Demand for organic olive oil in the UAE: Which Turkish companies are exporting?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is one of the most developed food markets in the Middle East and boasts the highest purchasing power. In recent years, the country's consumption of healthy living, natural products, and premium foods has been rapidly increasing. This trend has led to a significant increase in demand for extra-fine organic olive oil. Luxury hotels, wellness centers, upper-income families, and expatriate workers are choosing to use organic olive oil in their kitchens. In the UAE, organic olive oil is sold primarily in high-end supermarkets such as Waitrose, Spinneys, Carrefour, and Choithrams; in specialized organic stores such as Organic Foods & Café and Biocommerce; and on online platforms such as Amazon.ae, Noon, and Fetch. Consumers prioritize not only the product's flavor but also its organic certification, region of production, packaging quality, and Arabic labeling. Prices typically range between $70 and $150 for a 1-liter bottle. Turkey is rapidly gaining a foothold in this market, particularly with its high-quality, organic olive oil produced in the Aegean Region. Many Turkish exporting companies offer their products both on retail shelves and online in the UAE. Among the most prominent are: Narlı Zeytin, based in Aydın, is one of the strongest brands in the UAE. It sells its certified organic olive oils produced using traditional methods in both high-end stores and on platforms like Amazon.ae. The company distinguishes itself with its emphasis on "single harvest," "single flavor," and "natural production" and actively participates in food fairs in Dubai. Koru Zeytinyağı is another major exporter based in Izmir. It processes organic olive oil from the Aegean Region in small batches to ensure high quality. Its products are available in stores like Choithrams and Waitrose. The company produces according to international quality standards, stands out with its Arabic-language labels, and sustainable image. Saray Zeytinyağı is a brand owned by Kavaklıdere Gıda and operates under the Doğuş Group umbrella. Saray, one of Turkey's most well-known food brands, is featured in major retail chains like Carrefour and Lulu Hypermarket in the UAE. Its organic line, with its Arabic labeling and professional packaging, appeals to consumers. Brand recognition and a strong logistics network provide a significant advantage in exports. Aegean Olive Oil is not a single company, but a consortium model that brings together many small producers, supported by TİM (Turkish Exporters' Assembly) and the Ministry of Trade. It is entering the UAE market under the banners "Aegean Natural" and "Aegean Organic." This initiative participates in government-sponsored fairs (e.g., Gulfood in Dubai or SIAL Middle East) and collaborates with distributors in the UAE. Its goal is to establish the image of "Turkey's olive oil" in the UAE. Pelin Olive Oil is another producer operating in Izmir. It produces organic, single-flavor olive oils. Its products are sold in boutique organic stores in the UAE and on online platforms like Fetch.ae. With the QR code on the bottles, consumers can see where the olive oil comes from, how it's produced, and the farmer's story. This type of emotionally connected marketing is particularly effective with young and informed consumers. In addition to these companies, smaller producers like Güney Zeytin, Aegean Olive, and Zeytindağı have begun to focus on the UAE market. However, success requires certain key requirements: an EU or internationally recognized organic certificate, an Arabic label, a halal certificate (preferably), a reliable local distributor, and trade fair participation. Institutions such as TİM, DEİK, KOSGEB, and TİKA offer significant support to producers wishing to export to the UAE. Participating in international food fairs, particularly Gulfood (Dubai), is crucial for meeting the right distributors and promoting your brand. Conclusion: The UAE is a growing, high-income, and informed market for organic olive oil. Turkish producers, particularly with brands like Narlı, Koru, Saray, and Ege Zeytinyağı, are making a strong impact in this market. With quality production, the right marketing strategy and local collaborations, Turkish organic olive oil can become a preferred product in both consumer and professional kitchens (hotels, restaurants) in the UAE.