Atolita Who? Get to Know Our Founding Team

Who is Koray?

Often mistaken for culinary artists, food engineers are the unsung heroes of the food industry. While chefs create delicious dishes, food engineers are the scientists and innovators who ensure our food is safe, nutritious, and enjoyable. They apply engineering principles and scientific knowledge to develop and improve food products, from farm to fork.

Meet Koray, our Co-Founder, and discover how his expertise in food engineering drives Atolita’s commitment to quality and innovation. 

Here’s Koray all smiles after harvesting wild seaweeds in the Gediz Delta, one of Turkey’s most extensive coastal wetlands.

Koray Erimez brings to Atolita over 30 years of experience in the food industry, technology and business management, from research and development to international marketing. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering in 2000 from Ege University, which is one of Turkey’s leading scientific institutions in the city of Izmir and the Aegean region.

He started his career in Dr. Oetker Nahrungsmittel Bielefeld facilities in Germany with R&D and then International Marketing. His expertise was instrumental in growing a Turkish diabetic company’s market share from 6.4% to 94% and target market penetration from 10% to 90+%. He specializes in product formulation, business development and market entry of new products. Since then, he’s lived in over 10 countries and explored more than 60 others, widening his perspective on the spectrum of flavors and possibilities in food.

As a Co-founder, he leverages his Turkish heritage and network in the food industry, as well as his global expertise in food products R&D, food products marketing, and food products distribution.

FUN FACTS

Is a Food Engineer a Cook?

No, a Food engineer is not a cook or Chef.

A Food Engineer is a professional who specializes in applying scientific principles and engineering concepts to the development and production of food products. They create processes, analyze data, and create solutions to improve food safety, flavor, and nutrition. Food Engineers perform research and development activities to create new food technologies, optimize existing processes, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

The role of a Food Engineer is to develop, design, and improve food products and processes. They use principles of engineering and food science to create processes and products that maximize the efficiency and safety of food production, from the raw material phase to the finished product. Food Engineers may also research and develop new food products, including new food ingredients, or improve existing food products. They may also develop new packaging methods and equipment to improve the safety, quality, and shelf life of food products.

Who is
Johanna?

Johanna’s love for food goes beyond the kitchen. As a Co-Founder of Atolita, she brings a unique perspective to our dairy products, one that is deeply rooted in community and sustainability. With a heart for artisan craftsmanship and a passion for creating products that nourish both body and soul, her vision is to foster a deeper connection between consumers and their food.

Discover how Johanna’s artistic spirit and dedication to community food systems shape Atolita’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Johanna is an artist with 20+ years of experience in real estate and education. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Ateneo de Manila University in 2002 and spearheads our communications and community engagement efforts. Her passion for creativity, sustainable living, tourism and slow living aligns perfectly with Atolita’s mission.

As an early adopter in sustainable living communities in Tagaytay and Nuvali, she leverages her local expertise and network in the premium real estate market to build our community-focused distribution system. She has visited cities and creative hubs in Asia and the US to investigate and understand what makes diverse and robust communities sustainable.   

Here’s Johanna exploring the digital nomad lifestyle in Sanur, Bali

Johanna makes everyday art as Montalut, using doodles to invite us to be a little braver everyday. She is also a strong advocate for Web3, ensuring we explore innovative opportunities for growth and engagement.

As Co-founder, she carries the conversations that bring joy, authenticity, and community to the table.

We’re Koray and Johanna, the dynamic duo behind Atolita.

As founders, we’re fueled by a deep love for traditional dairy making and a commitment to transparency and sustainability. As a food engineer, Koray wears the systems and business hat of Atolita, while Johanna brings the heart of an artist. We’ve spent countless hours learning from the best in the industry—those who had perfected the art over generations, and proudly bring to you handcrafted dairy products that are delicious and healthy for the whole family.

Koray

Koray, a seasoned food engineer, has been crafting delicious and innovative products for over three decades. He’s a master of market analysis, product development, and international marketing. Early in his career, he helped a Turkish diabetic company skyrocket from a mere 6.4% market share to a whopping 94%. That’s Koray’s magic at work!

Johanna

Johanna, on the other hand, brings a unique blend of art, real estate, and education to the table. With over 20 years of experience in these fields, she’s a natural at connecting with people and building lasting relationships. Her passion for sustainable living and community engagement is the heart and soul of Atolita.

Together, we are the yin and yang holding Atolita in balance and harmony. We’re not just business partners; we’re a husband and wife team driven by a shared vision of creating a sustainable and thriving community of dairy enthusiasts in the Philippines.

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