From Rose Fields to Global Shelves: The Akita Rose Water Story
An Exclusive Interview with Burhan Kılıç, Founder of Akita Natural Products
📍 How It All Started: A Vision Rooted in Isparta
Akita’s journey began in 1993—not in cosmetics, but in tourism. As the first officially licensed travel agency in Isparta, we proudly represented Turkish Airlines for over 15 years. However, with the rise of digital transformation, we foresaw the decline of traditional travel agencies.
Our background in engineering and analytics pushed us toward innovation. Being based in Isparta, home to the world-renowned Rosa Damascena roses, we naturally gravitated toward rose-based production. But for us, roses weren't just agricultural assets—they were cultural heritage.
We noticed that the rose water available on the market lacked in quality and failed to meet international standards. This gap inspired us to take a scientific approach to production, supported by partnerships with cosmetic labs in Canada, France, and Germany, and aromatherapy experts in the Netherlands and Taiwan. Long before R&D became a trend in Turkey, we embraced it as our foundation.
🌸 Why Isparta? The Strategic Role of Location
Isparta’s unique microclimate offers unmatched conditions for rose cultivation—aroma, structure, and yield. This natural advantage gave us access to the highest quality raw materials, ensuring freshness and traceability in every bottle. Building relationships with local farmers also allowed us to be hands-on throughout every production phase.
💧 Why We Chose to Produce Non De-Oiled Rose Water
Traditionally, rose water is what remains after the rose oil is extracted. But we knew that authentic rose water should contain both essential oils and water-soluble aromatic compounds. This full-spectrum approach significantly enhances the product’s effectiveness and set us apart in the market.
🧪 Scientific Craftsmanship in Production
We modernized traditional distillation methods by developing a low-temperature, slow distillation system based on scientific principles. This helped us retain both volatile oils and antioxidant components.
Highlights of our production process:
🌿 100% natural—no additives, preservatives, or synthetic content
🔍 Full traceability—from farm to bottle
🌍 International testing—each product is dermatologically and microbiologically tested in accredited labs in Canada, France, and Germany
✨ The Power of Purity
Pure rose water offers a truly sensory and therapeutic experience. The calming and hydrating effect on the skin is instantly noticeable. The positive feedback from our customers continuously affirms the value of our approach. Staying true to nature is not just a principle—it’s our brand ethic.
🔬 Discovering the Hidden Power of the Isparta Rose
We had theoretical knowledge of the rose’s potential, but lab analyses revealed much more. Reports from international laboratories confirmed that Isparta’s rose is rich in bioactive compounds like citronellol, geraniol, and nerol—on par with the best rose species in the world. This scientific insight fueled our product development journey.
📈 2024: A Year of Transformation
In 2024, Akita entered a new phase of maturity:
✅ We launched our new product development lab
🌱 Started eco-conscious supply chain projects
🌿 Expanded into other plant-based hydrosols
💻 Rebuilt our e-commerce platforms and established an in-house software team and physical server room
🌍 Successfully entered regulated global markets like Canada, the U.S., and China
🔭 Looking Ahead: Our 2025 Vision
In Turkey:
Implementing high-yield and soil-free farming methods for roses and lavender
Advancing our AI-powered apps for skin analysis and ingredient transparency
In Canada:
Expanding distribution channels
Launching our app in English and French
We’re also preparing to introduce an all-new product line based on the"Rose Water Skincare"concept, including toners, facial sprays, moisturizers, and serums.
🌍 Our 5-Year Roadmap: Nature Meets Science
In five years, we aim to be globally recognized as a science-based, nature-powered cosmetics brand. Our expanded product line will include hydrosols and botanical skincare solutions derived from Turkey’s rich flora—lavender, sage, thyme, rosemary, and more.
Our brand vision focuses on:
🔬 Transparency and traceability in every product
🌱 Empowering women producers and local farmers
🌍 Embodying sustainability at every step
We are not chasing trends—we are building long-term value and sharing it with the world.
Burhan KılıçFounder | Akita Natural Products Pioneer of Non De-Oiled Rose Water Production
🗨“For us, success means staying rooted in nature while elevating it with science.”