The 2025-2026 olive oil campaign in Córdoba, nearing its end, has been characterized by a lower harvest than initially projected and stable prices. Field work extended beyond the usual timeframe, finishing a month later than customary, primarily due to difficulties faced by farmers in February in accessing their farms because of a series of storms.
Macarena Sánchez, general secretary of the Provincial Association of Industrial Oil Mills (Acora), explained that climatic conditions, especially the rains in November and December, caused a significant crop loss in many producing areas. This led to a substantial decrease in the campaign forecasts made in October. Her estimates suggest that final production could be between 8 and 10 percent lower than projected.
“"The harvest will be somewhat below what was estimated, as the storms caused a large quantity of olives to fall to the ground, which could not then be collected, affecting quality."
The forecast presented in October last year by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development predicted a milling of 269,100 tons of oil by the more than 180 oil mills in Córdoba. This figure represented a 7.5 percent decrease from the previous campaign but a 16 percent increase compared to the average of the last five years. By February 28, 211,972 tons had been milled.
Regarding prices, stability has been the dominant trend. Last week, extra virgin olive oil was trading at an average of 4.48 euros per kilo, according to official data from the Andalusian Government. Although variations since the beginning of the year have been minimal, there has been an increase of over 17 percent compared to the same period last year. Sánchez de Puerta believes these prices are comfortable for both producers and consumers.
However, Macarena Sánchez warns that global production is insufficient to meet demand, which should push prices upwards. Nevertheless, the entry of olive oil from third countries at a lower cost is affecting market behavior and extra virgin olive oil prices. Furthermore, the sector continues to face a persistent labor shortage, a problem exacerbated in Córdoba's extensive olive-growing area, threatening the continuity of activity and wealth generation.
International conflicts, particularly in Iran and Ukraine, also create uncertainty in the global olive oil market. Sánchez emphasizes the need for authorities to implement protective measures for a sector that is strategic for Spain's agricultural balance, even if not a priority for the European Union. Sánchez de Puerta also mentioned rising logistical costs due to issues in the Strait of Hormuz, though he is more optimistic about the growth of olive oil consumption in the United States despite tariffs.
