Supermarkets in Spain are resorting to increased security measures as the theft of olive oil surges amid soaring prices. The country, known as the world’s largest olive oil producer, has seen a 150% price increase in the past two years due to a drought impacting the olive harvest. One-liter bottles of extra-virgin olive oil are now selling for up to €14.5 in certain supermarkets, prompting retailers to employ security measures typically reserved for high-value products like spirits, cosmetics, and appliances.
Ruben Navarro, CEO of the Tu Super supermarket chain, reported a significant rise in shoplifting incidents, highlighting olive oil as an attractive target for thieves. Organized criminal groups have been stealing the oil for resale. In an effort to combat this, Tu Super has taken extreme measures by chaining and padlocking large 5-liter bottles of olive oil to store shelves. This unconventional tactic has proven effective thus far, Navarro stated.
Other supermarkets are following suit, implementing security tags on one-liter bottles that require staff intervention to remove. STC, a Spanish anti-theft solutions provider, has reported a substantial increase in orders from supermarkets for devices designed to safeguard olive oil bottles. Meanwhile, Spanish police have arrested individuals associated with the theft of 56 tons of extra virgin olive oil in October, as thefts continue to occur at mills as well.
The surge in olive oil theft adds to the broader issue of shoplifting in Spain. The country’s leading business organization, CEOE, reported a 30% increase in repeated thefts targeting retailers in 2022, with a further 12% increase so far in 2023. Spain’s lenient punishment for thefts valued under €400 has contributed to this rising trend.
Apart from the economic implications for supermarkets, the thefts are also impacting the workforce. With fewer staff members available, shoplifters often resort to abusive behavior towards employees, exacerbating the ongoing labor shortage. Many workers live in fear following these incidents, with some even deciding to resign from their positions.
The spike in olive oil theft is not only a consequence of high prices but also reflects the cultural significance of the staple cooking ingredient in Spanish households. Families traditionally purchase olive oil in bulk, but sales volumes of extra-virgin olive oil have already dropped by 17% in the 12 months leading up to September, indicating a significant reduction in consumption.
As supermarkets in Spain continue to grapple with rising thefts, it remains to be seen how effective these security measures will be in deterring further incidents. The combination of high olive oil prices, organized criminal groups, and lenient theft punishments has created a challenging environment for retailers.
