The leader for American Cheese

Welcome to the American Cheese Society

The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses, providing the cheese industry with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.

Our site offers resources, education, industry directories, and other valuable tools for cheese professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Learn, Show Your Skills, Grow

ACS Programs and Events

The American Cheese Society has numerous programs and events for the cheese community that provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and opportunities to showcase your achievements in cheesemaking, cheesemongering, and more.

Conference

As an industry and a professional association, we gather each year to celebrate and tackle challenges together. At the American Cheese Society Annual Conference, we celebrate a vibrant and growing market for world-class American-made cheeses.

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Competition

The American Cheese Society Judging & Competition is a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses. By hosting Judging & Competition, ACS shines the spotlight on American cheesemakers by showcasing their talents and work as leaders within the industry.

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Certification

The American Cheese Society offers two industry certifications: ACS Certified Cheese Professional® (ACS CCP®) and ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator® (ACS CCSE®) that formally recognizes professional achievement at a national level.

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Resources

The American Cheese Society is dedicated to providing its members, industry professionals, and cheese enthusiasts with educational resources. Whether you are seeking information about best practices in cheesemaking, hoping to get a better understanding of the terms used in the cheesemaking industry, or seeking information about food safety, our collection of resources is designed to help support you and your business. Many of our resources are available to everyone. However, some resources require an active ACS membership for access.

Terminology

Cheese & Dairy Product Lexicon & Glossary

Assessing, grading, judging, evaluating, marketing, and socializing with cheese all require different types of terminology. ACS has codified the terminology used when talking about sensory characteristics and evaluating and selling cheese.

ACS Lexicon & Glossary

Cheesemaking Resources

The Safe Cheesemaking Hub

This award-winning website offers a compendium of food safety resources selected and organized to help cheesemakers easily find the information they need.

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Industry Data

State of the Industry Reports

The biennial State of the U.S. Artisan/Specialty Cheese Industry Survey, funded by the American Cheese Education Foundation, provides critical data about the small businesses that make up the community of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheesemakers in America.

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What's happening

Cheese Industry Events

Upcoming deadlines and cheese industry events

Thu, Feb. 12, 2026 All Day

Deadline for ACS Board of Directors Nominations

If you’re passionate about American cheese and want to make a difference in our community, now is your chance to self-nominate. Serving on the ACS Board is a meaningful way to contribute your expertise, vision, and energy to guide ACS and help our vibrant community thrive.

Deadline to Apply for ACS Conference Scholarship

Thanks to the American Cheese Education Foundation (ACEF), along with a variety of supporters from our cheese community, multiple scholarships are granted for individuals to attend the American Cheese Society Annual Conference. Learn more at cheesesociety. org/conference/scholarships

Deadline for Call for Entries for 2026 ACS Judging & Competition

Submit your cheeses and cultured dairy products to the 2026 ACS Judging & Competition! Learn more at cheesesociety. org/competition

Call for Entries Open for Judging and Competition

Certification Applications Open

Conference Scholarship Applications Open

Board of Directors Nominations Open

Annual Conference

The leader for American Cheese

Welcome to the American Cheese Society

Learn, Show Your Skills, Grow