Judging & Competition Winners Announced
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition!
The Safe Cheesemaking Hub
Explore the newly refreshed site for cheese food safety resources.
American Cheese Education Foundation
The ACEF mission is to raise funds to create educational access within the cheese industry.
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.
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.
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.
American Cheese Education Foundation
The mission of the American Cheese Education Foundation (ACEF) is to raise funds to create educational access within the cheese industry.
Resources
What's happening
Cheese Industry Events
Upcoming deadlines and cheese industry events
Spanish Language Pasteurization Short Course
Pasteurization Short Course
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival 2026
-
Aug. 17 — 18, 2026 All Day
Spanish Language Pasteurization Short Course
This two-day course will be taught in Spanish. Course materials and the Wisconsin state issued pasteurization exam will be in Spanish. This course will provide an in-depth training program for new pasteurizer operators. Successful completion of the course will meet ATCP 65. -
Sep. 17 — 18, 2026 All Day
Pasteurization Short Course
This two-day course will provide an in-depth training program for new pasteurizer operators. Successful completion of the course will meet ATCP 65. 54, Wisconsin Administrative Code for trained pasteurizer operator personnel. -
Sun, Sep. 20, 2026 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival 2026
Join us as we celebrate the 14th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival! Spend a wonderful autumn day at the historic Shelburne Farms Breeding Barn celebrating Vermont cheese and making new friends! Back by popular demand: Meet-a-Cheesemaker Panels! 12:30-1:00pm: The History of Cheesemaking in Vermont and 2:30-3:00pm: Women in Cheesemaking.
