Birsen Can, a certified olive oil taster and esteemed international judge, brings over two decades of expertise to the olive oil production domain in her native Turkey. Possessing both an MSc degree in Olive Oil Chemistry and Processing Technologies and a BSc degree in Food Engineering, Birsen is recognized as a ‘professor’ among Turkish olive oil producers, valued for her responsiveness to inquiries.

In her role as the manager of the chemical and sensory testing laboratory for Turkey’s leading olive oil exporter, Birsen has been instrumental in enhancing the quality and global recognition of Turkish olive oil. As one of Turkey’s pioneering olive oil experts, she has organized workshops and facilitated collaboration with international experts, fostering knowledge exchange.

Birsen’s influence extends globally, as evidenced by her participation as a judge in over 20 competitions, including prestigious events such as the Aydin Mercantile Exchange, Zeytindostu Extra Virgin Olive Oil Quality Competition in Turkey, TerraOlivo in Israel, and EVO IOOC in Italy.

Her dedication to advancing the Turkish olive oil industry is underscored by her recent accomplishment—the establishment of the “Anatolian IOOC,” the inaugural international olive oil competition in Turkey. This initiative reflects Birsen’s dream of celebrating the “olive tree and its golden liquid” in her homeland.

Since 2005, she has been an ONAOO Taster, contributing to various olive oil tasting training sessions throughout Turkey. Beyond olive oil, Birsen’s tasting expertise extends to wine; she served as a judge in Terravino/Israel in 2017. Recognized as a trusted figure, she currently oversees the training and establishment of an independent tasting panel in Istanbul, comprising ONAOO certified olive oil professionals and enthusiasts. Birsen Can continues to shape and elevate the olive oil industry, leaving an indelible mark on both national and international fronts.