Cheese Shops Trade Associations

Academy of Cheese

UK-based training and certification body for cheese professionals and retailers; offers multi-level accreditation, a global cheese library, and a 3,000+ subscriber community useful for onboarding and staff education in shops.

https://academyofcheese.org/ Membership: 3,000

American Butter Institute

Trade association for manufacturers, processors, marketers and distributors of butter; members market ~90% of U.S. butter and collaborate on policy and promotion—relevant for shops selling premium and imported butters.

https://butterinstitute.org/ Membership: 27

American Cheese Society

North America’s leading cheese trade association, serving cheesemakers, retailers, mongers and distributors with education (e.g., ACS CCP/CCSE), safety resources, networking and an annual conference/competition. 2,400+ members; 16% identify as retailers.

https://www.cheesesociety.org/ Membership: 2,400

American Dairy Goat Association

Largest U.S. dairy-goat registry and member body (20,000+), supporting goat-dairy producers and value-added makers with shows, performance programs and education—useful to shops sourcing domestic goat cheeses.

https://adga.org/ Membership: 20,000

American Dairy Products Institute

National trade association for dairy ingredients; connects processors and buyers and sets product standards—helpful for shops developing private-label cut & wrap or ingredients-driven programs. 265 members.

https://adpi.org/ Membership: 265

Cheese Importers Association of America

U.S. trade group for firms importing, selling and distributing cheese; advocacy on tariffs/quotas plus retailer education initiatives (e.g., SIAL trips). Membership exceeds 200 companies.

https://theciaa.org/ Membership: 200

Guild of Fine Food

UK trade body representing independent delis, cheesemongers and fine food producers; provides retailer training, advocacy, and the World Cheese Awards platform. Community of 12,000+ business owners.

https://gff.co.uk/ Membership: 12,000

Guilde Internationale des Fromagers

International honorary guild uniting cheesemakers, affineurs, retailers and allied professionals; recognition network valuable for specialty shop credibility and global connections. Over 7,400 members worldwide.

https://guildedesfromagers.us/ Membership: 7,400

International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association

Nonprofit trade association for dairy, deli and bakery. Offers trends research (What’s in Store), training, and the major IDDBA Show—key for merchandising, service case, and cheese program growth. 1,500+ member companies.

https://www.iddba.org/ Membership: 1,500

International Dairy Foods Association

National association representing U.S. dairy manufacturers and marketers (including cheese); provides advocacy, segment boards and events that impact pricing, labeling and retail promotion. 550 member companies.

https://www.idfa.org/ Membership: 550

Maine Cheese Guild

Statewide nonprofit serving Maine’s cheesemakers, retailers and enthusiasts; runs the Maine Cheese Festival and year-round education—practical for regional sourcing and collaborations. About 140 members.

https://mainecheeseguild.org/ Membership: 140

National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association

All‑industry trade group for frozen and refrigerated foods (including cheese); offers research, national promotions (Easy Home Meals) and buyer/seller networking—useful for shop operations and category growth. 450 organizational members.

https://www.nfraweb.org/ Membership: 450

National Grocers Association

Only national association focused on independent grocers; provides advocacy, education and The NGA Show—valuable for independent cheese shops and specialty grocers. Over 1,700 retailer members.

https://www.nationalgrocers.org/ Membership: 1,700

Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations

Regional umbrella for dairy processors, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers across NY and New England; networking, advocacy and data—helpful for shops partnering with local makers. Nearly 300 members.

https://ndfsa.org/ Membership: 300

Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association

Companion association focused on dairy vendors and suppliers serving the Northeast; 200+ member companies—useful contacts for packaging, equipment and services for cheese counters.

https://ndfsa.org/ndsa/ Membership: 200

Oregon Cheese Guild

State guild dedicated to Oregon’s artisan cheese community; hosts Oregon Cheese Festival and The Wedge, and connects retailers with local producers. 20+ cheesemaker members.

https://oregoncheeseguild.org/ Membership: 20

Specialty Food Association

U.S. specialty food industry association (makers, importers, distributors and retailers); produces the Fancy Food Shows and research. 3,600+ member businesses.

https://www.specialtyfood.com/ Membership: 3,600

Vermont Cheese Council

Statewide council advancing Vermont cheese; runs the VT Cheese Trail and industry education. Represents 50 principal cheesemaking members plus 20+ associate members (70+ total).

https://vtcheese.com/ Membership: 70

Washington State Cheesemakers Association

Washington’s statewide association supporting cheesemakers and the broader cheese community; offers education, marketing and a member directory—handy for shop sourcing. 45+ licensed cheesemakers.

https://washingtoncheese.org/ Membership: 45

Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

Industry association for dairy processors and suppliers; hosts U.S./World Championship Cheese Contests and major trade events (CheeseExpo, CheeseCon). 850+ member organizations.

https://www.wischeesemakersassn.org/ Membership: 850