Buffalo Event Press Release
Updated: 7-11-2024

Guilde Internationale des Fromagers Confrerie de Saint-Uguzon
Paris, France Recognizes Cheese Professionals
in Buffalo, NY

BUFFALO, NY (July 11, 2024) – Roland Barthelemy, Prevot of Guilde Internationale des Fromagers traveled from France to recognize and induct ten cheese professionals in the United States on July 11, 2024 in Buffalo, NY during the 640th Chapter Induction at a ceremony during the annual American Cheese Society Conference.  The individuals inducted are considered not only experts in the making of cheese, but also experts in the production, maturation and preservation of standards, quality and education of fine cheese.  The honorees are exemplary individuals in their support, education and promotion of traditionally produced cheeses through many organizations.

Included are the finest cheese makers, cheese mongers, affineurs, distributors and retailers, all part of a group of dedicated culinary experts receiving the high honor.  Seven individuals were recognized at the level of Garde et Jure, one promoted to Prud’homme and two honored as Maitre Fromagers of the Guilde Internationale des Fromagers.  Inductees of the Garde et Jure level included: Bill Stephenson – KEHE, Portland, OR,  Mark Finocchio – Pinnacle Food Sales, Coconut Creek, FL, Thomas Larochelle – LACTALIS, Sandwich, MA, Karri Zwirein –  Northeast Shared Services, Buffalo, NY, Katie Losito – JASPER HILL FARM, Newark, VT, Sarah Hoffman – Green Dirt Farm, Weston, MO, Brian Wasik – WASIK’S Cheese Shop, Wellesley, MA.  Promoted to Prud’homme Trevor Thomas – LACTALIS, Cameron Park, CA.  Honored with title of Maitre Fromagers, Andy Hatch – UPLANDS CHEESE, Dodgeville, WI and Matteo Kehler – JASPER HILL FARM, Greensboro, VT .  This induction celebrates the 22nd Anniversary of the first induction held in the United States and the 12th Anniversary of this chapter which consists of Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United States members.

The event sponsored by LACTALIS and the Australia, Canada, Mexico and United States Chapter, was held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo, NY.  Following a 50 plus year tradition of pomp, the ceremony is complete with robes and a presentation of medals and certificates. Internationally renowned cheese expert and Prevot of the International Guilde, Mr. Roland Barthélemy, mastered the ceremonies and Cathy Strange, President of the Chapter representing Australia, Canada, Mexico and the United States and VP of Whole Foods Market, presented further remarks.  The ceremony celebrated the Chapter of the Guilde 12th Anniversary and the contributions of all members. The Chapter Board includes President Cathy Strange of Whole Foods Market, USA, Vice President and Treasurer David Gremmels, Ambassador’s Stephanie Ciano of World’s Best Cheese, USA, Yannick Achim of Yannick Fromagerie, Quebec, Canada, Will Studd of Will Studd Cheese, Australia and Georgina Yescas of Lactography, Mexico City, Mexico.

Mr. Pierre Androuët, a cheese maker, created the Guilde des Fromagers and Confrerie of Saint-Uguzon in 1969 in Dijon, France epicurean and intellectual. The Guilde, for dairy professionals who were dedicated to preserving standards in cheese making throughout the world, and the Confrerie, for cheese aficionados and experts such as chefs, restaurateurs, food scientists and food journalists whose objective was to share their knowledge and the knowledge of the cheese makers. 

We invite all cheesemongers around the world to celebrate International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day on October 18th of 2024.  For further information: 

Oldways Cheese Raw Milk Day info

To access photos from the event, please visit  

https://guildedesfromagers.us/

Contact: 

Cathy Strange, Whole Foods Market, Vice President Ambassador of Food Culture, Austin, Texas
United States of America
Ambassador Guilde Internationale des FromagersZ
T: +1.512.542.0848  | E:  cathy.strange@wholefoods.com

David Gremmels, Founder, Rogue Creamery and CHURN, Medford, Oregon
United States of America
Ambassador Guilde Internationale des Fromagers
T: +1.541.601.7758 | E:  dlgremmels@gmail.com

Stephanie Ciano, World’s Best Cheese Boston, MA
United States of America
Ambassador Guilde Internationale de Fromagers
T: +1.617.791.7500 | E:  stephanie@wbcheese.com

Yannick Achim, Yannick Fromagerie Quebec, Canada
Canada
Ambassador Guilde Internationale de Fromagers
T: +1.450. 436.8469 | E:  yannick@yannickfromagerie.ca

Will Studd, Will Studd Cheese and International Cheese Specialist/media commentator, Australia
Ambassador Guilde Internationale de Fromagers
+61 418.548005 | E:  E.will@studd.com.au

Georgina Yescas, Lactography, Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico
Ambassador Guilde Internationale de Fromagers
E: geoyestru@gmail.com