Six generations of Italian olive oil production fuel a growing business rooted in authenticity, education and connection
By Jennifer Amato
Mazzone Olive Oil is more than an Italian specialty market on South Tamiami Trail. It is a bridge from Sarasota to Italy, built on family, authenticity, connection and education.
Cinzia Testini and Mike Forbes met in Puglia, the “heel of the boot” of Italy, where Testini is from. After moving to the United States, they quickly noticed a difference in her cooking — and traced it back to the olive oil. Testini’s family has produced organic extra virgin olive oil under the Mazzone name for six generations, and the oils available in the U.S. simply did not compare. The couple soon began importing her family’s oil, restoring the flavor of her dishes to what she calls “delizioso.”
In Ruvo di Puglia, about 20 minutes inland from the Adriatic Sea, Testini and Forbes own 15 acres with approximately 2,000 Coratina olive trees grown organically and sustainably. Together with extended family, the operation spans about 60 acres.
Harvest begins each November, with olives picked by hand and immediately cold-milled and pressed. It takes about 20 pounds of olives to produce a single bottle of extra virgin olive oil.
“The olive goes through four steps once it reaches our mill,” Forbes said. “Cleaning removes dirt and debris. Crushing turns the whole olive, including the pit, into a paste. Malaxation slowly mixes the paste so the oil can separate. Finally, a centrifuge separates the oil from water and solids.”
The process is supported by a close-knit team of family members and longtime partners, including Giuseppe and his father, Giacomo, who tend the groves year-round.
Each year, the Forbes ship a container of the newest harvest to Sarasota as early as possible. The previous year’s oil is sold out to make room for the fresh batch. Growing demand has occasionally required additional air shipments to keep shelves stocked. The goal, they say, is simple: ensure customers always receive the freshest oil available.
In Italy, the family also operates an on-site shop at the mill, where locals can purchase oil and refill their own containers. A small restaurant in Ruvo di Puglia hosts cooking classes and welcomes guests during tours.
After arriving in Sarasota in 1998, Testini and Forbes began selling their olive oil at the Sarasota Farmers Market. Over time, they built a loyal following and expanded their emphasis on family and education. In 2015, they opened a retail store on South Tamiami Trail, creating a permanent space to share their products and story.
That connection eventually led to immersive travel experiences. What began as conversations with customers evolved into guided trips to Puglia, where participants can experience the harvest and production process firsthand. Mazzone has led these small-group tours since 2012.
The business continued to grow in 2018 with the addition of a full-time manager, allowing Testini and Forbes to spend more time in Italy. They have since expanded their groves and their Sarasota presence.
In 2019, their Coratina extra virgin olive oil was entered for the first time in the New York International Olive Oil Competition. Since then, it has earned five gold awards and one silver, along with additional honors in Dubai, Japan and London.
Testini credits the oil’s quality to the Coratina olive, known for its high levels of polyphenols — natural antioxidants linked to health benefits.
“The more polyphenols the oil has, the healthier it is,” she said. “You’re not just buying flavor. You’re buying something that’s good for you.”
Education remains central to the Mazzone mission. The team offers a variety of classes and events designed to deepen customers’ understanding of olive oil and Italian culture. These include pasta-making, focaccia and braciole classes, limoncello workshops, olive oil and wine tastings, pairing events and collaborations with local chefs and artists.
One of the newest initiatives is the Olive Tree Adoption Program, which invites participants to “be the farmer.” Customers can adopt a tree, receive oil produced from their grove and contribute to Hope Seeds International.
Recently relocated, the 1,300-square-foot Sarasota store features more than olive oil. Shelves are stocked with balsamic vinegars, organic Italian wines, specialty foods, linens, sweets, olive wood products, artisanal ceramics and organic coffee, along with traditional stovetop “moka” espresso makers and herbal remedies from Puglia.
Mazzone also partners with local businesses, including Sarasota Honey Company, Christian Kitchens Coffee and Homestead Hydroponics. Their olive oil can be found in dishes and products at several area establishments, including ice cream at Great Heights Creamery, barbecue at Smoke & Fire BBQ and menu items at Bella Rimini in Nokomis.
What began as a single product has grown into a full cultural experience. Customers can taste, learn and connect through the store, farmers market booth, classes and travel opportunities — all centered on the traditions behind each bottle.
Mazzone Olive Oil is located at 5900 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Sarasota Farmers Market is held each Saturday year-round from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with Mazzone’s stand on Lemon Avenue.
The company also operates an online store, shipping nationwide. For more information, visit mazzoneoliveoil.com or call 941-927-6573.
