Loralai Olives Becomes First Pakistani & South Asian EVOO Brand to Enter UAE Market

DUBAI / ISLAMABAD 
Report Ali imran Chattha 
Pakistani premium olive oil producer Loralai Olives has officially commenced commercial operations in the United Arab Emirates, marking a historic milestone as the first olive oil brand from Pakistan and South Asia to enter the Gulf state’s market.
The company’s expansion into the UAE represents a significant step forward in Pakistan’s national strategy to shift from traditional commodity crops toward higher-value processed agricultural exports.
Export Targets and Phased Rollout
Loralai Olives has set an initial export target of approximately $100,000** for the first phase of its UAE entry. The company plans to systematically scale its shipments, aiming to reach **$500,000 in exports by the end of 2026. This growth will be supported by a network of retail shelf placements and distribution partnerships already established across the Emirates.
Strategic Importance of the UAE Market
The UAE was selected as the launchpad for international expansion due to its large Pakistani diaspora population over 1.6 million and its position as one of the fastest-growing olive oil consumption markets in the Middle East. Industry estimates project the UAE olive oil market to approach $404 million by 2030.
International Quality Recognition
Prior to its UAE launch, Loralai Olives earned global acclaim by securing a silver award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), the world’s most prestigious olive oil quality contest. The brand was the first-ever Pakistani and South Asian extra virgin olive oil to receive this honor, competing against more than 1,200 entries from established olive-growing nations. Judges praised the brand for its exceptional chemical and sensory profile, sustainable production practices, and distinctive packaging.
Origin and Olive Varieties
The company sources olives from three distinct agro-ecological regions of Pakistan: Balochistan (specifically the hills of Loralai), the Pothohar Plateau, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Each region imparts unique flavor characteristics due to differences in altitude, soil composition, and microclimate.
For the UAE market, Loralai Olives is launching several extra virgin olive oil varieties, including Fajr, Arbequina, and Frantoio.
Leadership Vision
Shaukat Rasool, founder and CEO of Loralai Olives, stated: “We came to introduce the world to places and flavors it has never encountered. The hills of Loralai, the valleys of Pothohar, the orchards of KPK — these lands have a voice. Loralai Olives is how that voice reaches the world.”
Rasool has previously noted that Pakistan has the potential to generate up to $2 billion in olive oil exports if approximately 10 million fruit-bearing trees are cultivated nationwide over the next five years.
National Context and IOC Membership
Pakistan has been rapidly expanding its olive cultivation under government-backed plantation drives aimed at reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported edible oils. In a major policy development, Pakistan formally became a full member of the International Olive Council (IOC) in May 2026. This membership allows Pakistani extra virgin olive oil to be graded, certified, and traded under internationally recognized standards, removing a key technical barrier to high-value markets such as Europe and the Gulf.
Certifications and Sustainability
Loralai Olives holds multiple quality and safety certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, and Halal. The company promotes sustainable farming methods across its grower network, including drip irrigation, organic composting, and energy-efficient cold-press processing. It also provides training to local farmers in regions like the Pothohar Plateau to improve orchard management and fruit quality.
Future Outlook
Following the successful UAE entry, Loralai Olives plans to expand further into other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and has initiated exploratory talks with European distributors. The company is also in discussions with potential partners in China for a proposed corporate olive estate model, which could generate up to $20 million in annual exports if realized.
The UAE launch is seen by agricultural economists as a test case for other Pakistani value-added food brands seeking to compete in premium international segments traditionally dominated by Mediterranean producers.