The Story Of Organic Village

The founder of Organic Village, J Cengiz Aytacli (known as Jay to his colleagues), was born in Eskisehir, Turkey, in 1953. In his childhood Eskisehir was a small town in the heart of Anatolia, surrounded by a mosaic of many other small communities, towns and villages. This fertile region is renowned for the abundance of its hills and valleys, which have remained untouched by chemical pesticides and sprays for hundreds of years.

So productive were the fields and orchards of Anatolia that much of the harvest would often go to waste, with insufficient opportunity for the farmers and growers to reach a wider market.

Jay moved to London in 1970 to study, and his first job was with the famous vintners Stowells of Chelsea. He subsequently worked in business and product development for various reputable companies until he was 35. Over the years, as he was going back and forward to Turkey for holidays with his wife and three children, Jay hatched a plan to represent the villagers who dedicate their time and effort to harness the best of nature, to build and preserve a healthier and wealthier future for all.

Organic Village was first founded in July 1995, initially bringing together a handful of organic fruit growers from Anatolia. Having his own children, and subsequently two granddaughters, made Jay think of future generations, and our responsibility to the land. The original small co-operative grew into a society of like-minded growers and producers. Combining business experience with their organic farming skills, and marrying modern technology with age-old traditions, Organic Village would bring a range of products to a worldwide market at affordable prices.

Today Organic Village brings the organic goodness from their fields and orchards to your table, with a range of 7 authentic fruit juices. Over 753 farmers and their families are now growing for Organic Village. We are also working with top quality organic farmers in Bulgaria, to bring you a range of 4 delicious cheeses, and we have many other projects in the pipeline.

The range is now sold in 16 different countries around the world. We are very proud that we have started a new era of co-operation, sustainable on an ethical platform, to make that dream of ‘sensibly priced organic quality produce’ come true.