Raleigh, NC (August 1, 2012) — The American Cheese Society (ACS) is holding the inaugural Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam (CCPE) in Raleigh, NC today, immediately prior to its 29th Annual ACS Conference & Competition. The CCPE, the only exam of its kind, was established by ACS to encourage improved standards of comprehensive cheese knowledge and service, offering professionals in the cheese industry the opportunity to earn the distinguished title of ACS Certified Cheese Professional™, or ACS CCP™. The letters ACS CCP™ designate that an individual has acquired thorough knowledge and the level of expertise that is demanded in the cheese industry.

In its inaugural year, the CCPE filled to capacity, with 150 individuals sitting for the exam on August 1 at 1:00 PM
Eastern Time. They represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, from cheese retailers to cheesemakers to
distributors. The exam garnered such tremendous interest that a wait list was established, and a number of spaces
for the 2013 exam in Madison, WI (to be held July 31, 2013) have already filled. Exam-takers will be informed of
their performance in the coming weeks. Those who pass will receive a certificate, a custom lapel pin, and an
embroidered patch signifying their status as an ACS CCP™. ACS will maintain an online directory of ACS CCPs™
for public reference, giving ACS CCPs™ and their employers a competitive edge in the industry. ACS CCPs™ must
renew their certification every three years by demonstrating continued professional development in the industry.

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. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements outlined on the ACS
website after submitting their application will be invited to register for the exam.

The CCPE is made possible through the generous support of national and international sponsors including Charter
Sponsor Emmi Roth-Käse USA, Patron Sponsors Affinage Retail and The Cheeses of France Marketing Council,
and many more. See a full list of industry supporters on the ACS website.

To learn more about the Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam, visit http://www.cheesesociety.org