Whole Foods Market Sharpens Cheese Expertise
Whole Foods Market is sharpening its cheese expertise with the addition of 40 members of its cohort of Certified Cheese Professionals (CCPs).
This CCP exam is known for its comprehensive coverage of the cheese industry. From production techniques and ripening processes to distribution and storage, the certification marks the highest level of achievement in the field. Whole Foods Market’s newest CCPs completed the rigorous process after months of preparation, including self-study, weekly webinars, and hands-on training with industry experts in Wisconsin, in collaboration with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research.
“The American Cheese Society’s CCP designation is the crème de la crème for cheese professionals,” said Cathy Strange, Whole Foods Market’s ambassador of Food Culture. “It’s an incredible asset not only for our team but also for our customers, who trust Whole Foods Market to offer the highest quality products and serve as a resource in specialty categories from cheese to wine and beyond.”
Whole Foods Market has a long history of championing artisan producers and supporting team members in achieving excellence through advanced training and certification. The retailer’s CCPs provide expert knowledge to help customers discover a wide range of cheeses sourced both locally and globally, all of which meet Whole Foods Market’s strict quality standards, free from artificial additives and rBST.
“This certification represents the commitment and dedication of our cheesemongers to delivering the best experience for our customers,” said Kim Dunn, senior category merchant of Specialty Cheese and CCP program lead. “We are thrilled to see so many of our team members continue to deepen their expertise and grow within our company.”
