Back to newsCrete is facing a significant olive oil surplus, with thousands of tons of locally produced oil sitting unsold in storage across the island. Producers are under severe financial pressure as demand has failed to keep pace with recent harvests, leaving the region's prized extra virgin olive oil without buyers despite its reputation as some of the finest in the world.
For visitors, this situation presents a rare opportunity. Local markets, small producers, and roadside shops across Crete, particularly in olive-growing regions like Heraklion, Lasithi, and Rethymno, are likely offering high-quality Cretan olive oil at competitive prices. Buying directly from local cooperatives or family producers supports struggling farming communities while ensuring you take home an authentic product. Look for PDO-certified Cretan olive oil, which guarantees regional origin and production standards.
general
Cretan Olive Oil Surplus Leaves Producers in Financial Crisis
Related news
Discover Crete
Getting around Crete by bus
- Bus Agia Galini to Heraklion
- Bus Agia Galini to Matala
- Bus Agia Galini to Rethymno
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Hersonisos
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Siteia
- Bus Chania to Heraklion
- Bus Chania to Kissamos
- Bus Chania to Paleochora
- Bus Chania to Rethymno
- Bus Heraklion to Hersonisos
Stay informed.
Get the weekly Crete briefing · news, weather, events. No spam.