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Excessive olive imports disrupting Iran’s own olive oil production

Business Materials 19 October 2018 14:43 (UTC +04:00)

Tehran, Iran, Oct. 19

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Sixty percent of Iran’s olive oil used for consumption, is supplied through imports, and the country’s output only accounts for 20 percent of the total consumption, a report said.

With around 84,000 hectares of olive orchards and an annual production of 100,000 tons, Iran’s share from olive conserve and olive oil consumption is only 20 percent, IRNA reported on October 19.

The remaining 80 percent is provided by foreign countries, it added.

Iranian orchardists are dissatisfied with the current situation, saying that the government does not support the olive industry and makes no effort to attract foreign investment.

However, reports suggest that the 20 percent share will reach 35 percent by next year.

Iran shares many geographical characteristics and common historical roots with Mediterranean countries, which are home to the major known cultivars of olive. It lies in Eastern Mediterranean, the cradle of ancient civilizations and the possible birthplace of the olive tree.

The early history of olive tree in Iran is shrouded in uncertainty, but olive is mentioned in ancient Iranian religious hymns dating back 2,000 years. This is how olive production in Iran is explained on the IOC website.

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