Export potential for the Syrian organic olive oil

Abstract EN

The objective of this work is to examine the production and marketing of Syrian organic olive oil and possibility for its export to the international market.

Experiment was performed in the Mediterranean agronomic institute Bari in Italy, during the period 2006 to 2011.

Exploratory interviews were conducted with the main Syrian exporters of conventional and organic extra virgin olive oil by using the case study methodology.

In addition, to collect data about the Syrian position in the international market where collected from international trade statistics databases (Faostat, Uncomtrade Iooc and Eurostat).

Results showed that there is potential for exporting Syrian organic olive oil.

Syrian exporters expect a significant increase in the production of organic extra virgin olive oil and they are strongly motivated to export this product mainly to Germany because the increase of its demand of organic extra virgin olive oil from third countries, Venezuela because there are strong agricultural relations with Syria, especially in terms of export of olive oil, India and China represent interesting potential markets because in these countries Syria is more competitive than in traditional consuming countries and because of good relations with the Syrian government.

Lately Gulf States because of the increased demand of organic products, competitiveness of Syrian organic olive oil, lack customs duties.

Main problems are the cost of certification and lack of marketing experience.

Further efforts of the Syrian government are necessary to support the development of the organic sector as a key factor for improving both domestic food security and food trade balance.