Pakistan’s olive oil industry eyes China for next phase of growth
Pakistan’s fast-growing olive oil industry is seeking Chinese investment to develop large-scale joint ventures, with Loralai Olives proposing three corporate olive estates over 3,000 acres and a $20 million investment that could create more than 3,000 jobs and generate up to $20 million in annual exports within six to seven years. Founder Shaukat Rasool said China’s rising olive oil imports, health-conscious consumers, and CPEC-linked logistics make it a natural partner, while Pakistan offers cost advantages and suitable growing regions. With international recognition from the New York International Olive Oil Competition and expanding startups, the sector is positioning itself as a new pillar of Pakistan-China agribusiness cooperation.
ISLAMABAD, Feb 02 (APP):Pakistan’s fast-emerging olive oil industry is intensifying efforts to attract Chinese partners, with local entrepreneurs pitching large-scale joint ventures that could generate thousands of jobs and open a new export channel to one of the world’s largest food markets.
Shaukat Rasool, founder of the internationally award-winning brand Loralai Olives, told Wealth Pakistan that his company is in advanced discussions to sign memoranda of understanding with Chinese firms, as Islamabad and Beijing deepen cooperation in high-value agribusiness.
“The recent Pak-China Agri Investment Conference was a great opportunity,” he said. “We are proposing three corporate olive estates spread over 3,000 acres, with a total investment of about $20 million.”
He said the proposed projects would create more than 3,000 direct jobs and within six to seven years generate olive oil worth $18–20 million annually, positioning Pakistan as a competitive new supplier in the global market.
Rasool said Chinese companies are natural partners for Pakistan’s olive ambitions, citing China’s heavy reliance on imports and its growing health-conscious middle class. China imports more than $300 million worth of olive oil each year, he noted.
“Olive oil is medicine for a healthy life,” he said. “China is the most populous country in the world, people are increasingly conscious about health and weight, and Pakistan is well-suited to meet their demand for olive oil.”
He said Pakistan offers Chinese investors clear commercial advantages, including lower land costs and logistics infrastructure developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “It is an ideal and win-win opportunity for Chinese companies to invest here,” Rasool said.
Loralai Olives is already closely linked with China through its supply chain. Rasool said that all of the company’s packaging and bottling materials are sourced from China, while future cooperation could extend to olive oil extraction machinery, bottling plants, and harvesting equipment.
Pakistan’s olive oil has also gained international recognition. Loralai Olives drew global attention last year after winning a silver award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC), outperforming more than 1,200 brands from traditional olive-producing countries.
The NYIOOC is the world’s largest and most prestigious competition for extra virgin olive oils, where awards are granted based on quality, flavour, aroma, and overall excellence. Rasool said the company plans to compete again internationally this year.
While exports remain limited—mainly to Gulf markets—domestic demand is rising rapidly. Pakistan currently imports more than $12 million worth of olive oil annually, but consumers are increasingly shifting to locally produced brands, encouraged by international accolades and growing awareness of olive oil’s health benefits.
Industry activity is also expanding. More than 80 olive-related startups have emerged across farming, processing, and marketing, reflecting strong investor interest and long-term potential, Rasool said.
Olives can be cultivated across much of Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Punjab and Sindh, including arid regions such as Cholistan and southern Punjab.
“Olive is a complete value chain,” Rasool said. “It is not just oil. You can produce tea, cosmetics, medicines, and many other value-added products.”
For Rasool, international recognition proved to be a turning point. “When we started, imported olive oil dominated the market and nobody wanted to buy our product,” he said. “So, we decided global recognition was essential. When Pakistan made history at an international competition, not only the government but ordinary Pakistanis took pride in our olive oil.”
With Chinese investors now showing interest in joint ventures, Pakistan’s olive sector is poised to become a new pillar of Pakistan-China economic cooperation, combining agriculture, health, and trade into a high-growth partnership.
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