Emmi Roth Brings Athenos Innovation and a 2026 FABI Award Winner to the National Restaurant Association Show
As heat-forward flavors and globally inspired cheeses continue to gain traction on menus, Emmi Roth is showcasing its foodservice portfolio, led by feta innovation from Athenos, the nation’s number one feta brand, and highlighted by a 2026 Food and Beverage (FABI) Award recognition for Roth® Cheese’s 3 Chile Pepper Gouda.
Athenos remains at the forefront of fresh and Mediterranean-inspired menu trends, delivering bold flavor, versatility and consistency that operators rely on. With a broad portfolio that includes traditional feta blocks and crumbles as well as whipped feta dips and spreads, Athenos helps chefs add brightness and craveability across salads, flatbreads, bowls, sandwiches and appetizers. Designed for strong back-of-house performance, Athenos products support both classic and emerging menu applications across foodservice segments.
“Athenos continues to be a powerful driver of growth for our foodservice partners,” said Kerry Olson, Vice President of Foodservice Sales, Emmi Roth. “Its versatility and familiarity as America’s number one feta brand gives operators confidence, while new formats and applications help keep menus fresh and relevant.”
Building on that innovation leadership, Emmi Roth announced that Roth® Cheese’s 3 Chile Pepper Gouda has been named a 2026 Food and Beverage (FABI) Award winner by the National Restaurant Association. The award recognizes products that demonstrate meaningful innovation and strong foodservice relevance.
Crafted in Wisconsin with high-quality local milk, Roth® 3 Chile Pepper Gouda combines creamy gouda with a trio of chiles for layered heat and savory depth. The bold yet approachable flavor profile makes it an easy way for operators to elevate comfort foods such as burgers, mac and cheese, sandwiches and breakfast items.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our 3 Chile Pepper Gouda recognized with a 2026 FABI Award,” Olson said. “It reflects our commitment to bold, chef-inspired flavors and award-winning craftsmanship, and it speaks directly to what operators are asking for—distinctive cheeses that perform across menus.”
The recognition also underscores Emmi Roth’s broader investment in foodservice solutions. The company’s cheese conversion facility in Stoughton, Wisconsin offers enhanced flexibility through custom cuts, shreds, and blends, supporting efficiency and creativity for operators and manufacturers across channels.
Complementing Athenos and Roth® Cheese, Emmi USA brings premium European-style cheeses rooted in Swiss heritage, delivering dependable functionality and classic flavor for foodservice menus. Cowgirl Creamery adds an artisan dimension to the portfolio with its celebrated organic cheeses, including Mt Tam and Wagon Wheel, offering operators a distinctive, craft-driven option for cheese boards and specialty applications.
Together, Emmi Roth’s family of brands delivers a comprehensive, chef-relevant cheese portfolio designed to meet evolving menu trends while maintaining the quality, consistency and innovation foodservice operators expect.
About Emmi Roth
Emmi Roth is a leader in specialty cheese innovation, known for crafting the nation’s most celebrated cheeses while importing exceptional products from Switzerland. Based in Wisconsin, we specialize in producing high-quality products across a range of categories with brands like Athenos, Emmi, Roth® Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, and more. Every cheese we produce reflects our passion for quality and flavor, using premium ingredients and sustainable practices. Visit emmiroth.com to learn more or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
