Exciting news from Lucero Olive Oil. We have started up the mill for the first time for 2009. What does that mean? Fresh Lucero Olive Oil is right around the corner. We will keep you updated on the harvest, but for now, check out the pictures below.

           

As I have mentioned before, the California Olive Oil industry is booming. With so much news around the industry, it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes if you want to keep up on the latest and greatest. There's a good newsletter out there, "The Olive Oil Source" that provides the latest information on the industry. You can check out their latest issue here. They mention Lucero's latest medals from the Paso Robles festival as well.

The time leading up to the harvest is so exciting. One of the best parts of this time of year are all of the olive festivals. The Paso Robles Festival is this Saturday and Lucero Olive Oil is happy to be exhibiting for the fourth year in a row. Food, music, wine and Olive Oil - can you think of a better way to spend the day? Oh yeah, it's a great chance to see our newly designed labels too. Check out the link to the festival - www.pasoroblesolivefestival.com/
        

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma visited our mill in Corning yesterday. She is visiting various farms throughout the state, learning more about the different agricultural production we have in the state. It was exciting to represent the growing California Olive Oil industry and work to educate her a bit more about not only the tremendous growth but the excellent quality of California Olive Oil.

She really seemed to enjoy her visit and we were definitely happy to host her. Check out a picture from her visit below. (From left to right: Nick Hardeman, Capitol Director; Dewey Lucero; Assemblywoman Fiona Ma; Gary Strack, Corning mayor; Larry Treat, Lucero Mill Manager)

One of the topics very dear to our hearts here at Lucero is the growth of the California Olive Oil industry. Here's a great article comparing California oils to those of Spain. Definitely shows that people are catching on to the great quality of the extra virgin olive oil being produced in the Golden State. Did we mention Lucero is included in the piece? Here's the link... www.cooksillustrated.com/tastetests/overview.asp?docid=20398

Came across an interesting article in the Sacramento Bee highlighting not only the immense growth of the California Olive Oil Industry (production is expected to continue to increase 10,000 acres/year until 2020) but also the advancements in terms of harvesting and production. Much like the wine industry in its early stages, California Olive Oil is growing in leaps and bounds - an exciting and tasty time for all!

As you know from earlier posts, Lucero is launching its new look this week at the Fancy Food Show in New York. The show has been going great so far - we are meeting a lot of interesting people in the food industry and it is so exciting to see all of the products that are being unveiled. Below, please find a couple more pictures from our booth at the show that should give you a better look at the product line. What do you think?
 

                          

Day #1 at the Fancy Food Show just before the opening of the doors.  The day was very successful, and the new look and products are a huge hit!

Lucero Olive Oil was happy to host the Smith Family from Salt Lake City in early June at our mill in Corning, CA. The family had received a gift box from Jason Smith's family over the holidays and liked the products so much that they looked us up and stopped by for a visit when they were in Northern California.

The whole family came, even grandpa and grandma. Everyone liked looking at the machinery and were surprised to find out that once the olive oil comes out of the separator it is ready to be bottled and has nothing added to it or any further processing. 

Before leaving, they purchased some of our olive oil and balsamics to take home for themselves and some friends. The kids even got a chance to play in the family orchard.

Everyone had a great time - me included. If anyone else in the area and would like to stop by for a visit, let me know.

We have a whole new and exciting look!  Come visit us at Booth 4430 - Fancy Food Show, New York, June 28-30