Olive Oil: First Estimates for the 2020/2021 Campaign

Although still premature, the production scenario of the current campaign seems to be quite outlined, with a drop that at the moment is estimated at over 20% compared to the 366 thousand tonnes of the previous campaign, thus reaching a production of about 290 thousand tonnes of oil.

In general, there was an excellent flowering in central-northern Italy. The summer rains, although abundant, have not so far compromised the good result. It is estimated, therefore, an abundant and quality production.

On the other hand, the opposite is true in the South, starting from northern Apulia, where a physiological alternation after last year’s abundant production has had an impact. Despite an autumn and a winter characterised by an important drought, the vegetative state of the plants appeared in good condition also thanks to the phytosanitary support. The flowering, on the other hand, has been reduced and in terms of fruit set, there are phenomena of detachment of the stalk with consequent fall of the fruit, for the moment not excessive and probably due to “temperature changes”.

In advance, compared to the average, also the vegetative development in Sicily, with a production that at the moment does not seem to deviate too much from that of last year, but far from being considered to be in charge.

There is also little optimism in areas of Calabria where, compatibly with the alternation of production, there has been a good level of flowering and fruit set, partly hindered by heavy rainfall and consequent humidity in the period May-June.