Why our story matters to the quality of your olive oil.
Sicilian Roots American Spirit
Like the olive trees that have flourished for centuries in our Sicilian soil, our roots run deep, and yet, our branches extend far beyond. We - Massimo, Stefania, Riccardo, and Vito - were all raised in Mazara, where we spent our childhoods amidst sun-soaked groves, age-old traditions, and the rich, generous cuisine Sicily is famous for. But there is also another land that lives in us, equally beloved: America.
Our mothers were raised in San Diego, in the warmth of Italian-American families who never let go of their cultural heritage. From Sunday dinners to Sicilian sayings passed down like heirlooms, the essence of the old country always thrived across the ocean. And so, in us, two worlds meet: the enduring authenticity of rural Sicily and the open-hearted energy of the American West Coast.
Today, we split our time between Sicily and the United States, committed to bridging these two parts of our identity. We bring to our work not only the knowledge inherited from generations of Sicilian farmers, but also a global vision and deep respect for American values: quality, transparency, and trust.
This dual heritage is not just a story, it’s a strength. It allows us to understand what matters most to our customers: knowing where their food comes from, how it is made, and who stands behind it. Every bottle of our extra virgin olive oil tells this story. A tale of two homelands, of shared traditions, and of a family that believes in beauty, honesty, and the power of good things grown with love.
Massimo Manzo
Chief Strategist (Also Journalist, Historian, Guardian of the Family Story)
A lawyer by training, Massimo dedicated his career to historical research and journalism, contributing to Italy's leading publications (Focus, Focus Storia, La Voce di New York) and authoring books on archaeology and history. His work bridges past and present - a
conviction honed equally in dusty archives and the sun-drenched olive groves of Santa Maria Castle, where he serves as unofficial keeper of the long family history.
Between research and writing, he enjoys tennis, travel, and music. He divides his time between Rome, Mazara del Vallo, and the U.S., ensuring Magnifico's story resonates across cultures.
Stefania Manzo
Chief Logistics and Quality Manager
(Agronomist, Guardian of the Land)
After her classical high school diploma, Stefania obtained her Bachelor's in Agronomy from the University of Palermo and her Master's in Agrifood Sciences from the University
of Pisa. Since 2014, she has been working as a consultant for agri-food development projects across the Balkans, Caucasus, and Central Asia, while learning about local
traditions. Drawing on her Italian and American roots, she’s always blending her love for Sicily and the U.S. like ingredients in a well-loved recipe. When not working on projects or
being hands-on with our olive oil, she can be found enjoying nature and good food — or riding horses (but not faster than her brother’s tennis serves!)
Vito Zerilli
Chief Experience & Marketing (Banking Executive & Philanthropist)
Vito Zerilli is a proven leader in banking and marketing, dedicated to elevating customer experiences across industries, including his personal venture, Magnifico. Born in San Diego and raised in Sicily, Vito grew up immersed in his family’s olive groves as well as vineyards, learning the value of hard work and quality from an early age.
Recognized as Leader of the Year in 2025 by the San Diego Business Journal and a recipient of multiple leadership and creativity awards, Vito remains grounded in his roots. His passion for excellence extends beyond business: he is love with showing dogs, an avid traveler, a proud supporter of Italian culture, and an active board member for several nonprofits.
Riccardo Zerilli
Chief Operations (Market Analyst and Investment Rep)
Born and raised in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, Riccardo Simone Zerilli developed a deep appreciation for tradition, hard work, and community. After finishing high school in Italy, he moved to the United States and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego.
Riccardo launched his career as a trader in New York, where he built a strong reputation in the financial world — a field he continues to thrive in today. Beyond trading, he is a passionate financial writer and contributor to major publications. In his free time, Riccardo enjoys outdoor adventures, sports, traveling, and exploring cultures through their food and fine wine.
Perché you should give us a try!
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Powerful health benefits
Our Sicilian extra virgin olive oil isn’t just delicious—it’s your key to vibrant living. Packed with heart-loving nutrients, natural anti-inflammatories, and powerful antioxidants, it’s a taste of health and tradition in every drop.
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Satisfied Palates
From the first drizzle to the last bite, our olive oil has been delighting palates around the world. Hear from those who’ve experienced the rich flavors and uncompromising quality that make every dish unforgettable.
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Partner Brands
We’re proud to partner with centinaia of brands that love our olive oil and share our passion for authentic quality and flavor.
Our Peculiar Things
Families of all backgrounds choose us for our rich heritage, inclusive culture, and premium Sicilian extra virgin olive oil. Crafted with care, it’s a healthy, flavorful tradition perfect for every table.
Authenticity
Honoring tradition with genuine, high-quality Sicilian olive oil.
Excellence
Delivering rich flavor and health benefits in every drop.
Community
Connecting families and cultures through a shared love of food and heritage.
"As someone who values quality and authenticity, I’ve never experienced olive oil quite like this. Magnifico isn’t just a product—it’s an experience. The rich, bold flavor transforms every dish, and the service is as exceptional as the oil itself. It feels like a taste of Sicily brought straight to my kitchen. Magnifico is more than olive oil—it’s a celebration of culture, care, and excellence."
San Diego, California
The Best Product
Our extra virgin olive oil combines the bold, savory character of Nocellara del Belice olives with a hint of the delicate, fruity elegance of Biancolilla. The aroma opens with ripe tomato and tomato leaf, layered with green tomato and fresh-cut herbs, while the palate reveals a complex symphony of sweet fruit, creamy texture, and a touch of almond.The Nocellara brings depth with its herbaceous intensity, subtle bitterness, and a lingering black pepper finish, while the Biancolilla adds finesse with its smooth notes of green grass, soft almond, and a gentle sweetness balanced by medium pungency and a whisper of red pepper.What sets this oil apart is its freshness—you can truly taste the olive. Vibrant and alive, it delivers a clean, authentic flavor that reflects the quality of the fruit and care in production.