Moura, Portugal, April 28, 2026 (Lusa) – Portugal's olive oil production should reach approximately 160,000 tonnes this campaign, falling from 175,000 tonnes in the previous period, the Centre for the Study and Promotion of Alentejo Olive Oil (CEPAAL) said on Tuesday.
In a statement sent to Lusa, CEPAAL said that Alentejo remains "the main national production hub" and that the current national campaign totals around 160,000 tonnes.
These figures reflect an adjustment from the previous cycle and confirm the robustness of a sector that, in recent years, has recorded significant export growth. Exports exceeded €1 billion in the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, and the sector continues to generate value even with lower volumes, according to CEPAAL.
Modernised production systems, technology, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled "consistent productivity gains, greater resource efficiency, and better climate risk management," making the product viable for new markets. The valuation of the product, through differentiation, brand building, and positioning in premium segments, has been decisive in sustaining margins and strengthening its international presence, particularly in India, it said.
CEPAAL believes the agreement between the European Union and India represents a strategic opportunity of high importance, especially for Portugal.
The deal reduces tariff barriers and facilitates access to a large-scale market with over 1.47 billion consumers.
"The olive oil sector in Portugal has entered a new scale," said CEPAAL President Manuel Norte Santo.
He described the industry as more competitive, technological, and international, calling it one of the most dynamic areas of Portuguese agrifood.
The olive oil industry in Portugal represents about €700 million and recorded a positive trade surplus at the start of 2026, he said. Referring to data from the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, CEPAAL said the sector recorded a trade surplus of €92 million in the first two months of this year, despite a reduction in trade volumes.
The National Olive Oil Congress (CNA) and the National Olive Growing Fair (FNO) will begin on 7 May in Moura, Beja district, which he described as a "space where decisions that will shape" the industry's trajectory are discussed during a "particular moment of many challenges, but also great opportunities."
Portugal is the world's sixth-largest olive oil producer, Europe's third-largest exporter, and the global leader in high-quality olive oil production, according to Santo.
The municipality of Moura and CEPAAL will host the fair at the municipal exhibition grounds between 7 and 10 May, while the congress will take place at the municipal cinema-theatre on 8 May. The seminar will bring together "producers, specialists, researchers, and decision-makers to debate the main challenges and opportunities of the industry," including production efficiency, digitalisation, and global positioning.
More than 30 national and international speakers will attend the CNA to debate efficiency, diversity, AI in decision-making, and product differentiation.
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