VOICED : Olive oil for peace in divided Cyprus

In 2017, two friends founded a company to sell olive oil from both sides of Cyprus, aiming to promote peace. They face challenges like dual operations, certification issues, and export restrictions due to the political division. Despite these, they maintain a balanced business model and plan to market their product in separate bottles due to labeling issues.

What is the primary goal of the company founded by Alexandros and Hassan?

• To promote peace between the communities in Cyprus

• To become the largest olive oil producer in Europe

• To create a new type of olive oil

• To export olive oil exclusively to the United States

How does the company source its olive oil?

• 100% from the southern farms

• From international suppliers

• 100% from the northern farms

• 50% from northern farms and 50% from southern farms

What percentage of the company's profits is donated back to the community?

• 15%

• 20%

• 10%

• 5%

What is a major challenge the company faces regarding the certification of its olive oil?

• Lack of demand for organic products

• Export restrictions on the southern part of Cyprus

• Inability to label mixed oil as organic due to political issues

• High production costs

What potential solution are the founders considering for marketing their olive oil?

• Selling it in separate bottles

• Reducing the price significantly

• Partnering with international brands

• Focusing on local markets only