Pompeian® Inc. Warns That Proposed Tariffs On EU-Origin Olive Oil Will Cause Negative Impact On American Jobs, Health And Economy

BALTIMORE, May 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Pompeian, Inc., the authority in olive oil since 1906, is urging policymakers in Washington, D.C. to recognize the rippling effect the proposed tariffs on EU-origin olive oil will have not only on American jobs and access to a healthy and affordable diet, but also the global food, health and beauty industries. Pompeian further supports all efforts of the North American Olive Oil Association, of which they are a member, and opposes any tariffs on any size or type of healthy olive oil. Furthermore, the company is encouraging industry leaders and consumers to take strong defensive actions while they still can by getting in touch with their local congressional representatives by phone or email.

On May 15, 2019, Bill Monroe, Board Advisor of Pompeian, Inc., testified at a public hearing to implore the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to strike bulk-imported olive oil (18 kilograms or more) from the proposed list of retaliatory tariffs against the European Union (EU) as part of the EU-Large Civil Aircraft dispute. Monroe emphasized the many harmful effects of these tariffs, noting, "Olive oil is a key ingredient in many items we eat and use every day. If the proposed tariffs go into place, American jobs will be lost and many industries will be forced to use less expensive, less healthy seed oil substitutes, negatively impacting our country's health."

The domestic olive oil industry can only produce at most five percent of total U.S. demand for olive oil, so importing olive oil in bulk and bottling in the U.S. has created immense opportunity for American jobs. Pompeian imports olive oil from all over the world and bottles it in facilities in Baltimore, Md. and Montebello, Calif., it is then distributed and sold in all 50 states. This industry has created jobs in factories, warehouses, transportation and agriculture. Pompeian warns that without action, a tariff on EU-origin bulk olive oil can cause substantial financial harm, including Pompeian's ability to invest in new production facilities and create high-paying manufacturing jobs for Americans.

Olive oil is also a critical component of a healthy diet. "It is the only product on the USTR's proposed list that is recommended by American doctors, nutritionists and dieticians for the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases," Monroe said. "It's the healthiest cooking oil known to man and its many benefits must be preserved for the good of all Americans."

In addition, olive oil is a staple with countless applications across categories. In the food industry, olive oil is a key ingredient in sauces, salad dressings, spreads, frozen/prepared meals, baked goods, and more.

But olive oil is used in much more than the foods we eat each day, it is also an essential ingredient used by the health and beauty industry in lotions, cleansing oils, makeup removers, shampoos and more. Higher prices could push manufacturers to reformulate their products to reduce or exclude olive oil.

The USTR has proposed tariffs on bulk virgin olive oil and bulk olive oil among a long list of products from the European Union in connection with the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute on a large civil aircraft. The USTR has stated it will not implement these retaliatory tariffs until the WTO approves the level of countermeasures, likely in August 2019.

About Pompeian, Inc.
Pompeian, Inc. is America's largest national brand of olive oil, best-selling wine vinegars and a variety of cooking sprays. Baltimore based since 1906, Pompeian is a family of olive farmers and olive oil craftsmen whose passion, expertise and dedication bring the best-tasting, highest-quality olive oils to kitchens everywhere. Pompeian is the first brand to carry the USDA Quality Monitored seal on its extra virgin olive oil and works with numerous third parties, including the North American Olive Oil Association, to ensure the quality of its products. In addition, the company conducts daily testing through its very own American Oil Chemist Society accredited Pompeian Sensory Panel in the state-the-art Pompeian Quality Control and Research & Development Center.  

Contact: Ali Lehrer, [email protected]

SOURCE Pompeian, Inc.