Olive Harvest Seasons in Argentina and Chile

South America’s olive oil industry thrives on its unique harvest seasons. Argentina and Chile, two key players, produce high-quality oils during March to May. This timing fills a gap in global markets when Northern Hemisphere supplies are low. However, climate variability significantly impacts harvest schedules and yields.

Key Points:

• Argentina: Harvest spans February to May across diverse regions. Challenges include extreme heat and frost risks. Production in 2024 was 35,000 tons, with 2025 projected at 27,500 tons.
• Chile: Harvest runs from mid-April to July. Issues like high winter temperatures and heavy rains caused a 29% production drop in 2024, yielding 15,000 tons.

Both countries face climate-related hurdles but remain vital to the global olive oil market. Their oils stand out for their distinct flavors, shaped by geography and harvest timing.

Olive Harvest Seasons in Argentina

Argentina's olive harvest takes place from February to May, covering an impressive 90,000 hectares of land. The country's diverse geography creates varying harvest windows, allowing producers to adjust their schedules to maximize both yield and quality.

Main Olive-Growing Regions

Argentina's olive industry is concentrated in four key provinces, which together account for more than 90% of the country's olive-growing area. Leading the pack is La Rioja, responsible for 27.8% of the total cultivation, followed by Mendoza (22.9%), Catamarca (20.8%), and San Juan (20.2%). These regions benefit from an arid climate paired with efficient irrigation systems, creating ideal growing conditions for olives.

Smaller contributions come from Córdoba (5%), Buenos Aires (2.8%), and Río Negro (0.6%). In August 2024, the Coronel Dorrego district in Buenos Aires expanded its olive cultivation to approximately 2,500 hectares, now producing nearly half of the province's annual olive oil output. José Massigoge, a researcher at INTA Barrow, highlighted the region's potential:

"For instance, the area around Dorrego, particularly near the coast, possesses highly suitable soils characterized by sandy loam that offers excellent drainage – one of the essential requirements for the cultivation of olive trees."

Harvest Timelines

The olive harvest in Argentina follows a staggered schedule, beginning with manual picking for table olives in late January or early February in regions like La Rioja and Catamarca. The main harvest for olive oil takes place between late March and May, with mechanized methods dominating this phase. Mendoza typically starts its harvest later, around late April or early May, while southern provinces wrap up the season between May and June. This staggered approach ensures a steady supply of fresh olive oil throughout the season.

The timing of the harvest often depends on weather conditions. For example, in 2025, producers adjusted their schedules to maintain quality. Miguel Zuccardi, head of olive oil production at Familia Zuccardi in Mendoza, shared:

"We had to start harvesting a little later this year because we had a warm fall and delayed our plans to avoid the high temperatures."

On the other hand, Guillermo Kemp, commercial director at Solfrut in San Juan, emphasized the growing trend of starting earlier:

"We continue working on short campaigns, and starting earlier and earlier, to avoid climatic factors [such as late autumn frosts] and, of course, to produce the best quality oils that can be obtained."

Despite these adjustments, unpredictable weather remains a constant challenge for producers.

Climate Factors Affecting Harvests

Argentina's olive harvest is deeply influenced by local climate conditions, which can significantly impact both the timing and quality of the yield. The country's varied geography creates microclimates, but adverse weather events - like cold snaps, hail, hot winds, and extreme temperatures - pose serious challenges.

Frost is one of the biggest threats. A cold snap in May 2024 caused damage to olive trees in the northwestern provinces, with lingering effects on the 2025 harvest. Julián Clusellas, president of Valle de la Puerta in La Rioja, explained how frost affected the trees:

"Frosts damaged buds, particularly in the lower parts of the trees."

Temperature extremes during critical growth periods can also disrupt flower set and oil accumulation, leading to lower yields. For instance, the average oil yield in 2025 was around 12%, falling short of expectations. Additionally, insufficient winter chill hours can impact the natural dormancy cycle of olive trees, further reducing productivity. Meanwhile, late summer rains in Córdoba delayed the ripening of certain olive varieties, even as the region experienced a 50% increase in harvest volume compared to 2024.

Daily temperature fluctuations also play a role in oil quality. Research has shown that while extreme temperature swings can reduce oil accumulation, they often enhance the overall quality of the oil. This explains why Argentina's climate, with its sharp daily temperature variations, can produce oils with distinct characteristics when harvest timing is carefully managed.

Despite these hurdles, Argentina produced approximately 35,000 tons of olive oil in 2024. For 2025, the harvest is projected to yield around 27,500 metric tons. Producers are increasingly turning to mechanization to improve efficiency and adapt to these challenges.

Olive Harvest Seasons in Chile

Chile's olive harvest stretches across a diverse landscape, from the Azapa Valley in the north to the Maule Valley in the south. This geographic variety leads to different harvest patterns and timings, requiring producers to carefully manage their operations to achieve both quality and productivity.

Main Harvest Periods

The olive harvest in Chile typically begins in mid-April and, in some areas, continues into early winter, sometimes as late as July. The peak ripening period for olives generally occurs in the autumn months.

In 2018, Chile produced 22,000 tons of olive oil, with over 90% classified as extra virgin. However, the 2024 harvest faced significant setbacks. Production dropped to 15,000 metric tons, marking a 29% decline from 2023 levels. This was not only the lowest output since 2013 but also 33% below the five-year average.

Several key players highlight the scale and diversity of the Chilean olive oil industry. Olivos del Sur, operating under the Olive & Co brand in Marchigüe, manages one of the largest orchards in the country. Their production for 2024 is estimated at 3,000 tons, with plans for a 13% increase. Meanwhile, Alonso Olive Oil, based in Litueche, oversees about 1,112 acres of olive trees, cultivating varieties such as Arbequina, Arbosana, Koroneiki, Leccino, Frantoio, Picual, and Coratina. Their Alonso Coratina variety even won the Best in Class award at the NYIOOC.

These timelines and production figures reflect the influence of regional climates on harvest outcomes throughout Chile.

Regional Differences in Harvest Timing

The timing of olive harvests in Chile varies significantly between northern and central regions, largely due to differences in climate and elevation. In the northern areas, high winter and spring temperatures have negatively impacted olive trees during their crucial blossoming period. For example, the Coquimbo region, located about 186 miles north of Santiago, experienced near-zero olive production in 2024, primarily due to the effects of El Niño.

In central Chile, particularly in the Maule Valley, the challenges are different. Las Doscientos, based in this region, reported a 20% drop in production, which they attributed to alternating bearing cycles and persistent rains. Their harvest began in May and lasted 70 days. Similarly, Olivos Ruta del Sol, located roughly 62 miles north of the Maule Valley, saw a 7% decline in yield due to olives failing to reach their usual oil concentration levels.

These regional differences highlight the complex relationship between environmental conditions and harvest results.

How Climate Affects Harvests

Climate plays a crucial role in determining both the quantity and quality of Chile's olive harvests. The country's Mediterranean climate has traditionally supported successful harvests, but recent changes are disrupting these patterns. Elevated winter temperatures and heavy rains during the harvest season contributed to the steep production decline in 2024. El Niño events, in particular, have caused higher winter and spring temperatures, which can damage olive trees during their blossoming phase.

Water scarcity and prolonged drought remain persistent concerns for Chilean olive growers. As José Pablo Illanes, general manager of Las Doscientos, explained:

"Learning to live with climate change is everything. We know that, above all, the issue of water is what is most worrying when looking to the future."

Additionally, intense rainfall during the harvest months has created operational difficulties. Gabriela Moglia, general manager of ChileOliva, remarked:

"The main challenges were the intense rains in the harvest months."

Frost is another significant threat, forcing producers to make tough decisions. They must weigh the risk of frost damage against the need to allow olives more time to accumulate oil. This balancing act directly impacts both the quantity of the harvest and the quality of the oil produced.

Despite these challenges, Chilean olive oil producers are finding opportunities. Poor harvests in Mediterranean countries have driven up global olive oil prices, creating increased demand for Chilean exports. Markets like Brazil and the United States are particularly important, accounting for 58.4% and 23.1% of Chile's export value, respectively.

Factors That Influence Olive Harvest Seasons

Several factors, including climate and the natural growth cycles of olive trees, play a major role in determining the timing and quality of olive oil production in Argentina and Chile. These elements directly influence oil yield, flavor, and overall quality.

Climate Conditions

The local climate heavily shapes harvest strategies, with variables like temperature changes and rainfall timing significantly affecting oil yields. In Argentina, for instance, extreme weather during critical growth stages has led to reduced average oil yields, sometimes dropping to around 12% in certain regions.

Frost risks add another layer of complexity. Producers must decide whether to harvest early to avoid frost damage or wait longer for olives to accumulate more oil. Similarly, warm fall temperatures can force delays in harvest schedules, as high temperatures can harm oil quality.

Water availability also presents a long-term challenge. José Pablo Illanes, general manager of Las Doscientos, highlighted the urgency of managing water resources:

"Learning to live with climate change is everything. We know that, above all, the issue of water is what is most worrying when looking to the future."

This ongoing concern requires producers to rethink their strategies to adapt to increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Alternate Bearing Cycles

Olive trees naturally follow an alternate bearing cycle, alternating between high-production "on-years" and lower-production "off-years." This biological rhythm significantly affects harvest planning and oil production levels. In on-years, trees produce more fruit, while off-years see reduced yields due to stress from the previous season's heavy production.

These cycles also influence how trees respond to irrigation and other management practices. During high-production years, trees are more vulnerable to water stress, requiring producers to adjust irrigation methods to maintain oil quality. This adds a layer of complexity to planning, as producers must align their efforts with the trees' natural rhythms.

Guillermo Kemp, commercial director of Solfrut in San Juan, acknowledged the challenges of dealing with these cycles:

"Production was lower compared to 2023... We are working hard on our farms to have significant production levels by 2025."

When alternate bearing coincides with extreme weather, the impact on yield and quality can be particularly severe. Producers must carefully balance these factors to optimize their harvests.

Harvest Timing and Oil Quality

The timing of the olive harvest has a direct impact on the flavor and nutritional profile of the oil. Early harvesting tends to produce greener, more robust oils with higher levels of polyphenols and antioxidants, while later harvesting results in milder oils with shorter shelf lives.

To preserve polyphenol content, timing is critical. These beneficial compounds diminish as olives ripen, so milling must occur within 12–24 hours of harvest to prevent oxidation. This is especially challenging in the warm climates of Argentina and Chile, where higher temperatures can speed up deterioration.

Another key consideration is the coordination between harvesting and milling. José Manuel Reyes, commercial manager at Agrícola Pobeña in Chile, stressed the importance of this balance:

"Therefore, we believe that the great challenge will be in the harvest and process to be able to obtain good yields while always maintaining our focus on quality"

The choice between manual and mechanical harvesting also affects oil quality. Manual harvesting causes less bruising, which helps maintain lower free acidity and avoids off-flavors. However, labor costs and availability often influence this decision, especially during tight harvest windows.

Increasingly, producers are recognizing that flexibility in harvest timing can provide an edge. By focusing on shorter, earlier harvest seasons, they can reduce weather-related risks while ensuring their oil retains its desirable characteristics.

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Argentina vs. Chile: Olive Harvest Season Comparison

Argentina and Chile stand out as key olive oil producers in South America, but their harvest seasons and production dynamics differ significantly due to variations in geography, climate, and farming methods. Let’s take a closer look at how these differences shape their olive harvests.

Argentina kicks off its harvest season earlier, starting in late January or early February, and it stretches all the way through June. This extended period reflects the country's diverse growing regions and the variety of olives cultivated. Depending on the specific region and type of olive, harvesting typically takes place between February and May.

Chile, on the other hand, operates on a more condensed schedule. Harvesting usually begins in mid-April and wraps up by June. Most producers align their operations to this tighter timeframe, focusing their efforts during these months.

Climate and Production Challenges

Each country faces its own climate-related hurdles. In Argentina, scorching summer temperatures pose a significant challenge. Julián Clusellas, president of Valle de la Puerta, sheds light on the issue:

"The climate in Catamarca is becoming too hot in the summer, and olives are accumulating very little oil".

Meanwhile, Chile contends with high temperatures during winter and spring, coupled with rainfall during the harvest period, which can complicate production.

The scale of production also differs markedly. Argentina boasts around 110,000 hectares of olive orchards, dwarfing Chile’s 24,000 hectares. This disparity underscores Argentina’s larger role in regional olive oil production.

Comparison Table

Both countries share a preference for Spanish and Italian olive varieties. However, Argentina has developed its own "Arauco" cultivar, while Chile is known for its "Azapa" table olive.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Weather challenges continue to mount for both nations. For instance, in 2024, the Coquimbo region in Chile saw almost no olive output due to extreme conditions. Similarly, some growers in northern Argentina are considering switching to different olive varieties to adapt to the intense summer heat.

Water management also looms as a critical issue for the future. José Pablo Illanes from Las Doscientos highlights the growing concern:

"Learning to live with climate change is everything. We know that, above all, the issue of water is what is most worrying when looking to the future".

These comparisons highlight the complex interplay of climate, geography, and agricultural practices shaping olive production in Argentina and Chile, setting the stage for further exploration into how these factors influence their olive oil industries.

Conclusion: Olive Harvest Seasons in Argentina and Chile

South American Olive Harvests

Argentina and Chile have carved out a strong presence in the olive oil world, each offering unique contributions to the market. Argentina’s extended harvest season, spanning February through June, and Chile’s shorter, more focused April to July window have resulted in production figures of 43,600 tons and 15,000 metric tons, respectively.

These differing harvest timelines stem from the distinct climates and geography of each country. Argentina benefits from a longer harvest period, which allows for more flexibility in managing production, while Chile’s shorter season demands precision to ensure top-notch quality. Both nations have adapted their practices to suit these environmental factors.

However, challenges persist. Argentina faces the impact of excessive heat, while heavy rains in Chile pose their own difficulties. These conditions not only influence the yield but also shape export strategies. Argentina exports olive oil to over 27 countries, with 63% of its shipments heading to the Americas. Chile, on the other hand, focuses primarily on Brazil and the United States, which account for 58.4% and 23.1% of its export value, respectively.

Choosing Premium Olive Oil

The timing of the olive harvest plays a key role in determining the flavor and quality of the oil consumers enjoy. Early-harvest oils are known for their bold flavors and higher antioxidant levels, while oils from later harvests tend to be smoother and more approachable. Understanding these differences can help consumers make informed choices when selecting olive oil.

Big Horn Olive Oil places great importance on sourcing practices and harvest timing to provide Ultra Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oils. By considering how factors like climate, geography, and harvest methods influence the final product, consumers can better appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bottle. This dedication to quality mirrors the efforts of top producers in Argentina and Chile.

When shopping for olive oil, pay attention to the label - specifically the harvest date and origin. Oils from regions like Argentina and Chile carry distinct flavor profiles shaped by their unique environments. As Fernando Carrasco Spano, chief executive of Olivos Ruta del Sol, explained:

"The main challenge this season was to balance the harvest time vs yield... Ultimately, we achieved a good result and a valuable 2024 campaign."

FAQs

How does the climate in Argentina and Chile impact the timing and quality of their olive harvests?

The weather in Argentina and Chile significantly influences both the timing and quality of their olive harvests. In Chile, the challenge lies in unpredictable conditions like extreme heatwaves or heavy rainfall, which can throw off harvest schedules and shrink yields. For example, unusually high temperatures or extended rainy periods have contributed to notably low olive harvests in recent years.

Argentina, on the other hand, benefits from a typically warm and dry climate that’s well-suited for growing olives. However, even here, severe droughts or sudden weather shifts can hurt harvests or compromise the quality of the olives.

In both countries, fluctuating weather patterns - marked by high temperatures, inconsistent rainfall, and drought - make it harder to predict harvest periods and can affect the quality of the olive oil. This underscores the need for local olive growers to stay vigilant and adapt their practices to maintain production standards.

When are the olive harvest seasons in Argentina and Chile, and how do they affect the global olive oil market?

The olive harvest seasons in Argentina and Chile don’t align exactly, with Argentina typically harvesting from February to May, while Chile’s season runs from April to June, depending on the weather. These differences play a crucial role in ensuring a consistent global supply of olive oil.

Since both countries are in the Southern Hemisphere, their harvests occur when the Northern Hemisphere is in its off-season. This staggered timing keeps the market stocked with fresh olive oil year-round, meeting global demand and stabilizing the market. As a result, Argentina and Chile hold a significant position in the international olive oil industry.

How do Argentina and Chile overcome challenges like extreme weather and water scarcity to ensure olive oil production?

How Argentina and Chile Are Addressing Olive Farming Challenges

Argentina and Chile are finding ways to overcome tough environmental conditions, like extreme weather and water shortages, by turning to smart and resourceful farming methods.

In Argentina, olive trees are thriving even in the dry and cold areas of Patagonia. Why? These trees naturally handle drought and low temperatures well. Farmers are also stepping up by using advanced irrigation systems to make the most out of limited water supplies in these harsh climates.

Chile, meanwhile, is grappling with rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall, which have taken a toll on harvests. To deal with these challenges, farmers are turning to climate-resilient techniques and experimenting with technologies aimed at reducing the impact of extreme weather.

Both countries are determined to keep olive oil production alive and thriving by prioritizing sustainable and adaptable farming practices in the face of shifting environmental realities.

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