We spoke with Abner Talmon, founder of Olea Essence, about the cultural background of his business, the secrets to his success, and his future mission.

Olea Essence is a cosmetics brand that uses olives. It is sold worldwide in Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the United States, and more.

Abner Talmon, the founder of Olea Essence, develops and produces olive-based cosmetics that are gentle on both the environment and the skin, with a commitment to natural production methods. As more consumers are choosing sustainably produced goods, Abner's olive groves are a testament to a sustainable business. Here, we introduce his consideration for nature and his dedication to his products.

In 1997, Abner and his family moved from central Israel to the northern Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights. The transition from Israel's second-largest city to a quiet, peaceful rural life was significant. He saw this move as an opportunity, built a home surrounded by olive groves, and started his business.

'We chose a sustainable way of life. We cooperate with nature, without relying on chemical sprays or fertilizers. We don't use fences or enclosures; even if our crops are damaged, we don't restrict the movement of animals,' says Abner.

At Olea Essence, the philosophy is to treat all resources with respect and kindness. The name 'Olea Essence' means 'the essence of the olive,' and the company offers 100% natural products with no preservatives or artificial colors. They also strive to ensure no part of the olive goes to waste. The water discharged during olive oil pressing is naturally high in antioxidants and can be harmful to the environment. However, Olea Essence uses a patented fermentation process to transform this water into olive vinegar, which is then used as a raw material for cosmetics and detergents. Everything from detergents to cookware and equipment is produced naturally, with no waste generated during the manufacturing process.

The 100% natural production method requires many steps and careful attention, but these efforts have been duly recognized. Olea Essence's Olive Wash & Exfoliate was selected as the best product at the CleanTech Open contest in San Francisco in 2010, judged by 6,000 jurors.

Through relentless effort combined with uncompromising quality and innovation, Olea Essence has grown from a small family business in the Israeli countryside into a global cosmetics brand. They sell primarily online in the Asia-Pacific region and the United States, with particular popularity in China currently.

In Japan, they first launched in Okinawa. Abner believed that Okinawa, known for its gourmet food and ingredients, would be the most challenging market. If they succeeded in Okinawa, he reasoned, they could succeed anywhere. The results have been promising, with sales in Okinawa on the rise. Consequently, Abner is considering expanding the business to other regions of Japan and has exhibited at Japanese trade shows such as 'CosmoProf'.

His next goal is to develop a sunscreen without artificial chemicals, designed for people who are active outdoors. This could also be utilized in other products like face creams and natural SPF lip balms, greatly helping to protect people from harmful UV rays in daily life. He is currently working on establishing a research center and visitor center to showcase olive oil production methods, which he hopes to share with people when travel to Israel becomes possible again.

It’s about you, and its about your family.
And its all about your environment.
For you, for your family,
and for our planet.

— Avner Talmon, Founder of Olea Essence
(Abner Talmon, Founder of Olea Essence)

This spirit towards people and nature is the 'care' needed to realize a sustainable society.