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Matt Hettlinger

Dairy Ingredient Specialist

Matt is a true veteran of the food service and production industries with a special affinity for cheese. Having been in the industry for 30 years, Matt got his start as a cheesemaking intern while attending Ohio State University. Matt has gone on to create several cheeses that have been recognized by the American Cheese Society, the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, the World Cheese Awards, and the World Championship Cheese Contest.

As a dairy ingredient specialist for Nelson-Jameson, Matt focuses on providing technical support and problem-solving for the dairy and plant-based industries. He also helps people create new cheeses and improve on existing ones by providing ingredients, innovation, and experience. Matt connects suppliers and customers for up-to-date information and innovative products that customers need to succeed.

In his career, Matt has been a production manager, a senior cheese technologist, and a senior fermentation scientist.

Matt holds a degree in Food Science and Technology from Ohio State and Preventative Controls Qualified Individual Certification from the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance and is a Certified Food Safety HACCP Manager for the National Environmental Health Association.

"I have always loved cheese. Cheese is not safe in my household. It is always the first thing to disappear out of the fridge. For my professional career, cheesemaking is the perfect intersection of science, art, and engineering to create something sublime."

 

Upcoming Events

Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference

February 24, 2026California

Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference

Join industry leaders at the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, where forward-thinking solutions meet the dairy manufacturing challenges of tomorrow. Dive into the evolving demands of health & wellness-driven consumers and explore how breakthrough sustainability initiatives are reshaping every segment of the value chain. Experience firsthand how AI-powered tools are elevating productivity, discover transformative processing and packaging technologies that are defining the future of dairy, and connect with innovators driving new-product development. This is your premier opportunity to gain actionable insights, optimize operations and stay ahead in dairy innovation.

SCIFTS Suppliers Night Expo

March 3, 2026California

SCIFTS Suppliers Night Expo

Experience innovation in action at the SCIFTS Suppliers Night Expo, where industry pioneers converge to showcase breakthrough solutions and cutting-edge technologies. This premier networking event connects food technology professionals with leading suppliers, fostering valuable partnerships that drive industry advancement. Discover transformative ingredients, processing innovations, and emerging trends while engaging with experts who shape the future of food science.

Natural Products Expo West®

March 3, 2026California

Natural Products Expo West®

Discover the pulse of natural product innovation at Expo West, the industry's premier gathering of visionary CPG brands and retail leaders in Anaheim. Immerse yourself in the largest showcase of breakthrough natural and organic solutions, where emerging pioneers meet established innovators to shape tomorrow's market trends. From groundbreaking ingredients to transformative sustainability initiatives, uncover your next market advantage among thousands of forward-thinking exhibitors. Position your business at the forefront of consumer wellness by joining this unparalleled ecosystem of industry advancement and strategic networking.

CheeseExpo

April 14, 2026Wisconsin

CheeseExpo

Join Nelson-Jameson at the premier gathering for professionals in the cheese, butter, whey, and cultured dairy processing industry. CheeseExpo is the perfect place to meet our team and discover how our experts and solutions can help optimize your operation. Nelson-Jameson specialists will be on-site and available to meet with you to discuss all of your specific facility challenges. Find Us on the Floor: Locate the Nelson-Jameson booth in the center of the show floor, where we will be exhibiting alongside trusted partners. Ready to Connect? Don't miss the opportunity to meet our specialized team. Just fill out the form to get started, and we’ll see you in Milwaukee! More About the Event: CheeseExpo brings together over 4,000 leaders, suppliers, and professionals from across the cheese, butter, whey and cultured dairy products processing industry. It’s the only event that combines in-depth educational sessions, high-value networking, exciting celebrations honoring industry excellence, and a massive exhibit floor showcasing the latest innovations. Your hosts Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) promise an exciting event.

Resources

Natural Color Assessment & Training

Natural Color Assessment & Training

Achieve the perfect natural color for your food or beverage. The experts at Nelson-Jameson provide tailored solutions for applications including: Cheese & Dairy Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Beverages Candy, Snacks & Confectionery Our full-service support includes custom color matching, regulatory guidance, and labeling assistance. We analyze your ingredients, process, and packaging to deliver a stable, brilliant color solution built for success.

Antibiotic Residue Training

Antibiotic Residue Training

dsm-firmenich offers comprehensive training on Delvotest, which is essential for accurately detecting antibiotics in your milk supply. The training covers an overview of the test's principles, detailed step-by-step procedures, quality control measures, troubleshooting techniques, and guidance on interpreting results. Proper training is crucial for ensuring accurate results, maintaining milk safety, complying with regulations, and enhancing the efficiency of testing processes. You can choose between webinar and on-site training formats.

Ingredients Assessment & Trainings

Ingredients Assessment & Trainings

Webinar training, on-site training, troubleshooting support, and customizable technical assessments.

Specialty Cultures Assessment & Trainings

Specialty Cultures Assessment & Trainings

Phage control with proper culture rotation and care. Training for production, maintenance, and sanitation staff via webinar or in-person. Cheese optimzation— no matter the desired improvement needed to your cheese. Work with our Dairy Ingredient Specialists to create the perfect flavor, texture, and moisture on a repeatable basis.

Enabling Efficiency for Artisan Cheesemakers in America's Dairy Heartland

Enabling Efficiency for Artisan Cheesemakers in America's Dairy Heartland

Nelson-Jameson partnered with Lake Country Dairy to assess its needs and develop a customized approach that included sourcing solutions, time-saving guidance, and ongoing training and lab support.

Industry Education, Training, and Innovation

Industry Education, Training, and Innovation

Explore diverse educational resources and training opportunities for the food and dairy industry, enhancing food safety, sanitation, and operational efficiency.

Nelson-Jameson Improves Cheesemaker’s Quality, Efficiency with Custom Autobagger Tubing

Nelson-Jameson Improves Cheesemaker’s Quality, Efficiency with Custom Autobagger Tubing

A Wisconsin dairy manufacturer saw frequent leading and bubbling issues with its bags when packaging its 40-lb blocks. These issues impacted quality, and led to inefficiency and unnecessary waste.

Ready for Launch: Helping Streamline Food Manufacturers' Start Up Operations

Ready for Launch: Helping Streamline Food Manufacturers' Start Up Operations

Nelson-Jameson supported Suntado with tailored industry expertise in the launch of a new food manufacturing facility. The launch included implementing programs for food safety, sanitation, and operations.