Hanover’s Perspective
One of Oprah’s Favorite Things – Slow Cured Meats from Mechanicsville
The holidays bring many traditions and certainly, one of the most heralded is Oprah Winfrey's annual “Oprah's Favorite Things!” Christmas gift list. Landing a place on this coveted listing of Oprah-endorsed products can be a marketing bonanza to any company. This year's list includes Hanover County's very own, Olli Salumeria, a maker of artisanal slow-cured meats using their original 160-year old family recipes handed down over 4 generations. Olli Salumeria comments on their web site, “Winfrey is a woman of definite opinions and tastes, and an endorsement from her goes a long way. When we got the news, it sort of stirred things up around here.”
“This is the ultimate, ultimate list of my Favorite Things,” says Oprah. Why? Because no matter who's on your holiday list, you'll find everything from the whimsical stocking stuffer to the over-the-top indulgence.” Oprah selected Olli's Organic and Tartufo Salame boxed set and notes, ” You get four types (including hot chorizo and truffle) in one gift set—excellent for the carnivore in your life.”
Olli Salumeria, located in Mechanicsville, makes artisanal slow-cured meats (salumi or salami, as more commonly referred) based on original 160-year-old family recipes that were handed down over 4 generations to their founder, Oliviero “Olli” Colmignoli. Their products are made with pork from pigs raised on family-owned sustainable farms. Chip Vosmik and Olli Colmignoli launched the company in 2010 with about five employees. Currently, the Mechanicsville-based, privately-held company employs 25. Notes Edwin Gaskin, Hanover County's Economic Director, “This company has shown some impressive growth and getting endorsed by Oprah will enhance their market presence. This gives them some much deserved recognition of the fine products they manufacture right here in Hanover. Olli Salumeria is another great reason to Live here.Shop here.”
Landing a spot on Oprah's list recently got Olli featured on
But getting included on Oprah's “My Favorite things List” isn't the first time, this Hanover-headquarted business has been recognized nationally. Olli Salumeria was also recently honored to be chosen by Food & Wine as one of the Top 20 Best Cured Meats in America. Olli Salumeria's fine, hand-rubbed, slow-cured salame, whole cured meats and cooking fats can be found at Whole Foods, Williams Sonoma, Wegman's and other national grocers. Locally, it can be found in Ashland at The Caboose Wine & Cheese (108 South Railroad Ave) and other fine retailers in the Richmond area.