Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited (DIJL) is celebrating 60 years of success in the Jamaican dairy sector, recognized for brands like Tastee cheese and Really Great yoghurt. Founded in the 1960s, DIJL operates as a joint venture between GraceKennedy and Fonterra, and is committed to quality, innovation, and global expansion.
Dairy Industries Jamaica Limited (DIJL), a key player in the Jamaican dairy sector known for its renowned brands such as Tastee cheese, Really Great yoghurt, and Anchor, is celebrating 60 years of success. Founded in the early 1960s through a partnership between the New Zealand Dairy Board and Jamaican manufacturers, DIJL became a subsidiary of GraceKennedy (GK) Limited in 1996. Today, it operates under a joint venture between GraceKennedy and Fonterra Co-operative Group, each holding 50% governance control.
Since its inception in 1968 with cheese production, DIJL has expanded its product portfolio to include yogurt, powdered milk, sour cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Its flagship product, Tastee cheese, accounts for approximately 80% of total sales, commanding 85% of the Jamaican cheese market while also establishing a growing presence in North America and the Caribbean.
DIJL prides itself on being a leader in quality and innovation, having become the first company in the Caribbean to receive ISO 9001 certification in 1995. Subsequent investments in advanced cheese and yogurt production lines have further solidified its position in Jamaica’s food industry. The company has also achieved significant food safety certifications, including HACCP and FSSC 22000:2017.
As it celebrates its 60th anniversary in April 2024, DIJL’s leadership, including General Manager Radcliffe Walker and Chairman Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., expressed optimism about the company’s future. They emphasized ambitious plans for global expansion, aiming to generate 50% of revenue from exports. The company is set to introduce innovative products, including cheese spreads infused with smoked and jerk flavors, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
DIJL’s commitment to excellence, backed by its partnership with Fonterra, positions it to lead the dairy industry into the future, driving growth and delivering high-quality products across international markets.
