Meet Queen of Caviar
I’m Carol, born and bred in South Africa, yet 100% Swiss. I have been enthusiastic about the good things in life since I can remember. I come from a family who are passionate about food and perfection (I guess that must be in the Swiss blood). I tasted real caviar for the first time in the late 90’s when it swept back into style as a luxurious indulgence. I instantly loved what I had been exposed to. The moment of having my first large dollop of the real thing, felt opulent, exciting, and luxurious to the nth degree. I knew then and there that it was a taste for me to aspire to.
However, I would never have imagined that I would one day be dealing in the precious gems of caviar. About eight years ago I got to taste real caviar again and was transported back to that feeling of opulence. The caviar was dropped off for a function I was working; and when the elderly gentleman handed over the makeshift cooler-bag with a water filled milk container frozen as an icepack, he promptly mentioned that this was the last tin of caviar he would be delivering. I stopped him in his tracks and questioned him about this. He said he was tired, old and had been delivering caviar in London for over 40 years, it was time to retire.
“I’m passionate about what I do, the research, the interactions with my customers, knowing the product, understanding about the various species of sturgeon, but most of all I love the history of the caviar world.
Carol O’Grady - Queen of Caviar
I thought about the caviar for days and decided to track him down to ask if I could take over his business in some way, so that he wouldn’t throw away 40 years of hard work. After months of negotiations, we came up with a good business plan and that’s how Queen of Caviar was launched in 2022.
I’m passionate about what I do, the research, the interactions with my customers, knowing the product, understanding about the various species of sturgeon, but most of all I love the history of the caviar world. It’s enticing, exciting and was at times very cut-throat. The love of caviar and its opulence has been a roller-coaster ride over the last two centuries and offers some fabulously sensational stories.
I’ve recently added in some caviar tasting soirees in London and collaborated with some exciting British Bubbly’s to pair seamlessly with the excellent quality caviar that I supply. And recently hosted a Caviar and Sake pairing which was surprisingly an excellent combination. I’m open to private caviar tasting events and want to share the caviar experience with everyone. It’s one of those luxurious moments in life that is memorable, lasting, and sometimes a little indulgent. And, because of this indulgence, I aspire to give back to those on the breadline, those with a lot less and so a percentage of all profits goes back to something close to my heart, enabling feeding programs in South Africa and soon in the UK too.
And so, for all your caviar needs and moments of extravagance, let’s chat about ‘All Things Caviar’.