Olives

cpc code 01450 covers the production and processing of olives, a crop of significant economic and cultural importance globally. Olives are a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and a major source of high-quality edible oil. The olive industry plays a vital role in the agricultural economies of many countries, providing employment and contributing to the export earnings of major producers.

Olive production involves several key steps. Olives are typically harvested by hand or with mechanical harvesters, then processed to extract the oil. Common processing methods include cold-pressing, centrifugation, and chemical extraction. The resulting olive oil is then refined, bottled, and distributed for culinary and industrial uses.

The olive industry relies on a range of inputs, including olive tree cultivars, agricultural machinery, processing equipment, and labor. Olive orchards require suitable climate conditions, fertile soil, and access to water resources. Specialized machinery is used for harvesting, transportation, and oil extraction. The industry also depends on a skilled workforce to manage the various stages of production.

The primary output of the olive industry is olive oil, which is consumed directly as a cooking and salad oil, or used as an ingredient in a variety of food products 15410 Processed Edible Fats and Oils. Olives themselves are also consumed as a food product, often preserved or cured 10390 Other Fruit and Vegetable Processing. Olive by-products, such as olive pomace, can be used for animal feed or as a source of biofuel.