2023-09-21 04:05:05
This symbol of Mediterranean cuisine and this familiar bottle on our dinner tables is now the object of criminal desire. In Spain, faced with a relentless drought and soaring prices, this precious “green gold” has become the target of unscrupulous robbers. An alarming situation that threatens our way of cooking and eating on a daily basis…
Olive oil, this “green gold” that we use daily in our kitchens, is becoming a favored target for robbers. In Spain, the world’s largest olive oil producer, prices have reached historic highs, fueling an unprecedented wave of crime around the industry.
The problem: an unprecedented drought
Spain, which is the world’s largest producer and exporter of olive oil, has been particularly affected by extreme weather conditions. An unprecedented drought has paralyzed harvests, leading to a drastic drop in production. In two years, production has halved, from 1,380,000 tonnes to 610,000 tonnes for the 2022-2023 harvest. This situation led to an increase in prices of almost 80% in one year, with a kilo increasing from 3.60 to 6.48 euros.
A “green gold” that has become the new target of robbers
Faced with this surge in prices, olive oil has become a prime target for criminals. Theft and resale of fraudulent products in stores have become the new scourge of the country. The bandits not only steal the processed oil, they also attack the olives, whether they are still on the trees or already picked. A recent theft saw the disappearance of 50,000 liters of extra virgin olive oil, worth more than half a million dollars, from a mill in the Carcabuey district.
Barriers and guards to secure stock
Faced with this growing threat, producers are forced to increase their level of security. Barriers are being installed and some are even considering hiring guards. However, despite these measures, thefts continue, with considerable losses for affected businesses.
Will everyday olive oil soon be just a memory?
With continued adverse weather conditions and the growing threat of crime, the future of Spain’s olive oil industry is uncertain. If the drought continues, stocks might run out even before the new harvest begins in October. Olive oil, once a simple everyday product, has become a valuable commodity, attracting the attention of criminals. The combination of drought and rising prices has created a critical situation, jeopardizing the future of this essential industry in Spain… and our summer salads!
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