A local woman-owned retailer is marking her 10th year in business with the goal of hitting $1 million in sales this year.
Liberty Township resident Melaine Cedargren, owner of The Spicy Olive, operates three locations in the Dayton region for her gourmet specialty shop of fresh olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Cedargren launched her small business in West Chester in 2012, after graduating from the Aviatra Accelerators program, which supports woman-owned startups and small businesses.
The Spicy Olive sources olive oils from around the world. The brand changes the hemisphere it sources from every six months to adhere to the seasons and keep fresh products in rotation. Cedargren said she believes there are health benefits from using fresh olive oils.
“What they recommend is three to four tablespoons of oil a day in place of other fats, and I've been advocating that for years,” Cedargren said. “I think people just aren't aware of a simple thing that they could change in their diet and the huge health impact that would have for them.”
Last year, The Spicy Olive surpassed $900,000 in sales. Cedargren’s goal for 2022 is to hit $1 million.
The West Chester location recently began wine sales and offers weekly wine tasting events on Fridays. The Spicy Olive also hosts virtual wine tastings at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays.
Cedargren cited a Harvard University study, released this past January, which found olive oil consumption to be linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk, according to a long-term study period between 1990 and 2018.
All three stores are currently stocked with oils from the Southern Hemisphere, crushed in May and June of 2021 from Portugal, California and more. Cedargren said they are awaiting the arrival of oils crushed in November and December 2021 from Italy, Portugal, Tunisia and more.
Oils in store are kept in stainless steel containers and informational cards help shoppers to know the benefits and ingredients of the oils. In-person shoppers can taste various oils, some of which are flavored. Cedargren said customers are welcome to mix oils for cooking, salad dressing or popcorn toppings.
The Spicy Olive
Founded: 2012
Owner: Melanie Cedargren
Locations: Oakwood, West Chester and Cincinnati
Employees: 20
Website: https://www.thespicyolive.com/
Service: Olive oil sourcing brand
