Europe Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook, 2030

The Europe cold pressed oil market has been witnessing steady growth, driven by rising consumer preference for natural, chemical-free, and minimally processed food products. Countries like Italy, Spain, and Greece dominate regional demand due to their long-standing cultural use of olive oil, which remains the cornerstone of the cold pressed oil segment. Meanwhile, countries such as Germany, France, and the UK are experiencing increasing demand for a wider variety of oils, including sunflower, rapeseed, and flaxseed, as consumers become more health-conscious and seek plant-based dietary alternatives.

Germany, in particular, is emerging as a major hub for cold pressed oil consumption, benefiting from strong organic food trends and supportive government policies for sustainable agriculture. Raw material availability across Europe varies by country. The Mediterranean region enjoys abundant olive cultivation, supporting high production of cold pressed olive oil. However, climate disruptions in recent years, especially severe droughts and heatwaves in Spain, severely impacted olive yields, causing a temporary price surge and prompting consumers to explore alternatives. Central and Northern Europe, including Germany and France, support local cultivation of rapeseed and sunflower, while also depending on imports for oils like coconut and palm, which are cold pressed from imported seeds. The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the market. Initially, production and distribution were disrupted due to lockdowns and transportation restrictions. However, over time, the pandemic led to a shift in consumer behavior, with growing awareness of immunity-boosting and natural foods. Cold pressed oils, especially olive oil, are subject to strict purity and origin verification due to frequent past incidents of adulteration. The European Union enforces traceability and quality standards to protect consumers and ensure product authenticity.

According to the research report, "Europe Cold Pressed Oil Market Outlook, 2030,", the Europe Cold Pressed Oil market is anticipated to add to more than USD 2.64 Billion by 2025-30. Under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) and the Green Deal, companies are being mandated to transition toward reusable and recyclable materials, which are compelling manufacturers and retailers across Europe to adopt reusable packaging systems. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands are leading this transformation through nationwide reuse schemes, returnable packaging infrastructure, and incentivizing businesses that adopt closed-loop packaging systems.

Germany, for example, has an advanced bottle deposit system (Pfand) that has achieved over 98% return rates, setting a global benchmark. France has implemented the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC), which includes reuse quotas for packaging and bans on unnecessary plastic. These regulations are pushing businesses in sectors like food and beverages, cosmetics, e-commerce, and industrial goods to redesign their packaging models with a focus on reusability and material longevity. Major retailers across Europe, including Carrefour, Tesco, and REWE, have begun pilot programs for reusable packaging in collaboration with circular platforms like Loop and Recircle. The foodservice and hospitality sectors are also transitioning toward reusable dishware and takeaway packaging, supported by local government mandates and public-private partnerships. Technological advancements, such as smart tracking of reusable containers and cleaning automation, are enhancing the scalability and traceability of reuse systems, making them more attractive to large-scale users. In October 2022, Bunge joined forces with Olleco through a 50/50 joint venture to build a European full life-cycle oil collection business which excluded operations in U.K. and Ireland. The joint venture between both companies maintains the supply of various oils while establishing efficient systems for cooking oil collection to produce renewable fuel products for environmental benefits and secure energy resources.

Market Drivers

• Strong Consumer Preference for Natural and Sustainable Products: European consumers are widely known for their preference for natural, organic, and sustainably sourced food products, which strongly supports the demand for cold pressed oils. These oils are extracted without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving their nutritional value and aligning with the EU’s clean-label movement. With increasing environmental and health consciousness, consumers in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands are actively seeking plant-based, minimally processed alternatives for cooking and nutrition. This shift is pushing both established brands and startups to expand their offerings in the cold pressed oil segment, especially within organic and eco-certified product lines.
• Government Regulations Promoting Healthy Eating: In Europe, various government-led initiatives and regulatory frameworks support healthier food consumption patterns. The EU’s focus on reducing trans fats, additives, and refined oil consumption has encouraged the adoption of healthier oils such as those obtained through cold pressing. Policies under the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy are also promoting sustainable agriculture and organic production, further boosting the market. These regulations not only ensure quality standards but also enhance consumer trust and drive greater demand for nutrient-rich cold pressed oils.

Market Challenges

• High Production and Retail Costs in a Competitive Market: One of the primary challenges in the European cold pressed oil market is the relatively high production cost, which translates to premium retail pricing. The cold pressing technique yields less oil compared to refining methods and requires quality raw materials, adding to production expenses. In a price-sensitive environment, especially during economic downturns or inflationary periods, this cost differential can discourage wider adoption. Although demand exists in high-income and health-focused segments, the broader market often leans toward more affordable alternatives like refined sunflower or rapeseed oil.
• Complex Regulatory Compliance Across EU Countries: While EU-wide regulations offer a base framework, individual countries have their own standards and certifications, making cross-border operations more complex for cold pressed oil manufacturers. Compliance with organic labeling laws, food safety regulations, and packaging norms can vary and require detailed documentation and audits. This creates challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to scale or export within the EU. Navigating these regulations requires investment in legal expertise and quality assurance, potentially limiting entry for new players and slowing market growth.

Market Trends

• Increased Demand for Specialty and Region-Specific Oils: A notable trend in Europe is the rising interest in specialty cold pressed oils such as walnut, hemp seed, black cumin seed, and pumpkin seed oils. These oils are often tied to local agricultural practices and traditional diets, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Consumers are increasingly attracted to oils with specific health benefits or unique flavor profiles, prompting producers to diversify their portfolios. This trend also supports local economies and artisanal producers, as consumers seek authenticity and traceability in their food choices.
• Growth in Vegan and Plant-Based Diet Adoption: The growing popularity of vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian lifestyles across Europe is significantly influencing the cold pressed oil market. Plant-based eaters often seek alternatives rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants-making cold pressed oils a staple in their diets. Oils like flaxseed, chia seed, and avocado are being used for salad dressings, baking, and even as dietary supplements. This shift is particularly pronounced in urban areas and among millennials and Gen Z consumers, reinforcing the trend toward nutrient-dense, plant-derived oils.

Palm oil is moderately growing in Europe’s cold pressed oil industry due to rising demand for sustainable and ethically sourced oils amidst strict environmental regulations and shifting consumer preferences.

While palm oil has long faced criticism for its environmental impact particularly deforestation and biodiversity loss in tropical regions European markets are now seeing a gradual resurgence in its use, primarily driven by the increasing availability of sustainably certified, cold pressed palm oil. Organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) have compelled producers and importers to prioritize traceability and eco-friendly practices. This shift has helped rebuild consumer trust, especially among environmentally conscious buyers who are willing to accept palm oil in their diets or cosmetic products as long as it meets ethical sourcing standards.

Additionally, cold pressed palm oil, being mechanically extracted without the use of heat or chemicals, retains more nutrients such as vitamins A and E and antioxidants, making it a healthier option compared to its refined counterparts. These nutritional benefits have supported its uptake in niche food applications, organic product lines, and plant-based cosmetics. However, the growth remains moderate rather than rapid due to continued negative perceptions surrounding palm oil, limited awareness of the cold pressing method’s environmental advantages, and the strong preference in Europe for alternative oils such as olive, sunflower, and rapeseed, which are locally produced and considered more sustainable. Regulatory constraints also pose logistical challenges for cold pressed palm oil producers seeking to enter or expand in the European market. Some European manufacturers are also adopting a blended oil strategy, incorporating small percentages of cold pressed palm oil in products alongside other oils to balance functionality and sustainability.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the cold pressed oil distribution in Europe due to their extensive reach, wide product variety, and ability to offer trusted brands in a single, convenient shopping experience.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets represent the largest distribution channel in Europe’s cold pressed oil industry because they provide a highly accessible and consumer-trusted retail environment that aligns with European shopping habits. These large-format retail outlets are strategically located across urban and suburban areas, attracting a diverse customer base that prefers the convenience of purchasing multiple household items including specialty products like cold pressed oils in a single trip. Their extensive shelf space allows them to carry a broad range of cold pressed oil varieties such as olive, flaxseed, coconut, and avocado oil, catering to different culinary preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle choices.

Additionally, they stock products from both international and local brands, offering consumers the confidence of brand recognition alongside competitive pricing. Supermarkets and hypermarkets also play a critical role in promoting product visibility and awareness through in-store promotions, tastings, and informative labeling, which are particularly important for educating consumers about the health benefits of cold pressed oils such as their high antioxidant content, absence of chemical processing, and suitability for raw consumption or low-heat cooking. As European consumers become more health-conscious and selective about ingredients, these stores have responded by expanding their organic and wellness-oriented offerings, making cold pressed oils a regular feature in their gourmet and health food aisles. Retail chains like Carrefour, Tesco, E.Leclerc, and REWE have optimized their inventory to reflect changing consumption trends and have invested in eco-friendly and transparent sourcing, which resonates with Europe’s environmentally aware market.
The agriculture application segment is moderately growing in Europe’s cold pressed oil industry due to rising interest in natural and organic farming inputs, though it remains limited by cost and niche adoption.

Farmers and agricultural producers are increasingly exploring the use of cold pressed oils such as neem, linseed, mustard, and castor oils as natural bio-pesticides, soil conditioners, and plant growth enhancers. These oils are rich in nutrients and possess antifungal and insecticidal properties, making them attractive alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals, particularly in organic farming systems which are gaining traction across countries like Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Moreover, EU-wide initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy are promoting the reduction of chemical inputs in agriculture, thereby encouraging the use of plant-based, biodegradable solutions.

Cold pressed oils align well with these policy goals, offering environmentally safe options that contribute to soil health and biodiversity. However, despite these advantages, their adoption remains moderate rather than rapid due to factors such as higher costs compared to conventional agricultural chemicals, limited awareness among conventional farmers, and variability in product efficacy depending on oil type and crop use. Furthermore, these oils often have shorter shelf lives and may require specialized storage or application techniques, adding complexity for widespread farm-level implementation. The market is also still developing in terms of distribution and scalability, with most cold pressed oil suppliers in this segment catering to niche organic farms or small-scale sustainable agricultural projects rather than mainstream agriculture.

Germany is leading the European cold pressed oil industry due to its strong organic food culture, high health awareness, and a mature market for sustainable, natural products.

Germany stands at the forefront of the cold pressed oil industry in Europe, primarily driven by its deeply rooted organic food culture and the population’s strong inclination toward health and sustainability. As one of the largest organic food markets in Europe, Germany has consistently shown a high consumer demand for natural, chemical-free, and minimally processed products, with cold pressed oils perfectly fitting this profile. German consumers are highly health-conscious and well-informed about the nutritional value of what they consume, which fuels the preference for oils that retain their natural vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Cold pressed oils, being free from chemical solvents and high-temperature treatments, align well with these health priorities and are often seen as superior alternatives to refined oils. Oils such as cold pressed rapeseed, sunflower, linseed, and walnut are widely popular in both home kitchens and the growing health food sector. Furthermore, the rise in plant-based, vegan, and clean eating movements in Germany has bolstered the use of cold pressed oils not just in cooking but also in health supplements and cosmetic applications. Germany also has a well-established infrastructure supporting organic farming and local oilseed production, which contributes to consistent raw material availability. The presence of local cold pressing mills and artisan producers ensures high-quality production standards and traceability, which are key factors influencing consumer trust.