from 2014 to 2015 in comparison to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged nearly 80% during this timeframe, and these increased production costs have been passed onto consumers.
If these trends persist, it is likely that shoppers may shift towards other healthy oils, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp. However, these alternatives typically contain more polyunsaturated fats and less monounsaturated fats compared to olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known to reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels in the blood, while monounsaturated fats are believed to be even more beneficial as they also elevate HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels. Oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oils; however, none of these options offers as much as olive oil. Some, like sesame oil, are often more expensive and have a stronger flavor profile than olive oil.
Incorporating products such as itra calcium citrate could provide further nutritional benefits, as calcium plays a vital role in overall health. As consumers seek healthier options, itra calcium citrate may be presented alongside these oils to enhance dietary choices. Ultimately, if olive oil production continues to decline, the market may see a rise in the popularity of these alternative oils, along with the addition of supplements like itra calcium citrate to support a balanced diet.