Tunisia: where olive matters
The world may have discovered the health benefits of olive oil comparatively recently but both in the north African and neighbouring European Mediterranean regions, it has been a way of life for centuries. And one nation that is now making a dramatic push to take its high-quality olive oil exports to every part of the world is the small north African or “Maghreb” nation of Tunisia. Under its dynamic ambassador Nejmeddine Lakhal who is posted in New Delhi, Tunisia is eyeing the huge Indian market where people, particularly in urban areas, are increasingly switching over to olive oil for its health benefits. Tunisia, under the leadership of its energetic diplomats abroad like Lakhal, is recently working to showcase its product and its exporters in Delhi and are working closely with those who can import the oil for the Indian market. Tunisia, of course, faces stiff competition from European countries like Spain and Italy that have so far dominated the global olive oil export market. In a recent interview with Nejmeddine Lakhal, he explains about the importance and history of Tunisian olive oil.
As the Tunisian envoy points out, “For thousands of years, olive oil has been important in all the great civilisations that flourished in the Mediterranean and Tunisia. The olive was originally brought thousands of years ago from the Middle east to Tunisia by the ancient Phoenicians, founders of Carthage. Tunisia has become the heiress to 2000 years of expertise in olive growing with plantations spread over a large part of its territory.” Lakhal further elaborates, “Tunisia oil is produced mainly from olives that are carefully picked from plantations, and its quality control is rigorously applied in accordance with international standard and norms. Quality has always been and will always be our pledge to preserve consumers’ health and safeguard their interests. By raising quality standards and developing high-value-added products, we enhanced the competitiveness and recognition of Tunisia olive oil at home and abroad. Today Tunisia is one of the top producers of certified organic olive.”
He adds, “Thanks to good weather conditions, and hard working of Tunisian farmers and producers, olive oil production reaches this season a record of about 350,000 tones, exceeding the 2015 record of about 340,000 tones. Good healthy food seekers, and lovers will never forget trying Tunisia’s extra virgin olive, it’s a deal”.
The Tunisian Ambassador signs off with pride as he says, “It’s not by chance that Tunisia’s olive oil has been ranked as the World’s leading exporter of organic olive oil in 2015. Neither by good luck that Tunisia’s olive oil was. granted a record win of 11 awards at the New York International World Olive Oil Competition 2018, and 2019, one of the most prestigious international olive oil competitions”.