Algeria is on track to produce a historic record of over 150,000 tons of olive oil during the 2025/2026 season, a surge that would mark a 76 percent increase compared with last year and a third consecutive year of growth, according to official projections.
The forecast, released by the National Interprofessional Council of the Olive Sector (CNIFO), reflects a combination of favorable weather conditions and sustained investment in olive cultivation across the country. CNIFO President Mohamed Belasla told local media on January 6 that the performance “concerns all producing regions” and highlights the sector’s development over recent years.
“If confirmed at the end of the season, this will be the highest production in Algeria’s history,” Belasla said. He added that the campaign could extend beyond February, due to the unusually large volumes expected to be processed.
The projected output comes after 85,000 tons in 2024/2025 and 64,000 tons in 2023/2024, according to data compiled by the International Olive Council (IOC). Analysts note that Algeria’s olive oil sector has steadily expanded in both cultivated area and productivity, benefiting from government support programs, improved irrigation, and modernized milling technology.
The rising production levels could also allow Algeria to significantly boost its exports. Domestic consumption averages roughly 81,000 tons per year, based on IOC data from the 2020/2021 to 2023/2024 seasons, suggesting that the projected 150,000 tons in 2025/2026 would generate a substantial exportable surplus.
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Currently, Algeria’s olive oil exports remain modest by regional standards. The largest volume recorded over the past five marketing seasons was just around 1,000 tons in 2023/2024, highlighting the untapped potential for international markets. Industry experts say the expected surge in production could help Algeria expand its presence in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions seeking high-quality olive oil.
“Algeria’s olive sector has made considerable strides, and this record harvest is a testament to years of coordinated effort by producers, cooperatives, and government institutions,” said Yacine Rahmani, an agricultural analyst based in Algiers. “If managed effectively, the surplus could position Algeria as a serious exporter in the Mediterranean market.”
Olive oil production is concentrated in several northern provinces, including Sétif, Tébessa, Tlemcen, and Batna, which together account for the bulk of national output. CNIFO officials say all regions are contributing to the record campaign, with high yields reported in both older, established groves and newer plantations.
The sector’s growth aligns with broader government strategies to diversify Algeria’s agricultural base, reduce dependence on imports, and increase non-hydrocarbon exports. Olive oil is considered a high-value product that can generate foreign exchange while supporting rural development.
While global olive oil prices remain volatile, rising output from Algeria could help stabilize regional supply and increase competition in the Mediterranean market, where Spain, Italy, and Greece dominate exports. Analysts caution that quality control and efficient marketing will be key for Algeria to convert the production boom into tangible export revenue.
Belasla said CNIFO and producers are working to ensure high standards and strengthen marketing channels, including participation in international trade fairs and partnerships with foreign distributors.
If realized, the 150,000-ton harvest would not only represent a domestic milestone but also provide an opportunity for Algeria to establish a stronger foothold in the global olive oil industry, contributing to the country’s broader economic diversification goals.
