Family History & Tradition

Historically many olive trees growing in Italy today date back to ancient Roman times.  The olive tree has been part of human existence for thousands of years and has won its way into our lives, hearts and kitchens.  Farming has always been a well-established tradition among most Italian families in Italy.  The DiRuggiero family's farm, located in the central Italia, has been growing and processing olive oil, wine and other agricultural products for generations since the mid-1800s.

Prior to World War II, my great-grandfather Giuseppe DiRuggiero, along with his son, Crispino DiRuggiero, carried on these traditions of growing and processing our own olive oil, as well as providing a service to process our neighbors olive oil as well.

Our olive trees, categorized as Itrana, are native to the Italian region of Lazio. These mature olive producing trees in the mountains have taken years to grow and thrive in this ideal habitat. Our healthy olive fruit yields the best-tasting extra-virgin olive oil for cooking and everyday dining.

Traditionally the olive tree is viewed as a symbol of peace and friendship.  My Grandfather, Crispino, was brought up in believing in these values of Friendship & Family.  He and my grandmother, Rosa Marie, raised 13 children to maintain and cultivate our family farm, which was natural to their way of life rooted in Italian traditions. 

The children were being being brought up to work in the family business but with the disruption of World War II, my father and grandfather decided to leave behind this war-torn region for America. My father first came over to New York in 1948 and returned to Italy to uproot his father, mother, brothers, and sisters to America.  Despite my family’s departure from Italy, the farm was never neglected.  Remaining relatives continued to care for and run what was already a producing farm, which was welcomed by my grandfather while he proceeded to seek a better life for his family.

Years ago, I decided to take up my grandfather’s passion for growing and processing this product, which I refer to as "liquid gold."  Over the past 25 years, I've visited our town in Italy and, after the annual harvest, brought bottles of our oil back to share with family and friends in the United States.  I discovered that continuing my grandfather’s passion was in my blood.  After many years of positive feedback, I have decided to share this dedication, devotion, and excitement with others. The most rewarding part of what I do here in Italy is knowing that all our products are of the highest quality, unblended, and come straight from our trees to your table.

From left to right: Crispino, Nonna Ruggiero, Carmosina, Rosa, Yolanda (baby), Raffeluccio, Giuseppe, Ronnio, Italio;
Bottom: Crescenzio, Antonio, Teresa Frank

Vintage ancient Italian olive oil machine used to make oil

Mamma D. looking over the olive trees