Japan Olive Oil Market Overview, 2030

Japan’s olive oil market has seen a steady rise in demand, driven by increasing health consciousness, the influence of Mediterranean cuisine, and the country’s cultural emphasis on longevity and well-being. Traditionally, Japanese cuisine has relied on oils such as sesame, rice bran, and canola for cooking, but the shift toward healthier dietary habits has made olive oil a popular alternative, particularly among urban consumers. With Japan consistently ranking among the top countries for life expectancy, its citizens prioritize nutrition and dietary choices that contribute to heart health, reduced inflammation, and overall well-being. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, has been widely promoted by health experts, nutritionists, and media outlets, reinforcing its image as a premium, heart-friendly oil. Additionally, the Japanese government and various health organizations have launched awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of a balanced diet, further boosting consumer interest in olive oil. The growing popularity of Western and Mediterranean cuisines, combined with the rise of gourmet dining and home cooking trends, has contributed to the market's expansion. Japanese consumers, known for their appreciation of high-quality, authentic ingredients, show a strong preference for extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), valuing its purity, rich flavor, and nutritional superiority. The premiumization of food products, a significant trend in Japan’s culinary culture, has further positioned olive oil as a luxurious yet essential household staple, particularly among middle- and upper-income groups.

According to the research report, ""Japan Olive Oil Market Outlook, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, Japan Olive Oil market is anticipated to add to more than USD 127.64 Million by 2025–30. Despite its growing popularity, Japan’s olive oil market faces unique challenges, primarily due to its reliance on imports and the country’s preference for delicate, mild flavors in cooking. Unlike Mediterranean nations where olive oil is deeply integrated into daily cuisine, Japan still treats it as a specialty product rather than mainstream cooking oil. The high cost of imported olive oil, primarily sourced from Spain, Italy, and Greece, also limits mass adoption, particularly among budget-conscious households. Japan’s stringent quality and food safety regulations necessitate that imported olive oils meet high standards, ensuring authenticity but also leading to price markups. Additionally, local preferences for lighter oils have encouraged brands to introduce mild, refined, and blended olive oils tailored to the Japanese palate, allowing for broader acceptance. The expansion of e-commerce and premium retail chains such as department store food sections and specialty grocery stores has made high-quality olive oils more accessible to discerning consumers. Furthermore, Japan’s deep-rooted interest in skincare and natural beauty has driven demand for olive oil in the cosmetics and personal care industry, where it is widely used in moisturizers, hair treatments, and traditional beauty rituals. As the wellness trend continues to shape consumer preferences, olive oil’s multifaceted benefits are expected to sustain its growth in both the food and non-food sectors across Japan.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in Japan remains the most sought-after variety due to its unprocessed nature, rich aroma, and high nutritional value. It is widely used in raw applications such as salad dressings, cold dishes, and dipping sauces, as well as in premium restaurant settings where flavor integrity is crucial. Due to Japan’s emphasis on umami and delicate flavor balances in cuisine, EVOO is particularly favored for its ability to enhance rather than overpower dishes. Virgin olive oil, with a slightly higher acidity level, is an alternative choice for those looking for a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. Refined olive oil, which undergoes processing to remove impurities and neutralize strong flavors, has gained traction among home cooks and restaurants seeking versatile cooking oil for frying and high-heat applications. Given the Japanese preference for lighter flavors, blended olive oils, which mix refined and virgin varieties, have also become popular, offering affordability while retaining some of the health benefits associated with olive oil. Additionally, infused olive oils featuring flavors such as yuzu, wasabi, shiso, and garlic cater to the gourmet segment, where consumers seek unique, Japan-inspired flavors for fusion dishes. Pomace olive oil, which is extracted using solvents from residual olive pulp, is primarily used in industrial applications and is less popular among retail consumers due to Japan’s strict food quality standards.

Japanese olive oil market highlights its diverse applications across households, the foodservice sector, and non-culinary industries. Households form a significant consumer base, with olive oil gaining popularity among urban families who prioritize health-conscious cooking. The Japanese population, known for its longevity, is increasingly adopting olive oil as a dietary staple due to its association with heart health and anti-aging properties. Cooking shows, social media influencers, and nutrition experts continue to educate consumers on the benefits of olive oil, contributing to its widespread integration into home cooking. The foodservice industry, including fine-dining restaurants, Western-style eateries, and upscale cafes, is another major driver of demand. Many high-end Japanese and fusion restaurants now use olive oil to elevate flavors, particularly in dishes that incorporate Mediterranean or European influences. Japanese chefs, renowned for their precision and emphasis on quality ingredients, are increasingly experimenting with olive oil to create innovative dishes that blend traditional and contemporary flavors. Beyond food-related applications, olive oil has found a significant role in Japan’s cosmetics and personal care industry, where its moisturizing, anti-aging, and skin-rejuvenating properties make it a sought-after ingredient in skincare, haircare, and beauty products. Given Japan’s advanced beauty market, olive oil is widely used in natural and organic cosmetics, particularly in high-end brands that emphasize purity and effectiveness. Pharmaceutical companies also incorporate olive oil in medicinal formulations, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements designed to promote cardiovascular health and digestive wellness. Additionally, olive oil is used in niche industrial applications such as artisanal soap production, textile treatments, and premium pet food manufacturing.

Despite its growing popularity, Japan remains highly dependent on olive oil imports, as the country lacks a significant domestic production base. Unlike Mediterranean nations, Japan's climate is not naturally suited for large-scale olive cultivation, although small-scale olive farming initiatives have emerged in regions like Kagawa Prefecture and parts of the Seto Inland Sea area. These local productions cater primarily to high-end consumers who value locally sourced, artisanal products with strict quality control. Spain dominates Japan’s olive oil imports, followed closely by Italy and Greece, which contribute to a diverse range of product offerings. Japanese consumers, known for their appreciation of quality and authenticity, place a strong emphasis on certifications, purity, and origin when purchasing olive oil, leading to a preference for premium products with detailed traceability. The fluctuations in global olive oil prices, driven by climatic changes, agricultural policies, and supply chain constraints, directly impact the Japanese market. Given the premium positioning of olive oil, price sensitivity is a factor, with consumers often opting for smaller packaging sizes to maintain affordability while ensuring access to high-quality products. E-commerce platforms such as Rakuten, Amazon Japan, and local gourmet food retailers have played a crucial role in expanding market reach, allowing consumers to access a wide array of international brands, including organic and specialty olive oils. Online shopping trends have also enabled the direct import of niche olive oil varieties, catering to Japan’s growing demand for exclusive, high-quality products. Additionally, the shift toward organic and sustainable agriculture has encouraged the rise of organic olive oil segments, particularly among consumers who prioritize environmentally friendly and chemical-free food products. Government-backed initiatives promoting healthy eating, including public awareness campaigns on balanced diets, have further reinforced the perception of olive oil as a beneficial alternative to conventional cooking oils.

The olive oil market in Japan has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by evolving consumer preferences, increased health consciousness, and the growing influence of Mediterranean and Western diets. Traditionally, Japanese cuisine has been heavily reliant on oils such as sesame, canola, and soybean, which align with the delicate flavors of local dishes. However, as global dietary trends permeate the Japanese market, olive oil has emerged as a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers. The rising awareness of its cardiovascular benefits, antioxidant properties, and role in promoting longevity aligns well with Japan’s cultural emphasis on health and wellness. The increasing adoption of Western cooking styles, particularly in urban centers like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, has further propelled the demand for olive oil. Many households now integrate it into their daily cooking, whether for salad dressings, sautéing, or as a dipping oil. While the higher price of olive oil compared to traditional Japanese cooking oils initially limited its penetration, the perception of olive oil as a premium and high-quality product has made it appealing to middle- and upper-income consumers. The influence of international travel, cooking shows, and celebrity endorsements has also contributed to its growing popularity. Supermarkets and specialty stores have expanded their olive oil selections, offering a wide range of options, from mass-market varieties to premium extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) sourced from Spain, Italy, and Greece. Furthermore, Japan’s meticulous approach to quality and authenticity has led to the rise of artisanal olive oil brands that cater to niche consumers seeking traceable, high-purity products.


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.