Barbera launches Litte Sicily, a hub for Sicilian agri-food and culture in New Jersey

Exporting a piece of Sicily to the United States and creating a place capable of bringing production, culture and new business opportunities together.

This is the aim of Little Sicily, the new permanent space that the Palermo-based olive oil company Manfredi Barbera inaugurated at its headquarters in Rutherford, New Jersey.

Taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hub were Frank Nunziato, Mayor of Rutherford, Paul Sarlo, New Jersey State Senator, and Edy Tamajo, Councillor for Productive Activities of the Sicilian Region.

The bridge

The initiative represents a new step in Barbera’s internationalisation journey, the historic company founded in 1894 and led by the fourth generation. The company’s direct presence in the United States dates back to 2018, with the establishment of Manfredi Barbera Usa.

“Little Sicily was created to tell the story of the Sicily we know, which has the ability to bring tradition and vision together,” said ceo Manfredi Barbera at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It is a genuine bridge of opportunity between the two territories.”

Leading foreign market

In 2025 (with the financial year ending on 30 September), the Sicilian company generated revenues of 45,6 million euros (+7,5%), an Ebitda of 3,9 million (+5,4%) and a profit of 1 million. Exports account for 60% of turnover. In particular, the United States and Canada are the leading foreign market, with sales of 14 million, representing more than 30% of turnover.
The company offers Dop and Igp oils, monocultivar, Mediterranean and organic oils. It also offers a line of oil under the Villa Barbera brand. The same brand is used for a range of Sicilian food products (pasta, sauces, dressings, pistachios, lemons and many other local products) that has just been launched and which, together with hospitality, forms part of the business diversification process.

Tariffs and mini-dollar

For the current financial year, Barbera points out that “after 10 years of revenue growth in North America, there has been a setback caused by US tariffs and the devaluation of the dollar, which have pushed up the prices of 30%. Volumes, on the other hand, have remained almost constant. And that is an excellent result.”
By the end of this financial year, the company’s turnover is expected to record a decline in revenue of 10-12%, following a fall in product prices of approximately 25%.

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This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.