Way back in 1933, an entrepreneur from Portland, Ore., worked with the city of Central Point, Ore., to open the Rogue River Valley Co-op — the first artisan creamery cooperative in Southern Oregon. 

“Dedicated to Sustainability, Service and Creating the World’s Finest Handmade Cheese.” As mission statements go, that one is a pretty tall order.

Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, the two chefs who co-founded Point Reyes Station, Calif.-based Cowgirl Creamery in 1997 and pioneered organic artisan cheesemaking in America, announced their retirement.

Rogue Creamery is an organic artisan cheesemaker from Central Point, Ore., that specializes in producing blue cheese, cheddars and more. Websterville, Vt.-based Vermont Creamery is an artisan cheese company that specializes in fresh and aged goat cheeses, and fresh cow cheeses.

Specialty cheese sales are on the rise, noted Rachel Kerr, director of events and public relations for Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB), Madison.

 Natural cheese is still the clear winner for cheese processors, while snacking occasions are on the rise. Plus, consumers’ interest in unique flavors helps fuel the artisan cheese movement and inspires other processors to create more bold combinations.