Olive growers and oil producers in Turkey anticipate a lower harvest in the 2023/24 crop year due to adverse weather conditions, including cold and rainy spring weather, hail, and the devastating earthquakes in eastern Turkey. Last year's record-high yield of 421,000 tons is unlikely to be matched, with some producers expecting up to 60 percent less olive oil production. The National Olive and Olive Oil Council and the United States Department of Agriculture predict a decrease in production, attributing it to the natural alternate bearing cycle of olive trees and other factors. Despite the challenges, industry representatives remain hopeful for Turkey's olive cultivation future, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Albania's olive oil production has seen significant growth, with an average annual production of 20,670 tons in recent years, up from 10,000 to 13,000 tons previously. Investments by the Albanian government and the adoption of new technologies have contributed to this increase. However, experts like Mivan Peci and producers such as Bruno Musaj express concerns over quality maintenance and the need for better training for millers. The sector faces challenges such as climate impacts, labor shortages, and the fragmented nature of olive farms. Companies like Musai Olive Oil and Donika Olive Oil are focusing on exports due to domestic market constraints. There are calls for the creation of an Albanian PDO to add value to local varieties like Kalinjot and to foster a culture of high-quality olive oil production.

The 2023 olive oil harvest has been severely impacted by climate extremes and economic pressures, resulting in the lowest global production since 2013/14. A survey of 4,487 producers in 34 countries revealed concerns over climate change, consumer knowledge gaps, and labor difficulties. Rising production costs, extreme weather, and pests were cited as significant challenges. Producers are calling for better standards enforcement to reduce fraud, increased government support, and global marketing campaigns to promote olive oil consumption. High olive oil prices have both helped and hindered producers, with some benefiting from offsetting costs and others concerned about fraud and consumer deterrence. The sector also sees tourism as a potential revenue stream, with many welcoming visitors for tastings and tours.

The olive harvest in France is expected to yield around 4,400 tons, surpassing last year's production but not reaching the five-year average. Conditions have been favorable, with low pest pressure and minimal fruit browning. Corsica reported a successful harvest, and the quality of extra virgin olive oil is anticipated to be high. However, production has not returned to the highs of the previous decade, partly due to ongoing drought conditions in southern Europe.

The European Parliament and Council have approved the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağ extra virgin olive oil. The resolution, once confirmed, will protect the oil from imitations and add economic value to Aydın, Turkey. The oil is described as having unique properties due to the region's climate and historical olive farming. Aydın's chairman of the Commodity Exchange, Fevzi Çondur, emphasized the PDO's importance for branding and economic development. Aydın Memecik Zeytinyağı will be the province's third PDO, joining chestnuts and figs, with applications for pine nut and table olive PDOs also submitted. Turkey has several other products with PDO and PGI certifications, with more applications pending.

Portugal's olive oil production is expected to see a rebound in the 2023/24 harvest, with estimates around 150,000 tons, a significant increase from the previous year and above the five-year average. The increase is attributed to the natural alternate bearing cycle of olive trees and the expansion of modern olive groves. Despite challenges such as drought, frost, and high temperatures, producers remain optimistic about the future, with technological advancements in groves and mills contributing to productivity. However, concerns about climate change, labor shortages, and rising production costs persist.

Researchers in Spain have identified three olive varieties genetically resistant to Verticillium dahliae, a deadly fungal pathogen for olive trees. The varieties, resulting from crossbreeding Frantoio and Koroneiki with Arbosana, were developed by the University of Jaén, the University of Córdoba, and the Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training using material from the World Olive Germplasm Bank. Named 'FrxAr_5', 'FrxAr_6', and 'KorOp_48', these varieties showed tolerance and resistance to the fungus and are ideal for developing more resistant and productive crops. The discovery is significant for Andalusia, the world's largest olive oil-producing region, where common varieties are susceptible to the fungus. The next step is to test these varieties in commercial-scale olive farms.

Tim Balshi, co-founder of MillPress Imports, has been importing high-quality extra virgin olive oil to the U.S. for two decades, starting with his cousin in 2000. Initially, olive oil was seen as a commodity in the U.S., but perceptions have changed due to increased knowledge, internet access, and media coverage of food and cooking. Consumption in the U.S. has doubled since the early 2000s, and the market has become competitive. Quality has become paramount, with California setting strict standards. MillPress ensures quality by working closely with farmers and conducting extensive testing. Balshi is also involved with Almazara Aguilar, a family-owned mill in Spain. Despite challenges like droughts, Balshi remains optimistic about the future of olive oil consumption in the U.S.

Israeli entrepreneurs are set to launch Olive X-Press, a countertop olive oil production appliance, ahead of the 2024 olive harvest. The device, compared to a coffee machine in size, combines grinding, malaxing, and decanting to produce olive oil at home within 45 minutes. The invention uses pressure instead of friction for extraction, resulting in a quieter and lower temperature process. The prototype will undergo testing and is expected to retail for about $250. The company plans to generate revenue from selling specially treated, vacuum-packaged olives for use in the appliance. The technology, X-Tend, will be licensed to olive growers to prepare olives for the machine. The olive oil produced has been validated by Professor Zohar Kerem of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to have similar health-promoting compounds to fresh extra virgin olive oils. The company has raised $3.5 million for the project and is seeking additional investors.

A study published in Clinical Nutrition indicates that consuming extra virgin olive oil rich in biophenols like oleocanthal and oleacein can improve health outcomes for individuals with obesity and prediabetes. The research, conducted by the Regional Hospital of Málaga, involved 91 participants from Málaga, Spain, who were divided into two groups to consume either biophenol-rich extra virgin olive oil or non-virgin olive oil for 30 days. The study found that extra virgin olive oil consumption led to increased blood antioxidant defenses and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation, which are underlying conditions of prediabetes and obesity. These benefits were not observed with non-virgin olive oil. The findings suggest potential for extra virgin olive oil to help mitigate obesity and prediabetes, which are global health concerns with rising prevalence rates.

Olive farmers and oil producers in Argentina experienced a successful harvest in 2023 after several disappointing seasons, despite high summer temperatures. While final figures are pending, the yield is expected to be significantly higher than the previous year. The country's inflation and currency issues, however, pose challenges for the industry. The poor harvests in the Mediterranean offer an opportunity for Argentine producers to expand exports, but the benefits are mitigated by the parallel currency situation and high inflation. Producers are also adapting to climate change by switching to different olive varieties and plantation methods to improve efficiency and quality.

Despite experiencing the lowest olive oil yield since 2012/13, Andalusian growers and producers have achieved outstanding quality, as evidenced by the 106 awards from 135 entries at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. The region faced significant challenges due to high heat and drought, which damaged olive trees and reduced fruitset. Producers like Oro del Desierto, Almazaras de la Subbética, Cooperativa Olivarera Virgen De La Sierra De Cabra, and Almazara Quaryat Dillar have adapted to the harsh conditions and continue to focus on quality over quantity. The ongoing drought in Andalusia suggests another poor harvest may be on the horizon.

Researchers in Andalusia, led by Citoliva, are developing an AI-based predictive model to help olive farmers determine the optimal time for harvesting. The tool, expected to be commercially available in two years, will utilize satellite imagery, ground sensors, and various data points to improve yields and reduce production costs. Carmen Capiscol, head of R&D at Citoliva, highlighted the research phase and the potential for the tool to be scalable and affordable for cooperatives. The application of AI in the olive oil sector is seen as increasingly relevant, especially with changing climatic patterns affecting olive development.

Meteorologists predict an 80 percent chance of El Niño developing by September or October, impacting global climate and olive-growing regions outside the Mediterranean. El Niño is associated with higher global temperatures and can alter precipitation patterns, potentially affecting olive harvests. California, Chile, southern Brazil, and Uruguay may experience increased rainfall, while Australia and South Africa could face drought. The Mediterranean basin, responsible for 96 percent of global olive oil production, is not directly impacted. Experts from NOAA, the University of Buenos Aires, and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology provide insights into the potential effects of El Niño on olive production and weather patterns.

Lebanon's outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Abbas Hajj Hassan, congratulated olive oil producers for their success at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. Darmmess and MNL Farms won Gold Awards, which are seen as significant milestones for the producers and the country amid economic uncertainty and challenges from climate change. The Economist Intelligence Unit predicts a slow and partial recovery for Lebanon from its ongoing crises. Producers hope that international recognition will promote Lebanese extra virgin olive oils and drive sales, despite domestic difficulties such as labor shortages, rising energy costs, and frequent blackouts.

Thirty-one attendees from various countries completed the Olive Oil Sommelier Certification Program in London, which covered a comprehensive range of topics related to olive oil. Participants included hobby farmers, professionals, and retailers who sought to enhance their knowledge and sensory skills in olive oil quality assessment, production, and culinary applications. The program was well-received, with attendees planning to apply their new expertise in various ways, such as improving production practices, educating customers, and hosting tasting workshops.

Experts predict that while AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT may not revolutionize agriculture, they can assist farmers with tasks such as research, writing content, and marketing. Heng Ji from the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign cautions against viewing these tools as magical solutions, noting their limitations in scientific discovery and future predictions. Todd Janzen, an agricultural law attorney, echoes the sentiment, pointing out the superficial nature of ChatGPT's authoritative-sounding but shallow predictions. Yu Jiang from Cornell University highlights the potential biases AI tools could introduce, particularly affecting small wineries and farmers with limited digital presence. The integration of ChatGPT into Bing suggests a shift towards AI-based search, urging farmers to adapt and build digital literacy.

Lebanese olive producers are expecting a bountiful harvest despite political and economic turmoil. Producers like Ibrahim Al Kaakour of Genco Olive Oil and Walid Mushantaf of Bustan el Zeitoun attribute the good yield to higher levels of precipitation and timely rains. Karim Arsanios of Solar Olives, who exports most of his production, is facing rising costs due to increased electricity and fuel prices. Lebanon's currency crisis and lack of government support are forcing producers to focus on exports and find new markets. The International Olive Council's data indicates Lebanon's production may exceed the previous year's, and World Bank data shows a dramatic rise in consumer price inflation. Producers are concerned about sustainability as they navigate the financial crisis and promote Lebanese olive oil internationally.

The European Commission has postponed the adoption of a harmonized nutrition label for Europe, indicating that it will not recommend a single existing label such as Nutri-Score. Instead, a new proposal will be submitted by the end of the year, with a decision expected by the end of Q2 2023. Nutri-Score, a front-of-pack label, has been criticized for not respecting national dietary traditions, particularly by Italian representatives. Despite support from scientists and health professionals, Italy has led the opposition to Nutri-Score, citing potential harm to traditional food products. The European Commission is still evaluating the impact assessment and consultations before finalizing the sustainable food labeling framework.