A Pakistani premium olive oil brand has earned global recognition after winning a gold medal at the London International Olive Oil Competition 2026, marking another milestone for the country’s growing olive industry.
The award winning brand, founded by Mohammad Hassan Tareen, produces extra virgin olive oil from olives grown in Loralai, Balochistan. The company aims to establish Pakistan among the world’s recognised producers of premium olive oil.
Tareen described the achievement as more than a personal success.
He said the award also reflects the growing potential of Pakistan’s olive sector.
He explained that the London International Olive Oil Competition ranks among the world’s leading olive oil contests. Producers from dozens of countries submit their products for evaluation each year.
According to Tareen, around 1,200 to 1,300 olive oil brands participated in this year’s competition.
“The judges come from all over the world. They taste the olive oil and then separate it category wise, deciding which oil falls in the gold, silver or bronze category. They do not disclose all the details of how many brands are from each country, but when you win, they inform you about the category you fall in.”
The competition evaluates entries through blind tasting by an international panel of judges before selecting gold, silver and bronze winners.
Pakistan’s olive industry gains momentum
Tareen said Pakistan’s olive industry remains at a developing stage but continues to make steady progress.
“A lot of development is taking place in olive cultivation, including at the government level. Olive trees are being provided and many trees have already been planted. Pakistan has also become a permanent member of the International Olive Council, which is an important development.”
He added that the government continues supporting farmers by supplying internationally recognised olive varieties.
Pakistan officially joined the International Olive Council as a full member in 2026. Officials expect the membership to improve research, technology transfer, quality standards and international market access for Pakistani olive producers.
The country’s olive cultivation programme has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Government initiatives have encouraged farmers to plant olive orchards, particularly in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Potohar, where climate conditions closely resemble traditional Mediterranean olive growing regions.
International success boosts Pakistan’s image
Industry experts believe international awards help strengthen confidence in Pakistan’s agricultural exports. They also demonstrate that locally produced extra virgin olive oil can compete with established global brands.
The London International Olive Oil Competition attracts producers from major olive oil producing countries. Winning a gold medal places Pakistani olive oil among internationally recognised premium products.
The latest achievement also highlights the increasing quality of olives grown in Loralai, an area emerging as one of Pakistan’s leading olive producing regions.
With continued government support, expanding olive plantations and growing international recognition, industry leaders believe Pakistan has the potential to become an important player in the global extra virgin olive oil market over the coming years.
