CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. announced today that 13 Kroger associates and 4 Murray's Cheese associates have been named Certified Cheese Professionals™ by the American Cheese Society.
All 17 have joined the ranks of an elite group of individuals who have passed the Certified Cheese Professional™ Exam. The exam was created by the American Cheese Society to promote the large and comprehensive world of cheeses and encourage food industry professionals to master the knowledge. Before taking the exam in Sacramento this summer, the associates participated in a rigorous 3-month training course led by Amanda Parker, Director of Kroger Programs at Murray's Cheese. Parker has also been tapped to co-chair the American Cheese Society's annual conference in 2015.
"This is only the third year of this certification program, but it is already bringing the cheese profession to a whole new level," said Rob Kaufelt, owner and President of Murray's Cheese. "After studying everything from milk chemistry to aging techniques to pairing and serving cheeses, these mongers are now even better equipped to educate and delight our customers."
"We are proud of our associates for working so hard to earn this important recognition, which reflects their commitment to gourmet cheese craft," said Margaret McClure, Kroger's vice president of deli/bakery. "Kroger's unique partnership with Murray's Cheese continues to inspire our associates to share their passion for cheese with our customers every day."
Through an exclusive partnership with New York City's Murray's Cheese, the Kroger family of stores features more than 140 Murray's counters in stores from coast-to-coast. Featuring more than 175 cheeses and specialty goods from all over the world, the Murray's counters are staffed by associates who have been trained by the Murray's experts in New York. For a list of Murray's in Kroger locations, please visit www.murrayscheese.com/locations.
For more information about ACS CCPs™, please visit www.cheesesociety.org.
Alicia Ball – Seattle, WA QFC
Walshe Birney – New York City Murray's Cheese
Adam Burstein – Scottsdale, AZ Fry's
Iris Busjahn – Seattle, WA QFC
Elizabeth Chubbuck – New York City Murray's Cheese
James Danforth – Denver, CO King Soopers
Jill Davis – Atlanta, GA Kroger
Jeff Johnson – Denver, CO King Soopers
Sue Kargl – Louisville, KY Kroger
Lauren Lafontaine – Denver, CO King Soopers
Tess McNamara – New York City Murray's Cheese
Beth Peterson – Portland, OR Fred Meyer
Jessica Reichert – Denver, CO King Soopers
Laurel Ross – Seattle, WA Fred Meyer
James Stahl – New York City Murray's Cheese
Shannon Strom – Seattle, WA Fred Meyer
Kate True – Cincinnati, OH Kroger
Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs more than 375,000 associates who serve customers in 2,640 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 320 fine jewelry stores, 1,240 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners.
Source: The Kroger Co.
