Tunisia holds fifth national forum on olive oil
TUNISIAONLINENEWS- On the occasion of the olive harvest season, the Technical Food Center (CTAA) organized on Wednesday in Tunis the Fifth National Forum on olive oil quality and ways of enhancing it.
In his opening address to the forum, Mr. Ridha Ben Mosbah, Minister of Commerce and Handicrafts pointed out that over the years Tunisia has significantly boosted olive oil exports; canned olive oil exports reached 5500 tons in 2008/2009 against 2450 tons in 2007/2008, he said.
In 2009, about 50% of Tunisian olive oil exports was absorbed by the Italian market, and 21% to the U.S markets, he added.
He also noted the importance of the role of leading exporting companies, which helped support exports.
Mr. Ridha Ben Mosbah, also stressed the leading role played by the Fund for the Promotion of canned olive oil and the National Oil Office (ONH) in the Branding of Tunisian olive oil.
The culture of the olive tree in Tunisia dates back to the 8th century BC, even before the founding of Carthage by Queen Dido. The Phoenicians were among the first to introduce olive trees to North Africa.
Today, Tunisia is the largest olive oil producer outside the European Union, and is ranked fourth in the world following Spain, Italy and Greece.
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