Olive oil price comparison: why origins differ (bulk FOB, 2026)
Why does the price of bulk olive oil differ from one origin to another?
In short: bulk extra virgin prices at origin differ by origin because of production cost, supply depth, brand premium, harvest and incoterm. Prices move every week: see today's prices at origin on the olive oil prices at origin page and the monthly analysis in the price observatory. Zitouna's Tunisian extra virgin offer starts from €3.65/kg FOB Sfax, firm price on quote depending on grade, format, volume and incoterm.
This page compares the price gaps between origins and explains where they come from: local cost, brand, harvest, incoterm, from FOB to landed price. All figures are dated and flagged. It complements the comparison hub, the value-for-money ranking and the guide to the major origins. For the rate tracked every month, see the price observatory.
Bulk price table by origin
Extra virgin, bulk at origin — the figures are updated on the prices at origin page:
| Origin (quoted market) | Bulk price at origin (EVOO) | Reference variety | Data status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisia (Sfax) | today's prices | Chemlali / Chetoui | to be verified |
| Spain (Jaén) | today's prices | Picual | to be verified |
| Greece (Chania) | today's prices | Koroneiki | to be verified |
| Italy (Bari) | today's prices | Coratina | to be verified |
| Portugal | Variable, often high | Galega, Cobrançosa | to be verified |
| Morocco | Variable | Moroccan Picholine | to be verified |
| Turkey | Variable | Ayvalik, Memecik | to be verified |
| California | High, variable | Arbequina | to be verified |
This page stays indicative and carries no price commitment. For a firm, current quotation, request a quote.
Why these price gaps between origins?
The bulk price at origin depends on several structural factors:
- Local production cost — labour, orchard density, mechanisation, yield per hectare.
- Supply structure — Spain (1st producer) and Tunisia (2nd) have deep volumes that push prices towards competitiveness; Italy and California, more in deficit, are more expensive.
- The brand premium — Italy charges a "Made in Italy" premium; California a "local premium".
- The olive campaign — a small harvest (drought, alternate bearing) sends prices soaring; a record harvest eases them. The 2025/26 Tunisian campaign, estimated to be a record, supports competitive prices.
- The incoterm — an FOB price (loaded at the port of departure) differs from a CIF (freight + insurance included) or a delivered price. Always compare at the same incoterm. See the incoterms guide.
From origin to delivered price: what the bulk price doesn't tell you
An FOB price at origin is not the buyer's final cost. You must add:
- Freight and insurance (to move from FOB to CIF).
- Customs duties — nil within the zero-duty EU quota of 56,700 t for Tunisia, but potentially high outside the quota.
- Import VAT — variable by country.
- Destination costs — customs clearance, inland transport, handling.
That is why a competitive origin price and zero-duty customs access (like the Tunisian EU quota) combine in the delivered price. A higher Italian price at departure remains so, mechanically, on arrival.
Pivot: a competitive origin, at equal quality
At comparable extra-virgin quality, Tunisia is a competitive origin, to compare on the same basis (grade, incoterm, quotation date). And notably, some of the bulk sold at the Spanish or Italian price started out in Tunisia: Spain and Italy import Tunisian bulk to top up their volumes or bottle it.
For a buyer, the conclusion is arithmetic: sourcing directly at the Tunisian origin means paying the origin price rather than an intermediated price — with no compromise on quality, Tunisia having won ~26 medals at NYIOOC 2024. This is not a judgement on the other origins, all excellent: it is an economic trade-off.
Why lock in your Tunisian price early
Three market realities, without false urgency:
- A competitive origin price — compared on the same basis, buying at the source protects your margin.
- Limited zero-duty EU quota: 56,700 t at 0% (certificates via SICAD), often exhausted early in the year. Once the quota is gone, the delivered price rises.
- Seasonal volatility: prices ease at the start of the campaign, when volumes are fresh and available. Quoting early locks in a price before end-of-campaign pressure.
Request a free quote — dated quotation + reference sample with COA, drawer pre-filled "World prices → Tunisia".
FAQ — Olive oil price by origin
What is the bulk olive oil price by origin in 2026?
Prices at origin change every week and are published on the prices at origin page linked above, with the monthly analysis in the price observatory. Zitouna's offer starts from €3.65/kg FOB Sfax, firm price on quote depending on grade, format, volume and incoterm. The final price depends on the variety, volume, incoterm and campaign.
Which origin is the most competitive at equal quality?
It changes with each campaign. Tunisia and Spain are the competitive origins at comparable extra-virgin quality, to compare on the same basis (grade, incoterm, quotation date); Italy and California are markedly more expensive.
Why is Italy so expensive?
Italy charges a "Made in Italy" premium and has a more deficit-driven supply. It imports and bottles foreign bulk (including Tunisian) to top up its volumes. Its strength is the brand, not the bulk price.
Are these prices firm?
No. This page is indicative and carries no price commitment. Bulk prices change every week depending on the harvest and the market. For a firm, current price, request a dated quotation.
Does the FOB price include transport and duties?
No. FOB = goods loaded at the port of departure; freight, insurance, customs duties and import VAT are extra. For a delivered price, request a CIF quotation or consult the incoterms guide.
Does Tunisia benefit from a customs advantage into the EU?
Yes. A zero-duty tariff quota of 56,700 t allows imports at 0% duty within the quota limit. This advantage stacks on top of a competitive origin price.
What makes the price vary from one campaign to the next?
Mainly the harvest: drought, frost or alternate bearing reduce supply and push prices up; a record harvest eases them. Mediterranean weather and the global carry-over stock are the major determinants.
Why compare prices at the same incoterm?
Because an FOB price (port of departure) and a CIF price (freight + insurance included) or delivered price are not comparable: they do not include the same costs. Comparing a Tunisian FOB to an Italian delivered price distorts the analysis. Always align the incoterm.
Is organic more expensive?
Yes, slightly, across all origins (certification and production surcharge). Tunisia remains a competitive organic origin, with Ecocert in Sfax and USDA NOP available.
Where can I track price movements?
Consult our price observatory for a live tracker, and the origin comparator to decide based on your volumes. For today's prices at origin, use the prices at origin page.
Do these prices denigrate the expensive origins?
No. Italy, California or Portugal produce excellent oils and justify their price through the brand or premium positioning. This comparison explains why prices differ: at extra-virgin quality, Tunisia is a competitive origin, to compare on the same basis. It is an economic trade-off, not a value judgement.
Compare, then get a quote
Cross-reference these prices with the value-for-money ranking and the guide to the major origins, then request a dated quotation for Tunisian oil.
Request a free quote — dated quotation + sample with COA.
Lead magnet: download our Price by Origin Report (dated readings, incoterms, EU quota, quotation checklist).
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