Mark Gustafson- 45th and Youngest Master Cheesemaker in the Country

PLYMOUTH, Wis., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sartori is proud to announce that Mark Gustafson has completed his coursework to receive his Master Cheesemaker license. Mark became a Master Cheesemaker certified in both Parmesan and Asiago cheese. He began his cheese making career in 1995 and received his cheesemakers license in 1997.

The Master Cheesemaker program was founded in 1994, by the Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it is the most advance in the country and takes three years to complete the rigorous coursework. A cheesemaker must have at least ten years prior experience holding a Wisconsin cheesemaker license before entering the three year program.

Mark is the second generation of Gustafson's in the cheese making world.  Mark's father, Leon, was also a cheesemaker.  At the young age of 34, Mark is also the youngest Master in the state.   "I feel like the baby of the bunch," Mark admits. "Most of the Masters have many more years of experience than I do. It's an honor to be in the same league as they are. Three years of intense coursework, studying, projects and learning from amongst the finest teachers in the world – it has been a challenging and rewarding experience."

Mark began the Master Cheesemaker program in March, 2007 and will be awarded his official certificate today, April 22, 2010, at the International Cheese Technology Exposition in Madison. There are only 44 Master Cheesemakers in the entire country, and Mark is now the 45th, and youngest, to receive this badge of honor. "People like Mark are what help Sartori continue to be one of the leading cheese companies in the country. Our premium quality and artisan cheese  are a reflection of our team members and their hard work. We are honored to have Mark as a part of our team here at Sartori and we congratulate him on all this accomplishment" said President of Sartori, Jeff Schwager.

About Sartori Foods

Sartori Foods has been producing artisan and premium cheese for over seventy years for Specialty, Retail, Ingredient, and Food Service markets.  Based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Sartori Foods has an impressive array of award winning cheese noted for innovative approaches and consistent top quality across their entire line.  For more information, please visit www.sartorifoods.com or call us directly at 800-558-5888.

SOURCE Sartori Foods