Factors that are contributing to the increase in olive oil and table olive consumption in Australia include:

• Improved marketing by the International Olive Oil Council
• Recognition of the health benefits of using olive oil
• Increased use of take away and pre-prepared foods
• Increased dining out
• The Mediterranean diet becoming more popular
• Increased use of olive oil and table olives as ingredients
• Greater enjoyment of the flavour of olive oil

Supermarket brand shares of the Australian olive oil market are as follows:

(Source: The Australian Olive and Olive Oil Market – Trends and Opportunities. Ken Joiner, Market-Quest Consulting 1999.)

A comprehensive report on the current status of markets for olive products and the potential for Australia to enter the market.

The publication assesses the market potential for the Australian olive industry through:

• Analysing the factors affecting international competition;
• Assessing opportunities in Asian markets;
• Forecasting the consumption and production of olive products;
• Quantifying and qualifying the Australian domestic market; and
• Developing a demographic profile of the consumers of olive products.

The report was compiled by DG McEvoy and EE Gomez.

The report is a result of collaboration between the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

For the full report go to www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/NPP/DAQ-210A.rtf

To purchase RIRDC publications go to www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/cat/contents.html

This link is provided with the kind permission of the Rural Industries Resaerch and Development Corporation.