BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino & Polly-O NY Style Ricotta win Gold at American Cheese Society Contest
August 12, 2025 | 2 min to read
BelGioioso Cheese achieved remarkable success at the recent industry conference in Sacramento, CA, winning eight prestigious medals. Gold awards were given for Crescenza-Stracchino and Polly-O New York Style Ricotta, praised for their exceptional quality and widespread appeal. Vice President Umberto Marconi emphasized the accolades for their fresh, creamy textures and the growing national recognition of their brands, particularly Polly-O, a beloved staple in Italian kitchens.
Green Bay, WI — BelGioioso Cheese took home a total of eight prestigious medals, with a gold for Crescenza-Stracchino and Polly-O New York Style Ricotta. The industry’s annual conference took place in Sacramento, CA, where over 400 winners were announced.
“Crescenza-Stracchino continues to be recognized at contests for its freshness and creamy, tangy texture and flavor,” states Umberto Marconi, Vice President Marketing BelGioioso Cheese. “Our Cheesemakers truly craft an exceptional cheese. It’s a favorite of many Chefs for signature pizzas and specialty sandwiches. We also package the cheese into 1 oz. snacking portions, perfect for offering passive sampling at cheese counters.”
Polly-O New York Style Ricotta also received a 1st place, Best of Class award. “This Ricotta has a unique following in the Northeast, the award is a significant honor in this large category,” states Marconi. “The Polly-O brand continues to gain nationwide recognition for its quality and value. It’s been a staple in many Italian kitchens and we are excited for its expansion and availability from coast to coast.”
2025 American Cheese Society Awards
1st place Gold – BelGioioso Crescenza-Stracchino
1st place Gold – Polly-O New York Style Ricotta
2nd place Silver – BelGioioso Parmesan
2nd place Silver – BelGioioso Burrata
2nd place Silver – BelGioioso Pesto Sliced Fresh Mozzarella
3rd place Bronze – BelGioioso 8 oz. Fresh Mozzarella Ball
3rd place Bronze – BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese
3rd place Bronze – Marinated Fresh Basil & Garlic Fresh Mozzarella
BelGioioso Cheese is a family-owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian cheesemaking. Using only natural ingredients and fresh, local Wisconsin milk, Master Cheesemakers hand-craft a full line of exceptional cheeses guided by a comm
