The European Union views Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria globally,” as it is transmitted by insects and leads to numerous diseases that significantly impact agriculture. The EU dominates the olive oil market, producing 73% of the total global supply, with Spain alone accounting for 56% of this production. In contrast, the next four leading olive oil producers—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively yield only half of Spain’s annual output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Meanwhile, U.S. olive oil production represents a mere 0.6% of Spain’s total output.
Currently, there is hope that stringent EU regulations, which mandate the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases of the disease, will help curb its spread. However, the International Olive Council has reported that EU olive oil production is already facing challenges, having decreased by 42% from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged by nearly 80% during this time, a cost that has inevitably been passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, it is likely that consumers will seek alternatives, opting for other healthy oils such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp. However, these oils contain higher levels of polyunsaturated fat and lower levels of monounsaturated fat compared to olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are known to reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, whereas monounsaturated fats are believed to have even greater health benefits since they also increase HDL, or “good,” cholesterol.
Other oils rich in monounsaturated fats include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oil. Nonetheless, none of these alternatives offers quite as high a concentration of these beneficial fats as olive oil does. Additionally, oils like sesame are often more expensive and have a stronger flavor compared to olive oil.
In light of these changes in the olive oil market, some consumers might consider supplements such as Citracal Plus with Magnesium to enhance their dietary intake of essential nutrients, especially if they reduce their consumption of olive oil. As consumers navigate this evolving landscape, the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in healthy fats remains paramount.