2024 Olive Oil Harvest: Why Last Year Brings Exceptional Quality to Your Table in 2025

The Recovery After Difficult Years

Between 2022 and 2023, olive oil producers across Europe faced extreme challenges. Drought and disease significantly reduced harvest yields by up to 30% in some countries. The quality of oil suffered, and costs surged. In southern Italy, the spread of the Xylella Fastidiosa bacteria devastated countless olive groves, particularly in the Puglia region. Many of these trees were irreplaceable, deeply rooted in local culture and heritage.

But there’s good news. The 2024 harvest marked a remarkable recovery across much of Europe. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and other olive-producing countries experienced one of the best growing seasons in recent years. Replanting efforts using Xylella-resistant cultivars have shown promise, and the EU’s increased efforts to curb the disease’s spread are starting to yield results. It’s a long road to full recovery, but the 2024 harvest has reminded the world what top-quality olive oil truly tastes like.

What This Means for Your Table in 2025

Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Almazara Andres Aguilar in Jaén, Andalusia, the heart of Spain’s olive country, The Blue Olive had early access to some of the finest oils from the 2024 harvest. Known for combining centuries-old techniques with modern precision, this award-winning mill continues to produce exceptional extra virgin olive oils.

We’re proud to feature a curated selection of premium oils from the 2024 harvest, available now in 2025:
Italian Coratina (Robust)

• Spanish Cornicabra (Robust)
• Spanish Hojiblanca (Robust)
• Spanish Picual (Medium)
• Spanish Arbequina (Mild)
• Italian Frantoio (Mild)

These oils scored among the highest in global tastings and are available for tasting and purchase at all three Blue Olive locations.

Why Quality Olive Oil Matters More Than Ever

Choosing high-quality extra virgin olive oil isn’t just about taste.  It’s about health, integrity, and traceability. Fresh, well-sourced oils contain powerful antioxidants like polyphenols that can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and elevate the flavor of even the simplest meals.

Inferior oils may be over processed, mislabeled, or oxidized before they even reach your kitchen. When you buy from The Blue Olive, you're not just buying olive oil, you're buying into transparency, craftsmanship, and global partnerships that bring the best of each harvest directly to your plate.

Seasonal Pairings for Each Oil

Wondering how to enjoy these exquisite oils throughout the year? Here are a few seasonal pairing suggestions to bring out the best of each oil’s flavor profile:

Italian Coratina (Robust) 

Bold and peppery, packed with polyphenols

Best for:

• Winter stews with beef or lamb
• Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes)
• Crusty bread with aged cheeses

Spanish Cornicabra & Hojiblanca (Robust)

 Slightly bitter with herbal notes

 Perfect for:

• Fall salads with nuts and cranberries
• Pumpkin or butternut squash soup
• Sausage and white bean pasta

Spanish Picual (Medium)

Grassy, well-rounded, and green-fruited

Pair with:

• Spring asparagus or artichokes
• Pan-seared white fish
• Poached eggs with sautéed greens

Spanish Arbequina (Mild)

Delicate, buttery, slightly nutty

Ideal for:

• Summer bruschetta with heirloom tomatoes
•  Shrimp or scallop dishes
• Light vinaigrettes and fruit-based salads

Italian Frantoio (Mild)

Elegant, floral, slightly bitter finish

 Use for:

• Bread dipping with fresh herbs
• Grilled chicken or turkey
• Soft cheeses like burrata or mozzarella

Taste Before You Buy Only at The Blue Olive

 You don't need to be a chef to appreciate the difference that great olive oil makes. Whether you're finishing a dish, making a marinade, or simply dipping fresh bread, the oils from the 2024 harvest will transform the way you cook in 2025.

Come visit us in-store at our new Eastdale Location to taste each variety for yourself. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the flavors and help you find the perfect oil for your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy high-quality extra virgin olive oil near me?

Visit any of The Blue Olive's three locations in the Hudson Valley to explore and taste our full selection.

 What's the best olive oil for cooking in 2025?

Our robust oils like Coratina and Cornicabra are excellent for high-heat or flavor-forward dishes, while Arbequina and Frantoio are perfect for delicate dressings or finishing touches.

Why was olive oil so expensive last year?

Due to drought and disease in 2022–2023, yields dropped significantly. Fortunately, the 2024 harvest reversed that trend with better quality and improved supply.

Can you taste olive oil before buying?

Yes! At The Blue Olive, you're encouraged to taste before you choose so you can find the right oil for your palate and cooking needs. Why Buy from The Blue Olive? At The Blue Olive, we don't just sell olive oil, we specialize in it. Our team curates only the freshest, most transparent, and highest-quality extra virgin oils from award-winning mills across the globe. With a commitment to clean, healthy ingredients and a passion for culinary excellence, we make it easy for home cooks and food lovers to bring something extraordinary to their everyday meals.