Brand: Daiya

Daiya Foods, founded in 2008 in Vancouver, British Columbia, pioneered plant-based dairy alternatives in Canada. The company was established by Andre Kroecher and Greg Blake, who sought to create dairy-free cheese alternatives that would actually melt and stretch like conventional cheese – a significant innovation at the time. The name “Daiya” was inspired by the word “Daylight,” reflecting the company’s mission to brighten people’s days with delicious plant-based foods.

Starting with their signature dairy-free cheese shreds, Daiya quickly gained recognition for creating products that addressed a growing demand for allergen-friendly alternatives. The company developed a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients, including cassava and arrowroot, to create products free from common allergens such as dairy, soy, and gluten. This innovative approach helped establish Daiya as a leader in the plant-based food sector.

The company expanded its product line beyond cheese alternatives to include pizzas, dressings, desserts, and other plant-based products, becoming one of North America’s largest plant-based food manufacturers. Their success in developing dairy-free alternatives that appealed to both vegans and dairy-sensitive consumers helped mainstream plant-based eating in Canada and beyond.

Notable: Despite its acquisition by Otsuka, Daiya maintains its Canadian operations and continues to innovate from its Vancouver headquarters. The company remains a significant employer in British Columbia’s food manufacturing sector and continues to lead in plant-based food innovation.

The brand has maintained its commitment to sustainability and allergen-friendly manufacturing practices, while expanding its reach globally. Daiya’s success story represents Canada’s growing influence in the plant-based food movement and demonstrates how Canadian food innovation can achieve global impact while maintaining local production and employment.

Founded: Canada
Current Ownership: Japan. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. (Japanese company, since 2017)
Manufacturing: Primary production facility in Burnaby, British Columbia