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Our Cheesemongers are Certifiably Awesome

By Lindsay Robison, September 28, 2012  |  Meet the Blogger  |  More Posts by Lindsay Robison

Certified Cheese Professional LogoOur cheesemongers don’t crumble under pressure, whether it’s at the cheese counter or during the first-ever American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional™ exam. Of the 121 cheesemongers who passed the exam, 70 were from Whole Foods Market®’s Canada and US stores. That makes us the retailer with the largest number of certified cheese experts in North America!

The certification marks cheesemongers’ thorough understanding of and passion for cheese by testing their knowledge of cheese making, ripening, storage, handling, nutrition and more. Those who pass the exam demonstrate acumen in cheese from farm to counter and are the best of the best.

“I was honored and nervous to be a part of the first class of people to take the exam,” said Eliza Brown, specialty coordinator for the Whole Foods Market North Atlantic region. “It is so important that as cheese professionals we continue to work as a group to elevate the standards and strive for further education. I’m proud to be a part of the first group of Certified Cheese Professionals and thankful for the educational opportunities I received in preparation of the exam.”

The Whole Foods Market cheesemongers who passed the exam represent two countries, 21 states and 68 stores. The American Cheese Society has a complete list of all Certified Cheese Professionals.

Are we proud of our cheesemongers? You cheddar believe it!

Have you learned a good cheese tid-bit from one of our cheesemongers or have they recommended a great cheese to try? Let us know in the comments below.

Category: Cheese
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8 Comments

Comments

Alyssa says ...
Yeah, but are they certifiably GMO free??? Consumers WANT, no, DEMAND to KNOW. Label GMO's and support Prop 37. Do the right thing, be transparent, be respected, don't be fake.
09/28/2012 10:58:37 PM CDT
Michelle Canterbury says ...
Shaun O'Keefe from the Princeton NJ store was so helpful in selecting cheese's for a party I was having. He got all my preferences and put together a delectable assortment which my guests absolutely loved. He told me about this certification through the American Cheese Society he had just earned. I was very impressed by his knowledge and passion for the craft. Thank you. Michelle Canterbury
09/29/2012 5:46:58 AM CDT
Daleen Fisher says ...
I had very little knowledge or experience with cheese before visiting Whole Foods at Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC. I saw some samples, tried them, and became hooked! I bought a Smoked seaside and Robusto that day. Since then, I try whatever samples they have when I visit- always on the lookout for my next favorite! The cheese stays fresh a long time and I love the huge selection.
10/03/2012 7:32:10 AM CDT
monica li says ...
Do you have Goat Lady Dairy's Smoked cheese?
10/04/2012 9:07:38 AM CDT
Nikki - Community Moderator says ...
@MONICA - Our products vary between store locations and regions. Check with your local store to see what they have in stock: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list.
10/04/2012 11:42:23 AM CDT
Melissa Ray says ...
Would love to know if you all have a WF blog about cheese. I love to serve a cheese board at parties and need a "go to" place for advice...menus...accompaniments, etc. I am looking for a standard menu, and then variations and themes.
10/12/2012 1:00:56 PM CDT
Samantha says ...
The Winter Park, FL location has the very best Cheesemongers of any WFs I've ever been in. In fact every department has the best employees.
03/09/2013 7:10:53 PM CST
Nancy Gardner says ...
The cheese class on Italian cheeses was wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.
03/13/2013 9:48:36 PM CDT