There is a vast business potential for olive oil and its products in China. Yet there is currently no known irrigated commercial olive grove in China. In China particularly, local consumers, especially in the five Economic Zones and Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong, are starting to switch to olive oil. Kunming, now an international expatriate hub, and the NW regions which have traditionally purchased olive oil from Turkey, are other local market
possibilities. Various niche markets in the international scene constitute
export opportunities.
There are three grades of edible olive oil: extra virgin olive oil, 100% olive oil and pomace. To reach niche markets, various flavours of olive oil will also be produced. Olive oil is also useful in external applications for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. In addition, products derived from parts of the olive plant, like herbal teas and cream compounds, are also increasing in popularity.
OCI has a community welfare program to reach out to empower poor communities and provide jobs to local and foreign workers. It aims to share its successes and improve the holistic welfare of surrounding communities and interested parties through commercial partnerships involving agriculture, business and technology.
Other business opportunities include sapling cultivation and honey farming. OCI will also be involved in complementary produce and trading businesses. The close proximity to the airport allows for eco-farm stays and other potential eco-related interests services.
