© Oli de Mallorca
© Oli de Mallorca
© Oli de Mallorca
© Oli de Mallorca
Mallorcan olive oil presses forward
Local liquid gold increased sales and popularity in 2016
Mallorcan olive oil is well-known for its fruity flavour and high content in monounsaturated fat, good for your bones and cholesterol levels. Because of its relatively low production, it was a well-kept secret but word has spread out in the last few years and it's becoming more and more popular.
Sales of Mallorcan olive oil increased a 28.5% last year, with just under 279,000 litres commercialised, the highest quantity in 12 years according to the agency that regulates its quality and origin, the 'Oli de Mallorca Denominació d'Origen'. Almost 67,000 of those actually travelled to other countries, mainly Germany, Japan and Belgium, with exports rising a 126% in 2016.
In the opinion of the Balearic agricultural authorities, its soaring popularity is due to the top-quality of the oil which is slowly being recognised not only outside of Mallorca but also within the island. Promotion of Mallorcan olive oil has lately been stepped up and it even had its own stall at Madrid Fusion, Spain's largest gastronomic fair. There visitors could taste its different varieties as well as dishes made by Michelin-starred chef Andreu Genestra featuring Mallorcan olive oil as the star ingredient.
Bottles of this delicious liquid gold can be found in specialist delicatessen shops in Palma (also sold at El Corte Inglés department stores), Alcúdia and Pollença, and in the airport's duty-free shops, a great choice if you're travelling with hand luggage only. For those who want to know more about its production, there are 'oleo routes' organised by the 'Oli de Mallorca D.O.' and some of the island's traditional olive presses can be visited.
