IZMIR, Türkiye — June 16, 2026
Türkiye’s olive industry is preparing for one of the largest harvests in its history during the 2026–2027 season, raising hopes that the sector can push exports back above the $1 billion mark, according to industry representatives.
Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, Mehmet Emre Uygun said olives and olive oil remain among Türkiye’s most important net foreign-exchange-generating agricultural products. He noted that expanding olive groves and improved farming practices have strengthened the country’s position in global markets. Türkiye is currently ranked first worldwide in table olive production and second in olive oil production, he said.
Export Revenue Under Pressure
Despite strong production capacity, export revenues have faced challenges. Between November 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, Türkiye exported approximately $260 million worth of olives and olive oil. Export earnings declined by around 34% compared with the same period a year earlier, largely due to falling global prices and administrative measures affecting the domestic market.
Table olive exports remained resilient at $172.5 million, while olive oil exports dropped sharply by 62% in value terms to $69 million.
Record Harvest Expected
According to Uygun, preliminary data collected from production regions indicate that the upcoming 2026–2027 season could deliver one of the highest olive yields ever recorded in Türkiye.
He emphasized that managing the anticipated abundance effectively will be critical for maximizing its economic value. Industry leaders are calling for all export channels—whether bulk, barreled, or packaged products—to remain open in order to provide exporters with the certainty needed to secure long-term international contracts.
$1 Billion Export Goal
The sector’s primary objective is to convert Türkiye’s strong production capacity into higher-value branded and packaged exports. Industry officials believe the expected bumper harvest presents a historic opportunity to restore olive and olive oil exports to the $1 billion level and potentially exceed it.
In addition, efforts are underway to establish a digital traceability system for olive oil and to seek the removal of the European Union’s current 100-ton quota applied to Turkish olive oil exports.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök