Pakistan’s agricultural potential has gained global recognition as olives produced in Loralai district of Balochistan won a Silver Award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious olive oil contests.
The award-winning Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Loralai stood out for its quality, taste, nutritional value, sustainability, and packaging, making it the first Pakistani and South Asian brand to secure an award at this top international competition.
Experts say the achievement highlights the vast agricultural potential of Balochistan, a province increasingly emerging as a hub for high-value crops. The recognition has not only elevated Balochistan’s profile globally but has also expanded Pakistan’s agricultural export horizons.
The award-winning olive oil is an Arbequina monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, produced under strict quality standards. These include hand-harvesting, cold extraction, and stainless-steel storage, ensuring international compliance and premium quality.
Olive cultivation in Balochistan has also opened new pathways for prosperity and self-sufficiency among local farmers. Through modern farming techniques and value-chain development, olive farming is providing farmers with sustainable income and strengthening the rural economy.
The success has been supported by the Olive Cultivation Initiative, launched in 2012, under which farmers received saplings, irrigation systems, and oil extraction facilities. In Loralai, the government has established an olive mill with a crushing capacity of 600 kilograms per hour, allowing oil extraction within six to eight hours of harvesting, which is critical for preserving quality.
Pakistan’s olive sector is witnessing rapid growth. The country aims to produce 4,600 tons of olive oil by 2030, while currently producing around 861 tons of table olives annually. With nearly 10 million acres of land suitable for olive cultivation, Pakistan has the potential to become a major global olive oil producer.
Industry experts believe that the international recognition of Loralai olives is a milestone for Balochistan’s agricultural sector and will help Pakistan secure a stronger position in the global olive oil market in the coming years.
