This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit jjchase.substack.com

Katya Bateva is the founder of Volzhenka, a caviar house redefining luxury through heritage, sustainability, and craftsmanship. With a background in economics and finance from the London School of Economics and a family legacy in the caviar industry, Katya launched Volzhenka in 2016 to bring a new level of transparency and excellence to the market.

Today, Volzhenka is globally recognized, serving Michelin-starred chefs and discerning clients with award-winning caviar praised for its purity and subtlety. Katya is one of the few producers to pioneer the sustainable “milking” method, allowing sturgeon to live while maintaining peak quality.

A passionate advocate for ethical sourcing and education, Katya continues to shape the future of luxury gastronomy—blending tradition with innovation at every step.