Exports of standardized Greek olive oil to EU countries and non-EU countries grew a spectacular 225% in the 2002-2020 period, totaling 52,735 tons, from 14,851 tons in 2002, SEVITEL (the Association of Olive Oil Producers) said in a report on Tuesday.

The report, based on data collected by the DG Trade of the European Commission, showed that exports of standardized Greek olive oil to EU countries totaled 31,655 tons in 2020, from 7,561 tons in 2002, up 319%, while exports to third countries rose 189% to 7,290 tons.

Germany was the biggest European importer of Greek olive oil, with 14,907 tons in 2020, followed by the UK (2,698), Austria (2,578), France (2,032), Belgium (1,463), Sweden (1,385) and Cyprus (1,209).

Among third countries, the US ranked first with 9,143 tons, followed by Canada (1,851), Australia (1,773) and Russia (1,218).

This article was previously published at ekathimerini.com.