Where do they make olive oil in Italy?

Answered by Randall Whitlock

Where do they make olive oil in Italy?

When it comes to olive oil production in Italy, the majority of it comes from the southern regions of the country. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, a staggering 82% of the olive oil in Italy is produced in Southern Italy. This region is known for its ideal climate and fertile soil, making it the perfect environment for olive trees to thrive.

Within Southern Italy, two regions stand out as the main producers of olive oil: Puglia and Calabria. These two regions alone account for 68% of the olive oil production in the country. Let's delve deeper into each of these regions and explore their significance in the Italian olive oil industry.

1. Puglia: Puglia, also known as Apulia, is located in the southeastern part of Italy. It is the largest olive oil-producing region in the country, responsible for a remarkable 50% of Italy's total olive oil production. The favorable climate, with hot summers and mild winters, along with the fertile soil, creates the perfect conditions for olive cultivation. Puglia is dotted with countless olive groves, and many families have been involved in olive oil production for generations. The region is known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which is widely sought after both domestically and internationally.

2. Calabria: Situated in the southernmost part of Italy, Calabria is another major player in the olive oil industry. It accounts for 18% of the country's olive oil production. Calabria boasts a diverse landscape, with mountains, hills, and coastal areas, providing a variety of microclimates that favor olive cultivation. The region is known for its traditional olive oil production methods, with many small-scale producers still using traditional stone mills to extract the oil. This dedication to tradition often results in unique and flavorful olive oils that reflect the local terroir.

While Puglia and Calabria are the primary regions for olive oil production in Italy, it is important to note that olive trees can be found throughout the country. Other notable olive oil-producing regions include Sicily, Tuscany, Umbria, and Liguria, among others. Each region brings its own characteristics and nuances to the olive oil produced, resulting in a diverse range of flavors and aromas.

In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste olive oils from different regions of Italy. Each oil had its own distinct flavor profile, ranging from grassy and herbaceous to fruity and peppery. It is fascinating to see how the terroir and cultivation practices influence the final product.

To summarize, olive oil production in Italy is predominantly concentrated in the southern regions, with Puglia and Calabria leading the way. These regions benefit from favorable climates and fertile soil, allowing olive trees to flourish. However, olive oil is produced throughout Italy, with each region contributing its unique characteristics to the diverse range of oils available. So, whether you're in Puglia, Calabria, or any other part of Italy, you can be sure to find exceptional olive oils that showcase the country's rich agricultural heritage.