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Gaia Oliva at FOODEX JAPAN: Introducing Premium Turkish Olive Oil to Japan

• delicious Japan
• March 25, 2025

Gaia Oliva, a premium Turkish olive oil brand, is expanding its presence in Japan, introducing the rich flavors of Aegean olive oils to Japanese cuisine. Having participated in FOODEX JAPAN three times, Director of Sales Operations Nilufer Koray Atalan shares her experiences exploring Japanese food culture and how Gaia Oliva’s oils enhance traditional dishes.

How many times has Gaia Oliva participated in FOODEX JAPAN? And how many times have you visited Japan?

Gaia Oliva has participated in FOODEX JAPAN three times, and this marks my third visit to Japan as well. Each visit has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with Japanese businesses and share our passion for high-quality olive oil.

I know you tried ‘takoyaki’ during your trip to Osaka and really enjoyed it. What other dishes did you try, and did any of them make a strong impression on you?

Yes, I really enjoyed trying takoyaki in Osaka — it was absolutely delicious! I also had the opportunity to try other local specialties like okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, sashimi, miso soup, grilled Kobe beef, onigiri, and tofu. Each dish had its own unique and rich flavor, but I was especially impressed by the freshness of the sashimi and the intense, savory taste of the Kobe beef.
Tofu was another standout for me. The smooth, delicate texture and subtle flavor were completely different from what I’ve experienced in the U.S. Whether served in soups or grilled, it was always delicious and left a lasting impression. Every meal in Japan felt like a celebration of seasonal ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

Are there any Japanese cities you would like to visit in the future, or favorite spots that you have already discovered? If you had the chance to live in Japan, what types of experiences would you want to pursue?

Kyoto was absolutely amazing and left a lasting impression on me. The blend of traditional culture, beautiful temples, and serene gardens was truly inspiring. In the future, I would love to explore other cities like Hokkaido, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, Fukuoka for its vibrant food scene, and Hiroshima, which carries a powerful history and stunning sights.
If I had the opportunity to live in Japan, I would love to immerse myself fully in the culture. From exploring regional traditions and learning about Japanese arts to experiencing the incredible cuisine firsthand, I believe every aspect of daily life would offer something special. Japan’s deep sense of heritage and hospitality is something I deeply admire, and living there would be an unforgettable experience.

Now, 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!

What unique characteristics or differences do you notice when comparing Gaia's olive oil to olive oils from other countries?

In my experience, Gaia Oliva olive oils stand out because of the unique terroir of the Aegean region in Turkey, where our native olive varieties, like Memecik, Ayvalik, and Trilye, are grown. The rich soil and ideal climate of the region contribute to their distinct flavor profiles, making our oils truly special.
For example, our Premium Intense Olive Oil, made from the Memecik variety, has a bold, fruity taste with a peppery finish. That signature peppery kick is something I don’t often find in oils from other regions, and it complements both Mediterranean and Japanese dishes beautifully. On the other hand, our Ayvalik Olive Oil offers a smoother, more balanced flavor. It’s incredibly versatile, enhancing salads, grilled vegetables, and lighter dishes without overpowering the ingredients.
Another thing that makes Gaia Oliva special is our Agrumato Method Flavored Olive Oils. We cold-press our oils with fresh fruits like tangerine, lemon, jalapeño, and bergamot, capturing vibrant, natural flavors without relying on artificial additives. The freshness and authenticity of these oils really set them apart.
And I think the quality of Gaia Oliva is evident from the recognition we’ve received. Our olive oils have won numerous awards in prestigious competitions worldwide, including in Japan. It’s always an honor to see our dedication to quality and craftsmanship acknowledged on an international level.
Overall, I believe Gaia Oliva’s olive oils are defined by their bold flavors, fresh aromas, and balanced profiles. They offer something truly unique in the world of olive oils, and I’m proud to share them with people who appreciate exceptional quality.

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 future expansion plans in Japan and the brand's long-term vision for this market?

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 specialty shops.
With the support of our new importer in Japan, we’re taking an important step toward making Gaia Oliva widely accessible. We believe that Japanese consumers will recognize and appreciate the fresh, authentic taste of our olive oils, which are crafted using traditional methods from the Aegean region of Turkey. Our oils not only enhance Mediterranean cuisine but also complement Japanese dishes, adding a unique twist to classic flavors.
Looking ahead, we plan to engage more deeply with the Japanese market through collaborations with local culinary professionals, participation in food events, and offering educational experiences about the art of olive oil. Additionally, we’re committed to inspiring home cooks and chefs to explore new flavor combinations using our products.
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.