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As part of its ongoing mission to promote quality standards and support sustainable growth in the global olive sector, the International Olive Council (IOC) has reinforced its engagement with Peru through a strategic visit by Executive Director Jaime Lillo from 16 to 23 September 2025. The visit to this IOC permanent observer country marked a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation, technical dialogue and Peru’s expressed interest in deepening its relationship with the IOC, particularly through its potential adherence to the International Agreement to Olive Oil and Table Olives, 2015.
Advancing Standards and Strategic Dialogue
In Lima, the Executive Director held meetings with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), the Ministry for Science, Innovation and Universities (MCIU), the Foreign Trade and Tourism Office (MINCETUR) and the National Institute for Quality (INACAL). Discussions centred on Codex Alimentarius work and the harmonisation of national technical standards for olives and olive oil with international norms established by the IOC. This alignment is critical to facilitating fair trade, ensuring product quality and building consumer trust.
Peru, which currently holds permanent observer status at the IOC, has also expressed a formal interest in becoming a full member. Several meetings during the visit were dedicated to outlining the steps for accession, including the preparation of an institutional commitment to promote IOC standards nationwide. This would include launching an IOC-led promotion campaign to raise awareness of olive oil trade standards, labelling and quality benchmarks.
Sector Engagement and Field Visits in Tacna
In Tacna, Peru’s principal olive-producing region, the Executive Director met with the regional governor and key actors from the olive-growing and processing sectors. These exchanges highlighted both the opportunities and structural challenges facing the sector — including the fragmented nature of the sector, water scarcity, and the need to diversify beyond the traditional Criolla variety.
The IOC reiterated its willingness to support Peru through technical cooperation, training and international best practices, particularly in areas such as climate adaptation, varietal improvement and quality control for export markets. Among other ongoing key projects, the Organisation is currently developing an open access methodology for olive farmers to calculate the carbon balance of their olive groves with a view to potentially incorporating it to the voluntary carbon credit market scheme.
Inauguration of the 3rd Peruvian Olive and Olive Oil Fair
While in Tacna, Mr Lillo also inaugurated the 3rd Peruvian Olive and Olive Oil Fair (Salón de la Aceituna y Aceite de Oliva Peruano 2025), an event organised by PRO OLIVO with IOC institutional patronage. The fair brought together producers, exporters and specialists from across Latin America and Europe, and featured tasting sessions, technical demonstrations and international presentations.
Speaking at the opening, the Executive Director highlighted Tacna’s strategic role in the national olive economy and encouraged continued efforts to improve quality, diversify products and integrate with international markets.
Market Overview: Strong Potential and Growing Demand
Peru’s olive sector is currently focused on table olives, which represent 80% of national production. However, the olive oil segment is expanding, driven by domestic consumption and rising export prospects.
According to PRO OLIVO (2025) and Peru’s MIDAGRI (2024):
- Around 30,000 hectares are under olive cultivation, with 20,000 currently in production.
- Peru ranks 14th globally in total production and 8th in productivity, averaging 5,195.5 kg/ha.
- Olive oil production reached 7,000 tonnes in 2023 and is projected to rebound to 7,000–10,000 tonnes in 2025, following a climate-induced dip.
Consumption of olive oil continues to grow, with many consumers viewing it as a healthier alternative to other vegetable oils. Imports are still needed to meet domestic demand: in 2023, Peru imported 711.9 tonnes of virgin olive oil and 410.9 tonnes of other olive oils, mainly from Spain, Türkiye and Italy.
Exports fluctuate by harvest year. In 2023, 3,000 tonnes were exported, representing 42% of production. In 2025, exports are forecast to reach 8,500 tonnes, valued at approximately US$55 million. Table olive exports remain stable at around 27,000 tonnes annually, with Brazil, Chile, the United States and Canada as key markets.
Looking Ahead
Peru’s olive sector is at a promising juncture. With institutional backing, improving standards and growing international engagement, the country is well positioned to scale up production, improve quality and boost exports.
The IOC stands ready to accompany Peru on this path — supporting technical integration and policy development in line with international standards.
