Welcome to the American Cheese Society
Join ACS
ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.
Judging & Competition
The ACS Judging & Competition, a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses, takes place in June each year.
Learning Center
The ACS Learning Center & ACEF Webinar Archive houses the American Cheese Society’s ongoing webinar series and other resources for you to watch and review on demand. ACS members access for free. Some content is available to non-members for purchase.
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.
Resources
What's happening
Cheese Industry Events
Upcoming deadlines and cheese industry events
Cheesemaking Short Course
Cheese Making, Practical Short Course
$579 - register on or before September 20th, 2025
$679 - register between September 21st - September 30th, 2025
Who Is the Course Designed For? This 2-day course focuses on the science and technology of cheese manufacturing.
Affinage: The Art and Science of Maturing Cheese course
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Oct. 6 — 10, 2025 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cheesemaking Short Course
This five-day hands-on course offers instruction on basic dairy chemistry and composition, milk microbiology, starter cultures and the manufacture of a variety of cheeses. This course is suitable for apprentice cheesemakers, or anyone interested in gaining more knowledge in cheesemaking technology. -
Oct. 8 — 9, 2025 All Day
Cheese Making, Practical Short Course
Cost:
$579 - register on or before September 20th, 2025
$679 - register between September 21st - September 30th, 2025
Who Is the Course Designed For? This 2-day course focuses on the science and technology of cheese manufacturing. -
Oct. 20 — 24, 2025 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Affinage: The Art and Science of Maturing Cheese course
Affinage is an art apart. This course covers the infrastructure, tools and equipment, and techniques used by French affineurs to mature all styles of cheese. Students work in the caves at Mons Fromager-Affineur alongside the Mons staff. Classroom work and experiential learning are key components.
