How Ari Weinzweig Helped Bring Extra Virgin Olive Oil to America
The Culinary Institute of America
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Show Notes
Discover how Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of the legendary Zingerman’s Delicatessen, helped introduce specialty foods—and especially *extra virgin olive oil*—to the Midwest back in the 1980s, long before it became a pantry staple. In this conversation, Ari reflects on how customer tastes have evolved over the decades and how a new appreciation for high-quality olive oil has transformed the market.
He’s joined by Alexandra Kicenik Devarenne, director of the Extra Virgin Alliance, who offers insight into what it takes to build consumer understanding, foster appreciation, and create real value for authentic extra virgin olive oil.
Founded in 1982 with business partner Paul Saginaw, Zingerman’s has grown from a single Ann Arbor deli into a vibrant “community of businesses,” including a bakehouse, coffee company, creamery, candy manufactory, and more. This video dives into that history—and the passion behind bringing exceptional food to American tables.
This video was produced by The Culinary Institute of America as an industry service to the International Olive Council.
Find recipes, videos and more information at https://www.plantforwardkitchen.org/olive-oil-and-the-plant-forward-kitchen