We start a new month and, as every November, the new harvest olive oil has just arrived. It’s time for new tastings, evaluations, and discoveries—one of the most exciting moments of the year.
How do the olive growers assess the 2017 new harvest?
With the current weather forecasts and in direct contact with producers, it can be said that production across Spain has fallen by up to 14.7%. Many estates have managed to save production thanks to irrigation, but for olive growers, it has not been a good season. In Jaén, the birthplace of Spanish olive oil, production has dropped by 28.8%, and in Castilla-La Mancha it would reach 32%. Aragón, Murcia, Extremadura, and other areas of Andalusia have smaller decreases. In Catalonia, the decrease was only 10%, though it could reach half in southern counties.
Some farmers and experts predict that this year’s drought will affect next year’s olive harvest. Indeed, the effects of climate change are here to stay, meaning many estates will have to adapt or reinvent themselves in the medium term.
Extra virgin olive oil: a safe bet
It is clear that a drop in production can be accompanied by higher prices. Each mill applies pricing and distribution policies according to its own situation and that of its suppliers. However, in the extra virgin segment, there is no need for alarm. EVOO is the type of oil that suffered the least in sales last season because it has a more loyal audience, likely thanks to its health benefits, culinary versatility, and growing opportunities in foreign markets.
Farmers have ways to cope with drought, and in consultation with sector experts, there is no reason to expect that Spain’s top EVOOs will lose quality or prestige. In fact, it is possible that many oils will come out stronger, as sometimes having less water makes the olive produce fruits that yield more concentrated and intense flavors—good news for lovers of pungent and characterful oils.
What can we expect from the 2017 new harvest?
Well… there may be a few surprises! The flavor of the new harvest oil usually changes compared to the previous year. Likely, due to the drought, you will notice increased intensity, as well as shifts in some fruity notes and other subtle nuances.
This year, there will also be surprises from innovations at the mills, including the upcoming Origen Oliva New Release: an early-harvest oil with a surprising flavor and presentation, for which we will soon provide all the details.
Don’t hesitate to visit our store to discover the 2017 new harvest oils. If you want to be among the first to know about this November’s Origen Oliva New Release, sign up for our newsletter.
