We caught up with The Real Olive Company co-founder Karin Andersson, over a cuppa, to find out what inspires her
Morning, busy week? What’s first on your to do list?
I tend to take charge of sorting the kids first, while my partner and co-founder, Ben, heads straight to the office for a ‘walk round’ with the team. I’m now Marketing Director, however, I’ve worn many hats over the years, from working on our market stall in the early days to hauling tins of olives from the back of lorries.
You’re clearly passionate about what you do, how did it come about?
We used to love visiting the European markets while on holiday and were blown away by the quality and choice of olives on offer. At the time, about 20 years ago, there was nothing like that in the UK and we wanted to recreate it over here, so we started selling at markets throughout England.
And did it snowball from there?
It did! Today, we mostly supply our organic olives directly to retailers, so we reach more people. It's our aim to ‘make life taste better by connecting people to the natural vitality of real food.’
Lunchtime – any prizes for guessing what’s on the menu?
Got it in one. Yes, there’s always olives involved. Ben and I make our lunches the night before – it’s usually a grain based salad with roasted veg, olives and some crumbled feta.
Back to work, what’s on the horizon for the company?
Hopefully, we’ll get out to visit our suppliers soon. In normal times, visiting our growers is a highlight of running an olive business, especially when ‘office meetings’ usually take place over Mediterranean food in a Greek taverna.
And after a busy day, how do you like to switch off ?
Whatever the weather, I love walking our crazy Cocker Spaniel, Saga. Being outdoors helps to clear my mind. Ben and I also love having friends and family over for food. We love it when everyone brings a dish, such as aubergines with feta, lamb patties, Spanakopita and, of course, olives.
See therealolivecompany.co.uk for more info or follow on Insta: @realoliveco
