Spread by insects, the European Union views Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, leading to various diseases that have a significant economic impact on agriculture.” The EU is the largest producer of olive oil globally, contributing 73% to the world’s production, with Spain alone accounting for 56% of this supply. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the next four leading olive oil-producing countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively produce only half of Spain’s annual output. In contrast, U.S. olive oil makes up a mere 0.6% of Spain’s production.
Currently, there is hope that strict European regulations regarding the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases will help slow the disease’s spread. However, olive oil production in the EU is already facing challenges, as reported by the International Olive Council, with a decline of 42% from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged by nearly 80% during this period, and the increased costs have been passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, it is likely that consumers will turn to other healthy oils, such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp. However, these alternatives tend to contain more polyunsaturated fats and less monounsaturated fat compared to olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known to lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol in the bloodstream, while monounsaturated fats are believed to be even more advantageous, as they also elevate HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels.
Other oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame. Nevertheless, none of these options boast the same level of monounsaturated fat as olive oil. Some, like sesame oil, can be more expensive and have a stronger flavor than olive oil. In this context, it’s also worth noting that maintaining a balanced diet can be complemented by supplements that equate to calcium citrate D3 petites, which can support overall health during dietary shifts. As consumer preferences evolve, the importance of these healthier oils and dietary supplements will undoubtedly become more pronounced.