Latest news with #ONAGRI
African Manager
23-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Olive Oil exports rise while revenue falls by 28.9%
The Tunisian olive oil export receipts during the first six months of the 2024/25 campaign (November 2024 – April 2025) dropped by 28.9% to 2,442.4 million dinars (MD) compared to the same period of the previous campaign, according to data published on Wednesday by ONAGRI. Only 17.7% of revenue comes from exports of packaged olive oil. The average price of olive oil in April 2025 fell by 48.9% compared to the same month in the previous campaign, ranging from 7.1 to TND 18/kg depending on the category. The European market (EU) accounts for the largest share of exports, at 59.5%, followed by North America (24.9%) and Africa (9.6%). Quantities exported from the start of the campaign to the end of April 2025 reached 180.2 thousand tons, marking a 40.1% increase compared to the same period of the previous campaign. Packaged olive oil represented only 11.9% of the exported quantities, with the rest being exported in bulk (88.1%). The extra virgin category alone accounted for 82.5% of the total volume exported. Italy is the leading importer of Tunisian olive oil, accounting for 29% of exports during the first six months of the 2024/25 campaign. Spain and the United States follow with 26% and 19.6% respectively. Regarding organic olive oil, exports reached 34.3 thousand tons, valued at around 469.1 MD, by the end of April 2025. However, the proportion of packaged organic olive oil did not exceed 5% of the total exported organic olive oil. The average price of organic olive oil is TND 13.68/kg, ranging from TND 13.47/kg for bulk oil to TND 17.65/kg for packaged oil. Tunisian organic olive oil is mainly exported to Italy, accounting for 58% of exports, followed by Spain (21%) and the United States (11%).
African Manager
17-04-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: olive oil secures global spotlight as fourth-largest exporter
Tunisia is poised to promote sustainable economic development, drive agricultural innovation, and solidify its position as a leading global supplier of premium olive-derived products. The future of Tunisian olive oil appears brighter than ever, according to recent statements by Tunisian officials. Trade and Export Development Minister Samir Abid announced that Tunisia now ranks as the fourth-largest global exporter of olive oil, holding a 10% share of worldwide exports. Over the past five years, overseas sales have shown a consistent upward trend. 'Tunisian olive oil, renowned for its nutritional benefits, continues to stand out for its exceptional quality. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our producers and targeted promotional initiatives, it has cemented its place in international markets and shone at top global competitions, earning a record number of awards and medals, Abid stated. In 2024, Tunisia exported olive oil worth 4.8 billion dinars to 64 destinations, up from 55 markets in 2023. Key European buyers include Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and Belgium. Abid highlighted that packaged olive oil exports now account for 21% of total exports, marking a 92% surge in 2024. He emphasized the sector's critical role in the national economy and its 'exceptional quality,' which positions it for significant growth in the EU and global markets. 'We are witnessing stronger export opportunities and direct partnerships between Tunisian businesses and European market players,' he added. New national program to boost global presence An ambitious 2025 National Program to promote Tunisian olive oil has been launched, featuring 20 promotional initiatives aimed at strengthening its foothold in traditional markets while exploring new opportunities. Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders—including the Export Promotion Center (CEPEX), PACKTEC, the National Olive Oil Office (ONH), the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts (UTICA), and olive heritage institutions—the program will focus on participation in international trade fairs, B2B meetings, overseas commercial days, and hosting potential buyers in Tunisia. 'These efforts will enhance global awareness and visibility of Tunisian olive oil in competitive markets,' Abid affirmed. Export revenue declines despite volume growth Despite rising export volumes, olive oil revenue for the first five months of the 2024/2025 campaign (ending March 2025) fell by 25.8% year-on-year to 2.126 billion dinars, according to the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price of olive oil dropped by 54% in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, ranging between 8 to 18.4 dinars per kilogram depending on grade. Export volumes, however, surged by 46.3% to 157,200 tons, with packaged oil representing just 10.2% of total exports. ONAGRI noted a stagnation in packaged oil exports compared to the previous campaign. Extra virgin olive oil dominated exports, making up 82.7% of total volume, while packaged oil contributed only 15.8% of revenue. Market distribution highlights EU dominance The EU remains the largest market for Tunisian olive oil, absorbing 60.8% of exports, followed by North America (23.2%) and Africa (9.8%). Italy leads as the top importer (29.8%), trailed by Spain (26.9%) and the United States (18.6%).
African Manager
21-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Tunisia: Food trade balance records a surplus of 390.2 MD by end of February 2025
The food trade balance recorded a surplus of 390.2 million dinars (MD) by the end of February 2025, compared to a surplus of 875.5 MD during the same period the previous year, according to data released by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). As a result, the coverage ratio reached 129.8% by the end of February 2025, down from 174.1% in February 2024. In value terms, food exports decreased by 17.5%, while imports increased by 10.6%. According to ONAGRI, the observed decline is primarily due to a decrease in exports of olive oil (-23.9%), dates (-14.6%), and fishery products (-38.3%), as well as an increase in imports of cereals (+5.8%). However, imports of sugar (-58.7%) and vegetable oils (-58.3%) declined. The average export price of olive oil dropped to TND 12.42 /kg, marking a 54.7% decrease compared to the previous year. As for the import prices of grain products, they fell by 19% for durum wheat and 3.4% for soft wheat, while increasing by 7.4% for barley and 6.7% for corn.
African Manager
20-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Morocco is the top importer of Tunisian dates
Tunisian dates are among the best in the world, renowned for their sweetness and rich flavor. Often consumed raw, they are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Deglet Nour dates, in particular, are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, making them beneficial for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This is one of the reasons why Tunisia's date export revenues reached 581.8 million dinars (MD) by the end of February 2025, a slight decrease of 1% compared to the same period the previous year, according to data published by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). The average price of dates in February 2025 was 6.02 dinars per kilogram, marking a 1.9% decline compared to the same month in the previous season. Exported quantities between the start of the season (October 2024) and the end of February 2025 amounted to 90.3 thousand tons, down 2.9% from 92.9 thousand tons during the same period the previous year. The Deglet Nour variety accounted for 86.8% of total export volumes. In terms of export destinations, the European Union holds the largest share at 37.3%, followed by Africa at 28.9%, and Asia at 23.7%. Morocco is the top importer of Tunisian dates, accounting for 22.8% of exported quantities during the first five months of the 2024/2025 season, followed by Italy (9.9%) and France (6.9%). By the end of February 2025, exports of organic dates reached 3.7 thousand tons, valued at approximately 35 million dinars. Compared to the same period the previous year, organic date exports fell by 5.9%, while revenues dropped by 30.7%. However, organic dates accounted for only 4% of total date exports (all types combined). The average price of organic dates was 9.36 dinars per kilogram, varying by type: 8.38 dinars/kg for conventional organic dates, 10.35 dinars/kg for organic date derivatives, and 2.53 dinars/kg for industrial-grade organic dates. Germany remains the top destination for organic dates, representing 28% of export volumes, followed by the Netherlands (12%) and France (12%). Tunisia: 2nd largest exporter and 3rd in revenue The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently published a list of the top 10 date producers/exporters globally. Tunisia ranks second worldwide in terms of exported quantities (130,307 tons) and third in terms of revenue ($244.75 million). The UN agency notes that global date production covers an area of over 1.09 million hectares, with an estimated annual output of more than 8.5 million tons across nearly 5,000 date varieties worldwide. The two main production zones are Asia, which accounts for 55.8% of global production, and Africa with 43.4%. Arab countries alone produce 77% of the world's dates, approximately 6.6 million tons annually, and are home to nearly 160 million date palm trees.
African Manager
19-03-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Olive Oil export revenues decline by 26.8% at end of February 2025
Olive oil export revenues, from the beginning of the season until the end of February 2025, reached 1691.4 million dinars (MD), posting a 26.8% decrease compared to the same period in the previous season, according to data published on Monday by the National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI). However, the quantities of olive oil exported increased by 40.8%, reaching 132.2 thousand tons. Packaged olive oil accounted for only 10.2% of exports, while the majority was exported in bulk (89.8%). The decline in export revenues is primarily attributed to the drop in the average price of olive oil. Notably, prices fell by 54.9% in February 2025 compared to the same period the previous year, ranging between TND 8.5/kg and TND 18.7/kg depending on the category. ONAGRI also highlighted that the largest share of Tunisian exports is directed to the European market (59.4% of export volumes), followed by North America (24%) and Africa (9.5%). Italy, the top importer of Tunisian olive oil Italy remains the leading importer of Tunisian olive oil, accounting for 31.4% of the quantities exported during the first four months of the 2024/2025 season. It is followed by Spain (24%) and the United States (19.4%). Regarding organic olive oil, export volumes reached 24.8 thousand tons, valued at approximately 343.5 MD by the end of February 2025. However, packaged organic olive oil represented only 4.2% of the total exported organic olive oil volume. The average price of organic olive oil stood at TND 13.85/kg, ranging between TND 13.66/kg for bulk and TND 18.25/kg for packaged oil. Italy is also the top importer of Tunisian organic olive oil, accounting for 65% of exported quantities, followed by Spain (16%) and the United States (10%). Series of measures for the olive oil sector For years, the Tunisian government has been committed to a program aimed at enhancing the value of its high-quality olive oil. Through initiatives such as agri-food investments and innovative marketing strategies, the sector aims to transition from mass production to packaged oils. Training initiatives have been deployed to promote environmentally friendly production practices, thereby enhancing biosafety, sustainability, and conservation. The goal is clear: to position Tunisian olive oil on the global map, help local producers access high-value export markets, and improve product quality. Additionally, this initiative aims to strengthen the sector's resilience to climate change. The Tunisian olive oil sector, with roots dating back to pre-Roman times, is at a turning point in its history. Through strategic investments, well-thought-out export strategies, food safety measures, and a strong brand image, it is poised for a renaissance. Tunisia can promote sustainable economic development, stimulate agricultural innovation, and strengthen its position as the world's leading supplier of high-quality olive oil products. The future of Tunisian olive oil looks brighter than ever. It is worth recalling that Tunisia recently secured first place globally at the International Afro-Asian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, organized by the Swedish group 'International Olive Oil Competitions' in Abu Dhabi.
