Head of Tunisian olive oil giant held on suspicion of corruption

Abdelaziz Makhloufi, the president of Tunisia's leading olive oil exporter CHO Group, has been detained on corruption charges, according to Tunisian media reports cited by AFP. Makhloufi, who also heads the prominent football team CS Sfaxien, was reportedly questioned on November 2 as part of an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of Henchir Chaal, a state-owned estate with 360,000 olive plants. The detention has now been extended until Tuesday, with 15 other individuals, including a former agriculture minister, facing prosecution in the same case.

CHO Group, widely recognized abroad for its Terra Delyssa brand, plays a significant role in Tunisia's olive oil industry. Olive oil, together with dates, is one of Tunisia's main agricultural exports. Official projections anticipate production of 340,000 tonnes for the 2024-25 season, roughly equal to Turkey. Spain is the leading producer of olive oil at 1.3 million tonnes. This year Tunisian authorities anticipate a 50 percent jump in olive oil exports to 300,000 tonnes.