Mission


ASSIFONTE represents the European processed cheese sector at large and works on the external side as well as on the internal lines within the processed cheese industry
On the external side, ASSIFONTE:
ASSIFONTE serves as a partner of the European Commission in discussions on issues of crucial relevance to the processed cheese industry. ASSIFONTE maintains contacts with international organizations, particularly the WTO, to promote the interests of the European processed cheese sector. Additionally, it engages with foreign embassies and authorities to address specific challenges related to the export of European processed cheese. Furthermore, ASSIFONTE collaborates with the European Dairy Association (EDA), representing the specific interests of the processed cheese industry within this organization, while also following the initiatives of FoodDrinkEurope (FDE).
On the internal side, ASSIFONTE:
ASSIFONTE is guided by a small board of directors, known as the Comité Directeur, which meets two times a year or as needed to defend the interests of the processed cheese industry, especially during emergency situations that require immediate action in relation to the EU Commission or other parties. The efficiency of the organization is ensured by short lines of communication and the willingness of the Comité Directeur members to convene and take action whenever necessary.
ASSIFONTE promotes European export
ASSIFONTE is closely involved with the market dynamics and developments related to raw materials, the processed cheese market, and exports.
Additionally, ASSIFONTE actively lobbies for the creation of intra-trade certificates to facilitate smoother trade within the industry.
On the legal framework for processed cheese
ASSIFONTE has developed a comprehensive list of additives approved for use in the production of processed cheese. This list has been adopted by the EU Commission and now serves as the official standard for the European processed cheese industry.
In addition, ASSIFONTE has established a new standard for processed cheese, with the goal of having it incorporated into the Codex Alimentarius.
ASSIFONTE also advocates for a harmonized European definition of processed cheese to ensure consistency across the industry.
In collaboration with EDA and EUCOLAIT, ASSIFONTE has played a leading role in creating a manual on the use of cheese as a raw material.