Denver, CO (September 4, 2012) – The American Cheese Society (ACS) is proud to announce the first class of Certified Cheese Professionals™ (ACS CCPs™). One hundred twenty one (121) individuals passed the exam, which was held on August 1 in Raleigh, N.C., immediately prior to the 29th Annual ACS Conference. This prestigious group consists of cheese professionals from the United States and Canada. For a full list of ACS CCPs™, please visit http://www.cheesesociety.org/eventseducation/acs-certified-cheese-professionals.

The Certified Cheese Professional Exam™ is the first exam of its kind. It was established to encourage high
standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and service for professionals in all areas of the industry.
The exam was developed over an eight-year period with more than 100 industry experts working together
with credential consultants Knapp International and software provider ExamSoft. The exam is based on the
knowledge and skills required to successfully perform cheese-related tasks in jobs across the industry.
Testing encompasses a broad range of topics including raw ingredients, the cheesemaking process, storing
and handling cheese, selecting distributors, marketing and communicating about cheese, nutrition, and
regulations and sanitation.

ACS would like to formally congratulate all of the individuals who passed this inaugural exam. Each ACS
CCP™ will receive an official lapel pin, embroidered patch, and a certificate, and they will have the right to
call themselves an ACS Certified Cheese Professional™ or ACS CCP™. They will be required to
demonstrate continued active participation and professional development within the industry to maintain
their credentials, and they must recertify with ACS every three years.

“I am proud to see the industry’s first certification program come to fruition after so many years of hard work
and collaboration by ACS and industry leaders” says Nora Weiser, ACS Executive Director. “Customers can
now visit stores and restaurants with ACS CCPs™ on staff knowing they have the level of knowledge and
expertise that is demanded of skilled professionals working in the industry today.”

The inaugural Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam was made possible through the generous support of
many national and international sponsors and supporters including Charter Sponsor Emmi Roth-Käse USA
and Patron Sponsors Affinage Retail and The Cheeses of France Marketing Council.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam, which will be held
on July 31, 2013 at Monona Terrace in Madison, WI. Cheese industry professionals who meet the eligibility
requirements outlined on the ACS website are encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the Certified Cheese Professional Exam, visit www.cheesesociety.org.