CHICAGO, IL
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026
Caputo Cheese, a leading manufacturer of award-winning Fresh Mozzarella and Hard Italian cheeses, is honored to be recognized with multiple awards at the prestigious 2026 American Cheese Society (ACS) Awards. In the highly competitive Italian Type Category: Fresh Mozzarella, Caputo earned First Place for its Ovolini, Stracciatella, and Burrata and Third Place for its Nodini!
In first place: Ovolini, derived from the Italian word for “egg-sized,” are larger format balls that are the workhorse of the fresh mozzarella. Delicate in texture, with a subtly firm exterior and softer interior, Ovolini captures a little more butterfat, resulting in richness in every bite. These provide versatility in the kitchen, especially for caprese salads or tearing for traditional Margherita pizza.In first place: Stracciatella is fine shreds of Fresh Mozzarella combined with rich cream for a wonderful texture and flavor. The luxurious core of Burrata is available in Caputo’s convenient cups. This cheese adds elegance to pastas, salads, and entrees.In first place: Made in the traditional fashion of Apulia, Italy, Caputo’s 12oz Burrata contains long hand-shredded strands of Stracciatella and heavy cream. Each pouch is hand-stretched and tied, creating a stunning cheese for a show-stopping center-of-the-plate presentation to share.In third place: Nodini are hand-tied knots of fresh, cow’s milk mozzarella known for a rich, creamy texture and a slightly firmer bite. These “little knots” are celebrated for their fresh, milky flavor.
“We are very grateful to the ACS for these awards,” says Natale Caputo, CEO and President of Caputo Cheese, in the recent release. “Our team works hard to ensure that our cheese is backed by unmatched quality, innovation, customization, and service, helping chefs, operators, and consumers create extraordinary flavor experiences for every table.”
Caputo Cheese believes that when cheese is made with artistry, it transforms food into an experience. From classic Italian varieties to custom formulations designed for today’s foodservice and manufacturing needs, Caputo approaches every melt, every shred, and every flavor with intention.
Dining and Cooking