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Discover the top olive oil brands and manufacturers in Turkey. Learn about major Turkish olive oil production regions, health benefits, quality standards, and the best extra virgin olive oils.
The ideal climate and soil in olive-growing regions like Balıkesir, Aydın, İzmir, and Bursa allow Turkey to produce some of the best extra virgin olive oils. There are many excellent Turkish olive oil brands and manufacturers to know about.
Overview of Turkish Olive Oil Industry
Turkey has a long history of olive oil production dating back thousands of years. Olives are believed to have first been cultivated in the region during this era.
Today, strict regulations ensure the quality and authenticity of Turkish olive oil. The most common olive varieties used are the native Gemlik and Ayvalık olives.
Some key facts about olive oil production in Turkey:
- Produced 421,000 tons of olive oil in 2022, ranking it globally as a top 5 producer.
- Main production areas are Balıkesir, Aydın, İzmir, and Bursa.
- Exported $170 million worth of olive oil in 2021, making Turkey the 6th largest exporter.
- USA, Spain, and Japan are the top importers of Turkish olive oil.
- Turkish olive oil is a staple ingredient in local cuisine like dolma, and çiğ köfte.
Leading Turkish Olive Oil Brands
Verde
Established in İzmir in 1996, Verde is one of the most popular Turkish olive oil brands. Their products are exported to over 50 countries worldwide.
Why it’s great:
- High quality extra virgin, virgin, and pure olive oils.
- Utilizes modern Turkish and European equipment and technology.
- Strong focus on export markets with 85% of revenue from overseas.
- Top seller in the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
Products: Extra virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil, pure olive oil
Based in: İzmir
Website: VERDE Olive Oil – The Green Pearl Of The Mediterranean (olioverde.com.tr)
Artem Oliva
Started by two friends in the 1960s, Artem Oliva produces olive oil from organic Aegean olives. Their oil has won numerous international awards.
Why it’s great:
- Organic extra virgin olive oil from the Aegean region.
- Cold pressing method preserves olive oil’s health benefits.
- Boutique family-run producer with 50+ years of experience.
- Wins prestigious international olive oil competition awards.
Products: Extra virgin olive oil
Based in: Izmir
Website: Artem Oliva™ – Pure Mediterranean
Oleamea
Oleamea uses 100% organic Memecik olives to make top-tier extra virgin olive oils packed with polyphenols.
Why it’s great:
- Highest quality single-source organic Aegean olives.
- Cold pressed to retain maximum antioxidants and health benefits.
- Award-winning robust, fruity flavor.
- Produces olive oil-based skincare and health products too.
Products: Extra virgin olive oil, body lotions, soaps
Based in: Aydın
Website: https://oleamea.com
The Mill
This olive oil brand from the Aegean region has won prestigious international taste awards for its perfect balance.
Why it’s great:
- Multiple prize winner at competitions like Brussels Taste Awards.
- Made from high-quality olives via cold pressing.
- Robust extra virgin olive oil with fruitiness and pepper.
- Produced in a modern mill to extract best quality oil.
Products: Extra virgin olive oil
Based in: Izmir
Website: The Mill Food: Flavors from Nature
Novavera
Novavera is an award-winning producer making olive oils and other products in Ayvalık.
Why it’s great:
- Ranked in top 10 globally at major olive oil competitions.
- Woman-owned brand focused on health and nature.
- Produces premium extra virgin olive oil.
- Also makes olive oil soaps, jams, vinegars, and more.
Products: Olive oil, soaps, vinegars, jams
Based in: Ayvalık
Website: NovaVera
Other Notable Manufacturers
Taris
Taris is the largest olive oil company in Turkey with over 28,000 partner producers. They have numerous modern facilities and advanced production technology.
Based in: Izmir
Website: Tariş Zeytinyağı
Kristal
Operating since the 1950s, Kristal was the first branded olive oil in Turkey. They focus on exports to Europe and ethnic grocery markets.
Based in: Gemlik, Bursa
Website: kristalyaglari.com
Kirlangić
Kirlangić produces olive oils, seed oils, and olive oil skincare products. They have over 65 years of experience.
Based in: Izmir
Website: https://kirlangic.com.tr
Tlos
Tlos produces award-winning high polyphenol olive oils touted for health benefits.
Based in: Muğla
Website: https://tlosolive.com
Kavlak
With roots going back to the 1900s, Kavlak today has a high-capacity modern facility producing olive oils.
Based in: Bursa
Website: http://kavlakzeytinyagi.com
Komili
Komili produces single-source olive oils from certified Aegean orchards. Their oils win international awards.
Based in: Çanakkale
Website: https://komili.com
Best Olive Oil Regions in Turkey
Aegean Region
The Aegean coastal region has the ideal climate and soil for growing olives and producing extra virgin olive oil. The area accounts for most of Turkey’s olive oil production.
Notable olive oil-producing cities: Izmir, Aydin, Balıkesir
Marmara Region
The Marmara region is the second biggest producing area after the Aegean. Bursa province is a major production hub. Oils have a distinct flavor thanks to the regional climate and olives.
Notable olive oil-producing cities: Bursa, Balıkesir
Mediterranean Region
The Mediterranean provinces like Mersin, Adana, and Antalya produce smaller quantities of olive oil. But the oils have unique qualities due to regional conditions and varieties.
Popular olive varieties: Memecik, Ayvalık
Southeastern Anatolia
Southeastern Anatolian provinces like Şanlıurfa, Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Batman contribute to Turkey’s olive oil output. This hot climate lends a distinctive taste.
Popular olive varieties: Saurani, Ayvalık
Standards and Regulations
Turkish olive oil production adheres to strict regulations and standards to ensure quality.
- Turkish Food Codex Olive Oil Regulation – Defines standards for labeling and classifying olive oils by acidity and processing method. Sets rules for production, storage, sampling, analysis, and packaging.
- Turkish Standards Institute Testing – Olive oils are tested by this official organization to verify their Category (extra virgin, virgin, etc), acidity, and other chemical properties meet standards.
- EU Regulations – As an EU candidate, Turkey follows European Union food regulations. Olive oils destined for export to Europe must meet EU criteria.
- International Olive Council – IOOC standards are widely adopted globally. Many Turkish producers like Taris and Komili adhere to IOOC guidelines and quality benchmarks.
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) – Some regions like Aegean Olive and Ayvalık Olive Oil have a PDO marking their designation as a distinct geographical region producing oils with unique properties.
Following national and international standards provides assurance that Turkish olive oils are 100% pure and high quality.
Health Benefits and Uses of Turkish Olive Oil
Turkish olive oil shines for both cooking applications and health benefits:
- Extra virgin olive oil – The highest quality type with optimal flavor for dressings, dips, and finishing dishes. Loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats.
- Cooking oil – Olive oil has a high smoke point making it excellent for sautéing, roasting, frying, and other cooking methods. Preferred for Mediterranean cuisine.
- Heart health – The mono-unsaturated fats protect blood vessels and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels to improve heart health.
- Anti-inflammatory – Antioxidants like oleocanthal and oleuropein reduce inflammation throughout the body and joints.
- Skin health – Vitamin E and antioxidants help nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin when used topically or consumed.
- Immune booster – Nutrients like vitamin E support healthy immune function.
For the freshest, healthiest olive oil, look for harvest dates on the bottle and consume early for maximum benefits.
How to Buy the Best Turkish Olive Oils
- Look for real extra virgin olive oil – This is the top grade meaning the oil came from the first press of olives and has perfect acidity and flavor.
- Find reputable brands – Established Turkish olive oil companies like those in this guide adhere to production standards for quality assurance.
- Check for certifications – Credible bodies like the IOOC and national food authorities certify oils as meeting quality standards.
- Select oils packed in dark glass or tin – Light and oxygen can damage olive oil so opt for opaque packaging.
- Check harvest and best by dates – Fresher olive oil from the latest harvest retains the most flavor and antioxidants.
- Buy from Turkey for affordable pricing – Shop authentic oils on vacation or online directly from Turkish providers for savings.
- Learn terminology – Understanding terms like cold pressed, first press, and single source helps find premium extra virgin olive oils.
Sourcing and Exporting Turkish Olive Oil
Turkey is a major olive oil exporter, with customers worldwide buying bulk and bottled oils. If you want to source and import Turkish olive oil:
- Contact manufacturers directly like Taris, Kristal, Kirlangic, and others about supply and exporting.
- Work with export management companies familiar with olive oil trading procedures.
- Buy through online B2B marketplaces that connect international buyers and Turkish sellers.
- Visit large trade fairs like the Istanbul Olive Oil Conference for face-to-face meetings with suppliers.
- Review export documentation needed like commercial invoices, packing lists, and conformity certificates.
- Ask about lab analysis reports to verify quality parameters before shipping.
- Find companies able to handle export logistics like container loading, customs clearance, duties, and delivery.
