Oil that seems to float against the current. In Alicante, the agricultural landscape has shrunk by nearly half over four decades, while olive production has doubled, demonstrating resilience even when prices wobble. In this climate, at the urging of Asaja, twelve leading olive oil mills in Alicante joined forces to form an association. The goal is clear: promote the oil and lift profitability for producers at the same time.
The announcement came on Thursday during a conference in Cocentaina, organized by the Juan-Gil Albert Cultural Institute, highlighting the olive sector’s role in the regional economy. The association brings together Olis d’AlacantEl Tendre, Señoríos de Relleu, Ribes Oli, Millena, Beneoliva, L’Alqueria, Font Negre, Socapma, Católica de Cocentaina, Las Virtudes de Villena, and San Cristóbal from Canada, among others.
As explained by Asaja president José Vicente Andreu, the main aims are to promote and differentiate Alicante extra virgin olive oil through quality branding. The association could eventually evolve into a Valencia Community mark, a protected geographical indication, or a designation of origin, strengthening the identity and value of the product.
Andreu stresses that the greatest challenge facing the industry is raising farmers’ income. Without a guaranteed price that makes farming profitable, discussions about revitalizing agriculture, stemming depopulation, or engaging younger generations do not gain traction.
Joaquín Sempere, president of El Tendre in Elche, remarked that the group intends to defend common interests and promote consumption of the local extra virgin olive oil produced in the region. The association also indicated it would explore benefits from other markets, including a shared electricity tender to secure better prices.
Lorenzo Chinchilla, an economist, technician, and professor at the GNA of Asaja, noted that while Alicante’s cultivated area rose from 250,000 hectares in 1982 to 135,000 hectares in 2021, olive groves remained steady in many parts. Productivity improvements pushed production from 20,000 tons to 40,000 tons for roughly 25,000 hectares in the same period. The economic value of production climbed by about 50 percent in the last eleven years, from 10.9 million euros to 23.85 million euros. Alicante mills account for about half of the region’s extra virgin olive oil output, with around 6,000 tons produced in the province.
The conference also covered the idea of promoting olive oil tourism and boosting visibility for the traditional olive groves. Enrique Moltó from the UA-Dénia Gasterra Mediterranean Gastronomy Center emphasized a broader approach to showcasing olive cultivation and its culinary heritage.