WI — BelGioioso and Polly-O have earned top honors during the 2025 U.S with several of their cheeses receiving notable accolades BelGioioso’s new Marinated Fresh Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Garlic was awarded a 1st place in category and a top 20 finish overall BelGioioso Sharp Provolone Mandarino received 1st place in the Aged Provolone category and continues to hold this prominent position year after year Polly-O claimed 1st place in the String Cheese category with their new innovative Fresh Mozzarella String Cheese BelGioioso’s Asiago Fresco earned 2nd place and Polly-O’s NY Style Ricotta earned 3rd place Championship Cheese Contest is one of the largest and most respected cheese competitions in the country attracting over 2400 entries from across the U.S.  This year’s event marked an impressive display of craftsmanship and innovation in cheesemaking “Our Cheesemakers work diligently to produce the highest quality cheeses and this recognition highlights their dedication and passion for crafting award-winning cheeses,” states Gaetano Auricchio BelGioioso Cheese.  “We’re excited about the success of our Marinated Fresh Mozzarella and Fresh Mozzarella String Cheese – two new innovative offerings that retailers and consumers love Sharp Provolone has been the cornerstone of our success from the very first day at BelGioioso We have over 45 years of success crafting this specialty cheese.” BelGioioso Marinated Fresh Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Garlic – 1st Place & Top 20 Finish Overall BelGioioso Sharp Provolone Mandarino – 1st Place Polly-O Fresh Mozzarella String Cheese – 1st Place Polly-O New York Style Ricotta – 3rd Place Championship Cheese Contest is a celebration of American cheese bringing together the finest producers in the industry.  The contest was judged by a panel of renowned experts who evaluated entries on taste BelGioioso’s success at the contest reaffirms their commitment to producing exceptional high-quality cheeses that elevate the cheese experience for both chefs and consumers nationwide “We are grateful to our loyal customers for their continued support and to the judges for recognizing our cheeses,” added Auricchio.  “The awards inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of cheesemaking and delivering the best to our customers.” BelGioioso Cheese is a family-owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian cheesemaking.  Using only natural ingredients and fresh Master Cheesemakers hand-craft a full line of exceptional cheeses guided by a commitment to quality and a respect for tradition How to Choose the Right Deer-Resistant Plants for Your Garden Judges from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association tasted over two dozen cheeses in the “Flavored Soft Cheese” category before naming Galbani Marinated Fresh Mozzarella, a vibrant, ciliegine mozzarella about the size of a cherry, best of class. Dairy products crafted in Steuben County are officially some of the tastiest in the land HP Hood and BelGioioso Cheese were among the big winners at the 2024 New York State Dairy Products Competition announced during Dairy Day at The Great New York State Fair HP Hood’s French onion dip took home the gold in the Dairy Dips category The Arkport production facility also won gold with near perfect scores in two other categories: Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese Full Fat Arkport added silver awards for the Nonfat and Lowfat Cottage Cheese category as well as the Buttermilk category for its nonfat buttermilk Arkport also won the Award of Excellence for its low-fat buttermilk Factoring in other HP Hood plants in Vernon and Lafargeville the company earned the most medals overall BelGioioso Cheese, which acquired the Upstate Farms Cheese facility in Campbell in 2022 also had a strong showing at the New York State Dairy Products Competition BelGioioso was honored with gold in the Mozzarella (non-pizza) "New York State is home to some of the very best dairy products in the world and the annual Dairy Products Competition shines a spotlight on these delicious “I congratulate the winners of this year’s competition and thank the thousands of dairy farmers and businesses in New York who work hard day in and day out to produce the finest quality milk Classes were evaluated by 12 expert judges The competition drew 176 entries across 26 categories Byrne Dairy dominated the ice cream classes with multiple gold medals which also operates the Cuba facility in Allegany County ranked second highest overall with eight medals including gold for its “Super” Aged Cheddar and Low Moisture Mozzarella More: Flood damage to Steuben County roads may eclipse $50 million. What's next for repairs. Kraft Heinz earned all three medals in a single category and the Award of Excellence for the Cream Cheese/Neufchatel category “New York’s dairy products are among the very best in the nation and it’s wonderful to see our homegrown companies and the dairies that supply them honored for their continued excellence," said New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball "Our annual Dairy Products Competition underscores the innovation and quality of our milk producers and dairy manufacturers." Consumer preference toward moderate or minimum brewing for cheese on pizza has led to the adoption of different types of mozzarella cheese variants.In Italy the buffalo milk is used to prepare the mozzarella cheese Most of the prepared or made mozzarella cheese is from approved buffalo milk and only in certain countries The cheese's significance is greater than the mozzarella which uses semi-coagulated milk and other non-italian cheddars These types of cheeses can also be produced using cow's cheese with the goat cheese variety gaining popularity since it's easier to digest than cow's milk it is a relatively new approach to cheese production and currently does not have many manufacturers.Mozzarella made from cow's milk is cheaper than the one made from buffalo milk Major companies have been developing clean with plant-based cheese generating significant demand in the market The companies and startups have been playing an imperative role in the growth of the market.Global Mozzarella Cheese Market DriversAn increased use of mozzarella cheese in pizza is expected to propel the global mozzarella cheese market expansion.Pizza cheese will drive market growth Several varieties and types of cheese are manufactured These include modified and processed mozzarella cheeses and variants Most of the content in pizza cheese is typically mozzarella which will have a positive market impact because pizza is widely popular worldwide The International Dictionary of Food and Cooking states that pizza cheese resembles mozzarella made from cow's milk Low-moisture mozzarella cheese is widely used to produce pizza cheese and it can be sliced or made into granules for use in other types of food dishes.The advantage of lower moisture mozzarella is that it is easier to grate and has better melting and browning characteristics Mozzarella is the most popular and used pizza cheese globally 30% of products are made of mozzarella-type cheeses and food chains have been experimenting and developing innovative and novel pizza cheese products for their use in the food service industry.Reasons for buying this report: GLOBAL MOZZARELLA CHEESE MARKET BY TYPE5.1 GLOBAL MOZZARELLA CHEESE MARKET BY PRODUCT FORM6.1 GLOBAL MOZZARELLA CHEESE MARKET BY END-USER7.1 GLOBAL MOZZARELLA CHEESE MARKET BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL8.1 GLOBAL MOZZARELLA CHEESE MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY9.1 About ResearchAndMarkets.comResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets Thaddaeus Ropac’s forthcoming expansion to Milan marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the city into a contemporary art powerhouse set to open within the refined neoclassical Palazzo Belgioioso will offer 280 square meters of exhibition space complemented by an outdoor area for sculptures and installations This new venture aligns seamlessly with Ropac’s international presence in London underscoring Milan’s increasing importance as a cultural and commercial hub for modern and contemporary art “Milan is a cultural hub in Europe and plays a central role in the history and development of modern and contemporary art,” Ropac stated emphasizing the gallery’s strategic objective to deepen its relationships with Italian collectors and institutions This move reflects not only a commitment to the Italian art scene but also the recognition of Milan’s unique position within the global art market the newly appointed executive director and former senior director at Lévy Gorvy Dayan She highlights the city’s longstanding appeal fueled by the wealth and cultural investment of Italy’s industrial dynasties and their [art] collections have been the engine of Milan for a long time,” she noted The timing of this expansion coincides with broader trends positioning Milan as a magnet for affluent art collectors the annual Miart fair has attracted global attention and recent tax incentives have solidified the city’s allure While Italy doubled its flat tax on overseas income to €200,000 in 2022 it still offers one of Europe’s lowest inheritance tax rates—just 4 to 8 percent compared to the UK’s 40 percent for estates over £325,000 the government’s ongoing discussions to reduce VAT on art imports from 10 to 5.5 percent would add another layer of appeal Ropac’s entry into Milan mirrors a broader trend of international galleries eyeing the city as a fertile ground for expansion Italian dealer Massimo De Carlo laid the groundwork in 1987 with a pioneering exhibition by Olivier Mosset and a keen eye for Italian talents like Maurizio Cattelan whose careers he helped catapult to international acclaim galleries such as Lehmann Maupin and Ben Brown Fine Arts have tested Milan’s waters with pop-ups and permanent spaces hinting at the city’s rising stature in the art world While Milan’s narrow streets may evoke a sense of the past its cultural and economic vibrancy positions it firmly in the future this new chapter in Milan represents not just an expansion but an opportunity to embed themselves in the evolving narrative of a city on the cusp of becoming a global art capital Copyright © 2025 ArteFuse.com All Rights Reserved Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more about: Cookie Policy All 5 Releases which completed its acquisition of Polly-O cheese two years ago has announced strategic investments in the brand when Giuseppe Pollio found success making and selling his Fresh Mozzarella on Long Island the business expanded and a plant was built in  Campbell The iconic Polly the Parrot was introduced when the spelling of Pollio changed to the present-day Polly-O brand name in 1948 BelGioioso has now brought the parrot back updating most of the packaging to include it The restyling also created nostalgic nod to Polly-O’s beginnings while celebrating its evolution and popularity Polly-O Ricotta and Mozzarella are certainly part of your childhood’s family lunches at your grandmother’s house” said Gaetano Auricchio “We will continue honoring that tradition and plan on growing the Polly-O line innovative and high-quality cheeses into the Dairy section.” Polly-O operations are running separately from BelGioioso with a dedicated sales team led by Timothy Cronin who has been the driving force behind Polly-O’s renewed dedication to customers The company has invested $3 million to upgrade the Campbell plant and has also built a new distribution center for Polly-O cheeses in Glenville along with an additional $7 million planned in the next year will allow Polly-O to provide better service and longer shelf life thanks to improved operations and production planning “Investing in the people and community of farmers made the most sense to us,” said Auricchio “The New York employees have shown us that they are committed to the brand and we could not turn our backs on that.” Related: Cheese Focus: Demystifying Marinated Cheeses; Cheers to Cheese and Beer Five years after it was nearly shuttered, the Upstate Farms Cheese facility in Campbell will soon have new owners BelGioioso Cheese has signed an agreement with Upstate Niagara Cooperative to purchase the Campbell cheese manufacturer in Steuben County The deal is expected to be completed within 60 days The plant’s full complement of several hundred workers is expected to make the transition to new ownership BelGioioso Cheese, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, specializes in artisan Italian cheesemaking and recently acquired the Polly-O brand. The Campbell cheese plant is known for producing the popular Polly-O brand that is sold across the country “From the first time we set foot in this facility and talked with the passionate cheesemakers working there we felt that this would be a great fit for us,” said Errico Auricchio “It is exciting to have the opportunity to expand our operations with a facility that’s been making the Polly-O brand of award-winning Italian cheese for over 80 years.” Lactalis acquired Kraft’s natural cheese division last year but federal regulators required the company to sell off the Polly-O brand due to monopoly concerns setting the stage for the purchase of the Campbell production facility “We are pleased to have a strong national branded company like BelGioioso maintain the business operations and continue the employment of all our team members,” said Lawrence Webster Chief Executive Officer for Upstate Niagara Cooperative “We are committed to completing this transition as seamlessly as possible for the benefit of all the parties involved especially our employees and customers.” Environment: DEC will expand search for waste dump sites around Corning Want a little adventure while camping? A herd of bison awaits at this Steuben County ranch NY-23 congressional updates: Chris Jacobs pulls out of primary; special election scheduled The Upstate Niagara Cooperative purchased the Campbell facility in June 2017 saving it from imminent closure after Kraft-Heinz signaled it planned to shut down the plant and lay off 330 workers Upstate Niagara pledged to keep at least 150 workers employed and invest $10 million in new machinery the Campbell plant has grown to 225 employees BelGioioso will maintain the workforce under the deal with Upstate Niagara BelGioioso also agreed to a 15-year milk agreement with Upstate Niagara providing long-term security for the region’s dairy farmers On average the Campbell plant takes in around 500 million pounds of milk per year Just under 300 family-owned farms contribute to the Upstate Niagara Cooperative Those farms will continue providing milk for BelGioioso products made in Campbell Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA forecast job growth at the Campbell plant under the new ownership Johnson expects an increased push to market and grow the Polly-O brand “They've been around for a long time,” Johnson said of BelGioioso “They have the capital that plant needs and they expect not only to maintain what is there but to grow the facility Johnson said some of the contingencies attached to the sale include the transfer of IDA and Empire State Development benefits from Upstate Niagara to BelGioioso The state committed up to $5 million in grants to keep the facility open when it was sold by Kraft-Heinz Chris Potter can be reached at cpotter@gannett.com or on Twitter @ChrisPotter413. To get unlimited access to the latest news please subscribe or activate your digital account today WI – BelGioioso Cheese is happy to announce receiving the Kosher certification by OU the world’s largest and most widely recognized Kosher Certification agency the Freedom plant in Appleton and the New Denmark plant in Denmark worked with the rabbinic agency to verify that the production facilities tools and equipment adhere to all Kosher law requirements The two plants join two other certified facilities located in New York State where BelGioioso manufactures fresh cheeses under both “With a total of 4 Kosher certified plants BelGioioso is now positioned to provide a wide offering of Kosher certified cheeses to all those consumers who choose them for personal preference” Current Kosher certified offerings include staple core cheeses such as fresh mozzarella including the iconic Polly-O string cheese “We are happy to extend our quality offering to a new consumer segment,” Mr “While the certification assures consumers that the Kosher requirements are met BelGioioso’s high production and quality standards are consistent across manufacturing facilities and all cheese varieties” Consumers can expect to start finding the OU Kosher symbol on certified products over time as the new packaging rolls out BelGioioso Cheese is a family-owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian cheesemaking.  Using natural ingredients and fresh, local milk, Master Cheesemakers hand-craft a full line of exceptional cheeses guided by a commitment to quality and a respect for tradition.  At BelGioioso, every cheese is a specialty.  www.belgioioso.com Refrigerated Food Association’s 42nd Annual Conference & Exhibition Beacon Impatiens 2022 Donation Supports Two Charities Fighting Low Vision Impossible Foods, the plant-based meat company, is releasing a long-awaited new product — but unlike the wildly popular Impossible Burger, it won’t be certified kosher. BelGioioso Cheese, Inc. announced today that is has completed the acquisition of Polly-O, the historic cheese brand founded in New York in 1899. Specialty cheese firm BelGioioso Cheese has opened a new 100,000-sq-ft manufacturing plant in Glenville BelGioioso produced its first vat of cheese after the construction management firm wrapped up work at the site this February The company invested $25 million to open the facility, according to an Albany Times-Union report LeChase used an FDA-approved waterproof coating on the building’s precast columns and roof and other concrete surfaces to increase moisture resistance The site features an open floor plan for manufacturing operations Over 30 varieties of cheese will be manufactured at the site For more news headlines, articles, and equipment reviews, visit our Equipment Zones 84% of US Impacted by Shortages of High-Demand CPG OSHA Issues Guidance to Counter N95 Respirator Shortages 15 Hospitalized After Ammonia Leak at Food Plant in RI Conagra Brands to Sell Chef Boyardee for $600M Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Across the Capital Region, companies are investing in projects that establish and expand their footprint, and create new jobs in our communities. This project underscores BelGioioso's commitment to Schenectady County, and highlights New York State's economic development efforts in Glenville." BelGioioso Cheese has signed a contract with Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority to purchase 40 acres at the Glenville Business and Technology Park, where it will build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The land purchase was recently approved by the United States General Services Administration, and plans for the new facility will be reviewed by the Town of Glenville Planning and Zoning Commission. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "This is great news for New York’s dairy industry at a time when our farmers are facing many challenges. Once the BelGioioso Cheese plant comes online, a number of our New York producers will have another home for their milk. I thank the Governor and Empire State Development, along with its partners, in helping to bring this new facility to New York State." Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County, said, "We thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zemsky and his team at Empire State Development for working closely with us to bring this new investment to Schenectady County. This project will result in a new production facility being built here by a national company that could have selected a site anywhere in the United States." Ray Gillen, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority Chairman, said, "BelGioioso is known around the world for quality cheese products. We have the skilled workforce, high quality water and a great site that won the day and the deal.  We are very thankful for BelGioioso’s decision to build here and we thank the State for their partnership is pursuing these new jobs and this major new investment for Schenectady County."  Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle said, "This is a huge win for Glenville and a great team effort by the state, Metroplex, and the town.  This is another example of the tremendous growth and progress we are experiencing in Glenville and, specifically, at the Business Park." DENMARK – BelGioioso Cheese Inc. celebrated the opening of its 100,000-square-foot Denmark plant on Wednesday.  Construction of the new plant began more than seven months ago. The facility is expected to be fully operational by January. BelGioioso was started in 1979 by Errico Auricchio, who attended Wednesday's ceremony. The Denmark plant is the company's ninth. It has eight plants in Wisconsin and one in New York state. "This new facility will expand our capacity to serve our customers with our award-winning fresh mozzarella cheeses," said Gaetano Aurricho, BelGioioso executive vice president and son of the company's founder.  BelGioioso was also recognized by Walmart Stores Inc.'s American Job Initiative for Wisconsin. Walmart honors business partners who make a commitment to their communities and produce American made or constructed products.  Walmart spokeswoman Lisa Nelson said the program reflects Walmart's commitment to supporting American businesses and their workers.  "When it comes to creating jobs we're putting our money where our mouth is. In 2013 we committed to buy $250 billion in products that support American jobs by 2023," she said.  The company employs more than 700 people at its plants and the new plant is expected to create 50 new jobs in the Denmark area. "We're very excited to be recognized by Walmart ... We've worked together for over 15 years. They are a strong supporter of our cheeses and they really made commitment to us and supporting the brand," Aurricho said.  Another way the cheesemakers commit to their community is getting milk from farms within 30 miles of the plant, he said. In fact, it was the availability of high-quality milk that drew the family to the area and to continue to grow in the Denmark area, Aurricho said.  "It's so exciting to see this remarkable facility that is making such a difference in this community and the region," Nelson said.  has entered into an agreement to acquire Polly-O The Polly-O brand of cheese will expand BelGioioso’s footprint in the dairy category in addition to its existing Casaro brand Polly-O achieved net sales of roughly $177 million “We are thrilled to add the Polly-O brand to our portfolio and want to thank the teams at Kraft Heinz and Lactalis Group for their assistance and dedication to finalizing the agreement in such a short time,” said Errico Auricchio “I am confident this will benefit consumers thanks to healthy competition in the category as a result of this acquisition.” Kraft Heinz agreed to sell the Polly-O business to the Lactalis Group in autumn 2020 as part of a natural cheese transaction previously announced by Kraft Heinz and the Lactalis Group In fulfillment of conditions identified during the customary antitrust review of that transaction by the U.S the Lactalis Group has agreed to sell the Polly-O business to BelGioioso Cheese BelGioioso’s acquisition of the Polly-O business also remains subject to final approval by U.S regulators and the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions Polly-O is the second asset to go after Lactalis sold the Athenos feta cheese line earlier in September Lactalis has signed an agreement to sell the cheese brand Polly-O to US-based Italian-style cheese firm BelGioioso The French dairy major acquired Polly-O in a deal struck last year with Kraft Heinz for a selection of cheese brands in the US Polly-O is the second brand to go after Lactalis sold the Athenos feta cheese line earlier this month to Swiss dairy group Emmi for an undisclosed sum “These disposals should allow Lactalis to advance on regulatory approval and finalise the acquisition of Kraft Heinz’s natural cheese activities in the United States before the end of 2021,” Lactalis said in a statement The US$3.2bn deal with Kraft Heinz included the brands Breakstone’s along with the US licensing rights for Cracker Barrel Lactalis also acquired the rights to Cheez Whiz outside the US and Canada Kraft Heinz kept the Philadelphia cream cheese Velveeta processed cheese and Cheez Whiz businesses in the US and Canada under its wings Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis Financial terms for the Polly-O brand were not disclosed parmesan and fresh curds for the US retail and foodservice channels its brands include La Bottega BioGioioso and Casaro BelGioioso said in a statement the Polly-O brand has net sales of around $177m Its president Errico Auricchio said: “We are thrilled to add the Polly-O brand to our portfolio and want to thank the teams at Kraft Heinz and Lactalis Group for their assistance and dedication to finalising the agreement in such a short time “I am confident this will benefit consumers thanks to healthy competition in the category as a result of this acquisition.” Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation This is your chance to showcase your achievements Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights View all newsletters from across the GlobalData Media network is excited to introduce an innovative offering to their line- the new 1# Baking Fresh Mozzarella Log.  Baking Fresh Mozzarella is specially formulated with reduced moisture content baking and high-heat usages.  It is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches The packaging features eye-catching photos that highlight the exceptional melting qualities of the cheese  Like the rest of the Fresh Mozzarella line and OU Kosher certified.  Each 1# log is conveniently precut into 21 slices for ease of use.    notes: “As leaders in the specialty cheese category we strive to continuously offer meaningful innovation to our customers Our new Baking Fresh Mozzarella is doing just that while strengthening and energizing the Fresh Mozzarella category as a whole.” Auricchio continues: “We aim to further extend the fresh mozzarella season from fresh applications in the spring & summer to new baked and hot applications through the fall & winter.” “We are thrilled to introduce new consumers to the Fresh Mozzarella category” says Umberto Marconi “We want to extend the Fresh Mozzarella peak season and increase the purchase frequency of current shoppers in the deli  Baking Fresh Mozzarella will provide new merchandising and sales opportunities in the store.  This new offering is perfect for in-store pizza sets and this lower moisture formula will work great in the prepared foods section for hot applications.” Baking Fresh Mozzarella Log features 21 slices and is expertly packed in Thermoform to preserve the 60-day shelf life The item is available in 8 count case packs BelGioioso Cheese is a family-owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian cheesemaking.  Using natural ingredients and fresh, local Wisconsin milk, Master Cheesemakers hand-craft a full line of exceptional cheeses guided by a commitment to quality and a respect for tradition.  At BelGioioso, every cheese is a specialty.  www.belgioioso.com/secret Cheese Merchants Refreshes Brand and Debuts New Website Young Floral Pros Get First-Hand Look at Flower Farms During SAF’s Next Gen LIVE BelGioioso Cheese, Inc. recently introduced two new 8 oz. Scamorza-Rella™ cheeses.  Crafted from a traditional Italian recipe, the cheese is a combination of Mozzarella and Provolone and is naturally cured for a rich, smooth flavor that enhances with age. Scamorza-Rella™ cheeses.  Crafted from a traditional Italian recipe the cheese is a combination of Mozzarella and Provolone and is naturally cured for a rich BelGioioso Scamorza-Rella™ is available in two flavors; Traditional and Smoked with Natural Hickory The cheese is formed into a log shape and is now pre-sliced into 3/8-inch slices perfect for snacking and convenient for adding to any recipe.  Shelf life is 180 days and both varieties are available in 8/8 oz BelGioioso Cheese is a family-owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian cheesemaking.  Using natural ingredients and fresh Master Cheesemakers hand-craft a full line of exceptional cheeses guided by a commitment to quality and a respect for tradition.  At BelGioioso, every cheese is a specialty.  www.belgioioso.com When National Cheddar Day and the Big Game Collide There Simply Ain’t No Party Like a Tillamook (Cheddar) Party FrieslandCampina Debuts Royal Hollandia Brand Cheeses New Category Entry Pack Cheeses BelGioioso Mozza Palooza™, the popular in-store Fresh Mozzarella event has expanded for 2022 with a promotional 4-week program available to retailers nationwide from mid-June through August.