Focus On Oils: 23 May

By Kevin White (kevin.white@thegrocer.co.uk) 

Advertising deadline: 8 May 2026       

Submissions deadline: 1 May 2026       

Print, digital and sponsorship opportunities

Volume sales of edible oils finally began to recover last year after poor olive harvests triggered record-breaking inflation in 2024. But as growers hope for milder weather, conflict in the Middle East threatens to push up the price of oils again.   

State of play: How are edible oils faring?

• What headwinds are edible oils facing? 
• How precarious is the market?
• What is the forecast for upcoming harvests?

Olive oil: Olive oil is finally in recovery

• How far have prices come down from their peak?
• How concerned are growers about extreme weather in upcoming harvests?
• What work are suppliers doing to future-proof the category?

Palm oil: Imports of palm oil could be impacted by Middle Eastern conflict

• How reliant are we on palm oil today? 
• Which products will likely be impacted by supply chain disruption?
• Are any companies already feeling the pressure?

Health: Which varietals are health-conscious shoppers choosing?

• To what extent are shoppers buying olive oil to follow a Mediterranean diet? 
• How are concerns about fat/calorie intake impacting the category?
• Has online discussion about seed oils impacted sales?

Alternative formats: Some brands are embracing squeezy bottles

• How is social media fuelling demand for squeezy bottles?
• Which brands are leading the way? 
• Which other formats are emerging (e.g. spray bottles and bulk cans)?

Innovations: We will profile two new products or ranges. We need launch date, rsp, and a hi-res picture of each.