PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL REGULATION ( EEC ) CONCERNING MEASURES TO DEVELOP THE CONSUMPTION OF TABLE OLIVES
Date: 1990-07-20
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EAGGF Guarantee Section, EU financing, market intervention, olive, producer organisation, sales promotion

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 
o l l( 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 
In alternate  years  is the rule. 
cyclical  In nature  because 

(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  e i g h t l e s( 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) 

(2) 

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. 
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. 
followed  by Greece;  these  two countries  together  account  for 
virtually  all  exports  from  the Community*1''  (see Annex  III). 

Spain  is the main  exporter, 

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. 

A N N EX 

I 

PRODUCTION  OF  TABLE  OLIVES  IN  THE EEC 

1978/79 

1979/80 

1980/81 

1981/82 

1982/83 

1983/84 

1984/85 

1985/86 

1986/87 

1987/88 

1988/89 

('000 tonnes) 

1989/90 
(prov.) 

2,4 

2.4 

2.0 

1.8 

2.1 

1,6 

1.5 

1.4 

1.4 

1.8 

1.5 

2.1 

78.6 

61.8 

81,4 

61,3 

62.0 

77.7 

49.4 

60,0 

64.5 

75.0 

70.0 

90.0 

Germany 

Denmark 

France 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands 

United  Kingdom 

Be 1 g i urn/ 

Luxembourg 

TOTAL  EEC (9) 

81.0 

64.2 

83,4 

63,1 

64.1 

79.3 

50.9 

61.4 

65.9 

76.8 

71.5 

92.1 

Greece 

69.7 

47,0 

88,3 

76,0 

97.0 

70.0 

80.0 

90.0 

80.0 

60,0 

85,0 

80 

TOTAL  EEC (10) 

171.7 

139.1 

161,1 

149,3 

130.9 

151,4 

145.9 

136.8 

156.5 

172.1 

Spain 

Portugal 

175.0 

174,0 

155,0 

160.0 

180.0 

165.0 

205.0 

160,0 

224.4 

231.7 

180.0 

20.3 

20.0 

20,5 

20.2 

20.5 

18.6 

19.5 

20.9 

21.1 

20.0 

15.0 

210.0 

20.0 

TOTAL  EEC (12) 

346 

305.2  ! 

347.2 

319.3 

361,6 

332.9 

355,4 

332,3 

391.4 

388.5 

351.5 

402.1 

Source  : International  Olive Oil Councl 

A N N EX 

II 

CONSUMPTION OF TABLE OLIVES IN THE EEC 

('000 tonnes) 

1978/79 

1979/80 

1980/81 

1981/82 

1982/83 

1983/84 

1984/85 

1985/86 

1986/87 

1987/88 

1988/89 

1989/90 
(prov.) 

7.7 

0.2 

8,6 

0,2 

9.4 

0.3 

8.8 

0.3 

9.6 

0.4 

8.8 

0.4 

9.0 

0.4 

9.0 

0.4 

10.1 

0.6 

9.3 

0,6 

10.0 

10,0 

0.5 

26.8 

26,1 

27.1 

25,2 

27.5 

26,8 

25.9 

26.5 

28,0 

28,1 

29.6 

0.0 

0.0 

0.1 

0.1 

0.1 

0,2 

0.1 

0,1 

0.1 

0.1 

0,0 

96,0 

94.8 

91.2 

95.0 

90,0 

93.0 

99.0 

105.0 

108,0 

116.2 

127.5 

129.5 

0.1 

2.1 

0.1 

0.1 

2.1 

0,3 

0.1 

2,1 

0.1 

0.3 

1.9 

0.1 

0.2 

1.9 

0.0 

0.2 

2,4 

0.1 

0.3 

1,9 

0,1 

0.3 

2.4 

0.1 

1.7 

2.4 

2.0 

1.8 

1.7 

2.2 

2.9 

2.2 

2.2 

2.3 

2.2 

2.2 

0,5 

29,9 

0.1 

Germany 

Denmark 

France 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands 

United  Kingdom 

Be 1 g I urn/ 

Luxembourg 

TOTAL EEC (9) 

133,0 

132.2 

130.4 

131.7 

129.7 

131.9 

136.7 

143,8 

152.9 

160.0 

174.3 

176,7 

l 

Greece 

20.0 

18.0 

25.0 

21.0 

28.0 

26.0 

30.0 

40,0 

35,0 

30.0 

35.0 

35,0 

TOTAL  EEC (10) 

155.4 

152,7 

157.7 

157.9 

166,7 

183.8 

187,9 

190.0 

209.3 

211,7 

Spain 

Portugal 

81.0 

17,6 

79.0 

73.2 

17.7 

17.7 

69.0 

17.7 

71.0 

17.7 

70.0 

70.0 

17.2 

17,3 

65.0 

17.5 

82,0 

84.0 

17,6 

18.0 

80.0 

15,0 

82.0 

17,0 

TOTAL EEC (12) 

266.3 

287.5 

292.0 

304.3 

310,7 

Source  : International Olive Oil Counci 

A N N EX 

III 

COMMUNITY TRADE IN TABLE OLIVES WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD 

('000 tonnes) 

1985/86 

1986/87 

1987/88 

1988/89 (prov.) 

Imports 

Exports 

Imports 

Exports 

Imports 

Exports 

Imports 

Exports 

Germany 
Denmark 
France 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Belgium/Lux. 

Total (9) 

Greece 

1.8 
0,0 
21.0 
0.0 
3,4 
0.2 
0.4 
0.0 

26,8 

0.0 
0.0 
0.8 
0.0 
0.7 
0.0 
0.0 
0.0 

2.9 
0.1 
23.0 
0.0 
2.8 
0.5 
0.3 
1.2 

0.0 
0.0 
0.6 
0.0 
0.3 
0.0 
0.1 
0.0 

2.5 
0.1 
20.0 
0.0 
2.1 
0.4 
0,2 
1.2 

0.1 
0.0 
0.8 
0.0 
0.5 
0.0 
0.1 
0.0 

3.0 
0.0 
20.0 
0.0 
2.0 
0.5 
0.5 
1.2 

1.5 

30.8 

1.0 

26.5 

1.5 

27,2 

0.0 

30.5 

0.0 

24.0 

0.0 

23.0 

0.0 

Totol (10) 

26.8 

32.0 

30.8 

25.0 

26.5 

24.5 

27.2 

Spain 
Portugal 

0.0 
0.0 

86.2 
2,6 

0.1 
0.0 

99.8 
2.5 

0.0 
0.0 

112.0 
2.5 

0.0 
0.0 

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 

Tctal (12) 

26.8 

120,8 

30.9 

127.3 

26.5 

139,0 

27.2 

119.0 

I 

i 

Difference 
(Imports-Exports) 

(94.0) 

Source : International Olive Oil Council 

(96.4) 

(112,5) 

(91.8) 

A N N EX 

IV 

WORLD TRADE  IN TABLE OLIVES  0) 

('000 tonnes) 

1970/71 

1975/76 

1980/81 

1985/86 

1986/87 

1987/88 

1988/89 

WORLD TOTAL 

153.2 

172.5 

193.5 

240,7 

268.2 

254.3 

252.1 

of which : 

EEC 12 (2) 

United  nates 

49,8 

48.2 

53.9 

42.0 

67,6 

39.4 

84,5 

65.0 

101,1 

80.0 

82.8 

88.0 

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 

A N N EX 

V 

INTRA-COMMUNITY TRADE  IN TABLE OLIVES 

('000 tonnes) 

1985/86 
Imports  Exports 

1986/87 
Imports  Exports 

1987/88 
Imports  Exports 

1988/89 
Imports  Exports 

Germany 
Denmark 
Fronce 
Ireland 
Italy 
Netherlands 
United Kingdom 
Be I g Iurn/Luxembourg 

Total  (9) 

7.4 
0.4 
6,5 
0.1 
40.7 
0.4 
2.1 
0.1 

57,7 

0.2 
0.0 
1.6 
0,0 
0.8 
0.3 
0.1 
0.0 

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 

7.0 
0.5 
7,3 
0.1 
36.9 
1.6 
1.7 
1.2 

3.0 

70,2 

2.8 

56.3 

0.1 
0.0 
1.7 
0.0 
0.7 
0.2 
0.1 
0.2 

3.0 

7.0 
0.5 
6.8 
0.0 
44.4 
2.0 
1.9 
1.1 

63.7 

0.0 
0.0 
1.5 
0.0 
0.6 
0.2 
0.0 
0.2 

2.5 

Greece 

0.0 

24.5 

0,0 

28.0 

0.0 

22.0 

0.0 

30.0 

Total  (10) 

67.7 

27.5 

70.2 

30.8 

56.3 

25.0 

63.7 

32.5 

Spain 
Portugal 

0.0 
0.0 

20.3 
0.8 

0.0 
0.0 

35,0 
1,0 

0.0 
0.0 

33.0 
1.0 

0.0 
0.0 

35.0 
1.0 

Totai  (12) 

57.7 

48.6 

70.2 

66.8 

56.3 

59.0 

63.7 

68,5 

Source  : International  Olive Oil Council 

l 

A N N EX 

VI 

TREND OF WORLD PRODUCTION OF TABLE OLIVES 

('000 tonnes) 

1970/71 

1975/76 

1980/81 

1985/86 

1986/87 

1987/88 

1988/89 

WORLD TOTAL 

490,4 

660.2 

782,2 

780,0 

907.9 

800,5 

834.0 

of which : 

EEC 12 

195.9 

324,6 

347.2 

332,3 

391.4 

388.5 

362.0 

United States 

Morocco 

Syria 

Turkey 

Egypt 

47.9 

59.8 

23.4 

81,0 

12,0 

50.2 

32.4 

23.7 

69.7 

43.3 

35.0 

118.0 

150.0 

8.0 

7.0 

82.8 

60.0 

49.2 

120,0 

10.0 

96.0 

70.0 

81.0 

115.0 

21,0 

60.0 

70.0 

50.0 

95.0 

15.0 

79.0 

70,0 

72,0 

110,0 

18.0 

Source  • International Olive Oil Council 

I 

A N N EX 

VII 

TREND OF WORLD CONSUMPTION OF TABLE OLIVES 

« 

('000 tonnes) 

1970/71 

1975/76 

1980/81 

1985/86 

1986/87 

1987/88 

1988/89 

WORLD TOTAL 

485,4 

648.7 

713.7 

789.2 

867,6 

839.5 

872.5 

of which : 

EEC 12 

140,2 

222,6 

United States 

Morocco 

Syria 

Turkey 

Egypt 

95.0 

7.8 

21.7 

78.0 

12.4 

93.4 

11,5 

25.0 

121.2 

8.5 

Source  : International Olive Oil Council 

234,2 

108,9 

14.5 

35.0 

117.8 

10.0 

254.0 

150.0 

16.0 

49.2 

287,5 

170,0 

19.5 

64.0 

100.0 

108.5 

16.0 

20.0 

292.0 

164.0 

20.0 

67.0 

95.0 

16.5 

304.0 

159,0 

29,0 

60,0 

110.0 

20.0 

I 

-si 

A N N EX 

VIII 

TABLE OLIVES 

Customs duties and preferential  arrangements 

CN Code 

Description 

Autonomous 

Duties 

Conventional 

Preferential  arrangements 

X 

07099031 

07108010 

07112010 

20057000 

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 

19 

8 

20 

19 

Turkey 

Turkey 

Turkey 
Algeria 
Tunisia 

Turkey 
Lomé A - B 
Overseas  countries 
and territories 
Maghreb 

0 

0 
3,2 
3,2 

0 
0 

0 
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 

- 2 2-

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 

1990 

Period of 12 months  Current Financial Year 

Following Financial Year 
1991 

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 

5.2 METHOD OF CALCULATION: 

Nil 

p.m. 

1992 

1993 

1994 

1995 

+ ECU 2 ml 11 Ion 

+ ECU 2 mi 11 ion 

+ ECU 2 mi 11 Ion 

+ ECU 2 mi 11 ion 

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? 

6.2  IS A SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET NECESSARY? 

6.3 WILL FUTURE BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS BE NECESSARY? 

OBSERVATIONS: 

YES/NO 

YES/NO 

YES 

-  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« 

A r«  there  any  special  measures  in  respect  of  SMEs  ?  Please  specify 

V I. 

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  ? 

Y ES 

Please  indicate  t^eir  opinions. 

POSITIVE 

ISSN 0254-1475 

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