Hundreds of Fans Choose "Proudest Cooking Moment" Winners for Olivari® Mediterranean Olive Oil

ROME, N.Y., June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of award-winning Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil chose Lynn Bowen of Geraldine, AL, and Jill Gilber of Philadelphia, PA, as the winners of the brand's "Proudest Cooking Moment" contest, which celebrated Olivari's proud moment as winner of the 2011 Product of the Year Award. The contest winners' compelling stories about memorable meals they cooked with pride drove hundreds of fans to vote for their favorite tale. Overwhelming demand and dramatic last minute voting turned the contest into a nail-biter that was too close to call, resulting in two clear favorites emerging victorious.

Gilber's story about successfully charming her foodie parents with escargot earned her accolades:

"My parents...are the "Siskel and Ebert" of the Sunday dinner table. They would often dine out at some very fancy-shmancy restaurants a couple of times during the week...This past Easter, I served escargot as an appetizer. My parents...couldn't get enough. Not only did my mother look at me and give me two thumbs up, literally; she proceeded to tell me that my version was better than what my parents had just ordered at a French restaurant the night before. I am still on cloud nine."

Bowen's story about comfort food as a set up for her daughter's engagement was a crowd pleaser:

"My proudest cooking moment took place on...my oldest daughter's 22nd birthday. Her boyfriend had shared with me that he was going to ask her to marry him that night...So I told her that I wanted to cook her favorite meal for her birthday. After the meal, with her family and his standing by, she began to open birthday presents. His present was last...he presented her a little box, tied to a fishing pole, and popped the question! She accepted the proposal and I take a little bit of the credit for creating this special moment...Actually, my fried chicken takes the credit!"

To read the full winning entries, visit http://www.olivarimediterraneanoliveoil.com/the-results-are-in.

Bowen and Gilber were among 232 contestants who submitted their stories to Olivari's "Proudest Cooking Moment" contest in April and May 2011. From May 15 to May 31, more than 1,000 votes were cast by Olivari Facebook fans. The winners received a prize package consisting of a $450 supermarket gift card, an Olivari garlic press, an Olivari kitchen apron, and a year's supply of Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil.

"The winning stories both exemplify one of Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil's core values, which is the belief that, while a meal itself can be good, a meal shared with friends and family is truly great," said Eryn Balch, marketing manager at Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil. "Whether it is the victory of conquering a dish like escargot or the simple togetherness of a favorite family dinner, the end result is the same – pride, love and laughter. Congratulations to all our contest entrants and we hope you continue to celebrate every great cooking moment, both large and small!"

Anyone can become a fan of Olivari at http://www.facebook.com/olivarimediterranean.

The promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Official contest rules are available at http://www.olivarimediterraneanoliveoil.com/contest-rules/.

About Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil:

Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil comes from the warm sun and sparkling coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, a place where celebrating a healthy life in the company of friends and family is most important. We select premium olive oils from the heart of the Mediterranean that meet the highest specifications for quality and taste. Olivari is carefully crafted for the American palate and delivers a subtle, fruity aroma that reflects the fresh, simple pleasures of an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle. And only Olivari offers the patented Pop-Up Pourer® for easy pouring and finishing. Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil is produced by Sovena USA. For more information, visit olivarimediterranean.com.

About Product of the Year:

The Product of the Year award recognizes the most original and exciting consumer-packaged goods from around the globe. In 2010, 60,493 U.S. consumers participated in the survey by TNS. Only 22 products made the cut. Olivari joins a roster of respected winners including products from Procter & Gamble, Nestle, SC Johnson and Johnson & Johnson.

Contact: Thomas J. Armitage
Marketing Associate
Sovena USA
[email protected]
p: (315) 797-7070 ext. 7295
c: (315) 404-9968

SOURCE Sovena USA