Manfredi Barbera & Figli Opened Little Sicily in Rutherford

The 132-year-old olive oil company launched a new 2,500-square-foot multi-use venue for culture and business.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Empty glass olive oil bottles on a stone plinth inside a bright, modern showroom with a marble tasting table. — Manfredi Barbera & Figli has launched Little Sicily, a new 2,500-square-foot showroom and event venue in Rutherford, New Jersey, to expand its North American presence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Manfredi Barbera & Figli has opened Little Sicily in Rutherford, a new 2,500-square-foot facility designed to serve as a hub for Italian food and business. The space functions as a showroom, event venue, and platform to bridge Sicilian heritage with North American operations.

Why it matters

The venue aims to strengthen the company’s presence in its largest foreign market by providing a centralized space for cultural and professional engagement. It builds on the firm's long-standing export history by fostering direct connections with consumers and partners.

The new facility spans 2,500 square feet and supports a business that currently exports to more than 30 countries. In 2024, the U.S. and Canadian markets combined for $16.1 million in revenue.

The players

Manfredi Barbera & Figli

This is a 132-year-old, family-owned and operated company based in Sicily that specializes in the production and export of olive oil.

The details

The facility functions as a multipurpose site for business opportunities, event hosting, and a showroom for the family-owned company's products. It complements the existing North American subsidiary operations managed out of a Ridgefield office on Union Avenue.

The company established its U.S. subsidiary in Ridgefield in 2018.
The U.S. and Canada regions generated $16.1 million in revenue during 2024.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and tasting event for the new venue took place on September 22, 2026.

Market Landscape

The opening of Little Sicily signals a shift from traditional distribution toward a model that emphasizes brand experience and direct cultural integration. This move positions the firm to better compete for market share against other premium food importers by fostering deeper loyalty.

Local shoppers and food enthusiasts can expect access to new tasting events and cultural programming held directly within the facility. The venue provides a tangible point of contact for the community to engage with products previously available only through retail distribution.

The takeaway

The addition of this venue demonstrates how established international food brands are increasingly investing in physical spaces to deepen regional brand loyalty. Consumers can look for expanded local opportunities to engage with the brand's heritage through the new event and showroom space.