Colive, The Olive oil uniting Cyprus

In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the almost impossible brand and business story of Hasan Siber, founder of Colive, a pioneering olive oil brand that transcends the island’s historical divide between North and South. Hasan, a Cypriot entrepreneur born in Istanbul, was inspired by the unique quality of family-produced olive oil and driven by a vision to foster peace and collaboration in Cyprus. Colive operates across the hard borders of the island, collaborating with family farmers from both communities; Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots , making it the first business in over 50 years to bridge this geopolitical divide. The challenges of setting up such a venture are immense, involving negotiations with multiple administrations, navigating complex bureaucracy, and building trust among communities historically at odds.Hasan’s commitment to Colive is not just about producing exceptional olive oil but about crafting a narrative of unity and cooperation. By labelling the product simply as Cypriot, Colive embodies a vision that surpasses entrenched nationalistic divides. This effort not only supports local agriculture but also serves as a model for economic cooperation as a means of peace-building.The creation of Colive stands as a testament to the potential of entrepreneurship to bridge deep-rooted conflicts by promoting a shared goal and mutual benefits. Hasan’s journey with Colive illustrates the profound impact that visionary entrepreneurs can have, turning everyday commodities into instruments of peace and reconciliation. Join us to explore how Colive is not merely selling olive oil but is nurturing seeds of peace across Cyprus, proving that business can indeed be a powerful catalyst for change. Brought to you by Factory 39.