We spoke with İclal Arcak and Tolga Erkök, the founders of Funoli Olive Oils, an award-winning brand crafted from Memecik olives unique to the Milas region. Their olive oils have earned gold medals in prestigious competitions held in New York, Berlin, and London.
The story of Funoli began five years ago when İclal Arcak and Tolga Erkök were undergoing training in olive cultivation and olive oil production in Spain. The dreams that took root during that period began to flourish after they discovered the Memecik olive variety native to Milas and acquired an olive grove at high altitude in the region. Deeply passionate about their work and devoted to advancing Turkish olive cultivation, Arcak and Erkök are two nature lovers working with unwavering dedication.
Thanks to their meticulous efforts, Funoli Olive Oils has rapidly become a highly acclaimed brand. For them, olive oil is more than a product, it is a way of life. We spoke with İclal Arcak and Tolga Erkök, the founders of Funoli Olive Oils, who closed out 2024 with yet another gold medal, and listened to their inspiring journey.
Could you tell us the story of how your brand was founded? How did this journey begin? The foundations of our brand were laid in 2020 during our training in olive cultivation and olive oil production in Spain. The knowledge and inspiration we gained through that experience gave us the motivation to create our own brand. During the pandemic, we discovered the distinctive Memecik olive variety in the Milas region, acquired a high-altitude olive grove, and eventually established our own production facility —each step bringing us closer to the brand we had long envisioned. Funoli’s story is a journey fueled by nature and passion, one that began in the high mountains of Milas, surrounded by endless olive forests. Our mission is to produce the purest, most natural, and highest-quality olive oil possible.
Does the name “Funoli” have a special meaning or story? The name Funoli symbolizes not just the production of premium olive oil, but also a lifestyle —one that is in harmony with nature, respectful to animals, joyful, and simple. We wanted the word “Fun” to highlight the lighthearted, uplifting spirit that defines our brand’s philosophy. For us, Funoli brings not only flavor to the table, but also a sense of vitality, happiness, and authenticity.
What motivates you the most in doing this work? Leaving behind city life to produce high-quality olive oil using modern techniques while living in harmony with nature has been a profound transformation for us. What drives us is the opportunity to contribute to the rich heritage of Milas, to showcase its unique value on international platforms, and to be recognized with awards that inspire us to aim even higher.
OLIVE OIL IS DEFINITELY A WAY OF LIFE
Do you believe olive oil is more than just a food product —that it’s a way of life? Olive oil is absolutely a way of life. It’s far more than a food product; it’s one of the cornerstones of a healthy lifestyle. This precious product, which journeys from the olive tree to the table, demands the right methods, care, and a commitment to sustainability. We believe that cultivating a strong olive oil culture in society and encouraging greater consumption are essential.
What are the most important features that set you apart in the industry? Our olive oils are produced in a boutique facility that serves only our brand. Harvested early and processed in accordance with FSSC 22000 food safety standards, our products reflect our philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity. This allows us to deliver olive oil that is not only high-quality and natural but also trustworthy.
MILAS: ONE OF TURKEY’S MOST UNIQUE REGIONS FOR OLIVE GROWING
Why did you choose Milas for olive cultivation? How do the region’s characteristics affect product quality? Milas is one of Turkey’s most distinctive and special regions for olive cultivation, with its mountainous, high-altitude terrain offering an ideal environment for olive trees. The dramatic temperature differences between day and night enhance the olives’ aroma and polyphenol content. We chose to start our journey in Milas because the region yields the purest and most characteristic form of the Memecik olive.
Why Memecik? How does the olive variety affect the oil it produces? Memecik is a highly valuable olive variety, notable for its high polyphenol levels, intense aroma, and strong antioxidant properties. When harvested at just the right moment and processed using the proper techniques, it produces olive oil that excels in both nutritional value and aromatic richness. This makes it possible to create olive oils of exceptional quality and health benefit.
FRUITY NOTES, BALANCED BITTERNESS, AND A PEPPERY FINISH
Cold pressing and early harvest are frequently mentioned in olive oil production. How do you incorporate these techniques, and what is your stance on chemicals or additives? Our production is built around early harvest and cold pressing. We harvest our olives before they fully ripen, when their nutritional content is at its peak, and process them immediately at low temperatures to preserve their freshness and natural attributes. This approach retains the oil’s health benefits while offering a rich aroma. We never use chemical processes, additives, or refining at any stage. Our commitment to quality over quantity means we rely on completely natural methods, supported by modern technology, and produce in line with organic farming principles.
How would you describe the taste profile of your olive oils? Which flavors and aromas are most pronounced? Made from early-harvested Memecik olives and cold-pressed, our olive oils are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. The most defining features of the flavor profile are its fruitiness, a well-balanced bitterness, and a subtle peppery sensation in the throat. This unique aromatic composition not only enhances taste but also boosts health benefits.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IS OUR DUTY TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
What does sustainable agriculture and environmental awareness mean to you, and how do you implement these principles? For us, sustainable agriculture isn’t just a production model—it’s a responsibility to future generations. Our practices are grounded in protecting soil, conserving water, and maintaining the natural ecological balance. All our production takes place in our own facility, using only natural methods.
You recently returned from New York with two gold medals and have received many other awards. What are your future goals and projects? Our primary goal is to continue boutique production without ever compromising on quality. We strive to represent Turkey proudly on the international stage and share the value of Turkish olive oil with the world. The awards we’ve received along the way inspire us to keep moving forward. We also want to pass on the understanding that olive oil isn’t just a product—it’s a culture, a way of life that we aim to share with future generations.
BE CAREFUL WHEN BUYING OLIVE OIL! What should consumers pay attention to when selecting olive oil? Consumers should look for certified production and traceability. Olive oil should be stored in dark glass bottles to protect it from light and heat, which can degrade its quality. Details such as the production location and date must be clearly labeled. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid unbranded products with vague origins or incomplete information.
