our story

History, Tradition,
Passion & Family

How cheese was made 100 years ago

The Story Begins

The BelGioioso story began over a century ago when the great-grandfather of BelGioioso President, Errico Auricchio, founded a cheese company based on a philosophy of excellence. In 1979, Errico moved his family from Italy to America with the goal of continuing his great-grandfather’s legacy. He wanted to craft the best Italian cheeses in the United States.

Errico with his award-winning Provolone

In Search of the Finest Milk

When Errico came to America, he scoured the United States in search of the highest quality milk to begin his goal of making exceptional specialty cheeses. It was in Wisconsin, “America’s Dairyland,” that he found the dedicated farmers and abundant green pastures and corn fields that produce superior milk. Wisconsin milk was and still is simply unbeatable.

Gianni and Mauro, the cheesemakers who came from Italy

Master Cheesemakers

In addition to his immediate family, Errico also brought with him two master cheesemakers, Mauro and Gianni. To these gentlemen, making cheese isn’t a job, it’s a calling. They carry with them a strict focus on quality and an unending passion for crafting flavorful cheeses using artisan methods. Mauro & Gianni remain part of the BelGioioso family today and work tirelessly to share their wisdom with each new generation of cheesemakers.

The first cheesemakers hand-forming Provolone

A Growing Tradition

Together, Errico, Mauro & Gianni began by making cheeses familiar to American consumers such as Provolone, Parmesan and Romano. Soon, consumers wanted more; new cheeses, new flavors and new aromas. Over time, we introduced cheeses previously unknown in America. Mascarpone, CreamyGorg®, Italico® and American Grana® have now become favorites. Today, BelGioioso manufactures, ages, packages and ships over twenty-five varieties of specialty cheese with new cheeses continuously in development.

Passion for Tradition, Never Diminished

BelGioioso’s commitment to tradition and excellence carries with it the value of knowing how to make Italian cheeses just as they were long ago from recipes passed down by generations. As the company has grown, the passion for tradition and quality has never diminished.

Tradition, selection of ingredients, location and artisan inspiration are the cardinal pillars that make BelGioioso cheesemakers the greatest interpreters of the best Italian cheeses in the US.