COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0MC90) 345 final 
Brussels, 20 July 1990 
REPORT BY THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 
on the table olives sector 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) 
concerning measures to develop the 
consumption of table olives 
- 2 -
REPORT BY THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL ON 
THE TABLE OLIVES SECTOR 
INTRODUCTION 
In the course of the debate on agricultural prices for the 1990/91 
marketing year, the Commission undertook to send the council a report 
on the market situation for table olives by 1 July 1990. 
The report looks In turn at: 
the present situation on the market for table olives ans Its 
I Ike I y development; 
the organization of the market In this sector and applicable 
structural measures; 
the measures proposed. 
II. THE SITUATION ON THE COMMUNITY MARKET 
1. Agricultural production 
The community of Twelve has some 400 000 ha devoted to the 
growing of olives Intended for use as table olives. Of this 
total 178 000 ha are In Spain, 110000ha in Italy, 98 000 ha in 
Greece, 15 000 ha in France and 9 000 ha In Portugal. 
These estimates are not, however, very precise, because of the 
existence of both "specific" varieties and "mixed" varieties, 
which can be used either as table olives or for the extraction of 
oll(1). If the quality or size of the olives Is inadequate or 
demand for table olives Is weak, a certain percentage of the 
mixed varieties Is used for the production of olive oil. 
Following the accession of Greece, Spain and Portugal, Community 
production of table olives reached an average of 375 000 tonnes, 
45% of world production and a level of self-supply of 130%. The 
main producer country Is Spain with an average annual production 
of about 200 000 tonnes, followed by Greece with 80 000 tonnes, 
Italy with about 70 000 tonnes, Portugal with 20 000 tonnes and 
France with about 1 500 tonnes (see Annex I). This production is 
cyclical In nature because In alternate years is the rule. 
(1) The proportion of production which can be unequivocally ascribed to 
"mixed" varieties Is 30-35% In Spain, 60-70% In Italy, 10% in Greece 
and about 90% in France and Portugal. 
- 3 -
Production In the Community of Twelve has, however grown 
considerably since the beginning of the seventies, partly as a 
result of new plantations and partly as a result of higher 
productivity. Average production In Spain has increased from 
104 000 tonnes In 1970-74 to about 200 000 tonnes In the last 
four marketing years while the comparable figures for Greece show 
an Increase from an average of 52 000 tonnes to an average of 
80 000 tonnes*1). 
It should be noted that, as a result of new plantations carried 
out during the seventies and early eightles(2), Greece has had 
surpluses of 20-25 000 tonnes In each of the last few years. 
This rising trend in production Is expected to continue In the 
years to come, both as a result of new plantations In Greece and 
because of restructuring and Improved methods of cultivation in 
Spain, Portugal and France. 
Conditions of production In the Community 
(a) Very little of the area under cultivation is irrigated: less 
than 10% In Italy and Portugal, 10% In France, 12.5% In Spain 
and 20 to 25% in Greece. Since olive trees require very 
little water to grow and produce, farmers tend to use this 
scarce resource for crops which need It more. However, It 
should be noted that specialists agree that even sporadic 
irrigation can result In a very considerable Increase in the 
production of olives. 
(b) Olives are normally picket by hand sine most varieties are 
Insufficiently resistant to the blow they receive on falling. 
Accordingly, picking accounts for between 40% and 60% of 
total growing costs. 
(c) Table olives do not constitute a single uniform group since 
there are some hundreds of varieties of olives. From the 
point of view of volume of production, the most important 
varlet ies are: 
- Manzanilla in Spain, which accounts for almost half of 
production in that country. This is technically a "mixed" 
variety which is highly regarded as a table oil because of 
Its productivity and quality; 
- Hojiblanca In Spain (70 000 tonnes), a mixed variety; 
(1) Production has Increased very little in Italy since the sector is 
very poorly organized and no measures have yet been taken to 
rationalize the production of table olives. 
(2) The total number of olive trees in Greece increased from 104 million 
In 1973 to 123 million in 1986. 
- 4 -
- Gordal In Spain (30 000 tonnes), exclusively table olives; 
- Conservolle In Greece, a specific variety of table olive 
which accounts for more than 60% of production In Greece. 
3. Processing of olIves 
(a) Processing 
Spain has a very well organized processing sector with a 
large number of cooperatives, modern plant and an efficient 
export organization. The many cooperatives, grouped In 
unions at the provincial, regional and national levels, 
undertake Initial processing and fermentation but are not 
usually Involved in the packing or marketing of the finished 
product. 
In 1988 there were 428 registered processing firms In Spain, 
mainly small family firms which were very profitable because 
of their low production costs. They accounted for 50-60% of 
the total number of firms but only 5-8% of production. For 
export purposes, most Spanish firms are grouped In 
organizations, the largest of which Is ACEMESA, with 162 
f irms. 
There are 78 processing firms In Greece, Including 28 
cooperatives; their processing capacity is roughly twice what 
they actually handle. Many growers still process their own 
product Ion. 
In Italy and Portugal most processing is carried out by small 
craft firms, with only a limited number of Industrial 
plants*1). On-farm use In Italy Is very high, accounting 
for about 20% of production. 
(b) Preparation and presentation of table olives 
The main types of preparation are: 
- green olives in brine (Sevlllian method); 
- natural black olives, prepared in brine or salted; 
- black olives using the oxidation process. 
In Spain about two thirds of the olives processed are green, 
prepared according to the Sevlllian method while In Greece 
about 75% of table olives are black olives allowed to ripen 
on the tree (Greek style). 
(1) Agricultural production In Italy Is marked by a large number of 
varieties whose quantity and quality are Inadequate to meet the 
requirements fo the major processors who purchase from abroad, often 
at more competitive prices. This means that a large proportion of 
Italian olives are consumed on local markets. 
- 5 -
Black olives are usually presented for sale whole, sometimes 
stoned. Green olives are put up in a variety of ways, whole 
and stoned, stuffed, in rings, cut Into two or more pieces, 
etc. 
The Mediterranean markets also offer a very wide choice of 
local specialist preparations virtually unknown elsewhere. 
(c) Packaalnq 
Table olives are sold In four different ways: 
- loose, 
- In glass Jars of various sizes, 
- In tins of various sizes, 
in plast ic bags. 
Apart from certain Spanish exports, olives are normally 
exported In bulk. 
(d) Marketing 
A number of studies of the Community market have revealed 
certain shortcomings as regards marketing. Outside the 
regions of production, the various sectors of distribution 
(importers, wholesalers, supermarkets and small retailers) 
pay little attention to olives, which are classified as part 
of the large seasonings group. Furthermore, the lack of 
standardization of table olives creates a certain amount of 
confusion on the market between the various varieties, 
qualities and preparations and prevents them product from 
being better exploited. Accordingly, suppliers are in 
general disinclined to promote the sale of table olives, 
which are often regarded as a "marginal" product, of limited 
value as seasonings, it must also be observed that he image 
of table olives could be improved by better packaging and 
labelling and by a clearer distinction between the various 
products offered to consumers, who are unaware of the wide 
range of possibilities which olives offer as regards 
varieties and preparations. 
4. Consumption 
(a) The Community accounts for about 34% of total world 
consumption. The main consumers are the producer countries, 
Italy (about 110 000 tonnes per year), followed by Spain 
(80 000 tonnes and Greece (35 000 tonnes)*1). 
(1) Greece has the highest per capita consumption (an average of 3 kg per 
year), followed by Spain, Italy and Portugal (1.8 kg per year), 
consumption Is considerably lower in France (0.5 kg per year) and in 
the non-producing countries (0.1 kg per year). 
- 6 -
The gap between the producing countries and the non-producing 
countries Is striking, with the latter group consuming an 
average of no more than 15-20 000 tonnes (see Annex II). It 
should be noted that olives are generally used in cooking In 
those countries which have the highest consumption while 
elsewhere they are normally served as an accompaniment to 
drinks. 
While consumption In certain countries Increased to a greater 
or lesser extent In the seventies, over the community It now 
appears to have stabilized. In this connection It is 
Interesting to note that variations In price have little 
effect on the level of consumption in the Community; the main 
obstacle to an Increase Is the ignorance of consumers who, 
outside the regions of production, are almost totally 
ignorant about the qualities, origin, types and preparation 
of table olives. Olives are sometimes accused of being too 
salty, which not only affects the taste but also raises fears 
on health grounds. 
5. Trade 
The Community is the largest exporter of table olives, exporting 
about 35% of Its production. In recent years, it has exported an 
average of about 127 000 tonnes per year while imports have 
averaged 27 000 tonnes per year. Spain is the main exporter, 
followed by Greece; these two countries together account for 
virtually all exports from the Community*1'' (see Annex III). 
The biggest market for these exports is the United States, which 
is the largest importer in the world (about 75 000 tonnes per 
year, or 50% of consumption) and takes more than 90% of its 
imports from the Community. 
The main non-Community exporter is Morocco, averaging 35-40 000 
tonnes per year, most of which (more than 80%) goes to France 
while the remainder Is bought by Italy and the United States. 
Worldwide trade In olives amounts to over 250 000 tonnes (see 
Annex IV). Within the Community, Italy imports about 40 000 
tonnes per year from Greece (over 50%) and Spain, with the bulk 
of its other imports coming from Morocco (see Annex V). 
(1) Spain is by far the largest exporter taking exports inside and 
outside the Community together, of table olives (55% of production 
and 50% of world exports). Greece exports about 50 000 tonnes per 
year (60% of production) to the other Member States and outside the 
Commun Ity. 
- 7 -
III. WORLD MARKET 
(a) production 
World production of table olives has averages about 830 000 
tonnes per year In recent times (see Annex VI). The EEC accounts 
for about 45% of this figure, the other major producers being 
Turkey (100 000 tonnes), the United States (80 000 tonnes) and 
Morocco and Syria (about 70 000 tonnes each). Production of 
table olives has grown by 60% over the last 20 years (it was only 
500 000 tonnes at the end of the sixties) and this growth may 
reasonably be expected to continue as a result of the new 
plantations already completed or planned. Production could 
Increase spectacularly thanks to the restructuring of plantations 
and irrigation. 
(b) consumption 
The main producer countries are also the main consumers; the EEC 
is the largest consumer at about 290 000 tonnes, or more than one 
third of world consumption (see Annex VII). 
The United States comes next at about 160 000 tonnes per year 
(25% of world consumption), followed by Turkey (100 000 tonnes), 
Syria (about 60 000 tonnes) and Morocco (about 25 000 tonnes). 
In the past consumption has followed the rhythm of production 
although the trend has been more regular with annual differences 
Ironed out by carryover stocks. In view of the close correlation 
which appears to exist between the two market figures, the upward 
trend in consumption should continue. In any case, the low 
consumption of non-producer countries which have recently 
discovered olives offers very considerable potential for growth. 
V. MARKET ORGANIZATION 
1. Community 
A. Customs dut les 
At Community level table olives are covered by regulation No 
136/66/EEC; however, apart from the safeguard clause, the only 
measure provides for the levying of customs duties on Imports 
Into the Community. 
This duty is, however virtually never applied since the main 
suppliers enjoy either a zero rate or a reduced rate (see Annex 
vi i n s 
B. Structural measures 
Table olives are among the products for which aid may be granted 
under the Community's structural policies but finance has so far 
been IImited. 
_ 8 _ 
(a) Application of Regulation (EEC) No 355/77 
Between 1985 and 1989, 28 projects concerning table olives, 
five In Greece, five In Italy, ten In Spain and eight in 
Portugal, were financed at a total cost to the EAGGF of 
ECU 12.3 million. Five projects In Spain and three In Greece 
have been submitted to the Commission for 1990. 
(b) integrated Mediterranean Programmes (IMPs 
Certain IMPs Include a number of measures In the table olives 
sector and certain IMPs In Italy and Greece contain measures 
for the conversion of olive plantations to other crops. 
The IMP for Apull Includes a programme for the conversion of 
olive plantations for the production of table olives rather 
than olive oil (115 ha, with a Community contribution of 
ECU 1.2 million towards the total Investment of ECU 3 
million). Some IMPs In France, Greece and Italy contain 
irrigation projects which Include the conversion of 
plantations producing olives for oil to other crops, 
Including table olives. These measures principally concern 
Greece, where the area devoted to table olives will increase 
by 945 ha. 
(c) Application of Regulations (EEC! Nos 1360/78 and 797/85 
The aid schemes available under these regulations have not 
been applied In the table olives sector. 
(d) Development of agriculture In Portugal (Regulation No 
3828/85) 
Over the first three years of Implementation of the special 
programme for the development of agriculture In Portugal 
(PEDAP), the EAGGF has part-financed the conversion of 
plantations producing olives for oil to the production of 
table olives (1 403 ha) and the establishment of experimental 
and research centres and demonstration fields at a total cost 
of ECU 10 mi I I Ion. 
(e) Reform of the structural funds (Regulation No 2052/88) 
The Member States are currently submitting operational 
programmes to the Commission. Those submitted so far do not 
appear to contain a significant number of projects concerning 
table olIves. 
2. National schemes 
Ho Member ^iate currently applies measures to support either the 
production or the consumption of table olives. However, it 
should be noted for the record that Article 70 of the Act of 
Accession and subsequent Council decisions in 1985 and 1988 
authorized Greece to retain certain national aid measures which 
existed before accession, Including guaranteed minimum prices for 
producers, export subsidies and aid for cooperatives, depending 
on the quantities sold. 
- 9 -
GENERAL GUIDELINES 
The strength of the market for table olives and, In particular, the 
high level of growth in both production and consumption over the last 
two decades cannot conceal certain problems which have arisen 
recently In the sector and which threaten market balance. The main 
problem Is that stocks In Greece at the end of recent marketing years 
have exceeded the normal carryover level, which Indicates some 
difficulty In developing outlets to absorb the constant increase in 
production. 
More generally, It appears that the situation as regards the 
marketing of table olives Is stagnant since, outside the regions of 
production, neither dealers nor consumers show much interest in the 
product, which Is often presented In an uninspiring fashion and 
without reference to its origin, varieties, preparations or methods 
of appreciating its quality. 
The Commission believes that an Initial approach to remedying these 
shortcomings and helping restore market balance would be through 
greater use of the resources provided by the structural policies. 
These should: 
offset the lack of organization among producers In certain 
regions and encourage rationalization of production with selected 
varlet les, etc., 
encourage modernization of processing plants and so improve 
product qua Iity. 
The Commission also considers that new measures should be taken to 
improve product quality and presentation and promote consumption. In 
addition to the Introduction of quality standards the trade bodies 
concerned should be encouraged to draw up plans and develop the 
marketing of their products through promotion and Information 
campaigns. 
MEASURES PRQPQSEP 
1. Qua!Itv standards 
The key factors In increasing consumption appear to be better 
quality and a greater standardization of the product offered. 
This would also permit greater value to be added to the product. 
The Commission therefore Intends to Introduce common quality 
standards under Article 35a of Regulation No 136/66/EEC. 
These common standards will be largely based on those adopted by 
che International Olive ON Council. 
-16-
2. Promotion 
In order to make existing users aware of the full potential of 
table olives and to promote marketing which meets the needs of 
consumers, the commission intends to enable the Guarantee Section 
of the EAGGF to contribute about 60% of the cost of measures to 
promote consumption and Improve the quality of table olives taken 
by bodies comprising representatives of all the trade categories 
concerned. The promotion measures may Include: 
improvement of product quality, principally through research 
Into the production of olives with a low salt content; 
development of new methods of packaging; 
publicity and public relations, Including the organization of 
and participation In fairs and other commercial events; 
distribution of advice on marketing to the various economic 
operators in the sector; 
market studies. 
These measures should not be based on commercial brands and 
should not refer to a particular Member State. However, they may 
refer to olive oil, In view of the close links between the two 
products. 
VII. FINANCE 
Community finance of promotion measures should result in expenditure 
of ECU 27 million over the first five years. 
However, it should be noted that the real cost will be less than this 
or even zero since, if measures to Increase consumption are not 
taken, various quantities of olives of "mixed" varieties will be sold 
by growers to produce oil so as to receive Community production aid. 
A better balance on the market for table olives, the promotional 
measures planned will avoid extra expenditure In the olive oil 
sector. 
ANNEX I 
PRODUCTION OF TABLE OLIVES IN THE EEC 
('000 tonnes) 
Germany 
Denmark 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Be 1 g i urn/ 
Luxembourg 
TOTAL EEC (9) 
Greece 
TOTAL EEC (10) 
Spain 
Portugal 
TOTAL EEC (12) 1978/79 
2,4 
78.6 
81.0 
69.7 
175.0 
20.3 
346 1979/80 
2.4 
61.8 
64.2 
47,0 
174,0 
20.0 1980/81 
2.0 
81,4 
83,4 
88,3 
171.7 
155,0 
20,5 
305.2 ! 347.2 1981/82 
1.8 
61,3 
63,1 
76,0 
139.1 
160.0 
20.2 
319.3 1982/83 
2.1 
62.0 
64.1 
97.0 
161,1 
180.0 
20.5 
361,6 1983/84 
1,6 
77.7 
79.3 
70.0 
149,3 
165.0 
18.6 
332.9 1984/85 
1.5 
49.4 
50.9 
80.0 
130.9 
205.0 
19.5 
355,4 1985/86 
1.4 
60,0 
61.4 
90.0 
151,4 
160,0 
20.9 
332,3 1986/87 
1.4 
64.5 
65.9 
80.0 
145.9 
224.4 
21.1 
391.4 1987/88 
1.8 
75.0 
76.8 
60,0 
136.8 
231.7 
20.0 
388.5 1988/89 
1.5 
70.0 
71.5 
85,0 
156.5 
180.0 
15.0 
351.5 1989/90 
(prov.) 
2.1 
90.0 
92.1 
80 
172.1 
210.0 
20.0 
402.1 
Source : International Olive Oil Councl 
ANNEX II 
CONSUMPTION OF TABLE OLIVES IN THE EEC 
('000 tonnes) 
Germany 
Denmark 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Be 1 g I urn/ 
Luxembourg 
TOTAL EEC (9) 
Greece 
TOTAL EEC (10) 
Spain 
Portugal 
TOTAL EEC (12) 1978/79 
7.7 
0.2 
26.8 
0.0 
96,0 
0.1 
2.1 
0.1 
133,0 
20.0 
81.0 
17,6 1979/80 
8,6 
0,2 
26,1 
0.0 
94.8 
0.1 
2.1 
0,3 
132.2 
18.0 
79.0 
17.7 1980/81 
9.4 
0.3 
27.1 
0.1 
91.2 
0.1 
2,1 
0.1 
130.4 
25.0 
155.4 
73.2 
17.7 1981/82 
8.8 
0.3 
25,2 
0.1 
95.0 
0.3 
1.9 
0.1 
131.7 
21.0 
152,7 
69.0 
17.7 1982/83 
9.6 
0.4 
27.5 
0.1 
90,0 
0.2 
1.9 
0.0 
129.7 
28.0 
157.7 
71.0 
17.7 1983/84 
8.8 
0.4 
26,8 
0,2 
93.0 
0.2 
2,4 
0.1 
131.9 
26.0 
157.9 
70.0 
17.2 1984/85 
9.0 
0.4 
25.9 
0.1 
99.0 
0.3 
1,9 
0,1 
136.7 
30.0 
166,7 
70.0 
17,3 1985/86 
9.0 
0.4 
26.5 
0,1 
105.0 
0.3 
2.4 
0.1 
143,8 
40,0 
183.8 
65.0 
17.5 
266.3 1986/87 
10.1 
0.6 
28,0 
0.1 
108,0 
1.7 
2.4 
2.0 
152.9 
35,0 
187,9 
82,0 
17,6 
287.5 1987/88 
9.3 
0,6 
28,1 
0.1 
116.2 
1.8 
1.7 
2.2 
160.0 
30.0 
190.0 
84.0 
18.0 
292.0 1988/89 
10.0 
0.5 
29.6 
0,0 
127.5 
2.9 
2.2 
2.2 
174.3 
35.0 
209.3 
80.0 
15,0 
304.3 1989/90 
(prov.) 
10,0 
0,5 
29,9 
0.1 
129.5 
2.3 
2.2 
2.2 
176,7 
35,0 
211,7 
82.0 
17,0 
310,7 l 
Source : International Olive Oil Counci 
ANNEX III 
COMMUNITY TRADE IN TABLE OLIVES WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD 
('000 tonnes) 
Germany 
Denmark 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Belgium/Lux. 
Total (9) 
Greece 
Totol (10) 
Spain 
Portugal 
Tctal (12) 
i 
Difference 
(Imports-Exports) 1985/86 
Imports 
1.8 
0,0 
21.0 
0.0 
3,4 
0.2 
0.4 
0.0 
26,8 
0.0 
26.8 
0.0 
0.0 
26.8 Exports 
0.0 
0.0 
0.8 
0.0 
0.7 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
1.5 
30.5 
32.0 
86.2 
2,6 
120,8 
(94.0) 1986/87 
Imports 
2.9 
0.1 
23.0 
0.0 
2.8 
0.5 
0.3 
1.2 
30.8 
0.0 
30.8 
0.1 
0.0 
30.9 Exports 
0.0 
0.0 
0.6 
0.0 
0.3 
0.0 
0.1 
0.0 
1.0 
24.0 
25.0 
99.8 
2.5 
127.3 
(96.4) 1987/88 
Imports 
2.5 
0.1 
20.0 
0.0 
2.1 
0.4 
0,2 
1.2 
26.5 
0.0 
26.5 
0.0 
0.0 
26.5 Exports 
0.1 
0.0 
0.8 
0.0 
0.5 
0.0 
0.1 
0.0 
1.5 
23.0 
24.5 
112.0 
2.5 
139,0 
(112,5) 1988/89 (prov.) 
Imports 
3.0 
0.0 
20.0 
0.0 
2.0 
0.5 
0.5 
1.2 
27,2 
0.0 
27.2 
0.0 
0.0 
27.2 Exports 
0.0 
0.0 
1.0 
0.0 
0.5 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 
1.5 
20.0 
21.5 
95.0 
2.5 
119.0 
(91.8) I 
Source : International Olive Oil Council 
ANNEX IV 
WORLD TRADE IN TABLE OLIVES 0) 
('000 tonnes) 
WORLD TOTAL 
of which : 
EEC 12 (2) 
United nates 1970/71 
153.2 
49,8 
48.2 1975/76 
172.5 
53.9 
42.0 1980/81 
193.5 
67,6 
39.4 1985/86 
240,7 
84,5 
65.0 1986/87 
268.2 
101,1 
80.0 1987/88 
254.3 
82.8 
88.0 1988/89 
252.1 
86.6 
80.0 
Source : International Olive Oil Council 
(1) Based on net weight of imports of olives without packaging or brine. 
(2) Including Intro-Community trade. i 
^ 
i 
ANNEX V 
INTRA-COMMUNITY TRADE IN TABLE OLIVES 
('000 tonnes) 
Germany 
Denmark 
Fronce 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Be I g Iurn/Luxembourg 
Total (9) 
Greece 
Total (10) 1985/86 
Imports Exports 
7.4 
0.4 
6,5 
0.1 
40.7 
0.4 
2.1 
0.1 0.2 
0.0 
1.6 
0,0 
0.8 
0.3 
0.1 
0.0 
57,7 3.0 
Spain 
Portugal 
Totai (12) 0.0 
67.7 24.5 
27.5 
0.0 
0.0 20.3 
0.8 
57.7 48.6 1986/87 
Imports Exports 
7.3 
0,5 
7,8 
0.1 
49.8 
1.3 
2.2 
1.2 0.1 
0,0 
1.6 
0.0 
0.6 
0.1 
0,0 
0.4 
70,2 2.8 
0,0 
70.2 28.0 
30.8 
0.0 
0.0 35,0 
1,0 
70.2 66.8 1987/88 
Imports Exports 
7.0 
0.5 
7,3 
0.1 
36.9 
1.6 
1.7 
1.2 0.1 
0.0 
1.7 
0.0 
0.7 
0.2 
0.1 
0.2 
56.3 3.0 
0.0 
56.3 22.0 
25.0 
0.0 
0.0 33.0 
1.0 
56.3 59.0 1988/89 
Imports Exports 
7.0 
0.5 
6.8 
0.0 
44.4 
2.0 
1.9 
1.1 
63.7 
0.0 
63.7 
0.0 
0.0 
63.7 0.0 
0.0 
1.5 
0.0 
0.6 
0.2 
0.0 
0.2 
2.5 
30.0 
32.5 
l 
35.0 
1.0 
68,5 
Source : International Olive Oil Council 
ANNEX VI 
TREND OF WORLD PRODUCTION OF TABLE OLIVES 
('000 tonnes) 
WORLD TOTAL 
of which : 
EEC 12 
United States 
Morocco 
Syria 
Turkey 
Egypt 1970/71 
490,4 
195.9 
47.9 
59.8 
23.4 
81,0 
12,0 1975/76 
660.2 
324,6 
50.2 
32.4 
23.7 
118.0 
8.0 1980/81 
782,2 
347.2 
69.7 
43.3 
35.0 
150.0 
7.0 1985/86 
780,0 
332,3 
82.8 
60.0 
49.2 
120,0 
10.0 1986/87 
907.9 
391.4 
96.0 
70.0 
81.0 
115.0 
21,0 1987/88 
800,5 
388.5 
60.0 
70.0 
50.0 
95.0 
15.0 1988/89 
834.0 
362.0 
79.0 
70,0 
72,0 
110,0 
18.0 
I 
Source • International Olive Oil Council 
ANNEX VII 
TREND OF WORLD CONSUMPTION OF TABLE OLIVES 
« 
('000 tonnes) 
WORLD TOTAL 
of which : 
EEC 12 
United States 
Morocco 
Syria 
Turkey 
Egypt 1970/71 
485,4 
140,2 
95.0 
7.8 
21.7 
78.0 
12.4 1975/76 
648.7 
222,6 
93.4 
11,5 
25.0 
121.2 
8.5 1980/81 
713.7 
234,2 
108,9 
14.5 
35.0 
117.8 
10.0 1985/86 
789.2 
254.0 
150.0 
16.0 
49.2 
100.0 
16.0 1986/87 
867,6 
287,5 
170,0 
19.5 
64.0 
108.5 
20.0 1987/88 
839.5 
292.0 
164.0 
20.0 
67.0 
95.0 
16.5 1988/89 
872.5 
304.0 
159,0 
29,0 
60,0 
110.0 
20.0 I 
-si 
Source : International Olive Oil Council 
ANNEX VIII 
TABLE OLIVES 
Customs duties and preferential arrangements 
CN Code 
07099031 
07108010 
07112010 
20057000 Description 
Table olives, fresh or chilled 
Table olives, not cooked or cooked 
in water or steam, frozen 
Table olives provisionally 
preserved but unsuitable In that 
state for immediate consumption 
Table olives prepared or preserved 
otherwise than by acetic acid or 
vinegar, not frozen Duties 
Autonomous Conventional 
19 
8 
20 19 Preferential arrangements 
X 
Turkey 
Turkey 0 
Turkey 0 
Algeria 3,2 
Tunisia 3,2 
Turkey 0 
Lomé A - B 0 
Overseas countries 
and territories 0 
Maghreb 0 oo 
i 

-19 -
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL REGULATION 
concerning measures to develop the 
consumption of table olives 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, 
and in particular Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, 
Whereas the consumption of table olives in the Community has reached a more 
or less stable level while production is continuing to rise so that 
surpluses have arisen in recent years; 
Whereas there are prospects of increasing consumption, particularly through 
better information to existing or potential users and a more stringent 
adjustment of production to meet the requirements of consumers; 
Whereas the various trade groups in the sector should play a special role 
in implementing means of developing consumption; 
Whereas provision should be made for specific measures to increase the 
consumption of table olives to be encouraged by means of a financial 
contribution by the Community to the measures taken; 
-20 -
Whereas such measures are intended to achieve the objectives of Article 39 
of the Treaty; whereas there should be provision for the Community to make 
a financial contribution to the implementation of these measures through 
the Guarantee Section of the Eurpean Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee 
Fund (EAGGF), 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
Article 1 
1. The Community shall contribute up to 60% of the cost of measures to 
develop the consumption of table olives in the Community, put forward 
and implemented by representative associations bringing together 
various types of activity in the sector. The representative nature 
of the associations shall be assessed in the light of the objective 
to be achieved. 
2. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be intended to: 
promote the quality of the product, mainly through market studies 
and research into the production of olives with a low salt 
content, 
develop new forms of packaging, 
distribute advice on marketing to the various economic operators 
in the sector, 
encourage publicity and public relations, including the 
organization of and participation In trade fairs and other 
commercial events. 
Article 2 
Measures under this Regulation may not refer to commercial brands or to a 
Member State. 
- 21 -
Article 3 
The part-financing of measures under this Regulation shall be regarded as 
intervention intended to stabilize the agricultural markets pursuant to 
Article 3(1) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 of 21 April 1970 on the 
financing of the common agricultural policy^). It shall be financed from 
the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee 
Fund (EAGGF). 
Article 4 
Measures under this Regulation shall be defined and the implementing 
provisions of this Regulation shall be adopted in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Article 38 of Regulation No 136/66/EEC of the 
Council of 22 September 1966 on the establishment of a common organization 
of the market in oils and fats^2). 
Article 5 
This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the 
Official Journal of the European Communities. 
This Regulation shall be binding In Its entirety and directly applicable in 
a 11 Member States. 
Done at Brussels, For the Council 
(1) OJ No L 94, 28.4.1970, p. 13. 
(2) OJ No 172, 30.9.1966, p. 3025/66 
- 22-
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
DATE: 13 June 1990 
1. BUDGET HEADING: 189 other (1991 PDB) APPROPRIATIONS: ECU mi 11 ion p.m. 
2. TITLE: 
Oounci I Regulation on measures to improve and develop the consumption of table ol ives 
3. LEGAL BASIS: Article 43 of the Treaty 
4. AIMS OF PROJECT: 
To provide that specific measures to increase and improve the consumption of table ol ives may be 
encouraged by a financial contribution from the Oormunity. 
5. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 
5.0 EXPENDITURE 
- CHARGED TO THE EC BUDGET 
- (REFUNDS/INTERVENT ION) 
- NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION 
- OTHER 
5.1 REVENUE 
- OWN RESOURCES OF THE EC 
(LEVIES/CUSTOMS DUTIES) 
- NATIONAL 
5.0.1 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 
5.1.1 ESTIMATED REVENUE Period of 12 months Current Financial Year 
1990 
Nil Following Financial Year 
1991 
p.m. 
1992 
+ ECU 2 ml 11 Ion 1993 
+ ECU 2 mi 11 ion 1994 
+ ECU 2 mi 11 Ion 1995 
+ ECU 2 mi 11 ion 
5.2 METHOD OF CALCULATION: 
6.0 CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED FROM APPROPRIATIONS ENTERED IN THE RELEVANT CHAPTER OF THE CURRENT BUDGET? 
YES/NO 
6.1 CAN THE PROJECT BE FINANCED BY TRANSFER BETWEEN CHAPTERS OF THE CURRENT BUDGET? 
YES/NO 
6.2 IS A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET NECESSARY? 
YES/NO 
6.3 WILL FUTURE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS BE NECESSARY? 
YES 
OBSERVATIONS: 
- 23 -
.COMPETITIVENESS AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENT 
I. What is the main reason for introducing the measure ? 
Td improve and develop the consumption of table olives. 
II. Features of th« businesses in question. In particular : 
(«> Are there mary SMEs ? " YES 
-•(b) Are they COHLI.-MI r.iicJ in reyion". which are 
i. eligible 'or regional aid in the Member States ? YES 
ii. eligible under the ERDF ? y^S 
III. What direct obligations does this measure impose on businesses ? 
IV. What indirect obligations are locel authorities likely to impose 
on businesses ? 
v« Ar« there any special measures in respect of SMEs ? Please specify 
VI. What is the likely effect on : 
C»> the competitiveness of businesses ? NO IMPLICATION 
Cb) employment ? NO IMPLICATION 
VII. Have both sides cf industry been consulted ? YES 
Please indicate t^eir opinions. POSITIVE 


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