Two to three months before the start of the olive oil season, and based on indications from the olive trees so far, olive oil production in Messinia and the rest of the country is expected to be significantly better than last year.
This was noted by Antonis Nikolopoulos, head of olive oil procurement at the Messinia Union Agricultural Cooperative, speaking on the ERTNEWS program «Newsroom.» Mr. Nikolopoulos pointed out that the prolonged drought and summer heat waves have reduced production and will further reduce it if the expected autumn rains do not come. He also added that it is very likely that this year's olive oil season will start earlier than in other years due to climatic conditions. It is characteristic that areas with irrigated crops will have better production, such as the Trifilia region, while Mr. Nikolopoulos mentioned the immediate need for irrigation projects throughout Messinia to enable the irrigation of olive groves. the area of Trifilia, while Mr. Nikolopoulos mentioned the immediate need for irrigation projects throughout Messinia, so that olive trees can be watered, as the climate crisis will continue in the coming years.
Regarding prices, Antonis Nikolopoulos stressed that under no circumstances do we expect to see last year's highs, which reached as much as €9.5 per liter for extra virgin olive oils, noting that currently in Greece, the few remaining oils from last year's production are selling for around €7, while the first contracts in Spain for the new year have already been signed at €6. He estimated that at the start of the olive oil season, prices for producers in Greece will range from €5.5 to €6.
