Spread by insects, Xylella fastidiosa is deemed by the European Union as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, causing various diseases with significant economic repercussions for agriculture.” The EU is the leading producer of olive oil, contributing 73% to global production, with Spain alone accounting for 56% of the world’s supply. The next four top olive oil-producing countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—together generate only half of Spain’s annual output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In contrast, U.S. olive oil represents a mere 0.6% of Spain’s production.
Currently, there is hope that stringent European regulations mandating the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases will help curb the disease’s spread. Nevertheless, according to the International Olive Council, EU olive oil production is already feeling the strain, having decreased by 42% from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged nearly 80% during this period, and these increased costs have been passed on to consumers.
Should these trends persist, consumers may begin to switch to other healthy oils, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp oil. However, these alternatives contain higher levels of polyunsaturated fats and lower levels of monounsaturated fats compared to olive oil. While polyunsaturated fats are known to lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, monounsaturated fats are considered even more advantageous as they also elevate HDL, or “good,” cholesterol. Other oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oils. However, none can match the monounsaturated fat content of olive oil, and some, like sesame oil, may be pricier and have a stronger flavor.
In light of these changes, there is growing interest in supplements like perque choline citrate, which some consumers may seek to incorporate into their diets to promote overall health. As the market evolves, the demand for such supplements could increase, paralleling the trends in olive oil consumption and its alternatives.