As producer of the world-famous Tastee cheese and the popular This Is Really Great Yoghurt and Anchor brands, Dairy Industry Jamaica Limited (DIJL) has since 1964 continued to emerge as a trusted company most known and loved for its dairy products.

Founded in the early 1960s out of a partnership between the New Zealand (NZ) Dairy Board and a consortium of Jamaican manufacturers, the company, post-acquisition of shares in 1996 officially became a subsidiary of manufacturing conglomerate GraceKennedy (GK) Limited after it purchased the shares of the local companies. However, under a joint venture agreement between GraceKennedy Ltd and Fonterra Co-operative Group (formerly NZ Dairy Board), both entities now maintain a 50-50 governance control of the manufacturing and processing entity.

Following its start of operations with cheese production in 1968, the company has since expanded the product line to include yoghurt, powdered milk, sour cream, cream cheese and most recently, shredded cheese.

“The company is the only manufacturing entity in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean that produces processed cheese in a can with Tastee cheese being our flagship brand,” a historical overview about DIJL’s start-up detailed.

The Tastee cheese product manufactured in vacuum packs and as cheese spreads, has over the last few decades, mainly through its canned form, continue to account for about 80 per cent of total sales volumes for DIJL. The company also stocks a wide variety of other cheese products manufactured under the Crest and Cheder brands.

“With an astounding 85 per cent market share in Jamaica and a growing presence in North America and the Caribbean, Dairy Industries canned cheese is not just a product, but a cultural institution that has become synonymous with Easter traditions and everyday culinary delights,” the history further noted.

Offering more products under the Really Great and Anchor lines, the company said it has over the years established meaningful partnerships with local and international bakeries enticing them with innovative product solutions, particularly those geared towards changing palates and satisfying the diversity of consumer needs.

The Washington Boulevard based production facility in touting its achievement on becoming the first company in the Caribbean to become ISO 9001 certified, which it secured in 1995, prides this among its many other accomplishments of which it is most proud. The installation of a US$2.5-million Gold Peg cheese processing line later in 1999 coupled with the 2020 commissioning of a modern US$1.6 million yogurt production line adds to the growing list of achievements. Additional qualifications in food safety such as the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification from Guelph Food Technology Centre and FSSC 22000:2017 further positions it as a qualified operator in Jamaica’s ever-evolving food industry.

Fresh off its celebration of 60 years of existence on April 23rd of this year, the successes of DIJL its directors said have continued to position it as a pioneer in the field backed by a legacy built on the highest standards of excellence.

“From introducing new product lines to implementing sustainable practices, DIJL has continuously strived to remain a leader as it push boundaries in Jamaica’s food industry,” GK Group CEO Don Wehby said in his congratulatory message on the occasion of the company’s recent 60th anniversary celebrations.

Attributing the company’s many accomplishments to its rich history built on a foundation of “innovation and growth”, General Manager Radcliffe Walker, who has been with the company for the last 15 years, ascending to his current role in 2019, said it will continue to bring new solutions to market. This, as it makes plans to up the flavour profile with new cheese spreads, including smoke and jerk variations.

“Our aim is to become the one-stop shop for dairy products, offering quality and innovation that surpasses expectation. Over the 60 years we have transformed our flagship brand into a household name, not only in Jamaica but also across USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

“Our vision is to generate 50 per cent of our revenues from export, expanding our reach and making the company a global leader in the dairy industry,” he said of the outlook.

Fuelled by the support of a loyal customer base and hard-working staff, Chairman Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee, Jr further underscored the need for their continued dedication which he believes will be instrumental in pushing the entity forward, especially now, as it looks to embark on the next phase of growth and expansion.

“From the boardroom to the factory floor, your efforts have propelled us to greatness. As we chart our course for the future, sustainability, technology and world-class management systems are at the forefront of our agenda and with Fonterra’s expertise, we are poised to lead the industry into its next era of excellence,” he said.

“As DIJL looks towards the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver superior dairy products, while embracing sustainability and driving growth through innovation and market expansion — indeed, the future is bright,” the directors concluded.