The Grand Gourmand

Academy of Cheese Training Partner with 23 years experience in the New Zealand speciality cheese industry.

New Zealand's first cheese expert to provide Academy of Cheese training courses

Franco Sessa aka The Grand Gourmand is a turophile, International cheese judge, Gardening and Lifestyle magazine editor and contributor, and food lover.

Growing up in La Valle dei Mulini (the valley of the watermills) in Gragnano, Southern Italy was a perfect childhood for Franco, learning about cheese, agriculture and the old traditions handed down through his family.

Franco’s gourmand ventures took him to New Zealand, where for the past 23 years he has worked in the New Zealand specialty cheese industry, from cheese making to sales and every other role in between. In recent years his expertise has focused on education and promotion of speciality cheese consumption and appreciation to retail consumers, wholesalers and the hospitality sector.

Find out more about The Grand Gourmand

https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/mindfood-new-zealand-2163/20230301/283334706474262
https://www.pressreader.com/new-zealand/mindfood-new-zealand-2163/20221201/284313958782988
https://www.rnz.co.nz/audio/player?audio_id=2018944938
https://www.foodwriters.org.nz/the-empire-of-light/
https://thecheesewheel.co.nz/cheese-news/international-cheese-awards/

The Grand Gourmand at a glance

Cheese Training & Consultancy

Working with cheesemakers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants on a range of different training and consultancy projects, from bespoke Academy of Cheese staff training and tasting workshops to NPD support and cheese inspiration days.

Virtual & In-Person Training Courses

Training professionals and consumers in Level One (Associate) at your place of business or at a training venue of your choice. Online courses are also available.

New Zealand and Italian Cheese Expertise

Franco grew up in Southern Italy, learning about cheese, agriculture and the old traditions. Franco’s gourmand ventures took him to New Zealand, where for the past 23 years he has worked in the New Zealand specialty cheese industry, from cheese making to sales and every other role in between.

Academy of Cheese Courses Offered

The Grand Gourmand | Level 1: Associate Certification

NZ$415 Inc Cheese

Gallery

Testimonials

Great overview of both the history and making of a range of cheeses from small scale artisans and affineurs through to large scale manufacture, while providing good detail at all levels. The course is well paced and in depth.

Tim Arkley (New Zealand)

The Best Christmas Cheeseboard from our Experts Around the World

11 months ago

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