Latest news with #Brightland
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Things To Bring To A Housewarming Party They Will Actually Appreciate And Not Just Shove In A Cabinet And Forget About
A bubbly glass vase so they don't have to place all the gorgeous bouquets they're bound to be gifted in a drinking glass. The seven-inch vase is big enough to add a lil' bright accent to a room without drawing too much attention and would look downright lovely on a side table or shelf. And, much to many reviewers' pleasant surprise, it has the *perfect* dimensions to display the iconic Lego bouquet set. Moss wall art that'll be a unique take on the classic houseplant with zero responsibility and all the same green, earthy energy. The pet-safe moss is preserved, so absolutely no watering, sunlight, or trimming is required (just a light dusting now and then). And, because the cedar wood comes in all shapes and sizes, each spongy masterpiece is truly one of a kind. An Amazon Echo Dot, a small but mighty speaker that makes the day-to-day tasks of running a home just a little easier. There are *tons* of ways to use this device — not only can it play music and attach to home systems, but it's voice activated and does smaller tasks like searching the internet, keeping track of lists, and setting timers or alarms! The possibilities are truly endless, and as a bonus, it's sleek, lightweight, and unobtrusive. A Turkish hand towel that'll add a fresh pop of color to their kitchen and give their perpetually damp dishcloths a break. The towels are made of 100% Turkish cotton and hand-woven in a flat weave, meaning they're thin and lightweight, but still absorbent and quick-drying (basically, helps prevent that musty towel smell). And, the seller offers custom name embroidery in the color of your choice, which is just the cherry on top for making them feel extra special. A set of Brightland extra virgin olive oils so you can spoil the bread-dipping connoisseur in your life. Each bottle has its own flavor — "Awake" works best with hearty meals (think, crispy potatoes) and "Alive" has a more ~grassy~ taste to drizzle over greens or sorbets! Both are cold-pressed and made with early-harvest olives (for a stronger flavor!) and are perfect for zhuzhing up a home-cooked meal. As a bonus, the opaque bottles not only protect from damaging UV rays, but look *super* chic on a counter. Maldon sea salt flakes, a little gift with a *big* impact. Reviewers rave about how crunchy and flavorful this is as a finishing salt, both on meals and desserts. The packaging is not only resealable for max freshness, but the pretty design makes it worthy of a coveted spot on the kitchen counter. And, if you don't trust the reviewers' praises — Queen Elizabeth II herself appointed the company a Royal Warrant, a symbol of excellence, making them the *official* supplier of sea salt to the Royal Family (the salt world runs deep, y'all). A ceramic pedestal bowl, because nothing says ~homeowner~ like having a designated spot to put fruit. The minimalist design adds a little elegant *oomph* to a space while being simple enough to be versatile — reviewers have put it in their entryway for their wallet and keys and even used it as a "water trough" for their dogs. Very innovative. A stunning pair of sun and moon stained-glass bookends for the friend who somehow always knows what's going on with the stars. These celestial beauties are set in a sturdy wooden base and handmade with real glass, which can actually be interchanged with other designs offered by the seller! The unique pieces are sure to give a daily dose of dopamine — even if Mercury is in retrograde, or something. A set of retro vinyl coasters that are stored in a mini record player, because who doesn't appreciate small versions of big things, especially when they're functional? They're made of *actual* PVC and have a non-slip rubber backing and grooves to help keep condensation from spilling over. Each record has its own old-school, punny rock title, like my favorite hit song... "Hotel Cauliflower!" A custom address stamp to give their home the official ~seal of approval~. The gift set comes with a self-inking stamper, a black ink cartridge, and a gift certificate that lets them customize their new stamp design! It'll really help speed up the process for all the thank-you notes they'll lovingly send out after being showered with gifts, or even... invites to the next party. 👀 A set of cat salt and pepper shakers for anyone sharing their new space with their kitty friends (and who would never say no to more). The mischievous pair is hand-painted and made of ceramic that reviewers say feels nice and sturdy. They're also just a cute way to add a little whimsy to a kitchen, even if they're most definitely up to something... The Essential Book of Cocktails to *shake up* a mixing enthusiast's homemade blends. The book comes with over 400 recipes to try, guides to entertaining and setting up a home bar, interesting essays about the history of different drinks, *and* looks great as a coffee table (or bar cart!) book. And hey, if they get so inspired by your gift they start whipping up a lil' something then and there, it's a win-win for everyone. Tell Me More, a conversation-starting game perfect for anyone who's been dreaming of finally hosting in their new space. The deck has 52 cards meant to spark interesting, thought-provoking conversations between people, with prompts that can easily be interpreted based on comfort levels. Reviewers say the cards work equally great as ice breakers between strangers or as a way of getting to know friends (or family!) on a deeper level. As a bonus, the small box has a super cute, minimal design and would look great on a coffee table. An Oster electric wine opener, because a new home calls for celebration without the huffing and puffing and twisting and pulling — just for the cork to break apart anyway. This gadget will take away the hassle for the friend who loves a glass with their meal (and is learning a thing or two about ~pairings~), and since it can open up to 30 bottles in one charge, it is especially perfect for anyone who loves to host! The Official IMDb Top 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster for the film-loving friend who's ready to break in that new couch with a cozy night in. The movie selection is based on millions of IMDb user ratings, with each film having its own mini poster that can be scratched off to reveal the colorful artwork underneath. Not only is it a fun (and decision-free!) way for them to explore new genres, but it doubles as a unique poster that keeps track of everything they've seen (and possibly got into passionate debates about, because what do you mean Princess Mononoke beat Howl's Moving Castle...). A sunrise alarm clock because while moving is *super* exciting, it can also take a littleee time for someone to adjust to sleeping in a new space. The clock works by gradually brightening up a room, with three optional, non-aggressive (I'm looking at you, Radar) alarms, like bird chirps, available. At night, it works as a dimmable lamp and even plays white noises to fall asleep to — perfect for muffling out all the ~mysterious~ cracks and creaks of their new home. All the functions are super customizable and can even be set on a schedule, so it doubles as a great way to help them settle into a new routine! Their circadian rhythm will thank you. A custom book stamp for the friend who had you climbing flights of stairs carrying boxes filled with their endless TBR collection. (😩) There are 34 designs to choose from — like a ~medieval sword~ for the fantasy lover that lives and breathes A Court of Thorns and Roses. Whether they have space for the towering shelves and rolling ladder of their dreams or not, a one-of-a-kind seal will help make their home library feel extra special. A Glow & Grow kit — if you can't decide between the classic candle or houseplant, why not choose both? This two-in-one gift comes as a fresh, nature-scented candle, and when it's burned down, can be used as a planter! It even comes with the seeds of your choice, whether that's cute daisies or basil for the friend who loves to cook. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. A Marshall amp key holder so even your friend's entryway can match their super cool, music-loving vibe. The "Jack Rack" uses *real* amplifier parts and, best of all, comes with four jack plug key rings that can be easily (and, according to reviewers, very satisfyingly) clicked into the wall-mounted amplifier! Who knew keeping track of keys could be so rock star? A miniature frog garden statue to guard your friend's front porch and greet any guest who visits their home. This lil' pal works hard during the day gathering energy with its solar panel back, and at night enjoys the fruits of its labor with a glowing cup of joe. It also has a certain wise, stern energy that will keep your home-owning friend in check now that they've moved out of their parents' place. A home putting green because now that your friend has settled into their new space, they can re-focus on what really matters — improving their short game. This 3'x9' mat has a slight incline to help mimic the feel of a real course, three holes to practice different angles, a non-slip backing that keeps it stable during practice, *and* built-in hazards to catch the strays. Best of all, it can be easily rolled up and put away so it won't clash with their carefully curated decor. A Lodge enameled Dutch oven — *the* definition of a versatile kitchen workhorse and quite possibly the only pot they will ever need. This six-quart cast iron is an alternative to Le Creuset with all the same weight, heat distribution, and retention (to help prevent burning), and vivid color. The non-stick interior makes the pot easy to clean, and with the proper care, it has the potential to become the next family relic. Generations to come will be thanking you every time they bake bread, or braise short ribs, or slow-roast beans... seriously, the possibilities are endless. A freakin' crab utensil holder to wield your friend's saucy spoons and keep their counters drip free. The little cooking companion is made of a heat-resistant silicone with a rotating body to control where any mess goes *and* doubles as a steam releaser. It's cute, functional, and many reviewers have grown very attached. Oh, and its name is Red, btw. A set of reusable patterned napkins, because paper towels are *so* two apartments ago. The pack of 12 contains a random assortment of the seller's slightly misprinted designs, but they're just as cute and eye-catching as the originals. They're equally perfect for complementing the ~fancy~ dishes during dinner parties or to whip out when their new takeout spot forgets to include napkins. A Brooklinen super plush robe so they can take a break from the moving frenzy by plopping onto the bed post-shower and scrolling TikTok for an hour... or two. The robe is made of 100% Turkish cotton, giving it that ~luxurious feel~ and making it extra soft, durable, and absorbent. Sure, they may have a mountain of boxes somewhere waiting to be unpacked, but this thing says, "I've got it alllll under control." Fake it 'til you make it, y'all. A set of shower steamers to create a luxe, spa-like experience in the comfort of their own (new!) home. The tablets are infused with real petals (that reviewers say leave no stains) and essential oils that gradually release with the steam of a shower. Each also has its own scent for different moods — like lavender, to wind down after a particularly long day of lifting boxes, or eucalyptus and mint, to wake up the next morning when it's time to unpack... The Pink Stuff cleaning kit, because as Monica Gellar taught us, friends don't let friends get mildew. This holy grail pack comes with the essentials for keeping that ~new home~ feel, like low-effort bathroom cleaners, pink (!!) microfibre cloths, and the iconic paste, which fights stains like nobody's business without that strong chemical smell. As your friends know, there are few things more valuable than your cleaning wisdom, which will *probably* change their life (or at least, their cleaning game).
Buzz Feed
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Housewarming Party Gifts They'll Actually Appreciate
A bubbly glass vase so they don't have to place all the gorgeous bouquets they're bound to be gifted in a drinking glass. The seven-inch vase is big enough to add a lil' bright accent to a room without drawing too much attention and would look downright lovely on a side table or shelf. And, much to many reviewers' pleasant surprise, it has the *perfect* dimensions to display the iconic Lego bouquet set. Moss wall art that'll be a unique take on the classic houseplant with zero responsibility and all the same green, earthy energy. The pet-safe moss is preserved, so absolutely no watering, sunlight, or trimming is required (just a light dusting now and then). And, because the cedar wood comes in all shapes and sizes, each spongy masterpiece is truly one of a kind. An Amazon Echo Dot, a small but mighty speaker that makes the day-to-day tasks of running a home just a little easier. There are *tons* of ways to use this device — not only can it play music and attach to home systems, but it's voice activated and does smaller tasks like searching the internet, keeping track of lists, and setting timers or alarms! The possibilities are truly endless, and as a bonus, it's sleek, lightweight, and unobtrusive. A Turkish hand towel that'll add a fresh pop of color to their kitchen and give their perpetually damp dishcloths a break. The towels are made of 100% Turkish cotton and hand-woven in a flat weave, meaning they're thin and lightweight, but still absorbent and quick-drying (basically, helps prevent that musty towel smell). And, the seller offers custom name embroidery in the color of your choice, which is just the cherry on top for making them feel extra special. A set of Brightland extra virgin olive oils so you can spoil the bread-dipping connoisseur in your life. Each bottle has its own flavor — "Awake" works best with hearty meals (think, crispy potatoes) and "Alive" has a more ~grassy~ taste to drizzle over greens or sorbets! Both are cold-pressed and made with early-harvest olives (for a stronger flavor!) and are perfect for zhuzhing up a home-cooked meal. As a bonus, the opaque bottles not only protect from damaging UV rays, but look *super* chic on a counter. Maldon sea salt flakes, a little gift with a *big* impact. Reviewers rave about how crunchy and flavorful this is as a finishing salt, both on meals and desserts. The packaging is not only resealable for max freshness, but the pretty design makes it worthy of a coveted spot on the kitchen counter. And, if you don't trust the reviewers' praises — Queen Elizabeth II herself appointed the company a Royal Warrant, a symbol of excellence, making them the *official* supplier of sea salt to the Royal Family (the salt world runs deep, y'all). A ceramic pedestal bowl, because nothing says ~homeowner~ like having a designated spot to put fruit. The minimalist design adds a little elegant *oomph* to a space while being simple enough to be versatile — reviewers have put it in their entryway for their wallet and keys and even used it as a "water trough" for their dogs. Very innovative. A stunning pair of sun and moon stained-glass bookends for the friend who somehow always knows what's going on with the stars. These celestial beauties are set in a sturdy wooden base and handmade with real glass, which can actually be interchanged with other designs offered by the seller! The unique pieces are sure to give a daily dose of dopamine — even if Mercury is in retrograde, or something. A set of retro vinyl coasters that are stored in a mini record player, because who doesn't appreciate small versions of big things, especially when they're functional? They're made of *actual* PVC and have a non-slip rubber backing and grooves to help keep condensation from spilling over. Each record has its own old-school, punny rock title, like my favorite hit song... "Hotel Cauliflower!" A custom address stamp to give their home the official ~seal of approval~. The gift set comes with a self-inking stamper, a black ink cartridge, and a gift certificate that lets them customize their new stamp design! It'll really help speed up the process for all the thank-you notes they'll lovingly send out after being showered with gifts, or even... invites to the next party. 👀 A set of cat salt and pepper shakers for anyone sharing their new space with their kitty friends (and who would never say no to more). The mischievous pair is hand-painted and made of ceramic that reviewers say feels nice and sturdy. They're also just a cute way to add a little whimsy to a kitchen, even if they're most definitely up to something... The Essential Book of Cocktails to *shake up* a mixing enthusiast's homemade blends. The book comes with over 400 recipes to try, guides to entertaining and setting up a home bar, interesting essays about the history of different drinks, *and* looks great as a coffee table (or bar cart!) book. And hey, if they get so inspired by your gift they start whipping up a lil' something then and there, it's a win-win for everyone. Tell Me More, a conversation-starting game perfect for anyone who's been dreaming of finally hosting in their new space. The deck has 52 cards meant to spark interesting, thought-provoking conversations between people, with prompts that can easily be interpreted based on comfort levels. Reviewers say the cards work equally great as ice breakers between strangers or as a way of getting to know friends (or family!) on a deeper level. As a bonus, the small box has a super cute, minimal design and would look great on a coffee table. An Oster electric wine opener, because a new home calls for celebration without the huffing and puffing and twisting and pulling — just for the cork to break apart anyway. This gadget will take away the hassle for the friend who loves a glass with their meal (and is learning a thing or two about ~pairings~), and since it can open up to 30 bottles in one charge, it is especially perfect for anyone who loves to host! The Official IMDb Top 100 Movies Scratch Off Poster for the film-loving friend who's ready to break in that new couch with a cozy night in. The movie selection is based on millions of IMDb user ratings, with each film having its own mini poster that can be scratched off to reveal the colorful artwork underneath. Not only is it a fun (and decision-free!) way for them to explore new genres, but it doubles as a unique poster that keeps track of everything they've seen (and possibly got into passionate debates about, because what do you mean Princess Mononoke beat Howl's Moving Castle...). A sunrise alarm clock because while moving is *super* exciting, it can also take a littleee time for someone to adjust to sleeping in a new space. The clock works by gradually brightening up a room, with three optional, non-aggressive (I'm looking at you, Radar) alarms, like bird chirps, available. At night, it works as a dimmable lamp and even plays white noises to fall asleep to — perfect for muffling out all the ~mysterious~ cracks and creaks of their new home. All the functions are super customizable and can even be set on a schedule, so it doubles as a great way to help them settle into a new routine! Their circadian rhythm will thank you. A custom book stamp for the friend who had you climbing flights of stairs carrying boxes filled with their endless TBR collection. (😩) There are 34 designs to choose from — like a ~medieval sword~ for the fantasy lover that lives and breathes A Court of Thorns and Roses. Whether they have space for the towering shelves and rolling ladder of their dreams or not, a one-of-a-kind seal will help make their home library feel extra special. A Glow & Grow kit — if you can't decide between the classic candle or houseplant, why not choose both? This two-in-one gift comes as a fresh, nature-scented candle, and when it's burned down, can be used as a planter! It even comes with the seeds of your choice, whether that's cute daisies or basil for the friend who loves to cook. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. A Marshall amp key holder so even your friend's entryway can match their super cool, music-loving vibe. The "Jack Rack" uses *real* amplifier parts and, best of all, comes with four jack plug key rings that can be easily (and, according to reviewers, very satisfyingly) clicked into the wall-mounted amplifier! Who knew keeping track of keys could be so rock star? A miniature frog garden statue to guard your friend's front porch and greet any guest who visits their home. This lil' pal works hard during the day gathering energy with its solar panel back, and at night enjoys the fruits of its labor with a glowing cup of joe. It also has a certain wise, stern energy that will keep your home-owning friend in check now that they've moved out of their parents' place. A home putting green because now that your friend has settled into their new space, they can re-focus on what really matters — improving their short game. This 3'x9' mat has a slight incline to help mimic the feel of a real course, three holes to practice different angles, a non-slip backing that keeps it stable during practice, *and* built-in hazards to catch the strays. Best of all, it can be easily rolled up and put away so it won't clash with their carefully curated decor. A Lodge enameled Dutch oven — *the* definition of a versatile kitchen workhorse and quite possibly the only pot they will ever need. This six-quart cast iron is an alternative to Le Creuset with all the same weight, heat distribution, and retention (to help prevent burning), and vivid color. The non-stick interior makes the pot easy to clean, and with the proper care, it has the potential to become the next family relic. Generations to come will be thanking you every time they bake bread, or braise short ribs, or slow-roast beans... seriously, the possibilities are endless. A freakin' crab utensil holder to wield your friend's saucy spoons and keep their counters drip free. The little cooking companion is made of a heat-resistant silicone with a rotating body to control where any mess goes *and* doubles as a steam releaser. It's cute, functional, and many reviewers have grown very attached. Oh, and its name is Red, btw. A set of reusable patterned napkins, because paper towels are *so* two apartments ago. The pack of 12 contains a random assortment of the seller's slightly misprinted designs, but they're just as cute and eye-catching as the originals. They're equally perfect for complementing the ~fancy~ dishes during dinner parties or to whip out when their new takeout spot forgets to include napkins. A Brooklinen super plush robe so they can take a break from the moving frenzy by plopping onto the bed post-shower and scrolling TikTok for an hour... or two. The robe is made of 100% Turkish cotton, giving it that ~luxurious feel~ and making it extra soft, durable, and absorbent. Sure, they may have a mountain of boxes somewhere waiting to be unpacked, but this thing says, "I've got it alllll under control." Fake it 'til you make it, y'all. A set of shower steamers to create a luxe, spa-like experience in the comfort of their own (new!) home. The tablets are infused with real petals (that reviewers say leave no stains) and essential oils that gradually release with the steam of a shower. Each also has its own scent for different moods — like lavender, to wind down after a particularly long day of lifting boxes, or eucalyptus and mint, to wake up the next morning when it's time to unpack... The Pink Stuff cleaning kit, because as Monica Gellar taught us, friends don't let friends get mildew. This holy grail pack comes with the essentials for keeping that ~new home~ feel, like low-effort bathroom cleaners, pink (!!) microfibre cloths, and the iconic paste, which fights stains like nobody's business without that strong chemical smell. As your friends know, there are few things more valuable than your cleaning wisdom, which will *probably* change their life (or at least, their cleaning game).
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How an olive oil entrepreneur found success by emulating Ralph Lauren
– Only the best. When she founded the olive oil brand Brightland in 2018, Aishwarya Iyer positioned its products as luxuries. She saw brands in the food and consumer packaged goods space falling into three categories: good, better, and best. Most of the emerging brands tapping into health and wellness trends fell into the 'better' bucket, she saw—she wanted Brightland to be considered the 'best.' Brightland's glass-bottled olive oils sell for about $40 each—a price point that has built a business in the mid-eight figures, mostly through gifting. 'It became really clear we've built this incredible gifting company,' Iyer says, citing a stat that claims a Brightland product was gifted every minute during last year's holiday season. Starting at the top has given Brightland more room to play as it tries to reach a customer who's shopping for their own kitchen year-round. Earlier this month, the company introduced an 'everyday' oil that costs half as much as its traditional product—which Iyer considers to be part of the 'better' category of CPG. It took years—and a not-previously-reported fall 2024 Series A round, for a total of $15 million in funding—to get the idea over the line. Brightland's California olive farmers were not big enough to produce a more mass product; eventually, Iyer found a farmer who had not previously worked with a brand, and had instead been mostly supporting food service providers. The hope is that customers who have been buying Brightland products as gifts now turn to the brand for their own day-to-day use. Some consumers could downgrade their own purchases and start buying the cheaper product, but Iyer is excited about reaching a broader array of customers—online and across Whole Foods, Amazon, Erewhon, Bloomingdale's, and more retailers. 'It opens our universe up,' she says, adding that she could see the business doubling or tripling within a few years as a result. 'I haven't seen any other food brands have luxury and everyday and bridge that together really seamlessly,' she says. Instead, she looked to fashion to make the transition—specifically Ralph Lauren. 'Ralph Lauren not only has Purple Label, but they also have Polo, and they're able to do that so beautifully,' she says. 'That's who I looked at for inspiration.' The new everyday product comes in a plastic, squeeze-top bottle. Brightland's first squeeze top product, a 'pizza oil' it used to test-drive the concept in 2023, drew the ire of olive oil competitor Graza, whose cofounder accused Brightland of copying its own packaging. Iyer has never publicly weighed in on the olive oil drama, but does so now: 'The squeeze bottle is not novel or new. It has been used for decades in kitchens,' she says. 'And if that's the only thing that somebody has to talk about, I don't know what to say. There are so many other things that Brightland has to talk about. And for these oils, this is just a convenient packaging format.' Emma The Most Powerful Women Daily newsletter is Fortune's daily briefing for and about the women leading the business world. Today's edition was curated by Nina Ajemian. Subscribe here. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
Fast Company
01-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Can Brightland's new squeeze bottles help it win the olive oil wars?
While Northern California is famous for its wines, it is also full of olive groves, many of which have been owned by the same family for generations. Since 2018, Aishwarya Iyer has devoted her life to persuading the world to appreciate American olive oil through her brand, Brightland. Her trick? Putting it in gorgeous glass bottles with art-adorned labels. 'The bottles were a Trojan horse,' Iyer says. 'They're what pulls you into the brand, but what's inside is magnificent. It was the tactic we used to convert Americans to using better-quality olive oil.' The strategy worked well—possibly too well. The 375-milliliter bottles, which sell for $37, went viral on Instagram. People took pictures of them on their kitchen counters. They brought them out for their dinner parties. The bottles suddenly became the go-to hostess gift, and one of Oprah's favorite things. Iyer was thrilled: Today, one Brightland bottle is purchased every minute. And in 2022, the company landed $6.83 million in venture funding to continue growing. But in some ways the beautiful bottles were also limiting. People saw them as precious objects, meant to be rationed for special occasions. And yet Iyer's bigger goal is to get Americans to use California olive oil for all their cooking needs—and in doing so, to support American farmers. To broaden Brightland's appeal, Iyer has just launched a new line of products called the Everyday Set featuring an oil for cooking and an oil for dressing salads. They come in a different format: a plastic squeeze bottle. The products are slightly less expensive than those in the glass bottles ($65 for 750 milliliters), although this is still four or five times the price of many other bottles of olive oil on store shelves. But these new Brightland products will soon be sold at Whole Foods stores across the country, allowing the brand to better compete in the olive oil wars. We love squeezing our olive oil Over the past three years, the squeeze bottle has become the vessel for olive oil. This is partly thanks to Graza, an olive oil brand founded by Andrew Benin in 2022 that has raised $2.8 million in VC capital, which stood out for selling its products in forest-green squeeze bottles. The squeeze bottle format allows you to better control how much oil comes out of the bottle and to squirt it more precisely into frying pans or salads. This is why chefs and home cooks have decanted olive oil into squeeze bottles for decades. (Many brands, including OXO, sell squeeze bottles for this purpose.) It has also been widely used in adjacent food categories, like hot sauce. Graza's innovation was selling its oil in these bottles wrapped in fun, modern branding. But Graza couldn't copyright the bottles, since they were already commonly used. And it's become clear that consumers love the format, as many other brands have started selling their oil in squeeze bottles, including California Olive Ranch, O Olive Oil, DeLallo, and Pompeian. Brightland is among them. In 2023, it launched a pizza oil in a squeeze bottle that was a hit. The company sold out of its first 10,000 units within hours of launching. (Graza's founder wrote an angry LinkedIn post about how Brightland had created a copycat product, but quickly apologized; Brightland did not comment on the incident.) From this pizza oil launch, Iyer realized that different bottles work in different contexts. 'In this case, the squeeze bottle was a little more casual and playful, which is what you want on pizza night,' she says. The New Olive Oil Aisle For Iyer, it's been interesting to observe how the format of the bottle has shaped people's perception of the oil inside. With the glass bottle, people saw Brightland as a luxury or art object. But Iyer wants consumers to reach for high-quality California olive oil whenever they're cooking or making a salad. 'I live in California, and I feel really passionately about supporting these farmers who are just a couple of hours north of us, and who have had these farms for several generations,' she says. 'If we don't cultivate demand for their oil, it won't exist much longer.' Iyer also points out that California has the highest quality standards when it comes to olive oil. As has been well-reported, many olive oils in the grocery store are adulterated with cheaper ingredients, like palm or canola oils. Some olive oil that is purportedly made in Italy actually comes from other countries, like Morocco and Tunisia. But the California Department of Food and Agriculture has high standards, and products made here are regularly tested to ensure they are pure. Iyer wasn't sure she would be able to get the prices any lower, since domestic olives oils are higher in quality and the cost of labor here is higher than it is overseas. But she found a farm that was able to manufacture at scale for Brightland, which helped bring down the price a little bit. At $65 for the pair of bottles, this olive oil is much more expensive than the average American is used to spending. Graza's oil bundle, for instance, which comes from Spain, costs $37. Iyer believes there are some consumers who will recognize the value in Brightland's offering. The brand is trying to tell a story about how much fresher this oil is, and how it contributes to the livelihoods of American farmers. And ultimately, she believes that what is likely to convince them is the taste. That's why she works with farmers to create a very specific flavor profile, much like winemakers do with wines. 'It all comes down to flavor,' she says. 'We're blending varietals to be the right deliciousness right out of the bottle.'
