The Cornerstone Project eschews modern conveniences of production in favor of creating high-quality natural cheese. The brand was launched by Peter Dixon, Rachel Fritz Schaal, Sue Miller, and Mark Gillman in response to the call from Judging Committee member, John Greeley, for more American Original cheeses.
The Cornerstone Project incorporates "the elemental nature of the raw milk" to create cheeses with unique nuances of texture and flavor. All cheeses are made with raw milk with autochtonous cultures, traditional rennet, local salt, and wild rinds. The hope of this extensive production method is to create new types of cheese through traditional methods that are specific to the "breed, feed, geography, and the hand of the cheesemakers."
High-Quality American Cheeses
The Cornerstone Project Creates Cheese From Acidifying Cultures
Trend Themes
1. Traditional Cheese Production - The trend towards traditional cheese production methods based on natural and regional ingredients provides opportunities to capitalize on the growing demand for authentic and high-quality cheese products.
2. Raw Milk Cheeses - Raw milk cheeses made with autochthonous cultures, traditional rennet, local salt, and wild rinds represent a trend towards premium, natural cheese products that are rich in biodiversity, flavor nuances, and health benefits.
3. American Original Cheeses - The trend towards American original cheese varieties responds to the demand for locally sourced and craft-made cheese products that reflect regional specialties and traditional production methods.
Industry Implications
1. Dairy - The dairy industry can invest in natural, traditional cheese production methods and add value to their products through the development of new cheese varieties and the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
2. Gourmet Foods - The gourmet food industry can tap into the growing demand for premium, artisanal products, such as raw milk cheeses, by offering exclusive and unique varieties, and highlighting the story and the values of their producers.
3. Regional Tourism - The regional tourism industry can promote cheese trails and cheese tourism as a way to showcase local cheese producers, highlight the biodiversity and cultural heritage of different regions, and offer authentic, immersive experiences to travelers.