40th annual meeting of top U.S. cheesemakers, cheesemongers, and retailers promises a few fragrant days in the Heartland

DENVER, Colo. – July 17, 2023 – Des Moines, Iowa, will host the 40th Annual American Cheese Society (ACS) Conference, "40 Years of Cheese," this week from July 18-21, attracting over 1,000 cheese professionals from the U.S. and beyond. The conference draws cheesemakers, cheesemongers, distributors, importers, writers, and enthusiasts for several days of educational sessions and networking.

" The American artisan cheese industry has come a long way since the American Cheese Society was created 40 years ago. I believe the ACS founders would be proud of how far cheeses in the Americans have progressed, and they are now some of the most recognized and respected in the world. It is quite an accomplishment for our organization to have reached this point, and I am proud of our efforts to promote and support American cheeses.” said Tara Holmes, Executive Director of ACS.

The conference offers an extensive program, with more than 30 educational sessions covering climate change and sustainability, food safety, food science, and research, as well as tasting sessions.

Beyond the Iowa Events Center, attendees will have the chance to delve into Des Moines' vibrant cheese scene. Optional experiences include:

 • Conference Tours – Four tours will introduce attendees to Des Moines. Stops include Simple Life Farms, PepperHarrow Farm, the John Wayne Museum, Covered Bridges Winery, Gateway Market, The Cheese Shop of Des Moines, Purveyor Wine Bar, Eat Greater Des Moines, La Quercia, Middlebrook Farm, Hy-Vee, and Iowa State University.

• Cheese Crawl – Sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and SwissAm, conference-goers will take over three local Des Moines pubs for a night filled with cheese and fellowship.

 Additional conference highlights include:

• ACS Certified Cheese Professional® Exam and T.A.S.T.E.® Test, which assess comprehensive cheese knowledge and service. Those who pass will join the ranks of more than 1,200 Certified Professionals. 

• Award Ceremony – Sponsored by Gourmet Foods International. This year’s competition drew 1,454 cheeses and cultured dairy products from 195 companies. Winners are awarded in 131 different categories, including the coveted Best of Show.

• Meet the Cheesemaker – Sponsored by Whole Foods, this walk-around tasting gives attendees the opportunity to meet the people behind their favorite cheeses and discover new products from over 100 producers.

Moreover, this year's conference will feature a review of the artisan cheese industry's trials, triumphs, and milestones from the past 40 years.

For the complete conference schedule, visit this link.

 Limited onsite registration for "40 Years of Cheese" will be available at the Iowa Event Center starting July 18.

Press passes are available to qualified individuals upon request. Contact Endsley Eggert at endsley.eggert@civicamanagement.com.