Minister of Agriculture Calls on Students and Young Graduates to Invest in Olive Oil Sector
The Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, called on students and young graduates on Saturday to seize investment opportunities in the olive oil sector.
Presiding Over an Information Day on Olive Oil
While presiding over an information day on olive oil, organized by the Higher School of Commerce of Tunis (ESCT-University of La Manouba) on the occasion of World Olive Day, the minister highlighted the significant prospects offered by this sector. These prospects include international marketing of olive oil, thanks to innovation in packaging and branding, the development of e-commerce, and the use of artificial intelligence and digitization in the value chain of this strategic sector.
Opportunities in the Olive Oil Sector
He also emphasized the promising opportunities available in this sector, such as:
- Access to non-traditional markets
- Anchoring Tunisian varieties abroad
- Investing in scientific research to improve quality
- Creating startups specialized in packaging, marketing, and digital services related to this sector
Quality of Tunisian Olive Oil
The minister also discussed the high quality of Tunisian olive oil and its distinctive characteristics, which have earned it a presence in over 60 international markets. He noted a significant growth in exports of organic and packaged olive oil in recent years.
Tunisia's Position in the Global Olive Oil Market
He recalled that Tunisia represents 20% of the world's olive groves and holds the first place in the production of organic olive oil and the second place in olive oil production after the European Union.
Planting Olive Trees
During the event, olive trees were planted in the ESCT garden, which has been transformed into a small olive grove since the launch of the celebration of World Olive Day in 2023. The trees were provided by the nurseries of the Olive Oil Office in Bejaoua.
University's Commitment to the Economy
The Vice-President of the University of La Manouba, Nabil Grissa, highlighted that this initiative reflects the openness of ESCT and the University of La Manouba to their economic environment, particularly strategic sectors such as agriculture and olive oil. He noted that olive oil represents a symbol of Tunisian identity and national wealth, and that this initiative embodies the continuous efforts of these institutions to make the university a strategic partner of the national economy.
Promoting Tunisian Olive Oil
The National Olive Oil Office also organized tasting sessions of the best extra virgin oils and a culinary demonstration of Tunisian and international dishes prepared with olive oil. This aimed to showcase the diversity of uses of national olive oil and the richness of its flavors.
