Sunflower Oil Emerges as New Kitchen Staple Amid Soaring Olive Oil Prices in Spain

Sunflower oil has surpassed olive oil as the top kitchen choice in Spain due to soaring prices. Spaniards bought 179 million liters of sunflower oil in the first half of 2024 compared to 107 million liters of olive oil. Heatwaves and droughts have drastically reduced olive harvests, doubling prices and pushing many to opt for the cheaper alternative.

Sunflower oil has dethroned olive oil as the top kitchen choice in Spain, the world's largest olive oil producer, due to skyrocketing prices forcing consumers to seek cheaper options.

In the first half of 2024, Spaniards purchased 179 million liters of sunflower oil compared to 107 million liters of olive oil, according to Anierac, Spain's primary olive oil bottling association. The Ministry of Agriculture previously reported olive oil dominated 62% of sales by volume in 2023.

Primitivo Fernandez, Anierac spokesman, highlighted the significant shift, stating, "Olive oil consumption is falling in Spain". The shift is being driven by high costs, with olive oil prices climbing more than 50% compared to 2022, partly due to heatwaves and prolonged droughts. This trend has particularly impacted poor households, who are now turning to more affordable sunflower oil.

(With inputs from agencies.)