MADRID: Spanish police have seized 74 tonnes of stolen olives in the southern province of Seville, the latest theft triggered by soaring prices caused by a dwindling harvest.
Spain is the world's largest producer of olives and olive oil. Heatwaves when the olive trees were flowering and a severe drought have caused a plunge in production, driving up prices. A similar harvest is expected in 2024, according to estimates.About 6,000 litres of extra virgin olive oil were stolen in late September from olive oil producer Terraverne, which operates in Teba, a small village in Malaga province, and specialises in premium olive oil.
"With the prices of olive oil, stealing oil is now like stealing jewellery," Larrubia Nogales said in a telephone interview.The thieves deactivated the security cameras and carried out the robbery at night, causing significant damage.