The UK Olive Oil Market in 2025: Why Spain and Italy Dominate - And Why Turkish EVOO Deserves More Attention
Updated: 9 August 2025
Snapshot: A big market, reshaped by price shocks
- UK olive oil household penetration fell from ~55% to ~47% after prices nearly doubled, but demand remains steady as costs begin to cool.
- Prices surged ~96% in two years due to poor Mediterranean harvests; ~80% of UK olive oil comes from Mediterranean suppliers.
- The 2024/25 harvest is expected to rebound, offering opportunities for lesser-known origins like Türkiye.
Who supplies the UK? Spain and Italy - by a mile
According to official trade data for 2023, the UK’s virgin olive oil imports break down as follows:
| Country | Import Value (£m) | Market Share |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 165.6 | 59.2% |
| Italy | 84.4 | 30.2% |
| Greece | 22.4 | 8.0% |
| Turkey | 0.36 | 0.13% |
Total UK virgin olive oil imports: £279.8m (2023)
Why is Turkish olive oil underrepresented?
Despite being a top-5 global producer, Türkiye barely appears on UK supermarket shelves. Key reasons:
- Brand familiarity: Spanish & Italian brands have decades of retail presence and marketing investment.
- Supply chain dominance: UK imports are often routed through Spain/Italy, even when oil originates elsewhere.
- Market timing: Recent Mediterranean droughts kept focus on Spain/Italy just as Turkey’s export quality surged.
The opportunity for UK shoppers
- Unique flavour profiles: Turkish EVOO offers vibrant grassy and peppery notes, especially in early harvest oils.
- Premium quality: Modern milling technology in Türkiye produces oils that match or exceed Mediterranean standards.
- Value potential: As prices normalise, Turkish EVOO can deliver exceptional quality at competitive prices.
Why LUVIA is here
At LUVIA Olive, our mission is to introduce premium Turkish extra virgin olive oil to British homes—just as Spanish and Italian EVOOs have done for decades.
Explore our Shop to taste the difference, or learn about our Anatolian heritage.
Try this tasting challenge
Set up three small glasses: one Spanish EVOO, one Italian, and LUVIA (Turkish). Smell, taste, and notice:
- Fruitiness
- Bitterness
- Peppery finish
Chances are, Turkish oil will surprise you with its fresh green aroma and lively bite—perfect over grilled vegetables, fresh bread, or tomato salads.
Key facts at a glance
- Spain & Italy: 89%+ of UK virgin olive oil imports
- Turkey: Just 0.13% share (2023)
- UK olive oil prices: +96% in 2 years; easing in 2025
- Consumption: Below 2 kg per person/year — room to grow
📈 Sources
- UN Comtrade / WITS — UK Virgin Olive Oil Imports 2023
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) — Price Index Data, Mar 2024
- International Olive Council (IOC) — Market Situation Reports 2024–2025
- UK Retail Market Press Coverage — Nov 2024