4. Searching for authenticity

The huge difference in price between oils, and in particular between virgin and refined oils, can lead to the temptation of adulteration and falsification, which consists of introducing all or part of a lower-cost oil into a higher-priced oil. In 2021, prices per liter at the retail level (GMS) were as follows:

• for refined oils such as sunflower and peanut from €2.19 to €4.82/L;

• for lower-cost refined oils such as rapeseed or soybean, from €1.62 to €2.85/L;

• for virgin oils (olive, almond, walnut, etc.) from €6 to over €30/L.

The cost price of producing French virgin olive oil for the 2020/2021 campaign was €8 to €15/L, depending on the type of farm. It is therefore impossible to find French oils at retail level at prices below 12-15 €/L....