Whole Foods Market Enhances Cheese Expertise with 40 New Certified Cheese Professionals®
Whole Foods Market has strengthened its leadership in cheese expertise by adding 40 new team members to its growing group of Certified Cheese Professionals® (CCPs). This achievement further solidifies the retailer’s status as the largest global employer of CCPs, having supported the development of over 370 team member CCPs from more than 1,000 certified professionals worldwide.
“The American Cheese Society’s CCP certification is the gold standard for cheese professionals,” said Cathy Strange, Whole Foods Market’s Ambassador of Food Culture. “This recognition is a valuable asset not only for our team but also for our customers, who trust us to provide high-quality products and expert guidance in specialty categories like cheese, wine, and beyond.”
The CCP exam is known for its thorough coverage of the cheese industry, encompassing everything from production methods and aging processes to distribution and storage. Whole Foods Market’s newest CCPs completed months of intense preparation, which included self-study, weekly webinars, and hands-on training with industry specialists in Wisconsin, in collaboration with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research.
“This certification showcases the dedication of our cheesemongers to delivering an exceptional customer experience,” said Kim Dunn, Senior Category Merchant of Specialty Cheese and CCP program lead. “We’re excited to see our team members continue to expand their knowledge and grow within the company.”
As a trailblazer in the specialty cheese sector, Whole Foods Market has long supported artisan producers and invested in team member growth through advanced training and certifications. CCPs at Whole Foods Market offer expert advice to help customers explore a diverse selection of cheeses, both locally sourced and globally imported, all of which meet the retailer’s strict standards of quality, free from artificial additives and rBST.
In addition to its focus on cheese, Whole Foods Market offers a range of apprenticeship programs designed to nurture team member development in specialty trades. These include the Butcher Apprentice Program, Bakery Decorator Apprentice Program, and newly launched Produce Professional and Pizzaioli Apprentice Programs, providing team members with opportunities to enhance their skills and career paths.
