Manzo: Redefining Beef with Precision and Craftsmanship

The Raw Revolution: Manzo Fassone’s Push to Reimagine Beef

NATIONWIDE - DECEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) In a world where beef has been traditionally defined by its fat content and marbling, Manzo is making waves by challenging these long-held assumptions. This ultra-luxury beef house is not just about selling premium cuts of meat; it is about creating a completely new category of beef altogether, one rooted in the purity of genetics, meticulous craftsmanship, and a dedication to delivering an unparalleled dining experience.

Founded by Justin Owens, Manzo is committed to a vision that is grounded in the principles of precision, control, and exceptional quality. The brand works exclusively with fullblood Fassona cattle, an Italian heritage breed known for its extreme tenderness, low fat, and remarkably high omega fatty acid ratio. What sets Manzo apart is the idea that true luxury beef does not come from heavy marbling or artificial breeding practices. Instead, it is defined by natural genetics and a close-loop system that ensures the cattle are raised with the highest standards of care and attention.

The Journey Begins: Old-World Craft Meets Modern Precision

Manzo’s journey started with an unwavering belief that quality beef does not have to come at the expense of flavor purity and health. The brand’s commitment to fullblood Fassona cattle is not a passing trend, it’s a dedication to a breed that has been perfected over centuries in the foothills of Piemonte, Italy. These cattle are uniquely suited to creating beef that can be enjoyed raw, as evidenced by the fact that Fassona’s delicate muscle fibers allow for raw preparations like carpaccio, tartare, and even beef sushi.

However, this is not just a story about rare genetics; it’s a tale of craftsmanship. In order to ensure that Manzo’s beef lived up to its Italian roots, Owens partnered with Dr. Phil Bass, a meat scientist at the University of Idaho, who immersed himself in the traditional methods of butchering Fassona cattle in Piemonte. This collaboration ensured that Manzo’s beef, once it reached the U.S., would carry the same level of precision and expertise that has defined the region’s beef culture for generations.

The New Paradigm of Beef: Light, Pure, and Raw

The biggest revolution Manzo brings to the American beef market is not just in its product, it’s in how beef is perceived. In the U.S., beef has always been synonymous with fat. Marbling is the key to tenderness, and the richer the fat, the better the beef. But Manzo’s Fassona beef tells a different story. With its delicate muscle fibers and low collagen content, Fassona does not require marbling to be tender. Instead, the muscle structure itself is what creates a silk-like texture and a clean, mineral flavor that chefs can showcase in raw dishes like sashimi-style slices or crudo.

This approach challenges the very foundation of American beef culture. Whereas the U.S. beef industry has long relied on marbling to create tenderness, Manzo’s beef offers a radically different experience. It’s beef that behaves like fish, light, clean, and capable of being eaten raw without feeling heavy or greasy. The result is a product that doesn’t just sit at the center of the plate; it demands to be treated with the same respect and care that fine fish or top-tier tuna would receive.

Manzo: A Brand That Defies Tradition

Manzo’s unique selling point lies in its meticulous attention to detail, from genetics to butchery, and in the singularity of its beef program. The closed-loop system ensures that the cattle are raised on Owens Farms in Washington, where every aspect of their diet and care is tailored to optimize the flavor clarity of the beef. The environment the cattle grow in, along with the philosophy of land stewardship, shapes the distinct terroir that Manzo is able to harness in its beef.

What truly sets Manzo apart from other beef producers is that it offers more than just a premium product; it offers a new way of thinking about beef. Manzo is not in the business of simply offering higher-quality beef than traditional brands like Wagyu or Angus. It is creating an entirely new category of beef, a category that emphasizes purity, sustainability, and versatility.

This shift isn’t just technical; it’s a cultural shift in how we approach beef. Manzo is introducing Americans to a style of beef that can be appreciated in raw, lightly handled forms, as part of an evolving culinary landscape that draws inspiration from Piemonte, Tokyo, and Lima. This new paradigm goes beyond steak-on-the-grill thinking and challenges chefs and home cooks alike to rethink what beef can be.

The Paradigm Shift: Raw and Lightly Handled Beef

In many ways, Manzo is challenging the assumptions Americans have about beef. Instead of viewing beef as something to be seared, grilled, and served with a side of heavy fats, Manzo’s beef challenges that notion entirely. The raw-focused approach is not a gimmick; it is a natural expression of the breed’s unique qualities.

This shift is not about offering a leaner cut of meat; it’s about creating a new culinary experience, one where raw beef can be enjoyed as easily as the finest fish. Manzo’s beef performs as delicately as premium tuna, with structural integrity and flavor consistency across the entire animal. And unlike tuna, which is prone to seasonality and variability, Fassona beef maintains its clarity, tenderness, and sweetness year-round, thanks to the closed-loop, terroir-driven farming practices.

Chefs across the U.S. are beginning to see the value of this approach, using Manzo’s beef in preparations that highlight its purity and texture. As the industry continues to evolve, Manzo is leading the way in pushing American culinary culture to embrace a different kind of beef, one that is leaner, cleaner, and more versatile than ever before.

Manzo is not just offering beef; it’s offering a journey into a new world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re a chef looking to expand your repertoire or a consumer seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Manzo’s precision-crafted beef promises to deliver like no other. Discover the true luxury of beef today, explore Manzo’s full range and experience the revolution in raw and lightly prepared beef.

For more information, visit Manzo's Instagram or Modern Farmer USA.