Daiya
Daiya Foods Inc. is a Canada-based dairy-alternative food company located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The company was established in 2008 by Andre Kroecher and Greg Blake. Daiya's original products are cheese analogues made from coconut oil and tapioca flour that are known for their cheese-like consistency and melting properties. They contain no animal products or soy, lactose, wheat, barley, gluten, or nuts.
Daiya is sold in natural and conventional food stores in many countries including Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, Mexico, and Hong Kong. Its products are featured on restaurant menus and in packaged food products made by Amy's Kitchen and Turtle Island Foods. Daiya has won many awards for its products, including the 2009 Veggie Award for Product of the Year. In 2011, BC Business magazine named Daiya one of the 20 most innovative companies in British Columbia.
In July 2017, Otsuka Pharmaceutical agreed to acquire 100 percent of Daiya Foods for $405 million.
History
Andre Kroecher first began developing Daiya in 2005. Greg Blake partnered with Kroecher in 2007 and the two spent the next year developing the mozzarella and cheddar style shreds based on Kroecher's early innovations. Food scientist Paul Wong was brought on in early 2008 to help with scaleup and refining the formulations. Daiya Foods, Inc's alternatives were first introduced at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, in 2009 and were an instant success. In late 2009, Daiya Foods moved to a dedicated facility to ensure the highest level of food safety After Daiya's acquisition by Otsuka, some retailers discontinued carrying Daiya products due to Otsuka's practice of using animal testing.In November 2019, Daiya Foods appointed Hajime Fujita as its new chief executive officer, a role in which he will oversee global operations and the brand's international expansion. Fujita joins Daiya from its parent company, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Melanie Domer has been promoted to chief commercial officer, and John Kelly to chief marketing officer, marking significant leadership changes within the company.