Andalusia, in southern Spain.
Jaén, often called the "World Olive Oil Capital", is the largest olive oil producing region in Spain and worldwide. With an impressive 550,000 hectares of olive groves and over 66 million olive trees, this province alone produces more olive oil than Italy, the second largest producer in the world. Remarkably, Jaén accounts for approximately 25% of the world's olive oil production.
The predominant variety in the province is Picual, renowned for its robust flavor and high stability, making it an ideal choice for both cooking and raw use. Other varieties grown in Jaén include Royal, Arbequina, and Cornicabra oils, each contributing unique sensory profiles to the region's rich olive oil palette.
Jaén is proud to have three Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs): Sierra de Segura, Sierra de Cazorla, and Sierra Mágina. These appellations guarantee the quality and authenticity of the oils produced in these specific areas. Furthermore, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) has also been created covering the entire province, further consolidating Jaén's position as a global leader in olive oil excellence.
Jaén, World Olive Oil Capital: Iconic Events
As the world's olive oil capital, Jaén hosts numerous events dedicated to olive oil culture and production. Among them, EXPOLIVA, the International Olive Oil and Related Industries Fair, stands out as the most important global event in this field. Additionally, the International Congress on Olive Oil and Health (CIAS) and the prestigious "Jaén, Paraíso Interior" International Cooking Award reinforce Jaén's essential role in the world of olive oil.
A Unique Landscape: A Sea of Olive Trees
The geography of Jaén is a magnificent tableau formed by more than 60 million olive trees, stretching from the fertile plains of the Guadalquivir to the wooded slopes of the surrounding sierras. This dense cover forms the iconic "sea of olive trees", a green and silver expanse that defines Jaén's identity. Visitors are often amazed by this immense blanket of vegetation, particularly impressive in the La Loma region, which overlooks the Guadalquivir and Guadalimar river valleys, and produces more than a quarter of the province's olive oil.
Historically, the density of olive trees was so exceptional that it was said a squirrel (ardilla) could cross the province without ever touching the ground, a poetic image that evokes the lushness of the Iberian Peninsula in antiquity.
The Powerhouses of Olive Oil Production
Jaén is home to world-renowned municipalities such as Úbeda, Villacarrillo, Martos, Baeza, and Vilches, recognized for their immense olive oil production. Among them, Martos, known as the "Cradle of the Olive Tree", deserves special mention. With its own local variety, Marteña (a type of Picual), Martos has earned the title of the world's leading olive oil producer.
A Strategic Sector for Jaén
With its 550,000 hectares of olive groves, representing 25% of Spain's olive growing area and 42% of Andalusia's, Jaén produces approximately 50% of Spanish olive oil and about 25% of global production. Olive cultivation occupies 78% of the province's agricultural land, primarily dedicated to olives for oil production.
In recent years, the average annual olive oil production in Jaén has exceeded 600,000 tons, generating approximately 8 million working days for harvesting and over 150,000 for milling, with an estimated economic value of 300 million euros per campaign.
Cultural, Environmental, and Social Importance
The olive oil industry is not only a pillar of Jaén's economy but also a cornerstone of its cultural and environmental heritage. Olive groves shape the landscape, support biodiversity, and sustain rural communities. The profound impact of this sector on employment, local traditions, and sustainable agricultural practices underscores its strategic role for Jaén and its status as a global symbol of olive oil.
