Olive oil has long been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers and inflammation. Recent studies also indicate it could have cognitive benefits.
All of this has given Filippo Berio, one of the nation’s top-selling olive oil brands, a vision of a greater mission: How can it help influence healthy lifestyle habits to U.S. consumers through collaborations that focus on educating Americans about the wellness impacts of incorporating healthy choices into their everyday diets?
Through multi-pronged partnerships with the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and Culinary Careers Program (C•CAP) Filippo Berio is doing just that.
Vice President of Marketing Marco De Feo said the 157-year-old Italian brand (which makes its U.S. headquarters in Lyndhurst) is committed to making inroads in the health and wellness movement, demonstrating how nutrient-dense foods like olive oil can be integrated seamlessly into dietary habits to help prevent diseases plaguing Americans.
“It is our responsibility as an organization and industry to shine a light on this body of research and help Americans adopt lifestyle changes that may lead to a lower risk of disease and a healthier future,” he said.
In 2025, De Feo said the brand will implement new social responsibility programs, promote educational content and increase event sponsorships to amplify health considerations and its partners’ vital missions.
This year, Filippo Berio strives to build on a decades-long collaborative relationship with C•CAP to develop an olive oil-specific curriculum for students nationwide.
The curriculum formalizes an ongoing effort to educate more than 25,000 culinary students in over 186 schools about using olive oil as a nutritious and flavorful fat alternative in the kitchen. Students would gain a comprehensive education about this timeless ingredient, including specific health benefits, various culinary applications, pairings, range of varietals, tasting techniques to understand flavor profiles and quality, versatility of use and substitution in various cuisines.
Since C•CAP programs can begin as early as middle school, the olive oil-focused curriculum has the potential to influence dietary choices for America’s youth — and their families, as students share their newfound knowledge at home.
C•CAP Co-Executive Director Tanya Steel is excited by the possibilities.
“Olive oil is a vital ingredient in the C•CAP culinary experience and curriculum, not only because of its variety of flavor profiles and vast applications, but because of its many health benefits,” she said. “We are thrilled to be working with Filippo Berio to better inform our students and train the next generation of chefs to use healthier, various alternatives to turn the tide on unhealthy eating habits in the U.S.”
In addition to maintaining its long-standing alliance with C•CAP, Filippo Berio officials say they are committed to the company’s partnership with ADDF, which aims to support the most innovative Alzheimer’s drug development, biomarker, and prevention programs around the world.
Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $370 million to fund over 765 research programs in 21 countries. Filippo Berio entered into this collaboration in 2024 to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, contribute crucial funds to support the groundbreaking research funded through the ADDF, and increase overall awareness of lifestyle changes, including adopting a nutritious diet, that may positively affect cognitive health.
Dr. Howard Fillit, ADDF’s co-founder and chief science officer, is delighted by the partnership.
“Prevention is a key pillar in the ADDF’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease,” he said. “Delaying disease onset by just five years may result in up to 50% lower prevalence. And studies are showing that lifestyle interventions like a healthy diet and exercise can play a fundamental role. We greatly value our partners, including Filippo Berio, who support us in advancing this critical research.”
In 2024, Filippo Berio sponsored and participated in two ADDF events, the organization’s Seventh Annual Memories Matter and House of Purple fundraisers. In addition to contributing valuable funds, the brand is supporting the ADDF through traditional and social media communication vehicles as well as a national in-store retail activation of branded neck collars placed on Filippo Berio olive oil bottles to further increase visibility of the ADDF’s mission.
De Feo said it’s all about the vision to serve a greater mission.
“Olive oil has been a dietary staple for centuries, and it is no surprise that research is uncovering a host of cognitive and other health benefits associated with it,” he said. “At Filippo Berio, attention to quality has been consistent throughout our history, reaching back to 1867.
“We use that same lens in developing all of our products, using simple, uncompromising ingredients and authentic preparations to ensure consumers have consistently great-tasting, healthy choices available in any kitchen — at home or in restaurants.”
Conversation Starter
Reach Filippo Berio at: filippoberio.com.
