PROPERTY SEARCH
Olive oil theft on the rise in AndalucÃa supermarkets this summer
Despite recent price drops, ‘liquid gold’ remains a prime target for shoplifters across the region
As summer sets in and Andalucía fills with tourists, shopkeepers are facing a seasonal problem that’s growing harder to ignore; a sharp rise in retail theft, with olive oil now among the most commonly stolen items.According to new figures from Checkpoint Systems Spain, 26% of all shoplifting in the country takes place in the summer months. In Andalucía, where olive oil is both a local staple and a globally recognised delicacy, it’s become a particular target.
Nationwide, olive oil now ranks as the third most stolen product during the summer, just behind sunscreen and alcohol. In Andalucía, the figures tell the same story; a trend that’s being driven by a combination of high demand and lingering high prices, despite recent signs of relief. After months of record costs, the price of extra virgin olive oil has fallen by around 46% in recent weeks, but it still remains an expensive and desirable item.
Retailers across the region say this combination of value and accessibility makes olive oil an easy win for opportunistic thieves. It’s small, easy to conceal, and popular among tourists, many of whom treat it as a gourmet souvenir to take home.
“The rise in thefts reflects a mix of opportunity and value,” said a spokesperson from Checkpoint’s Market Analytics Department. “It’s a product that’s still seen as a luxury and one that moves fast.”
Andalucía’s busy summer atmosphere only adds to the challenge. A spike in tourist footfall, reliance on temporary staff and high product turnover all make it harder for shop owners to monitor the shelves. From large supermarkets to small independent food shops, many are feeling the pressure.
While olive oil’s role in shoplifting cases might sound surprising, this isn’t the first time it’s topped the charts. Last year, it overtook wines, spirits and Iberian cured meats to become the most stolen product in Spanish stores. Just a year earlier, it was barely on the radar.
As the summer rush continues, retailers in Andalucía will be keeping a close eye on one of their most prized local products - not just in the fields, but on the shop floor too.
Image: Pixabay/Pexels
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