Bertolli Olive Oil Partners With Top Chef Fan Favorite Fabio Viviani

HOUSTON, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Chef Fabio Viviani has joined forces with Bertolli Olive Oil, the number one selling olive oil in the world, to inspire consumers to unleash the chef within and experience the different varieties of its extensive line including Extra Virgin, Classico and Extra Light Tasting.  With a thriving restaurant in Los Angeles, Viviani has become a shining star in the culinary world following a successful stint on season five of Bravo's hit television show Top Chef.

"Bertolli Olive Oil is a product I believe in, not only from my life in Italy, but also because of its consistent flavor that enhances what I'm creating," said Viviani of his new role. "It's an honor and a privilege to work with the number one olive oil brand in the world."

The new partnership provides Bertolli Olive Oil the opportunity to showcase the different varieties and uses of olive oil through Viviani and his growing fan base.  Already this year consumers in select markets throughout the country have seen him during the Winter Olympics on NBC cooking with Bertolli Olive Oil through three-:30 television spots. And just recently, Viviani wooed the crowds at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival as he demonstrated three dishes prepared with each variety. Throughout 2010 Viviani and his recipes will be featured in advertising, through public relations efforts and demonstrations at top-tier culinary events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen and the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival.

Renowned for his expertise in Italian and Mediterranean cooking, Viviani takes pride in creating gourmet recipes and dishes that are healthy, simple to prepare, and full of flavor.  Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Viviani has traveled across Europe and is trained in classic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. He also owned and was the executive chef of six successful restaurants in the Florence area before coming to the United States. Today, he incorporates Italian, French and Spanish influences in his dishes and believes that cooking is a craft.

"Bertolli Olive Oil is thrilled to partner with Chef Fabio Viviani who bridges traditional Italian heritage with today's contemporary lifestyle," said Marco DeCeglie, Executive Vice President–Sales and Marketing, North America. "With Fabio's approach of simple, healthy, flavorful meals, he provides an ideal voice for engaging consumers in the conversation and inviting them to experience the different varieties of Bertolli Olive Oil."

The alliance offers the brand a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the varieties of Bertolli Olive Oil by aligning with a widely recognized chef who marries contemporary flavors with authentic Italian recipes.  Sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, Bertolli was established in 1865 and is one of the largest Italian food brands in the world and the number one selling olive oil in the world, yet remains true to its Italian origins of culinary artistry, quality, consistency and authenticity.

About Bertolli Olive Oil

Bertolli's high-quality range of olive oils recently became a part of Grupo SOS, a leading Spanish food company and the world's undisputed leader in olive oil.  Grupo SOS is also a key player in the rice market and operates in the USA via its fully owned subsidiary - American Rice, Inc.  Along with Bertolli, American Rice, Inc. also imports and distributes Carapelli (co-leader in Italy with Bertolli) and Carbonell (the number one Spanish olive oil brand in the world). Bertolli is a trademark of Unilever and is used under license. For more information, visit www.bertollioliveoil.com.

SOURCE Bertolli Olive Oil