Balochistan Olive Oil wins silver medal at New York competition, beating around 1200 global brands.
In a groundbreaking moment for Pakistan’s agriculture, Loralai district in Balochistan has secured a silver medal at the New York International Olive Oil Competition, the world’s leading contest of its kind. Out of more than 1,200 global entries, Loralai’s high-quality olive oil stood out, gaining international acclaim for Pakistan’s budding olive oil sector.
The prize-winning olive oil was made from the Arbequina variety, grown locally in Loralai. CEO of Loralai Olives, Shaukat Rasool, celebrated the recognition as a proud milestone, emphasizing that Pakistan is now proven capable of producing world-class olive oil. Notably, Loralai Olives is the first brand from South Asia to earn such an award at this prestigious event.
Abdul Jabbar, the farmer behind the award-winning oil, noted that this success follows years of commitment and hard work. His 30-acre olive orchard produced over 9,000 liters of oil last year, yielding strong profits. The olive trees, which require little water and adapt well to harsh climates, are ideally suited to Balochistan’s environment.
Experts believe Balochistan has great potential for olive farming. Its soil and climate are well-suited for olive cultivation, often resulting in higher oil output compared to other provinces. In certain areas, farmers extract up to 30 liters of oil from 100 kg of olives—double the yield seen in Punjab and KP.
Pakistan’s olive sector is expanding quickly, supported by government programs that provide farmers with plants and agricultural resources. Olive cultivation not only boosts income but also promotes environmental benefits, as the trees absorb carbon and help tackle climate change.
With sustained investment and policy support, Pakistan is poised to become a significant contributor to the global olive oil industry.
