Greece is one of the world’s largest olive oil producers. In France, however, Tunisia sells more than 11 times as much extra virgin olive oil. Last year alone, French imports from Tunisia reached 15,537 tonnes, compared with just 1,352 tonnes from Greece, revealing the gap between the country’s production capacity and its presence in one of Europe’s largest markets.
Figures from a report by the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Greek embassy in Paris reveal the scale of the gap. Greece remained France’s fourth-largest supplier, behind Spain, Italy and Tunisia, with a market share of just 1.59% by volume and 2.13% by value.
Tunisia, in third place, accounted for 18.2% and 15.6%, respectively, while the top three suppliers together accounted for 95% of French imports of extra virgin olive oil.
For Greek exporters, the figures also conceal a second unwelcome reality. Although they sold 3.1% more olive oil in 2025, they earned 22.8% less, with export value falling to €9.79m. The average declared value dropped from €9.67 to €7.24 per kilo, in line with the broader fall in prices. This means the product is treated as a commodity by Greek exporters and importers alike, in this case the French.
Competition, meanwhile, is intensifying. Spain remains dominant, with 47,608 tonnes and exports worth €251m, while Italy follows with 18,097 tonnes and €113.8m. Tunisia, whose exports were worth €71.5m, increased its volumes by 54.7% in a year. It did so at an average declared value of just €4.60 per kilo, compared with €7.24 for Greek olive oil.
A €620m market with a limited Greek presence
The limited presence of Greek olive oil in France is particularly striking given that the country meets almost all its needs through imports. In the 2025/26 crop year, French production is estimated at just 5,300 tonnes, against expected consumption of 110,000 tonnes, meeting less than 5% of demand.
Last year, total imports reached 118,300 tonnes, worth €620.7m. Although volumes rose by 6.3% compared with 2024, their value fell by 34.6%, as the average declared import value dropped from €8.53 to €5.25 per kilo.
The same trend was seen in extra virgin olive oil, the focus of Greek export activity. Imports in this category reached 85,189 tonnes, up 5.9%, while their value fell by 32.8% to €459.5m.
Falling prices explain part of the drop in revenue, but not the persistently limited presence of Greek olive oil in France. The report identifies the main obstacle as Greek companies’ difficulty in securing consistent access to French distribution networks.
Spain and Italy have well-established trade relationships and a strong presence in organised retail, while Tunisia is making the most of its competitive pricing.
For Greek businesses, the report recommends differentiation rather than competing solely on price, with an emphasis on branded, packaged extra virgin olive oil, Greek origin, varietal identity and PDO or PGI certification. This strategy is supported by French consumer preferences: two in three attach particular importance to geographical origin and related certifications.