Ops Spotlight: Laura Romano of Graza

Ops Spotlight: Laura Romano of Graza

Author: Startup CPG October 11, 2025 Duration: 51:21
The Startup CPG Podcast
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In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Laura Romano, Director of Operations at Graza, the olive oil brand redefining a pantry staple. Laura shares her journey from scaling Blue Marble Ice Cream to leading operations at Graza, offering practical lessons on managing growth, strengthening supply chains, and building resilient systems. 


Together, they discuss the operator’s mindset, balancing founder vision with operational realities, and the importance of forecasting, inventory management, and supplier relationships. Laura also highlights the critical role of packaging, pricing negotiations, and co-manufacturer partnerships, while reflecting on how to navigate the tension between scrappy execution and sustainable infrastructure. 


Packed with insights from both successes and setbacks, this conversation is essential listening for founders, operators, and anyone passionate about scaling consumer brands effectively. 


Tune in now to learn actionable strategies for building strong operations and positioning your business for long-term success.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with investors and brands—secure your spot at fandf.startupcpg.com

Listen in as they share about:

  • Graza Overview & Product Development
  • Operations in the Early Days
  • Role of an Ops Leader
  • Scaling & Growth Challenges
  • KPIs & Inventory Management
  • Manufacturing & Supplier Relationships
  • DTC vs. Retail Operations
  • Packaging & Distribution
  • Advice for Founders & Operators


Episode Links:

Website:  https://www.graza.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-romano-47a9a89b/ 


Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.



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  • Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
  • Episode music by Super Fantastics


Behind every product on a store shelf, there's a story of risk, innovation, and relentless hustle. The Startup CPG Podcast, brought to you by the community at Startup CPG, digs into those stories where theory meets the messy reality of building a brand. You'll hear founders recount the pivotal moments that nearly broke their company and the breakthroughs that saved it, moving beyond polished success tales. Conversations often turn to the buyer's perspective, offering a rare look at what actually gets a product onto retail floors. The focus is relentlessly practical, dissecting supply chain snags, packaging dilemmas, and marketing strategies that cut through the noise. This podcast operates like a field manual for the trenches of consumer packaged goods, built on the belief that shared knowledge is the best advantage. Tune in for candid exchanges that feel more like a mastermind session than a broadcast, all aimed at demystifying the path to shelf space and sustainable growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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