DENVER, CO – The American Cheese Society (ACS) is taking the pulse of artisan and specialty
cheesemakers in the United States through its biennial industry survey. It is especially important
to understand the shifts and needs of the community that have been heavily impacted by the
pandemic and ensuing financial, operational, and individual challenges. For many, the way their
products are delivered has changed immediately and dramatically, requiring an equally swift
response. Although long-term effects are still emerging, ACS anticipates ongoing profit
pressures, the need for vigilance in food safety, and shifts in distribution are topics of interest.

Funding for the survey is generously provided by the nonprofit American Cheese Education
Foundation.

"The American Cheese Education Foundation (ACEF) has a deep commitment to the health of
this vital American industry," said Brian Keyser, ACEF Board President. "By financially supporting
this work, we’re able to provide a long-term view of the experience of cheesemakers in the
United States, an industry we are pledged to support.”

The survey is once again being conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri –
Colombia, led by Dr. Annette Kendall, on ACS’s behalf. Data collection will continue through July
31, 2020, and any U.S. artisan, farmstead or specialty cheesemaker is invited to respond at
https://missouri.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_elpjSN06QHoq81T.

"The patterns that emerge will help illuminate the opportunities and challenges cheesemakers
are facing," said American Cheese Society Executive Director, Karen Lundquist. "Many of our
members are in crisis and handling turbulent transitions, and a clear longitudinal data set can
provide a solid foundation and guidance. The data will help clarify the path forward for a
treasured community of creative artisans."

In early 2021 digital copies of the three reports will be available for non-ACS members to 
purchase on the ACS website (free to ACS members). Producers who participate in the 2020
survey will receive their choice of one complimentary digital copy of the Key Findings Report via
email from the survey research team.

The first biennial State of the U.S. Artisan/Specialty Cheese Industry Survey was held in 2016. It
resulted in a Report of Key Findings which provided a snapshot of the small businesses that
make up the community of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheesemakers in America.
Additional research released in 2018 reports by ACS expanded significantly upon what has
historically been a limited field of data available about these producers.

To donate to support artisan cheese makers, visit www.cheesesociety.org/ace-foundation.