Bono USA's Salvatore Russo-Tiesi said his NYIOOC awards have opened his business to new horizons, while "skipping a full step in the selling process."
Since winning two gold awards at the 20016 New York International Olive Oil Competition, Salvatore Russo-Tiesi says his Bono USA, Inc. has flourished. The company represents Bonolio Sas, a large extra virgin olive oil producer in Italy. “Our concentration is on quality and authenticity,” he said of the Bono 100% Organic blend and Bono PDO Val di Mazara, grown and pressed in Sicily.
Since the competition, I can mention the award and the legitimacy is already there.- Salvatore Russo-Tiesi, Bono USA
While his brands have always emphasized purity and quality, Russo-Tiesi said that from a marketing standpoint, the NYIOOC awards have opened his business to new horizons. “Olive Oil Times is seen by the industry as having the utmost integrity and legitimacy. It’s a well-respected source of accurate information in our field,” he said. “And the competition just takes that a step further, allowing us to confirm against some of the best EVOOs in the world our own legitimacy and superiority.”
Winning an award at the prestigious competition, said Tiesi, has been a door-opener and the recognition from buyers, instant. The NYIOOC Gold Award has translated to “skipping a full step in the selling process,” he said. “I’m taken more seriously.” Immediately after the April competition, Tiesi has connected with national distributors for large supermarket chains, restaurants, smaller chains, and even individuals via the NYIOOC’s Best Olive Oils Marketplace where he sells the winning oils.
“Before I won the awards, I might reach out via phone or email and get no response. But since the competition, I can mention the award and the legitimacy is already there. I’ve made many, many sales since the competition.”
The international nature of the competition has further inspired the Bono USA owner to broaden his knowledge on the commodity he represents. When the Olive Oil Times Education Lab co-hosted the first Olive Oil Sommelier certification Course at the International Culinary Center, led by some of the world’s foremost experts on the topic of the sensory analysis of EVOO, Tiesi jumped at the chance to participate.
“The course helped my palate catch up with my expertise in the commercial and production sides of the product and to dig into the category further. It also gave me a better understanding of my competition and how I need to be selling.” Tiesi plans to complete levels 2 and 3 of the certification courses this winter.
Even as the first olives from the new 2016/2017 harvest are being crushed into oil, producers around the world are entering their brands in the 2017 New York International Olive Oil Competition at the fastest rate in the five-year history of the contest.
Producers and marketers of extra virgin olive oils can enter the 2017 NYIOOC on the competition’s website.
More articles on: import/export, NYIOOC World, olive oil marketing
Jan. 3, 2024
Upstart Belgian Importer Stakes Claim on the World Stage
The founders of ASUR source award-winning oils from Greece to sell in Belgium and the Netherlands, facing challenges associated with nascent olive oil markets.
Oct. 23, 2023
Europe Approves PDO for Memecik from Aydın, Turkey
Aydın Memecik is set to become the country's third Protected Designation of Origin for olive oil.
Feb. 15, 2024
Five-Year Project Delivers Infrastructure and Training for Algerian Olive Farmers
The PASA program planted training groves, researched local cultivars and delivered an olive oil laboratory in five years.
Mar. 28, 2023
PDO and PGI Producers Celebrated at Ercole Olivario
Lazio, Sardinia and Sicily were the most awarded regions, with three prizes each, followed by Campania, Puglia and Tuscany, with one prize each.
Apr. 22, 2023
Olive Oil Prices Rising Faster than Inflation in Italy
Olive oil prices at origin in Italy are 46 percent higher than last year, driving up the costs of other popular foods.
Apr. 27, 2023
Quality of Central Italian Producers Shines Through After Difficult Harvest
The climate did not make it easy for olive growers in Lazio, Umbria or Abruzzo. Still, producers crafted award-winning extra virgin olive oils emphasizing local varieties.
May. 15, 2023
Greek Producers Celebrate a Strong Showing in New York
With 90 awards earned at the 2023 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, producers from Greece reaffirmed their devotion to quality.
Feb. 7, 2024
Traditional Methods, Sicilian Cultivars Help This California Farmer Standout
In northern California, the Bonds nurtures, harvests and mills imported Sicilian varieties to produce their award-winning extra virgin olive oil.