CannonBelles Cheese Wins Second Place at the American Cheese Society 2024 Conference for Their Grim Reaper Cheddar

A triumph in artisan cheese craftsmanship, boosting the profile of Minnesota's cheese industry.

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CANNON FALLS, MN, JULY 11, 2024 – CannonBelles Cheese proudly announces their Grim Reaper Cheddar has won second place at the prestigious American Cheese Society (ACS) 2024 Conference. This significant achievement underscores the company's dedication to creating unique and high-quality artisan cheeses.

The ACS Judging and Competition, held from June 3-7 at Huntington Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota, saw 1,454 entries from various cheese makers. CannonBelles Cheese’s Grim Reaper Cheddar stood out among fierce competition to claim this coveted award.

"We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition," said Deeann Lufkin, co-owner and head cheesemaker at CannonBelles Cheese. "Our Grim Reaper Cheddar is a labor of love, and this award validates our team's hard work and passion for crafting exceptional cheese."

Grim Reaper Cheddar is known for its bold, robust flavor profile, which balances sharp cheddar with a significant kick from locally sourced peppers. The peppers, grown within 25 miles of the cheese plant by Rotational Roots" and Treats by T - the Pepper People, add a unique spiciness while allowing the exceptional cheddar flavor to shine through. This distinctive cheese has rapidly become a favorite among cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

The American Cheese Society, founded in 1983, is renowned for its annual Judging and Competition event, which is the largest of its kind for American-made cheeses. This year, the competition attracted entries from 120 categories, showcasing the talent and innovation of American cheesemakers.

About CannonBelles Cheese

Founded in 2015 by friends Deeann Lufkin, Jackie Ohmann, and Kathy Hupf, CannonBelles Cheese specializes in unique, flavorful artisan cheeses not found elsewhere in Minnesota. Their product line includes a variety of aged and fresh cheeses, available at over 80 stores and restaurants, as well as various schools throughout Minnesota. In addition, CannonBelles Cheese owns CannonBelles Coffee and Ice Cream in Cannon Falls, where customers can purchase their full line of cheeses.

For more information about CannonBelles Cheese and their award-winning Grim Reaper Cheddar, visit http://cannonbelles.com.