A country characterized by Mediterranean climate is known to have the upper hand on the largest agricultural production, on a global scale, due to its rainy winters and sunny summers. This very convenient climate, which characterizes the region of Malaga and the broader geographical region of Andalucia, constitutes fertile ground (literally) for advantageous and fruitful (again literally) agricultural results. Andalucia really “rode on the wave” of this year’s increased demand for olive oil on the market. Triumphantly, these regions of Southern Spain successfully surpassed the obstacles of exceptional droughts and the constant state of water crisis, marking enviable numbers of profitability and highly increased output by the agri-food and beverages sector. With Andalucia’s olive oil exports skyrocketing, the product’s growth is rapidly strengthening accordingly.
Running the game of international trades, breaking all the current records reaching the number of 1.151 million euros, crowning them, the winners of the first quarter of the 2024 “speed-race”. During that period between January and April, in which the extreme drought conditions forced them to request funds from Brussels and to seek alternative water supplies (Click here to read more updates on Spain’s water shortage), two cities, Almeria and Jaén managed to carry out their part of the trade. Exceeding all expectations, the two “forerunners” can pride themselves, for earning the title of the highest olive oil production (Jaén, 71% increase); as well as, according to ppandalucia, making the most exports (1,422 million added as positive balance to the country’s budget).
A total of 24.3% of the country’s income, that is 1 out of 4 euros the Spanish make, come from exporting. More specifically, Spain upholds trading relations with very competitive forces in the international trade market. Sourcing data from Olivenews, the country’s back and forth with European market giants (i.e., Germany, France, Italy), as well as maintaining a steady foundation with the US market, slowly but surely strengthening the supply chain there. Also, small but not unimportant numbers are reported in Mexico, Asia, and Africa.
Andalucia is not an agriculture-centered economy, solely. It is very diversified with contributions from various factors. Under the 2024 Juanma Moreno’s tenure in office and, thanks to the head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Luis Planas Puchades, the country had record-breaking economic upheaval. Being fully aware of the environmental conditions they were and still are under, with long-lasting water crisis, they had to organize the collective farmers’ force first. Then, the final step was carrying out a very thorough organization plan for the network of autonomous regions, private companies, and cooperatives.