'Brazil imports 99% of the olive oil it consumes, and our challenge is to ensure its quality.'

Current Situation of the Olive Oil Market in Brazil and Its Evolution in Recent Years

Brazil is currently the second-largest importer of olive oil outside the European Union, consuming around 100,000 tons annually (including all product categories).

In recent years, we’ve seen very positive growth: per capita consumption has increased significantly, although it still stands at just 500 ml per person per year—far below Mediterranean countries, which consume up to 20 liters annually.

It’s essential to clarify that more than 99% of the olive oil consumed in Brazil is imported. Domestic production, while present, still does not meet even 1% of local demand. That’s why, as president of OLIVA – the Brazilian Association of Olive Oil Producers, Importers and Traders – we represent the real stakeholders responsible for supplying the Brazilian market. Our members include the main importing companies operating in the country, as well as two foreign associations and one federation (from Spain, Portugal, and Italy), two foreign governments (Portugal and Spain), and the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

We do not have any members representing the production, manufacturing, or distribution of Brazilian olive oils.

The market has evolved in terms of awareness of quality, but it still faces challenges related to fraud, which we combat through our Olive Oil Purity Control Program and in cooperation with Brazilian and international government agencies.

In 2024, Brazilian imports reached approximately USD 780 million, according to SISCOMEX data, and since March 2025, the federal government has reduced the import tax on extra virgin olive oil to zero.

Strategies Promoted by OLIVA to Encourage Consumption of Quality Olive Oil in Brazil

Our strategies range from promoting the consumption of quality olive oil and cooperating with Brazilian regulatory and inspection bodies (such as MAPA, ANVISA, INMETRO, and MDIC), to collaborating with foreign governments, working closely with the retail and food service sectors, and building synergy with other industry associations.

We fight fraud through strict quality and purity control in line with international and national guidelines.

This program includes the periodic collection of samples from various brands in retail outlets, which are then sent to accredited national laboratories. If irregularities are found in the analysis, the responsible party is notified and given three days to respond or request a counter-analysis. If they do not respond, or if the counter-analysis confirms the issue and no action is taken, we report the case to the relevant Brazilian authorities and the retail sector.

This work is essential to protect Brazilian consumers and ensure fair market competition.

We also promote consumer education through workshops, technical events, and the dissemination of accurate information about olive oil.

Our association works closely with Brazilian inspection bodies with the goal of strengthening and protecting the sector, following clear standards aligned with the International Olive Council (IOC) and other relevant regulations.

We emphasize that OLIVA is a trade association representing importers who bring authentic olive oils to Brazil.

Potential for Growth of National Production

It’s important to draw a distinction: OLIVA represents the importers who supply the Brazilian market, as national production still meets less than 1% of demand.

Our members are the companies that import nearly 99% of the olive oil consumed in Brazil.

Domestic production, while promising, remains small in comparison to demand. For instance, we consume about 100,000 tons per year, and local production cannot meet that. Local producers are represented by smaller, regional associations.

At OLIVA, our role is to ensure that imported olive oils—which make up more than 99% of the market—are authentic, pure, and of high quality.

Our members include established international brands operating in Brazil, and we maintain strong ties with governments and associations in traditional producing countries.

Growth in national production is beneficial for the market, but since it still covers less than 1% of consumption, our focus remains essential: informing, promoting, and ensuring the quality of imported products under a legal framework that offers legal security for all.

Main Challenges for the Brazilian Olive Oil Industry in Terms of Quality, Traceability, and Innovation

In our view, the main challenge for the national industry is increasing productivity. Achieving this requires stability in existing olive groves, investment in planting techniques and machinery, and expansion into regions with favorable climates for olive cultivation.

Since OLIVA represents the main importers, our focus is on clearly distinguishing authentic products from fraudulent ones, which harm both consumers and our members.

Our strategy includes:

Continuous market monitoring with regular sample collection
Testing in accredited national and international laboratories
Direct collaboration with the IOC for international validation
Joint work with MAPA and other bodies to enforce and improve legislation
Regarding traceability, our members follow strict international protocols.

Innovation in our sector involves consumer education, providing accurate information to distribution channels, and all the control and advocacy work we’ve described.

Brazil’s Role in the Global Olive Oil Landscape and OLIVA’s Contribution

Brazil holds a strategic position as the second-largest olive oil importer outside the EU, importing over 99% of the oil it consumes. This gives us significant international relevance as a consumer market, reflected in OLIVA’s unique composition: we are the only association that brings together importing companies, foreign associations and federations, foreign governments, and other key entities.

As president of OLIVA participates in the IOC Advisory Committee for 18 years, I represent Brazil in international forums and maintain direct dialogue with the Brazilian government and producing countries.

Our contributions include:

Participation in government missions, both Brazilian and foreign
Technical collaboration across sectors
Engagement with international industry associations
Promotion of Brazil as a serious and regulated market
OLIVA strengthens the sector by serving as the official voice of the main market players before national and international institutions, ensuring that Brazil is recognized as a promising and steadily growing market.