A new process for the production of linear monocarboxylic acid esters with 6 to 26 carbon atoms, by reaction of vegetable oils or animal oils that may or may not be neutral, with monoalcohols of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, uses a catalyst that is selected from among: the combinations of zinc oxides and titanium oxides; the combinations of zinc oxide, titanium oxide and alumina; the combinations of bismuth and titanium oxides; and the combinations of bismuth oxide, titanium oxide and alumina. The process makes it possible to produce directly, in one or more stages, an ester that can be used as a fuel and a pure glycerin.