Filippo Berio was born in Genoa , Italy in 1829, and was raised in nearby Lucca — an ancient city in Tuscany , renowned for its production of exceptional olive oils. It was in Lucca where Filippo Berio perfected his craft and where our business remains today.


A man passionate about his business and his family, Filippo Berio began producing and selling the finest olive oil under the brand name "Filippo Berio" in the 1850s. He was well-regarded as an olive oil expert who personally tested and selected the precise blend of oils sold under his name. His expertise and dedication made Filippo Berio Olive Oils one of the leading brands of olive oil to be produced in  Lucca . Indeed, the brand was so evocative of Tuscany  that it became one of Italy 's leading exported olive oils. Literally hundreds of thousands of tons of the oil made the transatlantic journey to the United States in the late 1800s, where it was eagerly purchased by Italian-American immigrants hungry for a taste of home.

Later in his life, Filippo Berio formed a partnership with businessman Giovanni Silvestrini, who helped increase business and maintain the high standards Filippo had set. Following Filippo Berio's death in 1894, his daughter Albertina continued her father's partnership.

In 1919, Albertina Berio and Giovanni Silvestrini entered into a partnership with other growers and producers in Lucca — including Dino Fontana, grandfather and great-grandfather of the current Filippo Berio ® Olive Oil producers. Together they formed a new company: SALOV, or the Societa per Azoni Lucchese Olii e Vini (Society for Oils and Wines of the Province of Lucca ).

Today, SALOV still markets the Filippo Berio brand; its great-tasting olive oils are now produced by Dino's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. SALOV's headquarters and production facilities remain in Lucca Province