Teaming up in Brussels to enhance a growing sector that has been largely overlooked by EU institutions. This is the objective behind the creation of EFOI (European Federation of Olive Industry), promoted by ASSOM (Italy), PEMETE (Greece), and Asemesa (Spain). The organization, which will be headquartered in Rome, will be chaired by Francisco Torrent Cruz from Spain, who is also the president of Asemesa. The official launch of the federation took place at Palazzo della Valle, Rome headquarters of Confagricoltura.

The figures describe a vibrant sector with excellent development prospects. Driven by a passion for the Mediterranean Diet—of which they are an integral part—and healthy consumption trends, table olives have won over consumers in around 100 countries. Over the last five years, European production has surged by 7%, compared to an 8% increase globally. In the 2024-25 campaign within the EU, approximately 858,000 tons of table olives were produced; on average, the international market handles over 3 million tons every year.

In Europe alone, according to the latest IOC (International Olive Council) data, consumption amounts to nearly 600,000 tons of table olives. The main buyers of the product are the producing countries themselves, but demand is also strong in markets far removed from Mediterranean culture, such as the USA, Brazil, and Canada.

Alongside its undeniable economic value, the sector also carries a strong social connotation, as it creates employment across the Mediterranean, especially including in disadvantaged rural areas. According to EFOI estimates, 80,000 agricultural enterprises across Europe are involved in table olive production.

A dedicated representation in Brussels will also be responsible for protecting the table olive industry on certain fronts, such as international agreements. Consider, for example, US tariffs, or Mercosur, which lacks true reciprocity in standards and production techniques to which EU farmers and industries must adhere. Differing production and labor standards place European companies in significant difficulty compared to competing countries—for example, in North Africa—just outside the European Union. These issues arise in a context already characterized by unfair competition, trade disputes, and a lack of effective European support. The need to establish its own representation stems precisely from these figures, which demonstrate that the sector is growing and requires a dedicated association

With EFOI, the three major table olive producer associations aim to give a strong, unified voice to their sector's proposals, jointly outlining strategies and initiatives to support businesses, while also involving the wider olive and olive oil supply chain. In this regard, the Federation is targeting EU agri-food promotion programs, which have so far failed to adequately impact the competitiveness and international positioning of "Made in Europe" olives.

Speakers at the launch event—moderated by journalist Maurizio Pescari—included Antonio De Mora, General Secretary of Asemesa and Director of EFOI, Kostas Zoukas, President of PEMETE, Angelo Moreschini, President of ASSOM, and Massimiliano Giansanti, President of Confagricoltura and Copa.