Olive oil with a story

James Veysel Binici, founder of Bristol-based startup Veysel Oil, shares how his family’s legacy and a rare PDO-protected Turkish landscape shape an olive oil rooted in heritage, sustainability and respect for the land. From chemical-free traditional farming to biodiversity-led practices, his mission goes beyond flavour and is about protecting place and culture.

When people ask me about Veysel Oil, I always tell them that it is much more than just olive oil, it is a reflection of place, heritage, and respect for the land. Veysel Oil is produced in a region that has been cultivating olives for centuries. The olive variety grown here is so unique and tied to the local environment that the region has been awarded PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status. This recognition means that the oil does not just come from anywhere, it comes from a landscape and community that give it its distinct flavor and character.

The story of Veysel Oil begins with my grandfather, Veysel, after whom the brand is proudly named. He passed away when I was young, but the values he lived by have stayed with me. He cared for his olive trees with a quiet patience and a deep respect for the land, and though my time with him was short, those early memories made a lasting impression. When I founded Veysel Oil, it was with the goal of continuing his legacy and honoring his name by producing olive oil that reflects both tradition and sustainability.

Our groves stretch across rolling hills where the climate, soil, and traditional knowledge come together perfectly for olive farming. But what makes me proudest is not only the taste of the oil but how it is made. From the beginning, my vision for Veysel Oil has been rooted in sustainability and conservation. I come from a conservation background myself, having completed a masters degree in the subject. Much of what I learned about biodiversity, soil health and the importance of working with natural systems, I apply directly to our fields.

We rely on traditional farming methods that minimise our impact on the environment. That means no heavy chemical use, no unnecessary irrigation and no shortcuts that could harm the long-term health of the land. Instead, we focus on techniques that farmers here have passed down for generations: maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, encouraging natural pollinators and letting the trees thrive without over-interference. To me, this is not just about preserving tradition, it is about ensuring that the land remains fertile and abundant for generations to come.

Producing olive oil sustainably is not always the easiest path, but it is the most rewarding. Every harvest is a reminder that when you treat the land with respect, it gives back in kind. The result is an oil that is rich, balanced, and deeply connected to the place it comes from.

I believe that as consumers, we all have a role to play in protecting the planet. One way is by being mindful of the products we buy and the companies we support. When you are choosing a food product, take a moment to look into where it comes from and how it is made. Is it from a company that values sustainability? Does it respect traditional farming methods and care for the environment? If we’re able to consider these types of questions when purchasing food, and make a choice based on the answers, we can have a positive impact on the kind of world we want to see. 

At Veysel Oil, we are committed to being part of the solution by making olive oil in a way that honours the land, supports biodiversity, and keeps farming traditions alive. I am proud to carry forward my grandfather Veysel’s legacy, blending his values with my own conservation background to create something sustainable, authentic, and deeply rooted in heritage. Each choice we make as consumers shapes the future of our landscapes, our communities, and our shared food culture. By choosing mindfully, we can nurture a food system that sustains both people and the planet.

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