The Rise of Turkish Olive Oil: Why It’s Winning UK Hearts
When people browse the olive oil shelves in the UK, most bottles come from Italy, Spain, or Greece. Yet a quiet revolution is happening: more consumers and chefs are turning their attention to Türkiye, one of the oldest and most diverse olive-growing regions on Earth.
Despite being the world’s fifth-largest olive oil producer, Türkiye's oils have only recently started appearing in UK kitchens — and they’re impressing those who try them with their flavour, freshness, and authenticity.
The 4,000-Year Legacy of Anatolian Olive Oil
The story of Turkish olive oil begins in Anatolia, where the olive tree has thrived since ancient times. Archaeological evidence from the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of modern Türkiye shows that olive cultivation here dates back nearly 4,000 years - long before it spread to Europe.
Famous Olive Oil Regions of Türkiye
Each region produces olives with distinct flavour profiles:
- Ayvalık: smooth, balanced, aromatic
- Memecik: peppery, grassy, high in polyphenols
- Gemlik: mild, buttery, perfect for daily cooking
This natural diversity gives Turkish olive oil a wide flavour spectrum that rivals - and often surpasses - more familiar Mediterranean origins.
What Makes Turkish Olive Oil Unique
Balanced Flavour and Fresh Aroma
While Italian oils are often bold and Spanish oils fruity and intense, Turkish extra virgin olive oil offers a beautiful balance - moderate fruitiness, a clean finish, and just the right amount of pepperiness.
This makes it ideal for British kitchens, whether for drizzling over roasted vegetables or finishing pasta dishes.
Freshness Over Age
Unlike wine, olive oil doesn’t improve with age. Freshness is everything. Many Turkish producers focus on same-day cold extraction, meaning olives are pressed within hours of harvest - a key factor that preserves nutrients, aroma, and polyphenols.
🫒 Explore how same-day cold extraction works in our post:
Why Same-Day Pressing Matters for Premium Olive Oil →
Why UK Consumers Are Taking Notice
The UK’s food scene has evolved rapidly. Today’s shoppers care about traceability, harvest dates, and single-origin quality more than ever.
“Best before” isn’t enough anymore - people want to know when the olives were pressed and where they were grown. This transparency aligns perfectly with what Turkish boutique producers already practice.
From London delis to weekend markets, Turkish olive oil is becoming one of the most talked-about imports for health-conscious and flavour-focused food lovers.
How to Choose a High-Quality Turkish Olive Oil
When shopping in the UK, look for these five key indicators:
- Harvest or Crop Date – Ideally within the last 12 months.
- Cold-Extracted or Cold-Pressed – Indicates minimal heat exposure.
- Single-Origin or Monovarietal – Ensures authentic regional taste.
- Dark Glass Bottle – Protects from light and oxidation.
- Taste Test – A fresh Turkish EVOO should smell fruity and end with a pleasant peppery note.
🛒 See how these principles are reflected in our own bottle:
Shop LUVIA Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil →
From Anatolia to the UK: A Modern Revival
Türkiye's olive oil story is ancient, but its recognition abroad is just beginning.
Brands like LUVIA Olive, founded in the UK by a Turkish family, are helping bridge that gap - working directly with Aegean growers to deliver freshly cold-extracted oils to British homes.
It’s a connection of old and new, of ancestral groves and modern craftsmanship, and it’s putting Turkish olive oil on the map where it belongs.
The Bottom Line
Turkish olive oil is no longer a hidden treasure - it’s a rediscovery of one of the world’s oldest food traditions, now appreciated by a new generation of conscious consumers.
If you’ve never tried it before, start with a bottle from a trusted small producer. You might find it’s the perfect balance your kitchen has been missing.
FAQ: Turkish Olive Oil in the UK
Q1. Is Turkish olive oil good quality?
Yes - Türkiye is one of the world’s largest olive oil producers, with a climate ideal for growing high-quality olives. Many Turkish oils rival or exceed Italian and Spanish ones in taste and freshness.
Q2. Where can I buy Turkish olive oil in the UK?
You can find it online from independent brands like LUVIA Olive, or at selected artisan markets and delis that specialise in Mediterranean products.
Q3. What does Turkish olive oil taste like?
It’s typically balanced - slightly fruity with a mild peppery finish. Depending on the region, it can range from buttery and smooth (Gemlik) to bold and grassy (Memecik).