Hollands Family Cheese, the proud producer of Marieke Gouda®, is now officially certified as a Woman-Owned Business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)—the nation’s leading certifier of businesses owned and operated by women.

This prestigious certification is awarded to companies that are at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by women. It affirms Hollands Family Cheese’s commitment to leadership, innovation, and representation in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

“We are honored to receive the Woman-Owned Business certification from WBENC,” said Marieke Penterman, Founder and Owner of Hollands Family Cheese and Marieke Gouda®, in a recent press release. “In a male-dominated industry, this recognition means a lot. It’s not just a milestone for our business, but a statement about the power of perseverance.”

For nearly two decades, Marieke has been a driving force in American cheesemaking. Originally from the Netherlands, she brought her Dutch heritage and deep-rooted dairy farming traditions to the U.S., where she has since created a line of award-winning Goudas that are beloved nationwide.

WBENC, founded in 1997, is the largest third-party certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a powerful advocate for advancing economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Certification provides access to a vast support network, including business development resources, supplier diversity opportunities, and increased visibility within the marketplace.

Hollands Family Cheese, the proud producer of Marieke Gouda®, is now officially certified as a Woman-Owned Business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

With this certification, Hollands Family Cheese joins a national community of woman-owned enterprises driving innovation and growth across the economy while continuing its mission to craft exceptional cheese with integrity and care, right from its Wisconsin farmstead.

Marieke Penterman, Founder and Owner, Hollands Family Cheese and Marieke Gouda®