In 2001, Armando Manni successfully created a global luxury brand that quickly became synonymous with the upper echelons of quality, luxury, and taste. It has since been publicly recognized by internationally top ranked chefs and food writers as the best and healthiest extra virgin olive oil on the market.
“Italy’s Liquid Gold”
"…When I learned that several of America’s best chefs—Thomas Keller
, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Charlie Trotter among them—also love this oil, I wasn’t surprised. “It’s the most full-flavored, luscious oil I’ve ever tasted”, Trotter says. “It’s so special that using it is a little like using truffles or caviar…”
—David Shaw, The Los Angeles Times, December 4, 2002
Inspired by the birth of his son Lorenzo, Film Director Armando Manni set out to create the perfect extra virgin olive oil, a mission resulting in a unique combination of luxury and science so extraordinary that MANNI is the only extra virgin olive oil in the world officially endorsed by a university research facility (Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Florence). Located on the western slopes of Mount Amiata, facing the vineyards of Montalcino in southern Tuscany, MANNI oils are produced in very limited quantities (only 3,000 liters per year). The principal cultivar used to make the oils is Olivastra Seggianese, a rare native variety of the Monte Amiata zone. MANNI produces three unique Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oils —Per Me (“For Me”), a strong oil for gourmet palates, Per Mio Figlio (“For My Child”) a softer oil for more delicate palates, and a White Truffle oil, considered to be the most luxurious oil product on the market.
“It is a rare breed of person who strives for perfection in his chosen line of work. Armando Manni personifies this determination … He has successfully produced the best and healthiest extra virgin olive oil on the market. MANNI oils have become an integral ingredient in our kitchen.”
—Thomas Keller, chef-owner of The French Laundry and Per Se (USA)
Since its beginning, MANNI has earned unparalleled cult status, garnering a unique following that includes an exclusive list of global opinion makers—chefs, celebrities, journalists, gourmet food aficionados, physicians, and private clients. It has been included for the last three years in the cult book 101 Things to Buy Before You Die (Davis & Williamson) and in special offerings for events, such as the 2005 and 2006 Academy Awards Gift Basket. MANNI has established a presence in the kitchens of key restaurants around the world and has received extensive press coverage in top travel media with reach and influence over a highly sought after global audience: The New York Times, Wine Spectator, Gourmet, The Today Show, The Los Angeles Times, Departures Magazine, The Washington Post, Food and Wine, W Magazine, Wall Street Journal Europe, and many more.
“When I first tasted Armando Manni’s extra virgin olive oils, I knew I had tasted something amazing.”
—Jean-Georges Vongerichten, chef-owner of Jean-Georges (USA)
“This oil reflects the essence of my cooking: it is the best, and I never accept anything less.”
—Giorgio Locatelli, chef-owner of Locanda Locatelli (UK)
“I think it should be on the table of every food aficionado. I offer them to my guests every evening: I uncork and decant the little bottles for each table. I know I’m offering them an oil of absolute goodness, but also something good for their health.”
—Heinz Beck, chef of Ristorante La Pergola (Italy)
“As a pathologist confronted with the diagnosis of cancer and heart disease, I’m committed to recommending life–styles and alimentation that are fundamentally natural and implemented early in life, when we are still children. MANNI’s extra virgin olive oils are the essence of nature themselves. Thanks to a unique method, these oils have an extraordinary antioxidant (phenol) content that makes them a natural antagonist of cancer and heart disease, yet they are a gourmet delight.”
—David B. Fellow of the International Academy of Cytology, California, USA; Recipient of the American Society of Cytopathology President’s Award 2001, Papanicolaou Award 2002, and America's Top Doctors 2004. MANNI is the only olive oil known to guarantee the ‘extra-virgin’ status of its oils. Every 4 months, MANNI oils are tested by the University of Florence for their organic properties and the values are published on the MANNI website in order to ensure the highest quality standard of the product. The only way to get MANNI Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil TOSCANO IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) worldwide is to order directly from MANNI. In the United States and Canada, MANNI oils are available for purchase at Williams-Sonoma stores.
