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    Andrew Benin

    CEO / Co-founder at Graza

    Andrew Benin, Co-founder and CEO of Graza

    Andrew Benin is the co-founder and CEO of Graza, a Brooklyn-based olive oil company that has seen rapid growth since its launch in 2022. Benin, a 31-year-old first-generation American, founded Graza after a trip to Spain where he tasted high-quality, freshly pressed olive oil and was inspired to share it with others.13

    Career Background

    • Graduated from Binghamton University in 2013 with a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Management2
    • Worked at various startups including Warby Parker, Casper, Oura, and Magic Spoon prior to founding Graza2
    • Staged at Michelin star restaurant Gramercy Tavern in 2018 which further fueled his passion for food1

    Founding Graza

    • Benin brought freshly pressed Spanish olive oil back to New York and shared it with chef Michael Anthony, who suggested making it accessible to more people1
    • Graza was founded in October 2020 with the mission of providing high-quality olive oil at an affordable price point1
    • The company uses Picual olives grown in Jaén, Spain and packages the oil in distinctive green squeeze bottles13

    Graza's Success

    • Graza launched in January 2022 and sold out of inventory within a day1
    • By 2024, Graza is projected to exceed $48 million in total gross sales1
    • The company is now available in over 3,000 stores across the U.S. in addition to online sales3

    Benin's innovative approach to packaging and marketing has helped make Graza a standout brand in the olive oil industry. With a focus on quality, affordability, and accessibility, Graza has found success in a relatively short period of time under Benin's leadership.

    Highlights

    Jun 7 · cnbc.com
    How Graza Olive Oil co-founder Andrew Benin built the business
    How Graza Olive Oil co-founder Andrew Benin built the business
    Jun 7 · CNBC
    31-year-old built a company that could bring in $48 million this year—all due to olive oil - CNBC
    31-year-old built a company that could bring in $48 million this year—all due to olive oil - CNBC
    Feb 27 · reddit.com
    Interview with Graza co-founder, Andrew Benin : r/oliveoil - Reddit
    Feb 22 · readonhand.com
    Andrew Benin, co-founder, Graza - by Brianna Plaza
    Andrew Benin, co-founder, Graza - by Brianna Plaza
    Jan 8 · adage.com
    Making olive oil cool—behind Graza founder's unorthodox approach
    Making olive oil cool—behind Graza founder's unorthodox approach
    Jul 12 · oliveoiltimes.com
    Graza Co-Founder Andrew Benin Is on A Roll - Olive Oil Times
    Graza Co-Founder Andrew Benin Is on A Roll - Olive Oil Times
    Apr 28 · Fast Company
    The hottest drama on LinkedIn is a fight about olive oil bottle design - Fast Company

    Related Questions

    What inspired Andrew Benin to start Graza?
    How did Andrew Benin's experience at Warby Parker and Casper influence his entrepreneurial journey?
    What challenges did Graza face during its early stages?
    How did Andrew Benin's mentor, chef Michael Anthony, impact his business?
    What makes Graza's olive oil unique compared to other brands?
    Andrew Benin
    Andrew Benin, photo 1
    Andrew Benin, photo 2
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    Experience

    CEO / Co-founder at Graza since November 2020
    Head of Special Projects at Magic Spoon, Consultant at Oura, Various roles at Casper including Project Manager: Global Operations Strategy and Special Projects Lead, Retail Expansion at Warby Parker, Business Development Summer Associate at Viacom

    Education

    AACI Global Education Buenos Aires Campus, International Business/Trade/Commerce, 2013; Binghamton University - School of Management, Bachelor of Science (BS) in International Business/ Management, 2010 - 2013

    Location

    United States