+38 068 277 99 23
China has significantly increased the production of camellia oil, also known as «Eastern olive oil». This growth is part of the Food Self-Sufficiency Improvement Program for 2022–2025. In the past year alone, China produced 1.1 million tons of camellia oil, which is 53% more than in 2020.
How China boosted camellia oil production
China’s ability to reach such a high volume of camellia oil production is explained by two key factors:
- Expansion of specialized camellia forests covering an area of 787,000 hectares;
- Modernization of approximately 657,000 hectares of low-yield plantations where tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is grown;
According to data from China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the total area of economically significant agricultural plantations has reached 5 million hectares. For comparison, this is roughly equal to the territory of Costa Rica, a Central American country located on the narrow isthmus connecting North and South America.
Why China is increasing camellia oil production
Every year, China imports over 10 million tons of vegetable oils. As a result, nearly 70% of domestic consumption depends on foreign supplies. Increasing camellia oil production is viewed by the government as a strategic and highly effective way to reduce import dependence.
Demand for camellia oil remains high due to its wide range of applications.
Uses and benefits of camellia oil
In China, camellia oil is widely used in the food industry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even industrial applications. It is ideal for frying thanks to its high smoke point, light texture, and mild, neutral flavor.
Due to its high content of coenzyme Q10, camellia oil helps slow down the aging process and is therefore commonly used in anti-aging skincare and cosmetic products.
Camellia oil is also used to treat wood to protect it from rot and mold, and to coat knives and carbon steel tools to prevent rust.
Notably, camellia oil was first mentioned in an ancient treatise about geishas dating back more than 2,300 years. They used it to preserve youthful skin and strengthen hair. Thus, camellia oil holds not only economic, but also cultural significance in China, officially recognized at the state level.
In Ukraine, camellia oil remains a rare and rather exotic product. Excellent alternatives include cold-pressed raw oils made from poppy seeds, flax, mustard, cumin, sesame, amaranth, and others. These oils are rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids necessary for the body’s normal and healthy functioning.
CraftOil oils – premium products for food, cosmetics and wellness
CraftOil offers an outstanding and regularly updated selection of artisan cold-pressed oils. Our catalog always includes poppy seed oil, almond oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, milk thistle oil, walnut oil, apricot kernel oil, and many others.
All oils are pressed on our own certified equipment only after an order is placed. We bottle them in eco-friendly dark glass bottles, vacuum-seal them, and hermetically close them using specialized equipment. We ship worldwide and guarantee premium quality and freshness.
Would you like to learn more about our «live» cold-pressed oils? Simply leave a request on our website.
