Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaveh Nourmofidi.
Hi Kaveh , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After spending over a decade in banking in Canada, I moved to San Diego in 2020 during the pandemic and found myself reflecting on what I wanted to do next. Like many people during that time, I began exploring the idea of starting my own business—something I had always dreamed of doing.
My connection to olive oil started long before that. Growing up, olive oil was a staple in my family’s kitchen, and I developed a deep appreciation for its flavor, quality, and health benefits. After moving to California, I began researching the industry and was surprised by how difficult it was to find truly high-quality, authentic olive oil.
That discovery led me on a journey across California, meeting with family farms and learning about their harvesting practices and commitment to quality. We eventually partnered with a single-family farm in Central California that shared our vision of producing exceptional olive oil.
aficio22 was created to bring premium California olive oil to people’s tables while making a positive impact beyond the bottle. As a mission-driven company, we donate 2% of our sales to support youth organizations and help provide greater access to education.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is never a smooth road, and the challenges along the way have been some of our greatest opportunities to learn and improve.
One of our first major challenges was developing our packaging. Creating our current design was both complex and costly, but we wanted to build something that reflected the quality of our olive oil. Our UV-protected glass bottles are designed to protect the oil from light and heat, helping preserve freshness and extend shelf life.
Manufacturing also presented challenges, especially during the pandemic when supply chains were disrupted. Beyond creating the product, building a brand from the ground up required patience and persistence. We started with a single farmers market in San Diego and gradually built awareness by connecting directly with customers. Over time, we expanded into additional farmers markets, wine festivals, and community events across Southern California. Today, we’re continuing to grow and are excited to bring aficio22 into more retail stores.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
aficio22 was created around a simple belief: the things we bring to our table should be made with care, integrity, and purpose.
We produce premium California extra virgin olive oil in partnership with a single-family farm in Central California, where every harvest is carefully crafted and tested annually through the California Olive Oil Council to ensure the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
We believe great olive oil is more than just an ingredient—it’s a connection to the farmers who produce it, the meals shared with family and friends, and the everyday moments that bring people together. From our thoughtfully designed UV-protected bottles to our commitment to transparency, every detail is intentional.
What we are most proud of is that aficio22 is built to make an impact beyond the bottle. Through our commitment to donate 2% of sales to youth organizations and education initiatives, every purchase helps us share our success with the community and create opportunities for the next generation.
What are your plans for the future?
Our focus for the future is expanding aficio22 into retail and continuing to build a nationally recognized premium olive oil brand. We know building a lasting brand takes time, and we are committed to growing thoughtfully while staying true to our values of quality, authenticity, and making a positive impact in our community.
Pricing:
- $45- glass bottles
- $35- refill tins
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aficio22.com/
- Instagram: aficio22
- Facebook: aficio22
