Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!     In this episode of That Was Delicious, Brooke Eliason chats with Andrew Benin, co-founder and CEO of Graza, the fastest-growing olive oil company globally. Andrew shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by Ukrainian and Belarusian cuisine to launching Graza, a company that revolutionized the olive oil market with its unique branding, high-quality products, and innovative squeeze bottle. Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his mission to make olive oil more accessible and fun, shines throughout the conversation. Listeners will gain insights into his path to success, the challenges of starting a business, and the core values that have made Graza a standout brand.     Key Takeaways

• [01:18] The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Andrew’s early ventures, like selling Pokémon cards and shoveling snow, highlight his entrepreneurial roots.
• [08:53] The Spark for Graza: A trip to Spain and discovering a unique olive oil sparked Andrew’s passion for creating a product that stood out in the market.
• [14:34] Challenges of Entrepreneurship: From getting fired to taking risks, Andrew emphasizes the importance of resilience and embracing uncertainty in building a business.
• [17:11] The Squeeze Bottle Innovation: Inspired during a shower, Andrew envisioned a squeeze bottle for olive oil, which became a key differentiator for Graza.
• [32:31] Graza’s Mission: The company focuses on creating accessible, high-quality olive oil for everyday use, educating consumers on the differences between oils.
• [46:37] Rapid Growth: In just three years, Graza has become a leader in the olive oil market, scaling operations while maintaining product quality and brand authenticity.

    Notable Quotes

• (02:47) “Being an entrepreneur is just saying, ‘This is my way to create.’”
• (20:30) “We’re not just olive oil; we’re about the emotional feeling you get in the kitchen. That’s what makes Graza special.” 
• (28:07) “Graza is bigger than any one person, any one farm, any one country. It’s about really delicious food that’s fun to use.” 
• (51:56) “Stay focused and improve at what you’re good at rather than trying to become experts in everything.” 

    Resources

• Visit the official Graza website
• Follow Graza on Instagram
• Follow Female Foodie on Instagram