In October 2015, the Pennsylvania Cheese Guild was launched by cheesemakers, retailers, scientists and supporters of the growing artisan cheese industry within the state. The guild’s mission is to “promote the highest standards of cheesemaking and celebrate the diversity of the cheese community in Pennsylvania through partnerships, outreach and education.”
“The formation of this guild excites me because I know that there are some great things that are being accomplished in our area and I also believe that if you are going to be able to get better in such a niche industry such as craft/artisanal cheese there needs to be a strong voice to be able to ask for help and to get help,” says Emilio Mignucci, vice president of DiBruno Bros. “I am encouraged because I see some glimpses of really great cheese making local to me in Philly and I want to represent and bring these local treasures to our customers, who are really interested in supporting local.”
Upcoming events include the organization’s first annual membership meeting on Thursday, January 21, at Penn State’s Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building in State College, and part one of a series of state-wide creamery tours at Valley Milkhouse Creamery in Oley on Thursday, March 10.
“Pennsylvania and the region has a growing and dynamic community of cheesemakers, cheese lovers and cheesemongers,” says Sue Miller, one of the members of the guild’s Steering Committee and the owner of Birchrun Hills Farm. “This group will benefit greatly from the networking, educational and marketing opportunities in being involved with the newly formed guild.”
Fore more information or to become a member, visit the Pennsylvania Cheese Guild’s website.
- Photography: Jim Berman
