Forty employees of Whole Foods Market have joined its ranks of Certified Cheese Professionals (CCPs), the highest level of achievement in the field.
From production techniques and ripening processes to distribution and storage, the CCP exam is known for its comprehensive coverage of the cheese industry.
Whole Foods Market’s newest CCPs completed the process after months of preparation that included 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, ambassador of food culture for Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market.
“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.”
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Kim Dunn, senior category merchant of specialty cheese and CCP program lead, said the grocer was pleased to see “so many of our team members continue to deepen their expertise and grow within our company.”
“This certification represents the commitment and dedication of our cheesemongers to delivering the best experience for our customers,” Dunn said.
Whole Foods Market has been a pioneer in the specialty cheese sector, encouraging artisan producers and supporting employees 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 locally and globally, all of which meet Whole Foods Market’s strict quality standards, free from artificial additives and rBST.
Beyond cheese, Whole Foods Market is dedicated to advancing employee growth through its apprentice programs, offering pathways to develop skills in specialty positions such as butcher, bakery decorator, pizza maker and produce professional.
