The story began on the opposite shore of the Aegean Sea, in the olive-covered lands of Lesbos Island. In 1878, the first drop of oil filtered through Hasan Komi's stone mill transformed into a giant brand that today occupies a central place in Türkiye's culinary culture. This is the nearly 150-year-long story of Komili, a brand that transitioned from empire to republic, from island to mainland, transforming the sorrow of the population exchange into delicious flavors.
For the people of the Aegean, olives are not just a breakfast food, but a way of life. Komili, the most established industrialized representative of this ancient culture, continues its journey, which began as a family's livelihood, as the first name that comes to mind (generic name) when it comes to olive oil in Türkiye today. This is a migration story that unites shores separated by wars with flavor.
1878: A name born in Komi Village
Lesbos Island, the pearl of the Aegean Sea under the Ottoman Empire. The year is 1878. At that time, the island was Ottoman territory, and olive cultivation was its heart. Hasan Efendi, who lives in the "Komi" region of the island, earns his living by producing olive oil and soap.
Hasan Efendi was so confident in the quality of his oil that it is rumored he even sent his products to the Ottoman palace. The family took their nickname from the village where they lived: Komi'li. The origin of the name on that green bottle we see on supermarket shelves today comes from Hasan Efendi's connection to his village.
Exchange: The Shifting of Roots
The year 1923 brought great sorrow and activity to both sides of the Aegean. The "Population Exchange," finalized by the Treaty of Lausanne, marked a turning point for the Komili family. They were forced to leave behind their ancestors' lands, homes, and established lives.
However, when the Komili family left Lesbos, they brought with them not only their belongings but also their centuries-old expertise in olive oil production. The family's new home became Ayvalık, the olive capital, on the opposite shore of the Aegean Sea.
Rebirth in Cunda and Ayvalık
The family, having settled in Ayvalık, continued to do what they knew best. Their experience in Lesbos, combined with Ayvalık's bountiful olives, resulted in unparalleled quality. These were the early years of the Republic, and Türkiye's domestic industry was being established. In this new era, the Komili family accelerated their branding process by transitioning to modern production.
The brand guarantees authentic olive oil for generations. Known for its slogan, "The essence of your meals, for generations," Komili is one of the pioneers that transformed olive oil from a luxury item into an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine.
One Name, Two Different Routes: Who Owns Komili Today?
Komili, a century-old brand, has grown over the years, specializing in various sectors, and today continues to thrive under two main branches and different corporate structures.
The Master of Olive Oil: A Global Power
Komili Olive Oil, an indispensable part of Turkish cuisine, operates under Ana Gıda, Türkiye's largest olive oil exporter and producer. Since 2017, Ana Gıda has been part of the global food giant Bunge. Production continues in Ayvalık, adhering to local culture, but the capital structure belongs to a global player.
Personal Care Native: Back Home
In 2025, an exciting localization initiative took place within the "Komili Personal Care" division of the brand, which includes shampoo, wet wipes, and baby products. This product group, previously under the Japanese-owned Daio Paper, was acquired by Evyap, a well-established Turkish industrial company, in 2025.
Böylece Hasan Efendi’nin 1878’de yaktığı meşale; bir koluyla küresel pazarlarda Türkiye’nin zeytinyağını temsil ederken, diğer koluyla (Kişisel Bakım) tekrar %100 yerli sermayeli bir yapıda, Evyap güvencesiyle Türk tüketicisine hizmet etmeye devam ediyor.
