Fresh and Flakey Mediterranean Cuisine with Ariana Tolka, CEO and Co-Founder of Balkan Bites

Welcome to another episode of Winning at Work the podcast for Foodies and Founders. Today we discover the world of Balkan cuisine and we have the pleasure of chatting with Ariana Tolka, CEO and Co-Founder of Balkan Bites. Tune in to hear how this innovative entrepreneur is bringing Mediterranean and Albanian culinary traditions to American palates.

Fresh and Flakey - Introduction to Balkan Bites.  Ariana Tolka and her team at Balkan Bites are on a mission to bring the Mediterranean, Albanian lifestyle to American consumers' tables. Through their delicious offerings, they're introducing the flavors of the Balkan food region, Southeast Europe, and celebrating its rich culinary heritage.

The Origin Story - From Grandmother's Recipe to Burek Delight.  At the heart of Balkan Bites is a touching origin story. Ariana's journey began with her grandmother's traditional Albanian recipe – the beloved Burek. This flakey pastry, passed down through generations, became the cornerstone of their culinary venture. The Burek serves as a fantastic gateway to Balkan cuisine, offering a taste of the region's authenticity and heritage.

Dipping into Tradition - Pairing Burek with Yogurt and Tzatziki. Listeners, ever wondered how to enjoy Burek to the fullest? Ariana shares that these delectable pastries are often savored with a thin yogurt sauce or a zesty tzatziki dip. Whether enjoyed as the star of the plate or as a tempting appetizer, Burek promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Building a Brand - From Holiday Markets to Nationwide Presence. In 2019, Ariana took the leap and founded Balkan Bites. Starting at holiday markets and street fairs, she quickly recognized the demand for her unique offerings. The initial success laid the foundation for their journey, leading them to new opportunities and growth.

The Road to Retail Success - Finding the Right Partners. The year 2021 marked a turning point for Balkan Bites. They found a reliable co-packer, a crucial step that allowed them to approach retailers with confidence. With their production streamlined, they began pitching their products to retailers and even secured a partnership with a distributor, further expanding their reach.

Spreading the Word - Community and Awareness. Ariana shares how Balkan Bites engages with its community and raises awareness. Through an affiliate program with publishers, they've found a way to connect with their audience while offering a 10% incentive. Despite being a fledgling brand with limited marketing resources, Ariana highlights the value of data tracking in their various outreach efforts.

Season 3, Episode 51:

Balkan Bites:

• Website
• Linkedin
• Facebook
• Instagram

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Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry?  The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.

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