On Sept. 22, Manfredi Barbera & Figli launched a 2,500-square-foot space called Little Sicily at its U.S. headquarters at 135 Union Ave. in Rutherford. The site serves as a showroom for Sicilian food and agricultural history. It hosts meetings and tastings, while linking Sicilian companies with American buyers and distributors.
This 132-year-old company, Olio Barabara, ranks among the world’s leading olive oil producers. It’s the only Italian olive oil brand still owned and operated by its founding family. Manfredi Barbera & Figli ships its Sicilian extra virgin olive oils to more than 30 countries.
The fourth generation now runs operations, selling organic and geographically protected oils, unfiltered varieties, and flavored options, including white truffle, black truffle, citrus, garlic, and chili. In 2018, the company established a U.S.-based subsidiary along Union Ave. in Ridgefield, working to strengthen its presence across North America.
The U.S. and Canada have grown into the largest foreign markets. In 2024, these regions generated $16.1 million in combined revenue.
Little Sicily was created to tell the story of the Sicily we know and love — its land, its people, its ability to hold tradition and vision together,” said Manfredi Barbera, sole director of the company bearing his name, according to NJBiz. “It’s a real bridge of opportunity between our two territories.”
Local and regional officials joined company executives at the Sept. 22 Little Sicily reveal. Rutherford Mayor Frank Nunziato and Wood-Ridge Mayor and State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-36th District, attended festivities that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tasting of traditional Sicilian dishes.
Edy Tamajo, the Sicilian Region’s regional councilor for productive activities, also attended. He described the launch as more than a new space opening its doors.
“It’s a Sicilian outpost in the United States – a place where identity, culture, and entrepreneurial drive can become real opportunities for growth,” Tamajo said. “Initiatives like the one launched by Manfredi Barbera show just how far our businesses can go on international markets when quality, vision, and deep roots in the local territory move forward together.”
Dining and Cooking