Daiya

Daiya

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Products & Launches

Daiya Launches Spicy New Dairy-Free Cheese: Chipotle Cheddar and Pepper Jack

Vancouver-based plant-based brand Daiya has launched two new dairy-free cheese products: Chipotle Cheddar Shreds and Pepper Jack Slices. Both offerings are made with the company’s proprietary Oat Cream™ blend, which provides a creamy texture and meltability similar to traditional dairy cheeses. The Chipotle Cheddar Shreds feature a smoky, spicy flavor profile derived from real chipotle peppers, making them a suitable addition to tacos, burgers, quesadillas, or as a standalone snack. These shreds are marketed as the first in the dairy-free category to offer such a bold level of heat. The Pepper Jack Slices combine a cheddar-style base with jalapeños and red bell peppers for a balanced heat. These slices are positioned as versatile, with uses spanning sandwiches, burgers, and grilled cheese. Both products utilize Daiya’s …

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Daiya cream cheese packet

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Products & Launches

Grab-and-Go Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Packets Added to Daiya’s Foodservice Portfolio

Daiya has introduced a new dairy-free cream cheese in single-serve 1oz packets aimed at foodservice operators, marking the first product of its kind in this format. The product, made with Daiya’s proprietary Oat Cream™ blend, delivers a texture and flavor intended to replicate traditional dairy cream cheese. Single-serve dairy cream cheese portions are common in cafés, hotels, and grab-and-go outlets, but until now, no comparable dairy-free option has been available. According to Daiya, their new cream cheese packets respond to increased consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, particularly during breakfast hours, without sacrificing convenience or quality. The packets are designed for portability and ease of use in foodservice environments, providing a smooth, spreadable texture suitable for bagels, toast, and similar applications. The product is allergen-friendly, carrying …

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Daiya cream cheese

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Cheese Alternatives

Daiya Reformulates Classic Dairy-Free Cream Cheese and Mac & Cheese for Enhanced Flavor

Daiya has introduced updated versions of its Dairy-Free Cream Cheese and Deluxe Mac & Cheese lines, featuring improved formulations with enhanced taste and texture. The newly reformulated Dairy-Free Cream Cheese now includes Daiya’s proprietary Daiya Oat Cream™ blend, which contributes to a smoother and creamier consistency. The updated line features four flavors, including the introduction of a new Cinnamon Twist variety. This new option combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla for a sweet, spiced spread that caters to a growing demand for indulgent flavors. Daiya’s Deluxe Mac & Cheese has also undergone reformulation, with changes made to both the sauce and pasta for improved texture and flavor. The updated product line includes three varieties: Cheddar, White Cheddar, and Alfredo. The reformulated versions are said to offer …

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Daiya crustbuster pop up

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Fairs & Events

Daiya Hosts 90s-Themed Pop-Up to Promote Dairy-Free Pizza in NYC

Dairy-free cheese leader Daiya organized a 90s-themed pop-up event last Friday in New York City to promote its dairy-free pizza offerings. Dubbed “Crustbuster,” the event took place at SoHo’s Upside Pizza and attracted more than 500 attendees, including food influencers and local comedians. The event was designed to address what the company has termed “FOMOO” — the “fear of missing out on dairy.” According to Daiya, skepticism about taste remains a primary obstacle for consumers considering dairy-free options. To counter this, the company showcased its revamped pizza line made with the Daiya Oat Cream™ Blend, which it claims replicates the taste and texture of traditional dairy-based pizzas. John Kelly, chief marketing officer at Daiya, explained the purpose of the event, stating, “We’ve worked tirelessly to …

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Daiya pizza

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Company News

Daiya’s Improved Pizzas with New Fermented Oat Cheese Are Huge Hit with Consumers

Coinciding with National Pizza Month, Daiya, a leading North American product of plant-based dairy alternatives, has introduced a significantly updated version of its plant-based pizza line. The company recently completed a multi-million-dollar upgrade to its bakery facility, allowing for significant improvements in both production capacity and product quality. The reformulated pizzas are now available at major retailers throughout the United States and Canada. The new pizzas feature a gluten-free crust that is lighter, crispier, and fluffier than previous versions, paired with a tomato sauce that has been refined for a richer flavor. However, the most notable difference is the new cheese blend, made with Daiya’s proprietary Daiya Oat Cream™ blend, which was developed and introduced earlier this year. Created through fermentation using plant-based cultures, the …

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The Kraft Heinz Not Company KD mac & cheese

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Products & Launches

Daiya and The Kraft Heinz NotCompany Both Launch Vegan Mac & Cheese in Canada

Two major, noteworthy brands in the alternative foods space have launched vegan mac & cheese products this week in Canada, a country known for its love of the traditionally dairy-heavy dish. The Kraft Heinz Not Company, a joint venture between Kraft Heinz — the name most closely associated with packet mac and cheese — and Chile’s NotCo, has today debuted KD NotMacandCheese in Canada, marking the first plant-based addition to its Canadian product line. Concurrently, Daiya, known for its dairy-free cheese alternatives, announced the introduction of a new line of Dry Powdered Mac & Cheese. Canada as biggest market for mac & cheese In November of last year, The Kraft Heinz Not Company debuted the plant-based Mac & Cheese in the United States. However, the …

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Daiya Foods Fromage Forgery

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Marketing & Media

Daiya Introduces “Fromage Forgery” with Actor Lionel Boyce in a Nod to Dupe Culture

Daiya, a leading dairy-free brand, has launched “Fromage Forgery,” a marketing campaign to promote the newly launched formula, introducing its newly revamped dairy-free cheese to a wider audience in collaboration with actor Lionel Boyce, known for his work on the award-winning series “The Bear”. The initiative plays off the ‘dupe culture’ trend, which has been prevalent in other sectors such as fashion and beauty, and involves product alternatives that closely resemble original luxury items. The company marked this initiative in downtown New York City, where over 350 people gathered to experience Daiya’s cheese alternative with its proprietary Daiya Oat Cream™ blend and its ability to mimic traditional dairy cheese in both taste and texture. The product’s “cheese dupe status” was showcased through a simple yet …

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Daiya new formulation

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Cheese Alternatives

Daiya to “Revitalize the Category’s Market Potential” with Natural Fermentation Recipe Switch

Daiya, a global leader in plant-based dairy, has announced the relaunch of popular plant-based cheese products with new and improved recipe formulations. This introduction follows the company’s significant multi-million dollar investment in a groundbreaking natural fermentation technology earlier this year, which CEO Michael Watt said was “one of the largest investments in next-generation plant-based cheese since we started the company 15 years ago.” The reformulated cheese line, now available across North America, incorporates the Daiya Oat Cream blend, a propriety cultured ingredient that will now be central to Daiya’s offerings. The new formula is being used in products including dairy-free shreds, slices, blocks, and sticks, aiming to replicate the melt and flavor of traditional dairy cheese, meeting consumer expectations for taste and texture. Traditional fermentation …

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Daiya new CEO Hajime Fujita

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People

Daiya Appoints Hajime Fujita as New CEO to Lead Continued Global Expansion

British Colombia-based vegan cheese leader Daiya Foods, which has a wide retail footprint globally, this week announces the appointment of Hajime Fujita to the role of Chief Executive Officer. In his new role, Mr Fujita, a former director at Daiya, will lead all global operations throughout North America and the brand’s continued international expansion. He previously served as Vice President, Business Planning, at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, the Japanese pharmaceutical and nutraceutical company that acquired Daiya in 2017 for CAD$405 million / USD$326 million, with Mr Fujita playing a key role in the acquisition before joining the Daiya team. Since joining Daiya, Mr Fujita held the role of Director, Financial Planning and Analysis then took a seat on Daiya’s board as part of a Vice President role …

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Canadian vegan brands

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Food & Beverage

4 Top Canadian Vegan Brands Driving Innovation

The US plant-based market has often cast a shadow on its Canadian counterparts, but several vegan brands are not only thriving in Canada, but innovating in the plant-based and alt-protein space. Vegans and vegetarians make up almost 10% of the Canadian population, and although there are many plant-based options available in retailers across the country, Canadian consumers say supporting home-grown businesses is important to them. From established household names to emerging players, these companies are redefining the possibilities of Canadian vegan cuisine.  1. Daiya The trailblazer of the Canadian plant-based industry is, of course, Daiya, who pretty much pioneered dairy alternatives in Canada back in 2009 with its cheddar and mozzarella-style shreds. Many pizza chains across Canada and the United States use Daiya as their …

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Daiya LEED Certified Offices

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Sustainability / Environment

Daiya’s State-of-the-Art Plant-Based Food Facility Earns Coveted LEED Certification

Plant-based cheese leader Daiya announces it has received LEED certification for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and offices in Burnaby, British Columbia. In doing so, Daiya states the Canadian site is the largest plant-based food facility in North America to receive the coveted environmental certification.  According to Daiya, obtaining LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) recognition has been critical to its mission of producing high-quality dairy-free alternatives with minimal impact on the planet. The company’s Burnaby plant is said to be the largest stand-alone plant-based food facility in North America, and Daiya went “beyond what is expected of brands” to earn the distinction. Some of the programs and processes it implemented include: Designing both office and production facilities to use less energy with high-efficiency LEED …

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Vegan BBQ Bacon Flatbread

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Products & Launches

Daiya Rolls Out New Allergen Friendly Chick’n Shreds on Top of Pizzas and Flatbreads

Dairy alternatives leader Daiya announces its newest product innovation, Chick’n style shreds, which the brand is rolling out on new signature pizzas and flatbreads.  The shreds, made from peas, oats, and rice, are said to be an allergen-friendly product that meets current demand for better plant-based chicken alternatives. When paired with Daiya’s pizzas and flatbreads, the shreds are said to offer an easy and convenient frozen meal option. Now available at Walmart, consumers can enjoy the Chick’n style shreds in the following products:  Daiya BBQ Plant-Based Chick’n Style Thin Crust Pizza – Daiya’s gluten-free thin crust layered with chick’n style shreds, smoky BBQ sauce, tomatoes, red onions, and melty mozzarella shreds  Daiya Plant-Based Chick’n, Smoked Bac’n & Ranch Style Flatbread – Pulled shreds, smoked bac’n …

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Daiya melt

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Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Daiya Announces Multi Million Investment in Fermentation Tech for “Next-Generation” Plant-Based Cheese

Daiya today announces a multi-million dollar investment in a new natural fermentation technology that it states will launch the next generation of plant-based cheese. Instead of relying on precision fermentation to create dairy cheese with milk proteins, Daiya’s new fermentation breakthrough combines traditional cheesemaking methods with modern technology to continue producing plant-based cheese that offers similar features to dairy cheese, says the company. Raising the bar for the category Daiya states it can now develop a new category of cheese that surpasses other available products in terms of taste, melting, and stretching capabilities.  “This is one of the largest investments in next-generation plant-based cheese since we started the company 15 years ago,” said Daiya CEO Michael Watt. “This is Daiya raising the bar for what …

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daiya flatbread

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Products & Launches

Daiya Launches “First-Ever” Plant-Based & Allergen-Friendly Flatbreads

Daiya today introduces its latest innovation — plant-based flatbreads — debuting in Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Fig; Tomato, Sunflower Seed Pesto, & Arugula; and Meatless Italian Sausage style crumbles, Roasted Pepper, & Kale flavors, in Canada and the US. Inspired by an Italian trattoria experience, the company claims the launch to be the first-ever plant-based and allergen-friendly flatbreads on the market. The products feature Daiya Cutting Board Cheeze Shreds on a thin gluten-free crust. Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Fig — Features mushrooms and caramelized onions plus sweet fig and kale, topped with a creamy garlic sauce and Daiya mozza and feta-style cheeze. Meatless Italian Sausage Style Crumbles, Roasted Pepper & Kale — With meatless Italian sausage style crumbles, sweet and smoky roasted yellow peppers, leafy …

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Daiya grilling cheeze & feta

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Cheese Alternatives

Daiya Launches Oat-Based Grilling Cheeze and Feta Blocks

Plant-based cheese brand Daiya has added two new Mediterranean-inspired varieties, the Grilling Cheeze and Feta Style blocks, to its US range. Inspired by halloumi, the Grilling Cheeze is said to be the first of its kind to be made with oats and chickpeas. The cheeze maintains its shape when grilled or fried, achieving a golden crust while remaining soft inside. It can be used in wraps, salads, sandwiches, and more. The Feta Style block is made with oats and olive oil. It crumbles easily and can be used in both hot and cold dishes, including pastas, pizzas, and bruschetta. “The chance to once again gather with family and friends to reconnect over our favorite foods this summer provides the perfect opportunity to awaken new and …

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Quorn ChiQin Hot Honey Wings_2

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Market & Trends

Consumers Choose Quorn and Daiya as 2022 Plant-Based Products of the Year

Data consulting firm Kantar announces Quorn ChiQin Cutlets and Daiya Cheese have been chosen as 2022 Products of the Year in meatless and plant-based categories.  The annual Product of the Year Awards is the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, says Kantar, and serves as a benchmark for predicting top interests and trends in the year ahead. The Awards also provides a reliable resource for consumers seeking out the best new products in retail or online. Winners in the plant-based and natural categories include:  CBD Gummies | Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies – Charlotte’s Web, Inc. Meatless | Quorn Meatless Homestyle & Kickin’ ChiQin Cutlets – Quorn Foods Plant-Based Food | Plant-Based Cheeze Shreds – Daiya Probiotics | Bio-K+ Extra Cognition with Cereboost – Bio-K+ International …

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Daiya Foods Dairy-Free Cheese Range

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Market & Trends

South Korea Set for Vegan Cheese Explosion Following Yangyoo and Daiya Moves 

Korean food and beverage leader Yangyoo is set to reveal its new vegan cheese line, as the big data-led company looks to increase its presence in the plant-based space. Meanwhile, North American dairy-free giant Daiya Foods announces a sales and distribution partnership in South Korea, following a partnership with Hyundai Green Food.  Seoul-based Yangyoo will exhibit its vegan cheese for the first time at CES 2022 – one of the most influential tech events in the world. Developed by Armored Fresh, its US subsidiary, the vegan cheese line is developed with plant-based protein fermentation and features six types, including camembert and burrata.  Daiya Foods meanwhile has shared details regarding a new partnership with Hyundai Green Food to meet the growing appetite for plant-based foods in …

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Dan Hua, Daiya

Dan Hua © Daiya
Interviews

Daiya: “We Remain Steadfast in Our Commitment to Creating Foods That Are Better for People and Planet”

Daiya Foods is one of the founding members of The Plant Based Foods Association and one of the largest companies in the plant-based space. From its beginnings in the alt dairy category to its most recent investment in Protein Industries Canada, Daiya has been a leader in the sector. With its name created as a play on the words “Dairy” and “Dayaa” – Sanskrit for “loving, kindness and compassion” – the brand supplies vegan cheese to fast food chains such as Johnny Rockets and created the first-to-market pizza crust created with cauliflower, sweet potato, and spinach. We had the opportunity to talk with Dan Hua, VP of Marketing at Daiya Foods about the company and its plant-based vision. How has Daiya evolved into a plant-based …

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TMRW Foods sausage

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Investments & Finance

Canada’s TMRW Foods Raises $2.6M For US Expansion With High Profile Investors From Daiya and Disney

Vancouver-based TMRW Foods announced this week a seed round investment of $2.6 million from investors including Greg Blake, Co-founder of Daiya, and Richard Cooperstein, CEO & Senior Managing Partner of Media Investment Group, former Senior Executive at Disney‘s Worldwide Television Group, Paramount Pictures & Facebook.   Other investors in the seed round included Eric Patel, Director at Fresh Prep, former Director at Smart Sweets, former Board Chairman at Daiya, and the Milne Group, owners of Virtuous Pie, Mila and Harken Coffee. The fresh funds will be used to further product innovation, North American expansion, and increased efficiency of current production lines. TMRW Foods portfolio currently includes TMRW Burgers, TMRW Breakfast Patties, TMRW Ground, 4 flavours of TMRW Sausages, and four flavours of the newly-launched TMRW …

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vegan-fashion-news

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Non-Food

Plant-Based Industry Leaders Speak Out on 2021’s All Vegan Met Gala Menu 

For the first time in the event’s history, the 2021 Met Gala will feature a sustainable and completely plant-based menu, featuring recipes from New York up-and-coming chefs.  “We hope that high-profile initiatives like the Met Gala’s will bring increased attention to this movement”  The luxurious, blockbuster event has enlisted 10 budding chefs from New York City to collectively craft a vegan menu for the biggest night in fashion. Vegconomist spoke with industry leaders in the plant-based world to get their take on the momentous occasion: “This is a pivotal moment for both our society as well as food culture, and it’s exciting to see that now people all over the world—in all circles and ways of life—are embracing the goodness of plant-based eating. As pioneers …

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