After a year of staying at home, events being cancelled and endless opportunities to pivot, the year of 2021 seemed similar yet different from 2020. We’ve still tasted both sweet and bitter.
How was your year?
At Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars, our year of 2021 incorporated both continuing things we launched before and implementing new initiatives that we’re so excited about.
As we celebrate the year behind us and look toward what’s to come, we’re taking a pause to reflect on some of the highlights we’ve seen throughout the year. Let’s take a look…
January - Northern Hemisphere Oils are IN!
Right off the bat in January, we brought in our new Northern Hemisphere SELECT olive oil. Arbequina olive oil came to us from the country of Spain and had a slight fruity note. The Ayvalik olive oil brought us a complex flavor from Turkey. While these SELECT oils from the Northern Hemisphere didn’t last long at the beginning of the year, they sure brought some great flavor to kitchens all around.
March - Getting Techy With QR Codes
With our growing collection of recipes available online, we introduced an exciting new way to access ideas and inspiration. On each and every bottle, you can find a QR code that with just a quick scan, brings you to recipes and ideas for that specific product. With these ideas, you’re equipped to use your oil or vinegar in a plethora of dishes and treats.
April - New and Bright Vinegar Flavors
As the season turned to spring, we amp up the brightness with two new vinegar flavors! First, our Citrus Oregano balsamic vinegar brought on a fruity and herbaceous balance that adds to all kinds of dishes, especially Greek, Spanish or Italian-inspired foods. Then, our Jalapeño Lime balsamic vinegar began spicing up your dishes with a sweet yet zesty bite. These flavors not only brought more options for your cooking but also new recipes ideas to mix up your weeknight dinners and salad dressings.
June - Teaming Up with New Holland Brewing Co.
As Father’s Day rolled around, Fustini’s joyously teamed up with New Holland Brewing Co. This local brewery and distillery in Holland and Grand Rapids, Michigan has a large, nationally-recognized brand that is loved by many. This year, we teamed up to create a rich marinade using Fustini’s SELECT olive oil and Michigan Apple balsamic along with New Holland Dragon’s Milk beer. Created by Chef Matt Kearby at NHBC, this pork marinade recipe became widely popular.
July - The Return of In-Store Sampling
At Fustini’s one of our favorite parts of what we do is inviting guests into an experience of tasting and sampling our oils and vinegars. While last year we had some restrictions in sampling in-store, in July, we brought it back. With tasting cups and new health and safety measures in place, we reintroduced sampling in our tasting rooms.
August - Southern Hemisphere Oils Arrive!
With a dedication to providing our customers with the highest quality oil, we were so excited to share the SELECT first harvest Southern Hemisphere olive oils. We added Arbequina, Koroneiki and later Coratina. These speciality oils are quite rare and are the first oils produced in the region, from bright green fruit.
September - Celebrating National Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day
Here at Fustini’s we’re passionate about olive oil. So on September 30, we celebrated National Extra Virgin Olive Oil day in a big way. With every purchase made on that day, in-store or online, we also shared a free sample bottle of non-flavored olive oil. With each single varietal sample bottle, it was exciting to share the versatility and ease of use that olive oil brings to cooking. Whether customers chose a flavored olive oil or a single varietal, we had the opportunity to share the joy of EVOO.
In addition to National Extra Virgin Olive Oil day, we also celebrated National Balsamic Vinegar Day in November. On this day, we also provided customers with a free bottle with any purchase on that day.
A Look Ahead to 2022
We sure have seen some exciting things in 2021. Yet for many things, the fun is just beginning. As we look forward to the calendar turning to 2022, we’ve got new products, flavors and many more ideas coming your way.