Introduction – France’s Olive Oil Market: A Quantitative Overview
France might not be the first country you think of when discussing olive oil giants, but it’s steadily gaining ground in both production and export potential. With a growing emphasis on quality, sustainability, and traceability, France’s olive oil market is standing tall on the global stage.
In 2024/25, France produced between 5,000 and 5,200 metric tons of olive oil—a 7% bump over its five-year average. While this might seem modest when compared to Mediterranean heavyweights like Spain or Italy, it’s a significant leap for France’s boutique-style production landscape.
The key takeaway? France isn’t just producing more olive oil—it’s exporting it smarter. And that’s exactly why businesses need a data-driven approach when choosing suppliers. Platforms like Freshdi play a crucial role here by supplying real-time trade insights, verified supplier data, and RFQ (Request for Quotation) trends to help B2B buyers make smarter procurement decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s break it down.
Production Growth in a Changing Climate
Despite facing climate-related challenges—drought, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures—France’s olive oil sector has shown resilience. The regions of Alpes-Maritimes and Bouches-du-Rhône led the way in 2024/25, pushing national production up by 7% compared to the five-year average. That’s not just a blip—that’s progress under pressure.
Export Explosion
In 2023, France exported $111 million worth of olive oil, marking a whopping 61% increase from the previous year. Where did all that oil go?
- Spain – 24%
- Italy – 15.4%
- Belgium – 14.2%
- Germany – 11.7%
These countries aren’t just importing French olive oil—they’re demanding it. And that trend aligns with RFQ data on Freshdi, where requests for French-origin olive oil saw a 40% increase in the last two quarters.
Demand Surge and Market Dynamics
The French olive oil market generated $1.83 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $2.86 billion by 2030. That’s a CAGR of 6.6%—solid growth by any standard. This surge is fueled by rising health consciousness, a taste for organic and artisanal oils, and increasing culinary demand.
Challenges: Fraud and Price Volatility
But it’s not all smooth sailing. In early 2024, EU authorities flagged 50 cases of olive oil fraud at borders—a record. Mislabeling, dilution, and origin falsification were the top offenses. Why? Skyrocketing prices due to low production triggered by extreme weather.
This only reinforces the need to work with verified suppliers, vetted by platforms like Freshdi, which checks supplier credentials, traceability, and compliance.
Top 6 Verified Olive Oil Suppliers in France – Proven Export Performers
Here’s the part you came for—the crème de la crème of French olive oil suppliers in Q3 of 2025. These names were selected based on export volume, international trade activity, certifications, and buyer feedback via Freshdi.
1. Soupin Jean Stephane
- Known for: Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil with robust, peppery notes.
- Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
- Certifications: Organic EU, ISO 22000.
- Export Reach: Germany, Italy, Japan, United Arab Emirates.
- Buyer Insights: Consistently praised for quality consistency and responsive customer service.
2. Huilerie Richard
- Website: https://www.huilerie-richard.com/
- Known for: Artisan olive oils with regional AOP certifications.
- Region: Drôme and Vaucluse.
- Certifications: AOP Nyons, Organic AB.
- Export Reach: Belgium, USA, Canada.
- Buyer Insights: Strong traceability and excellent packaging.
3. Moulin Castelas
- Website: https://www.castelas.com/
- Known for: Premium extra virgin olive oils with fruity and grassy profiles.
- Region: Les Baux-de-Provence.
- Certifications: AOP Les Baux-de-Provence.
- Export Reach: UK, Germany, Switzerland.
- Buyer Insights: High aesthetic appeal, strong brand story.
4. Domaine Salvator
- Website: https://www.salvator.fr/
- Known for: Family-owned production with deep-rooted Provencal traditions.
- Region: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
- Certifications: Organic, Ecocert.
- Export Reach: UAE, Singapore, USA.
- Buyer Insights: Reliable lead times, small-batch excellence.
5. Château d’Estoublon
- Website: https://www.estoublon.com/
- Known for: Luxury olive oils packaged like perfume.
- Region: Vallée des Baux.
- Certifications: AOP Vallée des Baux.
- Export Reach: Saudi Arabia, UK, South Korea.
- Buyer Insights: High-end appeal, boutique gifting potential.
6. Huilerie Vignolis (Nyonsais)
- Website: https://www.vignolis.fr/
- Known for: Traditional olive oils from the Nyons AOP region.
- Region: Nyons.
- Certifications: AOP Nyons, Organic AB.
- Export Reach: Netherlands, Sweden, USA.
- Buyer Insights: Strong cooperative model ensures supply stability.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind—rankings like these are not static. Platforms like Freshdi regularly update supplier performance based on real-time export data, RFQ responsiveness, and buyer reviews. Check out the “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” feature to stay current with top performers.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Value Dynamics & Export Dynamics
Navigating the French olive oil market isn’t just about knowing who the top suppliers are. It’s also about understanding what’s driving demand, how prices fluctuate, and when to strike the best deals.
What’s Hot: Olive Oil Types in Demand
According to RFQ trends on Freshdi, buyers are most frequently requesting:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): Clean, cold-pressed, and unrefined—always in demand.
- Organic EVOO: Especially popular in Northern Europe and North America.
- Flavored Varietals: Infused with herbs, garlic, or citrus, finding niche popularity.
- Bulk Orders: 5L and 10L tins are the format of choice for HORECA and food processors.
Seasonal Price Swings
Like most agricultural products, olive oil pricing follows a seasonal rhythm:
- Q1 – High Prices: Due to low post-holiday stocks and winter bottlenecks.
- Q2/Q3 – Stabilized Prices: New contracts from the spring harvest start flowing in.
- Q4 – Rising Again: Pre-holiday demand surges, pushing prices up.
Using trade history and historical pricing data from sources like Freshdi, businesses can strategically time their RFQs to get the best deal.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Informed Procurement
France is carving a niche in the global olive oil market—not just as a producer, but as a reliable exporter of high-quality, traceable olive oils. From a 7% rise in production to a 61% export boom, the numbers speak for themselves.
What does this mean for buyers?
It means you shouldn’t settle for guesswork. Use quantifiable performance metrics, supplier certifications, and buyer feedback to make informed choices. Platforms like Freshdi equip you with the tools to do just that—whether it’s tracking RFQ trends, comparing suppliers, or accessing verified export histories.
Key Takeaways
- France’s olive oil production rose 7% in 2024/25, despite climate challenges.
- Exports surged 61% in 2023, driven by demand from Spain, Italy, Belgium, and Germany.
- Fraud and price volatility highlight the need for verified suppliers.
- Top suppliers include Soupin Jean Stephane, Huilerie Richard, and Château d’Estoublon.
- Use seasonal insights and RFQ data from platforms like Freshdi to optimize procurement.
Themed Checklist for Buyers: Olive Oil Edition
☑️ Check supplier certifications (Organic, AOP, ISO).
☑️ Review export history and buyer ratings on Freshdi.
☑️ Match olive oil type (EVOO, Organic, Flavored) to your market needs.
☑️ Time your purchase based on seasonal price trends.
☑️ Watch out for fraud—verify origin and purity claims.
Future Outlook
With market growth projected at 6.6% CAGR until 2030, France’s olive oil industry is on a promising path. However, climate change and fraud risks remain ongoing challenges. Expect the industry to lean harder into sustainability, traceability, and digital procurement tools.
Platforms like Freshdi are set to play a pivotal role—bridging the gap between verified suppliers and global buyers in an increasingly complex trade environment.
FAQs
1. Why is French olive oil gaining popularity in exports?
French olive oil is known for its high quality, artisanal production, and strict AOP regulations. This makes it attractive to health-conscious and gourmet consumers, especially in Europe and Asia.
2. How can I verify if a supplier is legitimate?
Use procurement platforms like Freshdi that conduct supplier verification, check trade history, and compile buyer reviews.
3. What is the best time of year to buy olive oil in bulk?
Q2 and Q3 are generally the best times, as prices stabilize post-harvest and before holiday demand spikes.
4. What types of olive oil are most in demand?
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Organic EVOO are top choices, with bulk packaging formats (5L–10L) preferred for foodservice.
5. How does climate change affect olive oil supply?
Extreme weather like drought and heatwaves can reduce olive yields, leading to price increases and potential supply shortages. Monitoring crop forecasts and supplier regions is essential for planning.
References
- Olive Oil Times – France’s Harvest Exceeds Expectations
- Trade Economy – France Olive Oil Exports
- Grand View Research – France Olive Oil Market Outlook
- Connexion France – Olive Oil Fraud and Climate Impact
- Olive Oil Times – EU Olive Oil Export Trends
