Sargento was named to Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2026, recognized in the Food category and ranking No. 3. The annual list honors organizations shaping industries and culture through bold thinking and groundbreaking ideas.

From successfully introducing pre-packaged sliced and shredded natural cheeses, to being the first company to place a perishable food item in a re-sealable package, Sargento has grown the natural cheese category with industry-firsts to make meals and snacking easier for consumers. Driven by its vision to be the most innovative, best-loved real food company, Sargento innovation has added $1 billion in sales to the natural cheese category in the past five years. At the center of this year's recognition is the company's latest breakthrough Sargento Natural American Sliced Cheese, according to Sargento.

"Being named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies is a tribute to my grandfather, my father and uncles who made sure Sargento would always lead the way with new ideas to create value for our stakeholders. It's also a testament to the winning spirit of our employees, past and present," said third-generation Chairman and CEO, Louie Gentine. "Innovation is one of our core values and has sustained our company over three generations. Our Natural American Cheese represents our commitment to listening closely to our consumers, investing for the long-term, and moving our industry forward in truly impactful ways."

The development of Sargento Natural American Cheese slices was a decade-long journey of research, global collaboration, and rigorous testing, culminating in pushing the boundaries of natural cheese in a nod to the mild flavor and melt consumers expect from processed American cheese, with only five ingredients compared to 9 or more in most processed American cheese in the dairy case.

Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list spotlights organizations setting new standards and creating impact across industries. Sargento's inclusion affirms its leadership in the natural cheese category.

"The Sargento Family challenges convention every day, asking ourselves how can we make peoples' lives even better? How can we deliver on what consumers crave when snacking or enjoying a meal? We also make sure that everything coming from Sargento is new and exciting and of the highest quality from a family people can trust." said Gentine. "Innovation isn't a single product moment for us—it's a relentless pursuit. We're proud of our legacy and even more excited about what's next."