Beehive Cheese Wins American Cheese Society Awards; Co-Founder Pat Ford Honored for Service -

Tim Welsh and Pat Ford, brothers-in-law who founded Beehive Cheese in 2005. photo by Valerie Phillips — *Tim Welsh and Pat Ford, brothers-in-law who founded Beehive Cheese in 2005. Ford received the American Cheese Society’s Meritorious Service Award for 2015. photo by Valerie Phillips*

Beehive Cheese has done it again. The Utah-based cheese company received multiple honors at the 2025 American Cheese Society (ACS) Conference held July 24–26 in Sacramento, California.
Beehive co-founder Pat Ford received of the ACS Meritorious Service Award—a distinction reserved for individuals who have made enduring, selfless contributions to the American cheese community. The award highlights leaders whose impact transcends product excellence and touches mentorship,
advocacy, and long-term industry advancement.

*Wheels of Promontory Cheddar at Beehive Cheese in Uintah. photo by Valerie Phillips*

Ford’s two-decade career has included leadership on the ACS Board of Directors as secretary,
treasurer, and service as the board liaison to the certification committee, where he helped in developing the Certified Cheese Professional® (CCP) program. Ford is known throughout the industry for his hands-on guidance to emerging cheesemakers and artisan producers.

Pat Ford (istanding, in white shirt) and wife Jeanette (far left) are currently helping Ukrainian war refugees in Moldova. photo from Beehive Cheese — *Pat Ford (in white shirt) and wife Jeanette (far left) are currently helping Ukrainian war refugees in Moldova. photo from Beehive Cheese*

Ford was unable to attend the conference as he’s currently serving an 18-month humanitarian
mission with his wife, Jeanette, in Moldova assisting Ukrainian refugees.

Beehive Cheese also continued its award-winning tradition, taking home three medals in the
annual competition:

*Award-winning Promontory Cheddar from Beehive Cheese.*

● Barely Buzzed — 1st Place, Rubbed Rind
The signature espresso- and lavender-rubbed cheddar continues to set the standard,
marking its 11th ACS award. (To watch how Barely Buzzed is hand-rubbed, click here.)
● Promontory — 2nd Place, Sweet Cheddar
A cornerstone of Beehive’s lineup, this Jersey cow milk cheddar earned its 4th ACS
medal for its sweet and buttery flavor profile.

● Big John’s Cajun — 3rd Place, Rubbed Rind
A bold, spice-forward cheddar with a cult following, this marks the cheese’s 3rd award
at ACS.
Commitment to Craft and Community
“These awards really validate what we’ve always believed—that bold, creative flavors strike a
chord with both judges and cheese lovers,” said Oliver Ford, President of Beehive Cheese.
“Pat’s recognition means a lot to all of us. He’s played a big role in shaping ACS and supporting
the artisan cheese world. I was proud to accept the award for him, and honestly, it felt right that
he couldn’t be there—he’s off helping others on the other side of the world. That’s just who he
is.”
Beehive Cheese was founded in Uintah in 2005. Here’s more about its history and recent partnership with Gossner Cheese.

About Beehive Cheese
Established in 2005 in Uintah, Utah, Beehive Cheese was among the first U.S. creameries to
introduce rubbed-rind cheddars to the artisan cheese market. Beehive cheeses are distributed nationally through specialty retailers and foodservice channels, including many Utah supermarkets.

In 2023, Beehive Cheese became one of seven American cheesemakers to be B Corporation Certified, solidifying their commitment to using business as a
force for good. After 20 years in the industry, Beehive Cheese remains family-owned and
operated.

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