Top Oil Palm Fruit Producing Countries

Oil palm fruit, harvested from the oil palm tree (*Elaeis guineensis*), is primarily farmed in Indonesia and Malaysia, which together account for over 80% of global production. The oil palm is native to West and Central Africa, where it has been cultivated for centuries for its oil-rich fruit. In the 19th century, European colonial powers introduced the crop to Southeast Asia, recognizing its commercial potential. Malaysia began large-scale plantations in the early 20th century, followed by Indonesia, which has since become the world’s largest producer. Other significant producers include Thailand, Nigeria, and Colombia. Today, oil palm fruit is a key source of vegetable oil, widely used in food, cosmetics, and biofuel, but its rapid expansion has raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding deforestation and biodiversity loss.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat