Judging & Competition Winners Announced
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition!
American Cheese Education Foundation
The ACEF mission is to raise funds to create educational access within the cheese industry.
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.
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
Cheese Safety and Quality Assurance, short course-online
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival 2026
International Cheese & Wine Festival
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Jul. 21 — 22, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cheese Safety and Quality Assurance, short course-online
This short course is offered over zoom. Food safety principles are reviewed and information targeted to the cheese maker. -
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.
