One Oil Around The World: How Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Used Around the World

Extra virgin olive oil is a global ingredient but its role in cooking changes. In some cultures it’s a daily essential, in others a finishing touch or a health-led choice. Looking at its use across continents reveals how food culture shapes even the simplest ingredients.

Europe
In Mediterranean Europe, EVOO is part of everyday life. It’s used for cooking, dressing and finishing dishes, valued for freshness and origin. Consumption here remains the highest globally, with Greece averaging around 9.3 kg per person per year, and Spain and Italy close behind.

Middle East & North Africa

Olive oil holds deep cultural significance across the Middle East and North Africa, tied to land, harvest and family tradition. At the same time, countries such as Tunisia and Morocco have become major global exporters, especially in recent years when European production has been affected by climate pressures.

In this region, EVOO is both a cultural staple and an economic pillar used generously at home, while supplying markets worldwide.

The Americas
In North America, EVOO has grown largely through health and lifestyle narratives. While the U.S. is one of the world’s largest consumers by volume, per-capita use remains lower, at around 1.1 kg per person annually. EVOO is most commonly used in salads, dressings and light cooking rather than as a primary cooking fat.

Asia
Most Asian cuisines rely on regional oils such as palm, soybean and rapeseed. EVOO appears more selectively often in urban, premium or fusion cooking. In countries like Japan, consumption sits around 0.4 kg per person per year, with EVOO used carefully, often as a finishing oil.

A shared preference
Despite cultural differences, one trend is consistent: the higher the quality of the oil, the more simply it’s used. Globally, extra virgin olive oil now accounts for roughly 70% of olive oil sales, reflecting a growing appreciation for quality and traceability. Understanding how it’s used around the world reminds us that quality ingredients gain meaning through context, care and intention.