Spread by insects, Xylella fastidiosa is viewed by the European Union as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria globally, leading to a range of diseases with significant economic repercussions for agriculture.” The EU stands as the largest producer of olive oil in the world, contributing to 73% of the total global output. Spain, in particular, is responsible for 56% of the world’s olive oil supply. The next four leading producers—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively generate only half of what Spain produces annually, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In contrast, the U.S. olive oil production accounts for a mere 0.6% of Spain’s production.
Currently, there is optimism that the stringent European regulations regarding the removal of olive trees near confirmed cases will help curb the spread of the disease. Nonetheless, EU olive oil production is already facing challenges, as indicated by the International Olive Council, with a reported decline of 42% from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged by nearly 80% during this timeframe, and the increased production costs have been passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, it is likely that consumers will seek alternative healthy oils, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp, all of which contain higher levels of polyunsaturated fat and lower levels of monounsaturated fat compared to olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known to reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol in the bloodstream, while monounsaturated fats are considered even more advantageous as they can increase HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels.
Other oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oils. However, none of these options matches the monounsaturated fat content found in olive oil. Some, like sesame oil, tend to be more expensive and have a stronger flavor profile than olive oil. Additionally, incorporating certain supplements, like calcium citrate, may help improve overall health, and the benefits of calcium citrate can be particularly noteworthy when considering dietary choices. As consumers look for healthier alternatives, the role of calcium citrate could become more prominent in discussions about nutrition and dietary oils.