Diane Seed visited Rome in 1969 with her three young daughters. What was intended as a short visit became a new way of life, as she made Italy her new home.

Immersed in its food, culture and traditions over the following four decades, Diane grew to become one of the English-speaking world’s most respected authorities on Italian cuisine.

Along the way, she wrote fourteen books, taught thousands of students, and earned the affectionate nickname La Signora Inglese from the Roman market traders who watched her shop each morning.

She later served as spokesperson for the International Olive Oil Council and as Food Consultant to Marks & Spencer, helping introduce authentic Italian ingredients to British audiences long before it became fashionable.

Diane’s connection to Corleone Gold began, as the best things often do, entirely by chance.

Having recently returned to the UK after more than forty years living in Italy, Diane had – by remarkable coincidence – settled in Bath. At almost exactly the same time, and in the very same city, Corleone Gold was making its own first UK appearance.

After becoming the first person outside Sicily ever to taste Corleone Gold – while the family themselves were still discovering quite how special the olive oil truly was – Diane paused, smiled, and instantly recognised both its exceptional quality and the family’s passion for sharing something genuinely extraordinary.

What began as a simple introduction quickly became a friendship.

The family were overjoyed when Diane began creating stories and recipes for Corleone Gold. These continue to accompany each release, celebrating the land, the people and the spirit of the island she knows so well.

Her warmth, insight and lifelong love of Sicily and its culinary heritage are woven into the fabric of Corleone Gold.

Diane’s encouragement and enthusiasm continue to shape the journey. Today, it is hard to believe that it all began with a chance encounter.