By: Sardar Shaukat Popalzai
Pakistan’s agricultural sector has achieved another historic milestone as Loralai Olives, produced in the Loralai district of Balochistan, won the Gold Medal at the Dubai Olive Oil Competition 2026, becoming Pakistan’s first olive oil brand to receive four prestigious international quality awards for its premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
The latest triumph follows the brand’s earlier international successes, including the Silver Award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), the Gold Medal at the London International Olive Oil Competition, and recognition at the Berlin Global Olive Oil Awards. These consecutive achievements firmly establish Balochistan as an emerging producer of world-class olive oil and place Pakistan on the global map of premium olive oil producers.
The award-winning Arbequina Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced under stringent international quality standards through hand-harvesting, cold extraction, and stainless-steel storage, ensuring exceptional taste, nutritional value, purity, and sustainability.
The Dubai Gold Medal carries particular commercial significance as the United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s fastest-growing olive oil markets and serves as a strategic export destination for Pakistani agricultural products. Since entering the UAE market in May 2026, Loralai Olives has announced plans to export US$500,000 worth of olive oil by the end of 2026, while also targeting expansion into the United States and Singapore.
Pakistan’s olive sector continues to witness remarkable growth following the country’s accession to the International Olive Council (IOC), a development expected to further strengthen quality standards, international cooperation, and export competitiveness.
The success of Loralai Olives reflects the impact of Pakistan’s Olive Cultivation Initiative, launched in 2012, under which thousands of farmers received certified saplings, modern irrigation systems, technical assistance, and access to oil extraction facilities. In Loralai, a government established olive mill with a crushing capacity of 600 kilograms per hour enables olives to be processed within six to eight hours of harvesting, preserving their premium quality.
Pakistan currently has nearly 10 million acres of land suitable for olive cultivation and aims to produce 4,600 tonnes of olive oil by 2030, positioning itself as an emerging player in the global olive oil industry.
Statement by Sardar Shoukat Popalzai –
President, Balochistan Economic Forum
Welcoming the latest international recognition, Sardar Shoukat Popalzai, President of the Balochistan Economic Forum, described the Dubai Gold Medal as another defining milestone for Balochistan and Pakistan’s agricultural transformation.
‘The fourth international award earned by Loralai Olives is not merely a commercial success; it is a powerful endorsement of Balochistan’s enormous agricultural potential and the determination of our farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and institutions. It demonstrates that products originating from Balochistan can successfully compete with the finest brands in the world.’
He said the continued international recognition proves that Balochistan possesses the climate, fertile landscapes, and natural resources required to become Pakistan’s leading hub for premium, export-oriented agriculture.
Sardar Shoukat Popalzai called upon the Federal Government, the Government of Balochistan, and all relevant public sector organizations including the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), SMEDA, financial institutions, and provincial agricultural departments to significantly expand investment in:
– Olive plantation expansion across suitable districts.
– Modern irrigation and mechanized harvesting.
– Research and development.
– Processing and bottling facilities.
– International quality certification.
– Export promotion and branding.
– Farmer training and value-chain development.
He further stated:
‘The success of Loralai Olives should serve as a national model for agricultural diversification. With sustained public investment, modern technology, and strong public-private partnerships, Balochistan can become a globally recognized centre for premium olive oil and other high-value crops including dates, grapes, almonds, pistachios, cherries, apples, pomegranates, and medicinal plants. Agriculture is not merely a sector it is one of the strongest foundations for sustainable economic growth, rural prosperity, employment generation, food security, and export diversification.’
The Balochistan Economic Forum congratulates Loralai Olives, its management, farmers, agricultural scientists, and all stakeholders whose dedication has brought international recognition to Pakistan. Their achievement is a source of pride for the province and the nation and demonstrates that Balochistan is emerging as a new frontier of agricultural excellence, innovation, and export-led economic development
