American consumers are learning about Italian olive oil and the multiple ways to use it in the kitchen, said the general manager of Bono USA, a Sicilian manufacturer and importer of certified extra virgin olive oil. I believe there is growth in consumption because there is growth in knowledge, said Salvatore Russo Tiesi in this interview with Italianfood.net at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco.

The US olive oil market is highly competitive, with Spain fighting head-on with Italy for the top spot as the main exporter to the United States. For us Italian importers, we have to stick to our strengths, and our strengths are in quality, authenticity and traceablity, said Russo Tiesi, who manages the Sicilian company’s subsidiary in New Jersey.