Ece, born in Izmir, Turkey, in 1990, is a marketing entrepreneur and founder of Olizzi Olive Oils. Ece holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Middle East Technical University and an MBA from Pepperdine University in Malibu, U.S. She began her professional career in the marketing department of Coca-Cola, where she gained valuable experience in brand management and consumer engagement.

Her passion for gastronomy and dining is rooted in the dynamic culinary scene of Istanbul, a city where she co-founded Sonradan Gurmeler, a food events group that organized activities and wrote for local newspapers and blogs.

These projects resulted in the publication of the book Yerim Seni İstanbul, which pays tribute to the rich food tradition of the Turkish capital. While residing in the United States, Ece founded Olizzi, inspired by her own Mediterranean origins and the ambition to promote high-quality Turkish olive oil on the international market. In addition to developing her brand, she further expanded her industry expertise by attending courses at O.N.A.O.O., where she qualified as a professional olive oil taster in 2024. Her interest in the sensory world also extends to honey, another food product of international significance exported from Turkey.

This product has caught her attention for its unique and beneficial properties. Ece is a firm believer in the principle that “you are what you eat,” which guides her commitment to health and the cultural significance of food. She is a natural marketing activist and superfood advocate, dedicated to promoting and sharing Turkey’s culinary treasures with the world. Her mission is to enhance the richness of Mediterranean cuisine and spread the health benefits of quality food products, focusing on innovative branding and an unwavering focus on authenticity.

I have work with and sold EVOO to customers since 2018. The world of olive oil is growing in interest for the consumer, in which I care to help with.To keep learning and be updated in this field to share knowledge to the end consumers. For them to understand the importance of EVOO. Specially when it comes to the health aspect.

Professional Taster of O.N.A.O.O. since 2022.

Maria was born in Salento and lives between Busto Arsizio, Rome and San Remo. She has had a career in public administration for 28 years, in a municipality and a ministry.

Maria works freelance as a journalist, PR, communicator, writer, event organizer. She has written books in teams and individually, and has edited several texts and volumes. She is a member of ONAOO and became a Professional Oil Taster at the ONAOO School in 2017.

She is also a chocolate taster in the Lindt panel. For the last six years she has been working in the oil industry as a producer, taster, communicator and event organizer.