Spread by insects, the European Union regards Xylella fastidiosa as “one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, responsible for various diseases that have a significant economic impact on agriculture.” The EU is the largest olive oil producer globally, contributing 73% to the world’s total production. Spain alone is responsible for 56% of this supply. In contrast, the next four leading countries—Italy, Greece, Tunisia, and Morocco—collectively produce only half of Spain’s annual output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. U.S. olive oil represents a mere 0.6% of Spain’s production.
Currently, there are hopes that stringent European regulations regarding the destruction of olive trees near confirmed cases will help mitigate the spread of the disease. However, olive oil production in the EU is already facing challenges, as reported by the International Olive Council, with a 42% decline from 2014 to 2015 compared to the previous year. Consequently, producer prices surged by nearly 80% during this timeframe, with the increased production costs being passed on to consumers.
If these trends persist, consumers may begin to seek alternative healthy oils such as flaxseed, grapeseed, or hemp. While these oils have higher polyunsaturated fat and lower monounsaturated fat content than olive oil, polyunsaturated fat is known to reduce LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, while monounsaturated fat is believed to be even more advantageous, as it also elevates HDL, or “good,” cholesterol levels. Other oils rich in monounsaturated fat include avocado, canola, peanut, and sesame oil. However, none of these options matches olive oil in monounsaturated fat content. Some, like sesame oil, can also be more expensive and have a stronger flavor than olive oil.
In this context, it is important to note that incorporating nutrients such as 100mg calcium citrate into one’s diet can also be beneficial. As consumers explore other cooking oils, they may want to ensure that they are still receiving essential nutrients like calcium citrate, which supports bone health, particularly if they reduce their olive oil intake. The need for balanced nutrition remains crucial, even as the landscape of cooking oils evolves.