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Honouring his roots by becoming an olive oil expert - A Radio-Canada Report

Published by Meeker Guerrier on January 3, 2018
Source: Radio-Canada
Translation by Favuzzi International Inc.​

Meeker Guerrier continues his series of interviews with Montrealers. Today, it is Michel Favuzzi, president and founder of the Favuzzi company and olive oil expert, who caught his attention. Michel began to import Italian gourmet products to Quebec in the early 2000s, after he learned he comes from a long line of olive growers.

The roots of the olive tree 

Michel Favuzzi was born in Quebec, far from the olive trees. His father, a mechanic, came to Montreal as an immigrant from Italy at the age of 20. His family tradition was steeped in olive oil. But to blend into the Quebec landscape, Michel Favuzzi did not focus on his Italian origins as a child.

“I wasn’t in touch with my roots until the age of 9,” says Michel. Then, during his first trip to “the boot” of Italy, his father took him on a motorcycle ride to discover the family’s olive-growing land.

Several years later, in 2000, he began to import pallets of carefully selected olive oil, delivered to the family home in Laval. His bedroom was turned into a warehouse and he began to perfect his knowledge of olives. “I first imported [olive oil] when I was at university. I would sell the bottles, like chocolate bars, to my professors.” 

His passion was the cause of much anguish for his mother, who did not really believe in this venture.

A family business

Let Michel Favuzzi’s mother be reassured: the small business now employs 25 people. In addition to olive oil, it also imports Italian gourmet products, distributed through 1,000 retailers in Quebec.

Michel’s father joined the company's ranks after retiring from his job as a mechanic. “It’s usually the father who starts the family business. In our case, it was the son,” says Michel. He explains he chooses products that “pass on family values” and are made according to artisan traditions.

To listen to the report (in French), click here.