EVOO 2026: What Consumers Should Know
Table of Contents
- 2026 Overview
- Production falls in 2025/26: what official data says
- Prices: stabilization with a "quality premium"
- Consumption: where it's growing and why it matters to you
- How to choose EVOO in 2026
- Quality and health: why premium makes more sense now
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The EVOO context in 2026: a readjusting market
After two seasons marked by drought and exceptionally low supply, the olive oil industry is entering a period of progressive normalization, though not without tensions. The recovery is not uniform: some countries are increasing their production, while Spain — a global leader — registers a slight decrease.
Globally, consumers maintain or regain their interest in EVOO: according to data from the International Olive Council (IOC), global consumption is returning to 2.7 million tons, confirming a recovery after the price peaks of 2023 and 2024.
Looking outside the Mediterranean, countries like the United States, Japan, Brazil, and China still have very low per capita consumption (0.4–1.2 kg per person), which demonstrates an enormous growth potential that sustains international demand.
This global context directly affects European and Spanish consumers, as EVOO has become a product whose market valuation increasingly relies on quality and origin, and not just on price.
2025/26 Production: less oil, but with a more stable market
This year, production falls, but it does so in a moderate and controlled manner, maintaining a relatively balanced market.
📉 Spain: –3% compared to the previous season
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) estimates a production of 1,371,938 tons, 3% lower than the previous season. The main cause is the impact of high summer temperatures on what had been an exceptional flowering.
Official media like EFEAGRO support this same annual figure.
📉 World production: –4% according to the IOC
Globally, the IOC forecasts a production of 3,440,000 tons, which represents a 4% drop compared to 2024/25.
Through various reports such as the one from Fortune Business Insights, you can access more detailed information about the sector.
What does this mean for you, the consumer?
- There will be no extreme scarcity situations like those experienced in previous seasons.
- Prices will tend to stabilize, but quality will be a real differentiator.
- Early harvest EVOOs and limited productions will have a higher value due to their sensory profile and more careful harvesting.
In such markets, choosing well is not just a matter of price: it's a matter of guarantees and transparency.
Prices in 2026: stability with a quality premium
In Spain, extra virgin olive oil prices published in February 2026 show considerable stability compared to the beginning of the season. These prices correspond to bulk oil, meaning the oil purchased from cooperatives and mills before being bottled.
According to references from Infaoliva, Almazaras Federadas de Córdoba, and the Junta de Andalucía, bulk EVOO is trading between €4.02/kg and €4.44/kg.
It's important to clarify that this is not the price of the oil we later find bottled in supermarkets or specialized stores.
Bottled oil has other added costs: bottle, label, cap, box, transport, storage, quality controls, distribution, and commercial margins. All of this makes the final price higher than the price of bulk oil.
Why are bulk prices remaining stable this year?
Mainly for two reasons:
- In Spain, there has been a slight decrease in production, but not as sharp as in previous seasons.
- Globally, there is more oil available than last year, which helps prevent large price increases.
In summary: the prices being published these days refer to the bulk market, not the bottled product that reaches the consumer. And the stability is due to a balance between Spanish production and greater global availability.
How this affects you as a consumer
- Prices will not be as volatile as in 2023–2024.
- The difference between standard and premium oils will be more evident.
- Price will cease to be the sole criterion: quality, origin, and campaign date will weigh more.
The consumer leads: consumption recovery and search for quality
Consumption is growing again, driven by price normalization and greater awareness of EVOO's importance for health.
According to the IOC, countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, and Brazil have very low per capita consumption (0.4–1.2 kg), which represents a gigantic growth potential and ensures a dynamic international market.
Furthermore, domestic demand in Spain and Europe remains firm thanks to increased interest in healthy foods, as well as the international expansion of Mediterranean cuisine. Sector studies confirm that these changes in habits are driving the growth of the virgin and extra virgin olive oil segment.
How to choose a good EVOO in 2026 (Expert Guide)
1. Check the harvest: 2025/26 priority
The freshness of the oil is fundamental to appreciate its fruitiness and aromatic complexity. Few products reveal their quality by harvest as much as EVOO.
2. Look for traceability and origin
A premium EVOO should offer transparency about its process. This is where specialized brands like Ad-Morum stand out due to their total control of the product, from the olive grove to bottling.
3. Go for early harvest
More intensity, more complexity, more antioxidants.
This type of oil is preferred by consumers looking for a real sensory experience and not just an oil for cooking.
4. Consider the exact category
"Extra virgin" is not the same as "virgin" or "light".
Regulations are strict, and informed consumers know how to distinguish sensory and nutritional differences.
5. Choose according to culinary use
- Raw, salads, and toasts: premium early EVOO.
- Daily cooking: balanced EVOO.
- Occasional frying: stable EVOO with a less intense sensory profile.
Quality and health: why premium makes more sense than ever
The global olive oil market will grow to $30.631 billion USD by 2032, driven primarily by the premium EVOO segment (more information on trends at the IOC.
This growth is not accidental: it responds to a consumer who increasingly values
- quality,
- authenticity,
- sensory complexity,
- and real nutritional impact.
In this scenario, brands like Ad-Morum, with early harvest, meticulous fruit selection, and defined sensory profile, become more relevant for those seeking exceptional extra virgin olive oil.
Conclusion: 2026 is the year of the discerning consumer
2026 offers something that recent years did not provide:
stability, clarity, and choice.
- Production falls slightly, but does not compromise the market.
- Quality becomes the decisive purchasing criterion.
- The informed consumer gains power.
- The difference between a common EVOO and a premium EVOO becomes more visible and more relevant.
And in this scenario, those looking for an EVOO with identity, a fresh green profile, and an early harvest find in Ad-Morum an option aligned with the values that matter today: quality, origin, and authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
1) Will prices go down this year?
Not significantly. Production falls slightly in Spain (–3%) and globally (–4%), which maintains a stable market without drastic drops.
2) Is it worth paying more for a premium EVOO?
Yes. The difference in aroma, flavor, freshness, and stability in cooking is evident, and the premium segment is precisely the fastest-growing.
3) How can I avoid mistakes when buying EVOO?
Check the harvest, origin, exact category (EVOO), and prioritize early harvest oils if you're looking for superior quality.
4) Can it be stored well all year round?
Yes, as long as it is kept in a cool, dark, and well-sealed place. The recent harvest will guarantee greater freshness.