American Cheese Society
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The American Cheese Society (ACS) is a
non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
trade group for the American cheese industry that was founded in 1983. ACS promotes
American cheese Modern American cheese is a type of processed cheese developed in the 1910s made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses. It is mild with a creamy and salty flavor, has a medium-firm consistency, and has a low melting point. It is typically ye ...
s, provides the industry with educational resources and networking opportunities and encourages high standards of
Cheesemaking Cheesemaking (or caseiculture) is the craft of making cheese. The production of cheese, like many other food preservation processes, allows the nutritional and economic value of a food material, in this case milk, to be preserved in concentr ...
with safety and sustainability. ACS issues awards for cheeses and cultured dairy products in its annual Judging & Competition. Since 1983, cheesemakers, retailers, distributors, importers/exporters, dairy farmers, academics, enthusiasts, specialty food producers, and others have attended the association's Annual Conference. ACS was founded by Frank Kosikowski, a professor at
Cornell University Cornell University is a private statutory land-grant research university based in Ithaca, New York. It is a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was founded with the intention to tea ...
. Kosikowski authored several books on cheese, including ''Cheese and Fermented Milk Food''. During the 1980s, most of the ACS staff was volunteer. By the 1990s, ACS had grown along with the American cheese industry. In 2018 ACS had nearly 1,800 members of the association worldwide. Professional membership is those working in the industry, and Associate for non-professionals.


Objective

ACS has an alliance nonprofit organization called "the American Cheese Education Foundation (ACEF)". ACEF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.


Events and education

ACS holds an annual conference and competition in the United States. ACS also developed and administers the ACS Certified Cheese Professional Exam ( ACS CCP Exam) and the ACS T.A.S.T.E. Test, which one must pass to receive the ACS Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator credential. An online directory of individuals with the ACS CCP designation is available for reference by organizations and individuals seeking employees. ACS organizes the American Cheese Month every October. The month-long event promotes the American cheese industry and increased funding for the American Cheese Education Foundation. American Cheese Month encourages
cheesemakers Cheesemaking (or caseiculture) is the craft of making cheese. The production of cheese, like many other food preservation processes, allows the nutritional and economic value of a food material, in this case milk, to be preserved in concentrat ...
to host special events, such as tours at their farms. People from across the country are encouraged to join by promoting cheese-related events, including gatherings of cheesemakers, retailers, cheesemongers, and chefs.


See also

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List of cheesemakers This is a list of notable cheesemakers. Cheesemakers are people or companies that make cheese, who have developed the knowledge and skills required to convert milk into cheese. Cheesemaking involves controlling precisely the types and amounts o ...


References

American dairy organizations Organizations based in Denver 1983 establishments in New York (state) Food industry trade groups {{Cheese