Spain holds back 12% of olive oil as harvest swells

Around 188,000 tonnes of olive oil are set to stay off the market in Spain: from 6 November, mills must hold back 12% of their 2026/2027 output. The oil must remain in storage until 30 September 2027. Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food published the order on Friday.

Why the oil is going into storage

Spain expects to produce 1,602,596 tonnes of olive oil this season, 23% more than last season. Opening stocks add another 357,040 tonnes. The ministry says holding some oil back will help steady supply, protect growers’ returns and safeguard buyers’ interests.

The ministry links the larger harvest forecast to mild spring temperatures and plentiful rain, which helped flowers and fruit develop in the main growing areas.

What olive oil mills must do

Each mill must hold back 12% of its accumulated monthly production. The rule covers output declared from November onwards, not oil produced in October. Mills can choose which category of oil to store and whether to keep it on their own premises or elsewhere.

They must report production and stocks, provide documents and allow on-site inspections. The ministry may change the rule from 31 December 2026 if actual production differs from the forecast.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com