The olive oil market in Colombia has been expanding steadily, driven by increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits, shifting dietary patterns, and growing influence from Mediterranean cuisine. Traditionally, Colombian cuisine has relied heavily on vegetable oils such as soybean and palm oil, but recent trends indicate a growing preference for healthier alternatives like olive oil. This shift is largely fueled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and the influence of international culinary trends. The adoption of olive oil has been further accelerated by the increasing focus on cardiovascular health, weight management, and overall well-being, with medical professionals and nutritionists advocating its consumption. Olive oil is no longer perceived as a niche product but is gradually becoming a staple in many Colombian households, particularly in urban centers such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Imports play a crucial role in shaping the Colombian olive oil market, as the country does not have significant local olive cultivation due to its tropical climate, which is not conducive to large-scale olive farming. Spain, Italy, and Greece dominate the supply, with Spanish olive oils leading the market due to their affordability and established trade relations with Colombia. Additionally, premium segments have seen an influx of high-quality extra virgin olive oils from boutique European producers catering to affluent consumers and gourmet chefs. The presence of international supermarkets and specialty stores has further facilitated access to a diverse range of olive oil brands, contributing to the market’s steady growth. While premium olive oils are gaining traction, price sensitivity remains a key factor influencing consumer choices, with mid-range and blended olive oils maintaining a significant market share.
According to the research report ""Colombia Olive Oil Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Colombia Olive Oil market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 93.42 Million by 2030. Colombia’s culinary landscape has also contributed to the increasing popularity of olive oil. The rising number of Mediterranean, Spanish, and Italian restaurants has introduced more consumers to the distinct taste and nutritional value of olive oil. Cooking shows, social media influencers, and celebrity chefs have played a significant role in educating the public on how to incorporate olive oil into traditional Colombian dishes, such as arepas, empanadas, and grilled meats. Furthermore, the country’s growing tourism industry has facilitated exposure to global food cultures, encouraging locals to experiment with international ingredients in their home kitchens. Supermarkets and retailers have responded to this demand by expanding their olive oil product ranges, offering everything from affordable refined oils to premium extra virgin olive oils. Urbanization has played a crucial role in accelerating this transition, as city dwellers are more likely to adopt global food trends, particularly those associated with healthy eating. Olive oil’s reputation as a premium product has also positioned it as a symbol of affluence and sophistication, attracting middle- and upper-class consumers who are willing to invest in high-quality food products. Despite the growth in demand, price fluctuations in the global olive oil market affect consumer purchasing behavior, leading many buyers to alternate between premium and affordable blends depending on economic conditions. The increased accessibility of olive oil through supermarket chains, online platforms, and specialty stores has also facilitated its integration into Colombian households, making it easier for consumers to explore different varieties and brands.
The Colombian olive oil market is segmented into extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, refined olive oil, pomace olive oil, and flavored olive oils. Extra virgin olive oil remains the most popular category due to its superior taste, natural antioxidants, and numerous health benefits, making it a preferred choice for raw consumption, salad dressings, and light cooking. Virgin olive oil, with slightly higher acidity levels than extra virgin, is a more affordable alternative for health-conscious consumers looking for quality oil at a lower price. Refined olive oil, known for its neutral taste and higher smoke point, is widely used in commercial kitchens and households for frying and sautéing. Pomace olive oil, obtained through solvent extraction, is a budget-friendly option often used in large-scale food production and industrial applications. The growing interest in gourmet cooking has led to an increased demand for flavored and infused olive oils, including varieties infused with garlic, herbs, chili, and citrus, appealing to consumers looking for unique taste profiles in their culinary creations.
Households represent the largest consumer segment in the Colombian olive oil market, with urban families incorporating it into their diets as a healthier alternative to traditional cooking oils. The influence of health-conscious trends and nutritional awareness has encouraged a shift towards olive oil consumption, particularly among younger generations who actively seek out high-quality food products. The foodservice industry, including high-end restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses, is another major contributor to market growth, as chefs and restaurateurs increasingly use olive oil to enhance the flavors and nutritional value of their dishes. The personal care and cosmetics industry also utilizes olive oil in skincare, haircare, and beauty products, leveraging its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. Pharmaceutical applications have expanded, with olive oil being incorporated into dietary supplements, herbal extracts, and medicinal formulations aimed at promoting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Beyond culinary and wellness applications, industrial uses of olive oil include its role in soap manufacturing, textiles, and premium pet food production, further diversifying its demand across multiple sectors.
The market is divided into conventional and organic olive oils, catering to different consumer segments. Conventional olive oil dominates the market due to its affordability and mass production, making it accessible to a broad range of consumers. This category is particularly popular among middle-income households and food manufacturers who prioritize cost-effective options for bulk usage. Organic olive oil, produced without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms, is gaining traction among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers willing to pay a premium for high-quality, ethically sourced products. Certifications such as USDA Organic and EU Organic serve as key differentiators for brands targeting niche markets, with retailers expanding their organic product offerings to cater to growing demand. Although organic olive oil is priced higher than conventional options, its perceived health benefits and environmental sustainability make it an attractive choice for consumers prioritizing clean eating and responsible consumption. Supermarkets and hypermarkets such as Éxito, Carulla, and Jumbo serve as the primary retail outlets for olive oil in Colombia, offering a wide variety of brands, packaging sizes, and promotional discounts to attract consumers. These retailers cater to both budget-conscious buyers and premium shoppers through an extensive product selection. Specialty food stores and gourmet markets focus on high-end and imported olive oils, targeting consumers who prioritize authenticity and superior quality. The rise of e-commerce has transformed the distribution landscape, with platforms like Mercado Libre, Amazon Colombia, and Rappi facilitating online sales of olive oil, allowing consumers to access a broader selection of international brands from the comfort of their homes. Direct imports through online retailers have expanded consumer access to niche products, further diversifying market offerings. The foodservice sector relies on wholesalers and distributors to supply bulk quantities of olive oil to restaurants, hotels, and catering services, ensuring consistent availability of high-quality cooking oils in commercial kitchens.
Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030
Aspects covered in this report
• Olive Oil Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Type
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• Virgin Olive Oil
• Refined Olive Oil
• Others (Blended & Flavored Oils)
By End User
• Households/Residential
• Foodservice & HoReCa
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Industrial & Others(soap and detergent manufacturing, textile and leather processing, lubricants, biodiesel production, wood polishing, and premium pet food)
By Source
• Conventional
• Organic
By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Online Retail
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Others (Direct Sales & HoReCa)
The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
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