The American Cheese Society (ACS) is a
non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...
trade group for the American cheese industry that was founded in 1983.
ACS promotes
American cheese
American cheese is a type of processed cheese made from Cheddar cheese, cheddar, Colby cheese, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate, which permits the cheese to be pasteurized without its components separating. It is mi ...
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 concentrate ...
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 university, private Ivy League research university based in Ithaca, New York, United States. The university was co-founded by American philanthropist Ezra Cornell and historian and educator Andrew Dickson W ...
. 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 concentrate ...
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
*
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 of ...
References
American dairy organizations
Organizations based in Denver
1983 establishments in New York (state)
Food industry trade groups
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