America’s artisanal cheese makers  are being hard-hit by the impacts of COVID-19. With many small cheesemakers heavily dependent on sales to restaurants, their distribution channels have been decimated by the closures related to the virus. With a reported 58 percent decrease in overall sales, many businesses do not have the financial reserves to sustain themselves for months. Thirty percent have either laid off or furloughed employees, and 48 percent have reduced employee hours. Managing cash flow, obtaining financial support, as well as managing staff add complex challenges that have resulted in many applying for debt relief or financial assistance to stay afloat in this new reality.

This comes from a survey conducted in May 2020 by the American Cheese Society. Titled “COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on the American Cheese Industry: Business Operations,” the survey compiled data from nearly 1,000 members including producers, distributors and buyers. “It is important for us to understand how our members and their businesses are coping during this pandemic, as well as how ACS and consumers can help support the industry,” said Marianne Smukowski, Board President of ACS. “The unwavering dedication that the community has had in ensuring the safety of employees and consumers has been heartening during these uncertain times.”

In many cases, members are using this as an opportunity to pause and improve business models, as well as explore new methods to package and distribute their products directly to consumers. The survey shows that 57.5 percent have identified new distribution methods for their products with 51 percent seeing an increase in overall e-commerce sales.

Since COVID-19 shuttered the country, ACS has provided a wealth of resources to support the cheese industry and has made the decision to shift its previously canceled 37th Annual Conference & Competition to a virtual event; more details will be provided at a later date. Other resources include weekly Fireside Chats with Executive Director Karen Lundquist, information on food safety, a letter template for members to write to their local representatives, shifting business models, financial relief, navigating home and personal life, and more.

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Looking to the future, ACS members agree that there will be a new normal for the artisan cheese industry. Rising to the challenge to find new ways to innovate, they hope to see a positive impact from economic stimulus packages and community efforts on their operations.

American Cheese Society will continue its mission to support its members through developing educational resources and safe networking opportunities to connect the community during these difficult times. In celebration of May’s American Cheese Month, the organization asks consumers to think small and buy locally from artisans and producers.

For American Cheese Society Resources on COVID-19 visit cheesesociety.org/addressing-covid-19/.