Mozzarella Magic: Caputo Cheese is Awarded at 2026 ACS
July 14, 2026 | 3 min to read
Chicago, IL – Caputo Cheese, a leading manufacturer of award-winning fresh mozzarella and hard Italian cheeses, is honored to be recognized with multiple awards at the prestigious 2026 American Cheese Society (ACS) Awards.
In the highly competitive Italian Type Category: Fresh Mozzarella, Caputo earned First Place for its Ovolini, Stracciatella, and Burrata, and Third Place for its Nodini.
Caputo’s Ovolini, derived from the Italian word for “egg-sized,” are larger-format balls of fresh mozzarella. Delicate in texture, with a subtly firm exterior and a softer interior, Ovolini retain a little more butterfat, resulting in exceptional richness in every bite. Their versatility makes them ideal for Caprese salads or torn over traditional Margherita pizza.
Caputo’s Stracciatella combines fine shreds of fresh mozzarella with rich cream to create a luxurious texture and flavor. Available in convenient cups, this creamy cheese adds elegance to pastas, salads, and entrées.
Made in the traditional style of Apulia, Italy, Caputo’s 12-ounce Burrata features long, hand-shredded strands of Stracciatella blended with heavy cream. Each pouch is hand-stretched and tied, creating a beautiful cheese that serves as a stunning centerpiece for shared plates and memorable presentations.
Caputo’s Nodini, which earned Third Place, are hand-tied knots of fresh cow’s milk mozzarella known for their rich, creamy texture and slightly firmer bite. These “little knots” are celebrated for their fresh, milky flavor and handcrafted appeal.
“We are very grateful to the ACS for these awards,” said Natale Caputo, CEO and president of Caputo Cheese. “Our team works hard to ensure that our cheese is backed by unmatched quality, innovation, customization, and service, helping chefs, operators, and consumers create extraordinary flavor experiences for every table.”
Caputo Cheese believes that when cheese is made with artistry, it transforms food into an experience. From classic Italian varieties to custom formulations designed for today’s foodservice and manufacturing needs, Caputo approaches every melt, every shred, and every flavor with intention.
About the American Cheese Society
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leading organization dedicated to promoting and supporting American cheeses. It provides educational resources and networking opportunities for the cheese industry while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking with a focus on quality, safety, and sustainability.
The ACS Judging & Competition is renowned for its rigorous standards and is one of the largest cheese competitions in North America. The event showcases the exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and diversity of cheeses produced throughout the continent.
About Caputo Cheese
Based in Melrose Park, Illinois, Caputo Cheese has been rooted in a simple belief: great cheese has the power to elevate every meal. Since opening in 1978, the company’s values have centered on quality, craftsmanship, and dependable service.
Today, Caputo partners with distributors, manufacturers, and retailers across the country to deliver premium Italian cheeses and customized solutions that meet evolving market demands.