Appreciation for the deeply rooted values of the olive tree was celebrated by the Embassy of Tunisia in Pretoria on 30th November 2024. Worldwide, the olive tree symbolises cultures and civilisations. It is a universal tree, having served humanity for thousands of years, contributing to social, cultural, economic, and environmental significance.

In Tunisia, olives, and in particular olive oil, are among the country’s greatest treasures, often referred to as “green gold”. Over millennia, the olive tree has become infused with the nation’s culture, economy, cuisine, traditions, and seasons.

“Tunisia is the land of olives.”

Ambassador Karima Bardaoui told guests about Tunisia being one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world. At the 40th session of the General Conference in 2019, UNESCO proclaimed 26th November as World Olive Tree Day, following a proposal from Tunisia and Lebanon. The aim of this dedicated day is to encourage the protection of olive trees and promote appreciation of the values they embody.

The oldest known olive tree in Tunisia, dating back 2,500 years, can be found on the Cap Bon peninsula. The average lifespan of an olive tree is 500 years, yet this ancient tree was planted during the Carthaginian reign, and olive lovers still make pilgrimages to eat its fruits to this day.

“Tunisia is one of the world’s biggest producers of olive oil, and we are very, very proud,” said H.E. Ms Bardaoui.

Across Tunisia’s landscape, approximately 1.8 million hectares of olive groves can be found, comprising 82 million olive trees, which occupy about 30% of Tunisia’s cultivated land. Tunisian olive oil exceeds the quality standards issued by the International Olive Council for all categories, including extra virgin olive oil, the highest grade of oil.

Tunisian olive oil is exported to 55 countries. Tunisia is currently the 4th largest exporter of olive oil in the world, with the ambition of becoming the 2nd largest by 2025, just behind Spain. Mauritius is the main importer of Tunisian olive oil in Southern Africa, accounting for 30% of Tunisia’s olive oil exports to the region.

The olive tree is a universal symbol of resilience, peace, and hope, with its roots deeply entwined in the history and culture of the Mediterranean.

Ambassador Kabalan Frangieh of Lebanon to South Africa acknowledged Tunisia’s leading position in the global olive oil industry compared to Lebanon’s 25,000-ton annual output, of which 80% is exported. Ambassador Frangieh explained how olive trees in Lebanon are given names, reflecting the deep reverence with which they are held. Among them, the “Sisters” are Lebanon’s oldest olive trees, planted 6,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, who were the first to press, produce, and spread olive oil.

Wendy Peterson, CEO of the South Africa Olives Association, highlighted that South Africa has 3,700 hectares of olive groves, producing 2 million litres of olive oil annually, with 90% being extra virgin olive oil. However, South Africa still imports 6 million litres of olive oil annually. This presents enormous potential in the agricultural sector, as only a few key players currently dominate the industry.

Beyond agriculture, olives hold symbolic meaning—the olive branch has long represented peace, wisdom, and enduring friendship.

by Marion Kate