Cathy Strange recognized for leadership in the cheese industry
Cathy Strange, Whole Foods Market’s (NASDAQ: WFM) global cheese buyer,
received the American Cheese Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award on
July 30 at the organization’s annual conference in Providence, Rhode
Island.
“ACS is delighted to honor Cathy Strange for her accomplishments and
contributions to our organization and the cheese industry,” said Nora
Weiser, executive director of the American Cheese Society. “She
continues to inspire, mentor, educate and develop the next generation of
cheese professionals.”
Strange has more than 30 years’ experience in the cheese industry, where
she’s worked closely with farmers and cheesemakers to preserve the
quality and heritage of great cheese. Her efforts have created strong
relationships with producers, whose high-quality cheeses are available
to Whole Foods Market shoppers. Additionally, Strange has been
instrumental in increasing the number of Certified Cheese Professionals
(CCP) at Whole Foods Market. The company now employs 58 percent of the
world’s CCPs.
Strange has been with Whole Foods Market for more than 25 years, is an
ACS member and has served as a judge for the ACS competitions, the World
Cheese Championships, the U.S. Cheese Championships, the World Cheese
Awards and the British Cheese Awards. She has also been awarded the
French Order of Agricultural Merit and is the only American and
non-Italian to ever receive the “Coltellino
d’oro” from the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano.
The ACS Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2006 by the American
Cheese Society to honor an individual whose professional accomplishments
have made a significant and lasting impact in the American cheese
industry, and whose life and character have earned the respect and
admiration of colleagues. The award recognizes those who have supported
and promoted American cheese for at least 30 years.
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com,
NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As
America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market
was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health
magazine. The company's motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole
Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and
health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder
value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the
company’s more than 88,000 team members, Whole Foods Market has been
ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE
magazine for 18 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2014, the company had
sales of more than $14 billion and currently has more than 424 stores in
the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. For more company news
and information, please visit media.wfm.com.
About the American Cheese Society (ACS)
ACS is the leading organization supporting the understanding,
appreciation, and promotion of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses
produced in the Americas. At 1,500 members strong, ACS provides
advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities
for cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts, and extended industry. ACS
strives to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in
the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts the foremost
annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and
competition in North America.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150806005423/en/
Copyright Business Wire 2015