ISLAMABAD: The three-day Grand National Olive Gala concluded at F-9 Park on Sunday, drawing an estimated 25,000 visitors, according to the organisers, who said the public showed keen interest in olives, olive oil and related by-products.

More than 150 olive sector stakeholders, including farmers, academics and industry representatives, participated in the gala, where a wide range of value-added products, such as olive oil, cosmetics and nutraceuticals, were exhibited.

The event was described as a celebration of Pakistan’s emerging olive sector and its growing footprint in domestic and international markets.

Significant interest was witnessed in value-added products, particularly olive oil-based cosmetics.

Stalls at the exhibition represented stakeholders from far-flung areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, highlighting the geographic spread of olive cultivation and processing in the country.

Speaking at the event, Dr Muhammad Tariq of the National Olive Promotion Programme in Pakistan said the successful conclusion of the annual national olive gala would serve as a gateway towards a more export-oriented approach in the olive sector.

He said the series of galas had helped raise awareness and competitiveness, contributing to the development of a sustainable olive industry in Pakistan.

He added that the government was prioritising the provision of quality saplings, research initiatives and modern oil extraction facilities to support sectoral growth.

Dr Tariq noted that the olive sector presented at the gala had expanded compared to previous years, with most stakeholders now registered with the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO).

According to estimates by the International Olive Council (IOC), olive oil consumption in Pakistan has shown a significant upward trend, with total imports increasing steadily in recent years.

The European Union remains Pakistan’s main trading partner in olive oil, although a downward correction in import volumes was observed during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 crop years.

IOC estimates for the 2024–25 crop year suggest that Pakistan’s olive oil production could reach around 1,500 tonnes, while imports are projected at 3,500 tonnes, bringing total consumption to approximately 5,000 tonnes. The volume and value of EU olive oil exports to Pakistan, tracked annually, indicate the country’s growing integration into global olive oil trade flows.

With an estimated four million hectares of land suitable for olive cultivation across Pakistan, more than seven million olive trees have been planted under the flagship National Olive Programme over the past one and a half decades, reflecting sustained efforts to position olives as a viable high-value crop in the country.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2025