Olive harvesting in Malta typically begins between late September and early October. However, olive growers speaking to WhosWho.mt suggest that this year’s harvest might be the poorest in 25 years.

Olive oil sommelier Sam Cremona noted that while it's too early to quantify the overall decline in Malta and Gozo, his personal yield has seen a drastic drop.

“If I used to harvest around two to three tonnes, this year I barely have 15 kilos. It’s very low, and from what I’m observing, this harvest is unlike anything we've seen before,” he said.

Mr Cremona compared the situation to Italy, particularly Puglia and Sicily, where an unusually warm winter also impacted olive growth. Coldiretti Puglia, a leading farmers’ association, has warned that olive oil production in the region may decline by over 50 per cent.

Similarly, the Mediterranean Culinary Academy (MCA), producers of Bidni Extra Virgin Olive Oil, shared that they expect to harvest only around 15 per cent of last year’s quantities. “If we had six tonnes last year, we’ll be getting just over 15 per cent of that this year. This is the first time we've noted a decline in our production,” they explained.

In recent years, declining production in major European producers like Spain, Greece, and Italy has driven olive oil prices higher. According to the European Commission, average retail prices across EU member states in June were 45 per cent higher than the previous year.

With an uncertain harvest looming, Mr Cremona predicts that “prices will likely double compared to last year.” Nevertheless, MCA management is striving to keep prices stable, hoping that any losses this year may be offset by a stronger harvest next year. However, they noted that profits are still under pressure due to rising costs for glass bottles and labels.

What happened to Malta’s olive trees?

WhosWho.mt also spoke with Jimmy Magro, President of The Olive Growers Cooperative Limited. Echoing the sentiments of other producers, Mr Magro confirmed that cooperative members have also observed a decline.

When asked about the contributing factors, Mr Magro explained that warmer winters disrupt the natural dormancy cycle of olive trees, preventing the development of flower buds – a process essential for good pollination and eventual fruit growth. Furthermore, strong winds in April destroyed many flowers during their crucial growth period, significantly reducing the crop.

As Żejt iż-Żejtun takes place today, on 28th September (today), olive growers and locals are eager to assess the harvest's quality. The annual folkloristic event features live demonstrations of olive picking and oil pressing, offering a glimpse into this year's yield.