Moroccan olive production expected to fall 40% amid rest cycle concerns

Morocco's olive harvest, typically beginning in September or October, is projected to see a significant decrease of around 40% for the 2026-2027 season. This anticipated drop follows a strong previous season where the country produced two million tons of olives and 600,000 tons of olive oil.

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The tree needs a rest period after fruiting and pruning operations to regain its activity.

Kamal Ben Khaled, president of the Interprofessional Federation of Moroccan Olives, explained that the decline is primarily due to the trees not having had adequate rest. A prolonged harvest period in the previous season, extending into January and February due to labor shortages, meant many trees did not complete their necessary recovery cycle after bearing abundant fruit.

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Because of the factors mentioned above, a large proportion of trees have not gone through this stage as required. Therefore, their production this year is expected to be lower compared to last season.

"The tree needs a rest period after fruiting and pruning operations to regain its activity," Ben Khaled stated. "Because of the factors mentioned above, a large proportion of trees have not gone through this stage as required. Therefore, their production this year is expected to be lower compared to last season."

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But, despite this decline, we must not forget that olives and olive oil are still available in the markets, and there will be no significant impact on supply.

Despite the anticipated reduction in output, Ben Khaled reassured that the market supply and prices for olives and olive oil would not be significantly impacted. He cited substantial reserves from the previous season's high yield, ensuring that markets remain well-supplied and that the upcoming harvest will be sufficient to meet demand.

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The production of the last season was high, and reserves are still available, whether of olives or olive oil. The markets are also still supplied normally.