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May Brings American Cheese Month Celebration

American Cheese Month kicks off May 1. The annual event is a grassroots celebration of North America’s artisan and specialty cheeses and their makers and is organized by the American Cheese Education Foundation, the fundraising partner of the American Cheese Society.

Throughout the month of May, cheesemakers, dairy farmers, retailers, cheesemongers, and chefs highlight the diverse and delicious array of American cheeses and the community who bring them to the table.

In addition to spotlighting America’s robust cheese culture, the American Cheese Education Foundation, the American Cheese Society, and its members aim to:

• Recognize and raise awareness of the quality and diversity of American cheeses
• Support and promote great cheese, local foods, family farms, traditional methods, and sustainable production models
• Generate funding for education, scholarships, and research initiatives through the American Cheese Society

A large proportion of the funds raised during American Cheese Month goes to scholarships supporting ACS members to attend the annual industry conference. There, attendees including the scholarship recipients are able to enrich their professional experiences and cultivate industry connections in a sector still recovering from the effects of the pandemic.

“All the scholarship recipients really appreciated the funding support, especially those impacted economically by the pandemic over the past two years,” noted Tara Holmes, executive director of the ACS.

Cheese lovers and cheese industry professionals alike can help spread the love of American cheese
throughout the month in a variety of ways.

ACS member cheesemakers, retailers, and specialty food distributors are encouraged to donate a portion of their sales to ACEF.

Individuals can also easily donate funds to help build the cheese community’s future by clicking the ‘donate’ button. Any amount is welcome.

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LeMay to Head California Table Grape Commission in 2025

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president & CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025. LeMay will succeed Kathleen Nave who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink.

Nave joined the commission in 1987 and plans to retire in the spring of 2025. LeMay will join the commission staff as incoming president once he finds and successfully transitions his successor.

“We are thrilled that Ian accepted the offer to join the commission team and to transition into the lead role,” said Nave. “Ian is successfully leading an important industry organization now and will bring his experience, expertise, character, and knowledge of the issues growers face to the work of the commission. Having worked closely with Ian since he took over as president of the association almost four years ago I have seen his commitment to growers exhibited many times and truly look forward to working with him and watching him take on the worldwide promotion of California table grapes!”

According to Nave, the California Table Grape Commission has a history of choosing its president & CEO carefully and then allowing time for the incoming leader to transition into the role. In its 55 year history there have been only three commission presidents, two of whom served for over 25 years.

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Deep Eddy Vodka Drops New Tea Hard Seltzer – Literally

Deep Eddy Vodka, one of the fastest-growing American-made spirits brands, has launched its latest  line extension, Deep Eddy Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzers. Following the successful entry to the canned ready-to-drink segment with the brand’s now award-winning Deep Eddy Vodka + Soda, the new Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzers will be available in a variety of flavors, including lemon tea, sweet tea and peach tea.

“From the first sip, Deep Eddy’s newest tea seltzers are the perfect balance of refreshing and flavorful. Staying true to the brand’s roots, they are made with real fruit and ingredients – never sacrificing great taste,” said Hannah Venhoff, vice president, Deep Eddy Vodka. “As the hard seltzer category continues to grow and vodka-based seltzers truly take the lead, Deep Eddy is uniquely positioned to innovate in this space, offering new hard seltzers to our lineup for a simple beverage that is light, refreshing and easy.

“Moreover, the new Tea variety is a nod to our origin story with Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka being the first flavor introduced under the Deep Eddy name.”

Deep Eddy Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzers celebrate the Austin-based brand’s first product, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, launched 13 years ago. With an unwavering commitment to quality flavors and real ingredients, the premium hard seltzers are created using real vodka, tea and juices with a hint of bubbles for a crisp finish.

To officially launch the new product, the brand posted a live “Tea Minus” style countdown on the brand’s Instagram, @DeepEddyVodka, along with multiple posts alerting Deep Eddy followers and the public of its plans to “drop the tea” on its newest product. Once the live countdown struck zero, Deep Eddy released a video featuring a single can of Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzer dropping 5,000 feet from a helicopter – taking drop culture, literally, and to new heights.

Each can of Deep Eddy Vodka + Tea Hard Seltzer is 180 calories, gluten free and contains 4.5% alc/vol. The newest Deep Eddy hard seltzers are available nationwide in a 6-pack variety with a suggested retail of $16.99. Learn more about the brand and find the closest retailer at deepeddyvodka.com.

Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits brand based in Austin, Texas, is one of the fastest growing premium spirits in the United States. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, the brand is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. Born in Austin.

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