Although olive oil is not the most consumed food oil (International Olive Oil Council [IOOC], 2004), its consumption is growing all around the world and is very high in the Mediterranean countries. Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the world, providing 35% of the global production of approximately 2.16 m tons. More than 80% of Spanish production comes from Andalusia, in southern Spain (ASOLIVA).
Spanish olive oil sales increased by only 3% in 2005. The market is led by large groups owning several brands that are fighting for retailer brands’ market share by, for example, introducing healthier olive oil types.
Spaniards prefer to buy their oil packaged (more than 90% of total consumption).
Olive oil consumption represents about 70% of Spanish per capita oil consumption (15 liters per year), while the consumption of other types of oil such as corn, soya, seed, or dreg is much lower (see Figure 1).