The Monastir region in Tunisia is preparing for the 2026-2027 olive oil harvest, with 124 olive oil mills and a total processing capacity of 1,845 tonnes per day. The region has approximately 64,000 hectares of olive trees, accounting for around 74% of its agricultural land. As the new harvest approaches, stakeholders are discussing the terms of the upcoming season, including collection and processing rates.
Despite the significant processing capacity, a crucial piece of information is still missing: the forecast for the 2026-2027 harvest. This data is essential to determine whether the existing infrastructure can handle the incoming harvest without congestion. In October 2025, preliminary forecasts from the Regional Agricultural Development Commission (CRDA) estimated around 90,000 tonnes of olives, which would translate to approximately 18,052 tonnes of oil.
Based on these numbers, processing 90,000 tonnes with a capacity of 1,845 tonnes per day would theoretically require around 49 days of full-capacity operation. However, this calculation is only a rough estimate and not a prediction for the 2026-2027 season. The actual harvest volume, the number of operational mills, their activity rhythm, and the campaign duration will all impact the sector's performance.
Environmental concerns are also at play, particularly regarding the management of olive oil by-products, known as margines. Monastir has five controlled sites with a total capacity of 89,000 cubic meters. During the 2024-2025 campaign, around 54,000 cubic meters were produced, and tensions were already reported at some sites.
The CRDA has convened various stakeholders to discuss the upcoming season, focusing on the start of the harvest, collection and processing rates, and logistical arrangements. These talks aim to ensure a smooth harvest and processing operation. Nevertheless, without a confirmed forecast for the 2026-2027 harvest, it is challenging to assess the potential strain on the olive oil mills and margines management facilities.
Key figures for the Monastir region include 64,000 hectares of olive trees, 124 olive oil mills, and a combined processing capacity of 1,845 tonnes per day. These numbers indicate a substantial processing infrastructure, but the actual performance will depend on the upcoming harvest.
As the 2026-2027 olive oil harvest approaches, Tunisia's Monastir region is preparing for potential logistical challenges. With a significant processing capacity and a large area of olive trees, the sector's success will largely depend on the volume of the upcoming harvest and the effectiveness of the existing infrastructure.
Key points
- The Monastir region has 124 olive oil mills with a total processing capacity of 1,845 tonnes per day.
- The region's olive oil sector is awaiting the 2026-2027 harvest forecast to assess potential logistical challenges.
- Environmental concerns, particularly regarding margines management, will also play a crucial role in the sector's performance.
