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In the midst of a downward spiraling economy, one industry has been enjoying phenomenal growth by comparison. Annual sales of olive oil in the United States have grown 15 to 25 percent or more for over 10 years, according to various estimates, and the North American Olive Oil Association cites a 16 percent share of the salad/cooking oil market in the US for last year. Various reasons have contributed to this growth, including the health benefits offered by olive oil because its monounsaturated fat doesn't raise cholesterol levels. There has been a continuous trend toward ethnic cuisines as well, with more restaurants offering their breads with a plate of herb-infused olive oil for dipping instead of butter. Just...
