This paper gives an overview of the long history of olive oil production on the actual state territory of Italy from the first evidence in the 18. Century BC until the emphasis of the last 3 decades in the globalized olive oil market.
Contemporarily, olive oil plays a quite big and still increasing role in the global trend of healthy lifestyle. The historical roots of olive oil production are located in the Mediterranean basin whose bordering states are still the biggest olive oil producers in the world. Due to the growing global consumption for olive oil, the production of olive oil augmented in every continent: Non-Mediterranean countries began to compete in the globalized olive oil market. Thus, traditional producer countries of the Mediterranean basin like Italy as the third biggest olive oil producing country in 2016/17 are faced with new competitors around the globe.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Italy as the geographic space of investigation
3. Past: The history until the late 20th Century
4. Present: From the late 20th Century until present
5. Predictions of and possibilities for the future
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper examines the history and current role of Italy within the global olive oil market, specifically analyzing how the "Mediterranean Diet" concept has influenced production and demand patterns over the last three decades.
- Historical evolution of olive oil usage and production in Italy.
- The impact of the Mediterranean Diet concept on global demand.
- Italy’s quantitative performance in the global olive oil market (production, imports, and exports).
- Market segmentation and the role of quality attributes like geographical indications.
- Challenges related to competition, market transparency, and the potential for future development.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Past: The history until the late 20th Century
The original existence of the olive tree is supposed east of the Adriatic Sea, especially in Anatolia – «the motherland of the wild olive tree […]» – and the Levantine from where it was probably brought to the eastern half of the Mediterranean basin by the Phoenicians after its domestication by the Phoenicians and later to Italy by the Greeks. With this spread and distribution of the olive tree – from «[…] the oldest known evidence for olive oil extraction» (7100 – 6300 BP on the Levantine coast) – it´s possible to assume that it´s use for olive oil production was distributed as well since olive oil was used as a fuel and as a perfume later during the Bronze Age although «[…] it´s exact purpose is not well known». The first evidence of olive oil in Italy was found in Coppa Nevigata (northern Apulia) dated to the 18. Century BC and in Vivara (Procida) dated to a slightly later point of time.
Vossen concludes the distribution, the importance and the use of olive oil during the ancient times in Italy and Europe in his description quite well as follows:
The first recorded agronomic writings can be attributed to the Romans, and certainly the expansion and prosperity of the Roman Empire was instrumental in the spread of olive plantings and oil processing facilities all around the Mediterranean basin. The Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the north coast of Africa became large production areas of olive oil that was shipped in large amphorae to England, Germany, France, and Italy. Olive oil in these times had many documented uses. All the cultures used olive primarily as lamp fuel, which was its greatest value. Many rituals involved the use of olive oil, including the anointing of royalty, warriors, and the general public for religious purposes. The term Messiah means “the anointed one.” Fragrant olive oils were used to make offerings to the Gods, as pharmaceutical ointments to cure diseases, and to make the skin and hair appear healthier.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and establishes Italy’s historical and contemporary significance in the global olive oil market.
2. Italy as the geographic space of investigation: This section defines the geographical and political scope of the study, specifying that "Italy" refers to the current Italian Republic for the purpose of analysis.
3. Past: The history until the late 20th Century: This chapter traces the historical origins of olive oil from the ancient Mediterranean basin through the Middle Ages to the influence of the Columbian Exchange and scientific progress in the 19th/20th centuries.
4. Present: From the late 20th Century until present: This chapter provides a quantitative analysis of global consumption and production trends from 1990 to the present, highlighting Italy's evolving role in the face of international competition.
5. Predictions of and possibilities for the future: This section evaluates future market growth forecasts and identifies potential strategic pathways for the Italian olive oil sector, such as quality differentiation and digital retail.
6. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, reflecting on Italy's historical position and the need for greater market transparency and data precision to address current industry challenges.
Keywords
Olive oil, Mediterranean Diet, Italy, history, production, global market, consumption, agriculture, extra virgin olive oil, geographical indications, quality differentiation, market trends, trade, sustainability, import-export.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work focuses on the history of olive oil in Italy and the country's role in the globalized olive oil market over the last three decades.
What are the central themes discussed in the book?
The central themes include the historical development of olive oil, the global influence of the Mediterranean Diet, and current economic challenges regarding production and trade within the international market.
What is the core research question or objective?
The main objective is to illustrate Italy’s current role in the global olive oil market while providing a historical overview and identifying potential future development strategies.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The work utilizes a historical-analytical approach, combining literature review, interpretation of statistical data from organizations like the International Olive Council, and the analysis of market trends.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the ancient history of the olive tree, consumption and production data from 1990 to 2019, the impact of food scandals, and future market predictions including the role of e-commerce and quality labels.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Olive Oil, Mediterranean Diet, Italy, market segmentation, global trade, geographical indications, and agricultural history.
How has the Italian olive oil market been affected by competition?
The Italian sector faces significant competitive pressure from both European and non-European producers, leading to a need for better differentiation through quality labels and geographical indications.
What is the significance of the "oil mafia" mentioned in the text?
The term refers to scandals involving the mislabeling and blending of lower-quality foreign olive oils as premium Italian products, which has damaged international trust and distorted market data.
What role does the Mediterranean Diet play in the current market?
The Mediterranean Diet has been instrumental in increasing global awareness and demand for olive oil, positioning it as a healthy food component of high cultural and nutritional value.
Why are more precise intra-country data needed for Italy?
Because Italy is not a homogeneous unit, and there is a significant production discrepancy between the northern and southern regions, localized data are essential for a more accurate market understanding.
- Quote paper
- Adrian Burk (Author), 2019, Italian Olive Oil. History and the Role of Italy in the Globalized Olive Oil Market, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/937358
