Accolades for oil producer

Lucero Olive Oil has earned international recognition on the awards circuit for its 2011 wares.

The Corning-based company’s Arbequina olive oil was one of five Premier Award recipients out of 140 oils judged during the inaugural Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition in Japan in late April, according to a Lucero press release. Olive oil producers from 16 different countries were reviewed by 12 judges from Spain, Italy, Turkey, Israel, Australia, the United States and Japan. Owner Dewey Lucero (pictured) was on hand in Tokyo to accept the award and three silver medals for the company’s Ascolano, Sevillano and Miller’s Blend oils.

Earlier in April, Lucero earned four gold and four silver medals at the Yolo County Fair, while Ascolano was named “Best in Show” at the California Olive Oil Council’s annual gathering.