Gaia Oliva at FOODEX JAPAN: Introducing Premium Turkish Olive Oil to Japan
Nilufer Koray AtalanDirector of Sales Operations, North America & Asia, GAIA OLIVA
I am curious about how Gaia's olive oil complements Japanese ingredients and dishes. If you have any suggestions or tips for enjoying Gaia olive oil, please share them with us.
In my opinion, Gaia Oliva’s olive oils pair beautifully with Japanese ingredients and dishes. Our Premium Intense Olive Oil (Memecik), with its bold and fruity profile, works wonderfully with richer dishes like grilled mackerel or teriyaki chicken. The intensity of the oil balances the savory and umami flavors, adding a smooth finish that I find really satisfying.
For lighter dishes, I personally love using our Premium Medium Olive Oil (Ayvalik). Its balanced and delicate taste enhances the freshness of sashimi or a simple rice bowl without overpowering the ingredients. It really brings out the natural flavors.
Our Agrumato Method Flavored Olive Oils are also great for adding a twist to Japanese cuisine. For example, the Jalapeño or Red-Hot Pepper Olive Oil adds a nice kick to takoyaki or kushikatsu, while the Garlic Olive Oil pairs beautifully with grilled fish or ramen, adding a savory depth. One of my favorites is the Orange Olive Oil — its bright, citrusy notes are perfect for sushi or grilled vegetables. And the Bergamot Olive Oil is something special; it’s fantastic drizzled over fish dishes, tofu, soups, cold pasta, salads, yogurt, or even vanilla ice cream.
I think Gaia Oliva’s oils can add something unique to both traditional Japanese dishes and more experimental recipes. It’s always exciting to see how they can elevate the flavors!
As a passionate individual, you are regarded as the face of Gaia Oliva. I believe your presence could significantly boost the brand’s visibility in Japan. What do you think about this?
Thank you for the kind words! I’m truly passionate about sharing the story of Gaia Oliva, especially in a market like Japan where people have such a deep appreciation for quality ingredients. I believe my presence can indeed help elevate the brand’s visibility by creating a more personal connection with both consumers and businesses.
It’s always meaningful to share the story behind our olive oils — the unique terroir of the Aegean region, the traditional craftsmanship, and how our products can complement Japanese cuisine. I’m excited about the opportunity to build relationships and raise awareness of the exceptional quality Gaia Oliva offers.
Moreover, as a women-owned business, we hope our story can inspire other women to pursue their ambitions and succeed in the global market. It’s important to me that we not only share our products but also encourage and support women in leadership. I’m honored to represent Gaia Oliva and bring our passion for quality olive oil to Japan.
Can you discuss Gaia Oliva’s plans for future expansion in Japan?
At Gaia Oliva, we’re genuinely excited about expanding our presence in Japan, a country with a deep appreciation for high-quality ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. Our primary goal is to build lasting relationships with local businesses, chefs, and consumers, introducing the exceptional flavors of our extra virgin olive oils to Japanese kitchens — whether at home, in restaurants, or in specialty shops.
The longstanding friendship between Japan and Turkey makes our expansion even more meaningful. As one of the world’s leading olive oil producers, Turkey offers a rich culinary heritage that we are proud to share. Through Gaia Oliva, we hope to strengthen this cultural connection and bring the authentic flavors of the Aegean to tables across Japan.
