Vlorë, Albania
About us
Our Roots in VlorE
On the shores of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Vlore is blessed with fertile soil, a gentle coastal climate, and more than 300 days of sunshine each year—nature’s ideal setting for olives.
Donika is pressed from olives that flourish in the hills of Skrofotina, Cerkovina, and Travllazer, where ancient trees continue to thrive under the same sun and soil that sustained generations before us.
Our promise to Vlore and its people is lasting: to uplift local farmers, honor the land’s gifts, and protect the purity of our homeland for the future.
A Name Rooted in Love
Our name honors the Albanian noblewoman Andronika (Donika) Arianiti, remembered for her diplomacy, leadership, and enduring bond with the national hero Skanderbeg. Their marriage in 1451 began a tradition: at every Albanian wedding, ten olive trees were planted. Many of these trees still stand today, living symbols of love and heritage.
In a remarkable alignment, both Donika and the Kalinjot olive variety trace their roots to the ancient village of Kanina—the birthplace of our story and the heart of our oil.
The Kalinjot Variety
At the heart of Donika Olive Oil is the revered Kalinjot variety—an ancient Albanian olive celebrated for its exquisite flavor and exceptional polyphenol content. These natural antioxidants are the source of olive oil’s extraordinary health benefits.
Long before modern medicine, Kalinjot oil was treasured as “ilaç”—a household remedy lovingly safeguarded by the maternal figure and shared with the family.
Today, the same olives infuse our oil with a robust, earthy taste and a deep aroma that capture the essence of Albanian soil, while preserving their time-honored vitality. This is what sets Donika apart: an oil that delights the senses and nourishes the body.
Premium Quality
Donika Olive Oil represents the pinnacle of quality and taste. Our olives are handpicked at peak ripeness from the tree’s crown, ensuring only the finest fruits make it into your bottle. Using traditional, time-honored methods, we preserve the olives’ natural flavors and extraordinary health benefits—a craft that earned us both EU and USDA organic certification.
In Albania, where crystal waters meet rich, unpolluted soil, organic farming is not a trend but a way of life. Our dedication to sustainability safeguards this land for future generations while producing oil of unmatched purity.
As the first Albanian product of its kind treated and pressed to the highest standards, Donika unites tradition and technology. Your oil is never bottled until your order is placed—delivering freshness straight from the grove to your table.
Empowering Albanians
Donika Olive Oil is more than a brand—it is a partnership with the Albanian farmers and producers who have cared for these trees for generations. From the beginning, founder Bianti Danaj envisioned Donika as a way to elevate Albania’s economic and cultural presence on the global stage.
By sourcing our olives and every service locally, we directly sustain the livelihoods of hardworking families, foster sustainable agriculture, and strengthen our beloved homeland. As the first major Albanian company to bring its product to the United States, we hope to inspire new opportunities and open doors for others to follow.
We take pride in paying wages well above Albania’s average, and are actively working toward Fair Trade and B-Corporation certification. With the support of our cherished customers, the farmers who tend these groves enjoy the fruits of their labor—while you, in turn, enjoy the fruit of their land.
