Who We Are
We are united visionaries and builders, driven by purpose—unlocking the land’s true treasure
At Black Horse Initiative (BHI), we are more than olive oil makers—we are on a mission to heal a nation, provide fair markets for farmers, and restore health to consumers. We honor generations of farmers who have nurtured Albania’s sunlit hills through centuries of struggle, valuing their craft and preserving their legacy. Every bottle we craft reflects this purpose: pure, authentic, and enduring—bringing the richness of the land, the dedication of its people, and the benefits of high-quality olive oil directly to your table.
Our Philosophy
In today’s olive oil world, true authenticity is rare. The modern trade has moved away from its roots, overshadowed by mass production and watered-down claims of “extra virgin.” Black Horse Initiative is your secret ingredient—delivering exceptional quality, sustainability, and heart, crafted by hands that honor tradition and nurture the land.
Your Secret Ingredient
Our oil is first cold-pressed and single-sourced from family-owned estates across Albania’s sunlit hills. Olives are harvested at peak ripeness and pressed within hours, locking in their natural aroma, flavor, and vitality—just as nature intended.
This oil goes beyond organic. Its sustainability is shaped by patience, precision, and deep respect for the craft. Independent EU testing confirms our olive oil contains residue levels 50 times lower than organic limits. Clean taste. Clean ingredients. No compromises.
Through natural decantation, meticulous testing, and extreme care at every stage, the oil is preserved in its purest, high-phenolic form.
One Vision
Real Impact
We pay tribute to our farmers by restoring justice to their craft after the hardships of the Ottoman Empire and decades of communism. Our founders walk the groves alongside the farmers who cultivate the land, supporting the region’s agriculture and experiencing the work firsthand—never from distant offices.
We work directly with family farmers, building fair partnerships that value people as much as product. By paying above market value and remaining present in the groves, we help safeguard a way of life shaped by patience, generational knowledge, and deep respect for the land.
Meet the Executive Team
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Denis Agolli
SENIOR PROJECT DIRECTOR
Denis Agolli is the Guardian of the Land at Black Horse Initiative—a passionate farmer and Senior Project Director who brings vision, purpose, and action to everything he does. In Belsh, he cultivates olives with organic methods that protect the soil and preserve biodiversity. Beyond the groves, Denis serves as a mentor and guide, sharing his knowledge with fellow farmers and inspiring local youth to stay and build their future where their roots are. Recognized by FAO as one of the 2025 Food Heroes, Denis embodies the spirit of BHI, leading initiatives that honor the land, support farmers, and bring Albania’s hidden treasures to the world.
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Daryl & Deborah Snyder
LOGISTICS DIRECTORS
With over 25 years of experience living and working in Albania and across multiple international settings, Daryl and Debbie Snyder are the logistical backbone and trusted ambassadors of Black Horse Initiative. Having led foundations, ministries, and global initiatives, they bring unmatched expertise in coordination, operations, and cross-cultural collaboration. Beyond their professional skill, they are the power duo guiding with care, wisdom, and a deep commitment to supporting the land, the farmers, and the mission of BHI. Their dedication ensures that every aspect of production and distribution runs smoothly, connecting Albania’s hidden treasures to the world
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Elton Seferi
FOOD SAFETY DIRECTOR
Elton Seferi is a specialist in food safety, quality management, and sustainable agriculture, with extensive experience implementing ISO, GlobalGAP, and organic certifications across Albania and the Western Balkans. Educated at CIHEAM in Italy, with advanced studies in organic agriculture and Mediterranean pest surveillance, he brings deep technical knowledge and a commitment to excellence. At Black Horse Initiative, Elton ensures that every process—from farm to bottle—meets the highest international standards while supporting farmers, protecting the land, and promoting sustainable, high-quality food production that reflects the heritage and integrity of the region.
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Arjola Sinani
MARKETING & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Arjola Sinani leads marketing, public relations, and multilingual communications at Black Horse Initiative, bringing creativity, strategy, and a global perspective to every project. With experience in content creation, website design, and translation, she ensures that the story of Albania’s olive heritage reaches audiences worldwide. Arjola has held leadership roles in student engagement, ministry, and project coordination at Regent University, managing social media campaigns and mentorship initiatives. A passionate communicator and problem-solver, she combines professional expertise with a heart for cultural connection, helping BHI unlock the treasure.
What We Stand On
