Interview - Rhett Parker - 6 Star Pantry

The old adage “oils ain’t oils” certainly rings true when it comes to one particular brand of extra virgin olive oil. As Rhett Parker, Owner of 6 Star Imports tells it, Manni Oil has to be one of the world’s most sublime examples. Coveted by some of the world’s most famous chefs, it is certainly in a class of its own.

FFW: Who is behind Manni Oil?

6 Star Pantry: The man behind this amazing product is Armando Manni, hence the name. He founded the product and now overlooks every aspect of the business, still 20-odd years after inception.

FFW: Where are the olives grown?

6 Star Pantry: In Tuscany on the slopes of Mt Amiata where they are also pressed.

FFW: Are the olives organically grown?

6 Star Pantry: Absolutely, everything about this product is organic whilst being extremely environmental and health conscious.

FFW: What are the Manni Oil products you offer?

6 Star Pantry: Our main product is “The Oil Of Life”, this is the 250ml bottle that has won numerous gold medals globally. This is primarily for the everyday home cook and can be used in restaurants as well. We also have the Grand Cru - Per Me and Per Mio Figlio. Per Me is from the olives at the base of Mt Amiata and the Per Mio Figlio from the olive trees towards the top of the mountain, creating two amazing yet distinctively different tasting EVOOs. These two oils are used at some of the world’s best Michelin restaurants. They come in a gift pack or can be purchased separately. And lastly, we have on offer a White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil Condiment. Again, a uniquely packaged product that is the perfect gift for any food connoisseur or high end restaurant. 

FFW: What makes them – and the olive oil – so special?

6 Star Pantry: Besides being from an olive species only grown on one mountain in one part of the world, Manni Oil is the only Extra Virgin Olive Oil producer in the world that has collaborated with a university. Modern science is used to create a long lasting EVOO with health benefits that are off the charts. I think you’ll also agree the packaging and presentation of the products is like nothing I’ve seen in the space and is not only beautiful, but unique. And lastly, the producer also has a zero-waste policy. Pressed in a brand new and state of the art facility, nothing goes to waste. Even the crushed olives are dried out and used in other ways, such as an ingredient in children’s super food organic cookies, which I’ll also be bringing to the market in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

FFW: What kinds of awards have the products won?

6 Star Pantry: Where to start. In 2021 “The Oil Of Life” won gold medals at the New York International Olive Oil Competition,  Gold medal at Canada’s International Olive Oil Competition,  Gold Medal at Oil China International Olive Oil Competition, 2020, 2019, 2018 Winner of the Bibenda Italian Sommelier Award for Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Silver Medal for quality at the 2021 London International Olive Oil Competition, 2021 Silver Medal Winner of the Olive Japan International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, Gold Medal at Shanghai International Olive Oil Contest and a Mention of Excellence at the Monte Carlo International Olive Oil Contest.

FFW: Are the different Manni Oil products suited to different food pairings?

6 Star Pantry: They are, Oil of Life is more an everyday oil and can be used for anything that you would normally use an EVOO for from dressing salads, seasoning pasta or soup, etc.

Per Me pairs well with red meat, robust sauces, hard cheeses, crusty bread and various spices.

Per Mio Figlio pairs beautifully with poultry, fish, vegetables and even desserts and is superb with pasta and Parmigiano cheese.

White Truffle EVOO makes the classic White Truffle Mashed Potato and is amazing on steak!

FFW: Do you supply nationwide?

6 Star Pantry: I will be supplying nationwide, yes, and open to New Zealand.

FFW: What are the most compelling virtues of your brand?

6 Star Pantry: Manni Oil is all-natural, it’s a ‘live oil’, non-GMO, organic, kosher and offers an incredible array of healthful benefits.

FFW: Is it true that some of the world’s top chefs use Manni Oil in their restaurants?

6 Star Pantry: 100% True! When I was first looking into the products, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read some of the world’s famous and top chefs are using these products. When the likes of Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsey are using the oil, you know it’s amazing before you even taste it yourself. But when names like Thomas Keller and his restaurant The French Laundry are associated with the product, it just solidifies everything about the quality of this superb oils.

FFW: How does 6 Star Pantry: look after customers?

6 Star Pantry: We offer prompt order response, low minimum orders, express delivery, and for businesses that aren’t quite sure, I’m willing to discuss a consignment contract to begin with as I’m extremely confident in the products’ ability to sell.

FFW: What kinds of retailers are stocking your oil?

6 Star Pantry: Gourmet delis! Also, your more boutique establishments. Living in Brisbane, I’ve approached a few of our top end gourmet delis to showcase the products and received good feedback. This is certainly not a mainstream product so won’t be seen in department stores, for example.

FFW: Are you able to supply bulk quantities to food manufacturers?

6 Star Pantry: Quantities aren’t an issue; I would have to do through pre-ordering. To keep the integrity of the Live Oil, the temperature has to be just right for the oil to be flown to Australia so there are only two windows per year for me to receive orders. Again, to keep the integrity of the oil, the small bottles are still used. There is no large option, for example, two-litre tins, etc. In other options for bulk orders we can customise and personalise the caps on The Oil Of Life, and also the ribbons on the gift pack.

FFW: Do you offer any important tips on how to store, serve or use your olive oil?

6 Star Pantry: As Armando Manni states, a little goes a long way. You don’t need much to get the amazing flavour so a bottle can last quite a while. Also, the products should not be stored near any heat or direct sunlight. I keep mine in the pantry away from the stove. It won’t go bad or anything but keeps the integrity of the Live Oil so that amazing taste will be consistent to that last drop of the bottle.

Well, that was quite an education in the virtues of this exquisite brand of extra virgin olive oil. If you’d like to learn more or you’d like to discuss your requirements, get in touch with 6 Star Pantry today.