By Azeem Ahmed Khan

 Pakistan has achieved a milestone in the edible oil sector by becoming the first South Asian country to export olive oil to the United Arab Emirates, opening a new avenue for high-value agricultural exports.

“Loralai Olives has formally launched its olive oil sales in the UAE market, becoming the first Pakistani and South Asian olive oil brand to establish a commercial presence there,” Founder of Loralai Olives Shaukat Rasool told Wealth Pakistan.

He said Pakistan’s olive oil industry has the potential to emerge as a major export earner, estimating that the sector could generate nearly $2 billion in foreign exchange in the coming years if developed on commercial lines.

According to industry estimates, the UAE olive oil market is projected to reach $404 million by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing olive oil markets globally.

Loralai Olives has set an initial export target of $100,000 for the UAE market, with plans to increase shipments to $500,000 by the end of 2026 as distribution partnerships and market visibility expand.

While the global olive oil trade has traditionally been dominated by Spain, Italy and Greece, the Middle East and Africa olive oil market — valued at $834 million in 2024 — is projected to grow to $1.21 billion by 2032.

Within this expanding market, Loralai Olives is positioning itself as a distinctive new entrant rather than a direct competitor to established European brands.

“Loralai Olives extra virgin olive oil is sourced from olives grown in the high-altitude regions of Balochistan, Pothohar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where mineral-rich soils and cool weather produce a distinctive flavour profile new to the global olive oil market,” Shaukat said.

The UAE launch includes the company’s flagship varieties, including Fajr — Pakistan’s first early-harvest extra virgin olive oil — along with the internationally recognised Arbequina monovarietal and Frantoio, known for their fresh, fruity and mildly peppery flavour profile.

Following its UAE debut, Loralai Olives plans to obtain international quality certifications, increase production capacity and expand exports to other Gulf markets and Europe.

Shaukat said the company also intends to target major olive oil importing countries, including the United States, China, Japan and other Gulf Cooperation Council states.

According to him, China represents a particularly attractive market because of its growing health-conscious consumer base and heavy dependence on imported olive oil.

He noted that China imports olive oil worth more than $300 million annually, creating significant opportunities for new exporters.

Pakistan’s olive sector gained international recognition last year when Loralai Olives secured a silver award at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition, where more than 1,200 brands from leading olive-producing countries participated.

With global demand for healthy edible oils continuing to rise, Pakistan’s entry into premium export markets could help strengthen the country’s agricultural export basket in the coming years.

Shaukat said Loralai Olives also plans to expand operations in a way that supports small olive growers in Balochistan while contributing to the long-term development of Pakistan’s olive industry.

Credit: INP-WealthPk