Talya Bitkisel is strengthening its international presence through major investments, an expanding R&D infrastructure, and a "from seed to shelf" production model. Backed by its partnership with OYAK and its FDA-registered operations in the US, the company aims to increase its monthly capacity and become a global reference point in science-based phytotherapy. In our interview, Talya Bitkisel Founder and Phytotherapy Specialist M. Halis Ertaş provided information about the company.
Report / Interview by: B. Serhat Cengiz
Talya Bitkisel is strengthening its international presence through major investments, a growing R&D infrastructure, and a "seed to shelf" production model. With support from its partnership with OYAK and FDA-registered operations in the United States, the company aims to increase monthly capacity and become a global reference point in science-based phytotherapy. In this report, M. Halis Ertaş, Founder and Phytotherapy Specialist at Talya Bitkisel, provided information about the company.
How did Talya Bitkisel's story begin? Could you briefly describe both your career journey and the transformation the company has undergone since its establishment?
Talya's story began with the goal of bringing together traditional knowledge of plant use with scientific approaches. My interest in phytotherapy was shaped by the belief that when the potential offered by nature is processed using proper methods, it can add value to human health. Our journey, which started with small-scale production in 2003, has transformed into a structure that exports to more than 40 countries, continuously develops production infrastructure, and is positioned in the international market. In the early years, our focus was on quality herbal oils and extracts. Over time, we strengthened our R&D infrastructure, entered the vitamin and dietary supplement category, expanded our production facilities, and as of 2025, we have implemented a USD 6 million investment process. Today, Talya is positioned as a brand with a scalable and sustainable production model that supports traditional knowledge with scientific data. Concepts like phytotherapy and aromatherapy can sometimes seem complex. At its simplest, what benefits does bringing this power of nature into our homes and daily lives provide us? At its simplest, phytotherapy and aromatherapy involve extracting plant-based components found in nature using correct methods and using them in ways that support daily life. What is critical here is not that it is "natural," but that it is properly produced and standardized. The pace of modern life, stress, irregular nutrition, and environmental factors keep the body under constant strain. Plant-based contents formulated with scientific references can be a complementary element of a balanced lifestyle. However, no product is a miracle on its own. It gains meaning when combined with healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and conscious use.
Your "seed to shelf" approach is noteworthy. What does this approach mean in practice; what do you particularly emphasize in the process that extends from farmers to supply, from production to consumers?
The "seed to shelf" approach means that the entire process from the source of raw materials to the final product reaching consumers is traceable. We source many plant-based ingredients from contracted farmers, and we control the process from harvest timing to processing techniques. Since plants are living biological materials, their contents can vary depending on geography, climate, and harvest period. For this reason, standardization, analysis, and quality control processes are of critical importance. In our production line, analyses compliant with pharmacopeias, heavy metal and pesticide controls, and microbiological tests are regularly applied. Reliability can only be achieved through a measurable and repeatable production model.
Your establishment of Talya Herbal LLC in America and ownership of an FDA-registered production facility is a significant step. How has this global expansion affected your company culture and product approach?
Our incorporation in the United States was not merely an export step for Talya; it meant the institutionalization of how we think on a global scale. Having an FDA-registered production infrastructure enabled us to align our quality standards with international references. This process further strengthened data-driven decision-making, documentation discipline, and sustainable quality understanding in our company culture. To be sustainable in the American market, trust, transparency, and stable channel management are essential. This approach has also brought our product development processes to a more analytical and competitive foundation.
What role do the studies you conduct at the Talya Phytotherapy R&D Laboratory play in the emergence of new products? Could you tell us about your scientific collaborations and university partnerships?
Our R&D laboratory is at the center of our product development process. When developing a new product, we focus not only on market demand but also on literature reviews, clinical studies, and ingredient safety. Thanks to our collaborations with universities and expert academics in the field, our formulations are supported by scientific references. The Scientific Board structure we established in 2025 is also a corporate reflection of this approach. Many topics, from product ingredients to formulation processes, are evaluated under the guidance of this board.
Today, insufficient nutrition, stress, and environmental factors seriously affect health. As Talya, how do you aim to provide a solution to this situation; what fundamental human needs do you place at the center when designing your products?
Today, what is defined as "hidden hunger"—vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic stress, and metabolic imbalances—have become more visible. When developing products, our primary focus is to create formulations that support immunity, energy metabolism, cellular defense mechanisms, and overall quality of life. However, our approach is not merely to offer products but to support a culture of conscious use. Dietary supplements are complementary to a healthy lifestyle. For this reason, both ingredient safety and proper information are priorities for us.
What does the strategic partnership with OYAK that began in 2023 mean for Talya's future? What innovations and goals await our readers in both Turkey and global markets in the coming period?
The strategic partnership that began with OYAK was an important threshold that strengthened Talya's institutional and financial infrastructure. This partnership provided a solid foundation for increasing our production capacity, implementing the USD 6 million investment process, and advancing more strategically on a global scale. As of 2026, our goal is to increase our monthly production capacity from 1 million units to 10 million units. While strengthening our structure in the United States, we aim to achieve deeper penetration in new markets. Our goal is not merely to be a growing brand, but to become a trusted reference point on a global scale through a science-based production approach.
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