Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has hailed the recent international recognition of Pakistani olive oil as a landmark achievement in line with the Ministry’s vision to make Pakistan self-sufficient in agricultural and food production.
The Minister was referring to the news of Loralai Olives — a premium olive oil brand from Balochistan’s Loralai district — winning the Silver Award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) 2025, the world’s most prestigious olive oil quality contest. Out of over 1,200 entries from across the globe, Loralai Olives stood out for its superior quality, sustainable production, and packaging.
“This global recognition is a proud moment for every Pakistani and a validation of our Ministry’s long-standing efforts to build a self-reliant agriculture sector. Loralai’s victory is Pakistan’s victory,” stated Minister Rana Tanveer.
He further added that this success is a direct outcome of the government’s Olive Cultivation Initiative, launched in 2012, which aimed to establish a comprehensive olive value chain across Pakistan. The initiative focused on providing farmers with certified olive saplings, modern extraction units, storage and bottling facilities, and technical training in quality assurance, branding, and export readiness.
Loralai Olives, or “LO,” exemplifies the vision of value-added agriculture. The brand collaborated with local growers in Balochistan and processed them using government-supported cold extraction technology. Each batch was tested for acidity, purity, and flavor to meet international standards, leading to its recognition in New York.
At a time when Pakistan is importing edible oil worth $4.5 billion annually, this recognition proves that we have the land, climate, and talent to reverse that trend,” the Minister stated.
He emphasized that Balochistan’s success in olive farming reflects the federal government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized regions, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing the national import bill.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has so far supported the growth of 85+ olive-related startups through its flagship project, providing not only financial and technical assistance but also access to international best practices in olive oil quality assessment based on organo-leptic and physico-chemical standards.
“We are building a new narrative — from import dependency to export excellence. Loralai Olives is just the beginning. We will continue to support farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are transforming Pakistan’s agriculture,” said Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain.
The Minister concluded by congratulating the farmers of Loralai and the entire LO team for their dedication and innovation, while reaffirming the Ministry’s resolve to expand olive cultivation across Punjab, KP, and Gilgit-Baltistan in the next phase.
