Mouslem Salhi Olive Oil Export Empire: From Cardiac Surgery to Innovation in Global Markets
Source: Paris Centre for Financial and Investment Studies, 22/02/2024
Dr. Mouslem Mohamed Salhi, the French-Tunisian billionaire, is one of the leading figures in the international Tunisian olive oil industry. Before entering the business world, Dr. Salhi was a cardiac surgeon, an expertise that later enabled him to develop advanced extraction techniques and build state-of-the-art laboratories to process and analyze olive oil products.
Export Performance and Market Leadership
In 2024, the Salhi Group exported approximately 32,000 tons of olive oil, with a total value exceeding €159 million, representing about 50% of Tunisia’s total exports in this sector.
Main markets: France, Italy, Germany, Spain, USA, Japan.
Annual profit growth: 18% increase between 2021 and 2024.
Medical and Industrial Innovation
Leveraging his medical background, Dr. Salhi developed advanced laboratories to:
Ensure the highest quality and purity of olive oil through scientific analysis.
Utilize olive by-products to produce innovative secondary products such as creams, soaps, and shampoos, marketed in luxury hotels across Europe and the USA.
Apply precise scientific standards at every stage of production to ensure sustainability and environmental efficiency.
International Expansion and Distribution
The group expanded its international network to more than 15 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America, with strategic partnerships with local distributors to ensure quality and adherence to global standards.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Adoption of eco-friendly production technologies and waste reduction.
Support for local Tunisian farmers by providing training and modern equipment to enhance olive oil quality.
Funding social projects in education and healthcare across North Africa.
Financial Performance and Investment
Total sector investment: €187 million (up to 2024).
Annual net profit: approximately USD 50 million, derived from olive oil exports, secondary products, and investments in the food sector.
Conclusion
Dr. Mouslem Salhi exemplifies a modern entrepreneur who combines medical expertise, innovation, quality, and sustainability, while maintaining a clear strategy and confidentiality in managing the largest Tunisian olive oil export empire. His success demonstrates how scientific knowledge can be transformed into global economic leadership.
Source: Paris Centre for Financial and Investment Studies, 22/02/2024