An entrepreneurial woman in Osmaniye established an olive oil facility in her village, aiming to reach consumers in domestic and international markets. Sending samples to five countries, the entrepreneur has employed 15 people in the facility, most of whom are women.

In Osmaniye, businesswoman Ayşe Pınar Tümüklü, supported by the government, set up an olive oil production facility in her village, with the goal of creating her own brand and reaching consumers in domestic and international markets. Tümüklü, who is also the chairwoman of a furniture company in Gaziantep, decided to invest in utilizing olives grown in the Şekerdere village of Osmaniye where she was born.

Preparing a project to establish an olive oil production facility, Tümüklü applied to the Rural Development Investment Support Program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Qualifying for a grant, the facility built by Tümüklü began operating last month. The plant, where 15 locals work, provides pressing services to farmers who harvest olives.

Continuing branding efforts, Tümüklü aims to introduce her oil to both domestic and international markets. Ayşe Pınar Tümüklü mentioned that Osmaniye has significant potential in olive oil. Emphasizing their focus on branding, Tümüklü stated, “The pressing section is currently operating in our facility. The olives of farmers are turned into olive oil. We will soon begin bottling our olive oils after quickly obtaining our machinery and equipment.” Tümüklü added that they contribute to employment, highlighting, “Ten out of our 15 employees in the facility are women, all from this village. Our goal is to increase the number of such facilities and producers in the region and make Osmaniye a brand in olive oil. The trees here are very young and need to be utilized effectively.”

Expressing their desire to reach consumers in domestic and international markets, Tümüklü stated, “We have sent oil samples to the United States, Sweden, Norway, England, and Somalia. Additionally, we are in talks with some other countries. Our aim is to contribute to the country’s economy with the olives of our region and engage in exports.”