Thieves steal $2.5M worth of premium olive oil from Texas warehouse

Houston, we have a problem (yet again) – this time with olive oil thefts causing a stir in the local business and culinary scene. The repercussions of these heists extend far beyond just missing bottles of oil.

Here’s a crime you don’t hear about every day. Houston police are trying to track down thieves who stole $2.5 million worth of premium olive oil.

They got away with premium Terra Delyssa organic and extra virgin products distinguishable by their dark glass bottles, according to manufacturer CHO America.The Houston heist happened at a warehouse on Navigation which is owned by a third party. The thieves got away with about 18 truckloads containing 290 pallets, each with 672 bottles.

We’re told the company that owns the warehouse recently went out of business and didn’t have operational security cameras, which is all part of the HPD investigation.

CHO America said it’s already obtained leads to recover some of the products thanks to traceability features and trackable lot numbers. One pallet was recovered from a Houston store selling it cheaply.

“Knowing our product is being sold at half-price or one-fourth the price at some stores now is devastating, too,” Houston-based CHO America CEO Wajih Rekik told KHOU 11’s Jason Miles.

The company is asking store owners to report any suspicious offers of Terra Delyssa olive oil at unusually low prices.

Quality olive oil has historically been a costly commodity, though recently prices have soared. In March 2024, Terra Delyssa raised prices, pointing to extreme weather in Tunisia and poor crops. In a press release, CEO Wajih Rekik said extreme summer heat and dry winters affected olive crops in the Mediterranean, resulting in lower yields. According to Tasting Table, extra virgin olive oil is typically expensive because of its time-consuming process and the fact that it needs to be certified.

Economic Losses and Repercussions for Local Businesses

For businesses in Houston, the olive oil theft epidemic isn’t just a quirky news story – it’s a real threat to their bottom line. The economic losses and disruptions caused by these thefts are leaving store owners and restaurateurs feeling the pinch.

Consumer Reactions and Effects on Availability

As word spreads about the olive oil theft spree in Houston, consumers are starting to feel the effects of this culinary crime wave. With dwindling supplies and rising prices, the availability of quality olive oil is becoming a concern for home chefs and food enthusiasts across the city.