(Eqtsad)- Syria has exported more than 20,000 tons of olive oil in 2016 mostly at Gulf countries followed by Europe, even to Spain, Italy and Greece, the internationally well know producers of olive oil.
Abo Hashim, an olive oil exporter, mentioned that last year has the highest amount of olive oil exported in 10 years, although the amount had dropped sharply between 2013-2016, but last year the amount flourished significantly in the second half of the last year
Abo Hashim confirmed that the Syrian olive oil is known of its good quality, and it is considered one of the best in the world, and for that it is on demand by so many countries even those known of producing it like Spain, Greece and Italy.
In regard to the forecasted amount of olive this year, Abo Hashim detailed that till the moment, they have orders of 6,000 tons and they are working on securing the amount. He expected to export the first shipment coming February by sea through Tartus seaport.
In regard to prices of olive oil prepared for exportation, trader Abo Hosam detailed that th price of an olive can size 16 kg in local markets reached to SYP 24,000-25,000, while prices for the olive oil prepared for exportation reached to SYP 30,000 for the same size can,, because the properties of both kinds are different.
Abo Hosam added that olive oil in eastern areas of al-Asi river in Homs and Hama and Idlib is the best for exportation, while the oil of coastal areas is not suitable for exportation due to the high acidity as it exceeds 5%, while the preferred rate should not exceed 1%.
Bo Hosam talked to Eqtsad about difficulties face olive oil exporters due to war conditions in Syria, mentioning that the high cost of shipping is one of the most important problem, as the cost for exporting one kilogram of oil to Gulf countries could reach to SYP500, added to difficulties in moving between Syrian cities and closing the land routes to Gulf countries.
It is well known that the olive oil extracted from Sourani olive oil tree is the best in the world, it is planted in cities adjacent to al-Asi river in Syria (Homs, Hama and Idlib). It is in high demand in Spain to mix it with Spanish olive oil to improve its taste and extend its expiration period from one year into two.
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