Sunrise Soya Foods | About

Leslie Joe makes the first block of creamy tofu in a small kitchen behind Sunrise Market, the family operated grocery store on Vancouver's east side.
The tofu making process was completely manual with small scale equipment.
The original tofu making area was about 500 square feet.
In 1959, Leslie and Susan start their family with the birth of their son, Peter. He goes on to become company President and CEO.

Leslie and Susan move their store to a larger location on the corner of the block near their original site.

The tofu making area is increased to 800 square feet.

Daughters Sally and Winnie are born.

Sunrise purchases small scale Japanese tofu equipment capable of producing 1,000 lb. of tofu per day.

The popularity of tofu increases as the link between diet and good health increases in public awareness.

Sunrise products appear in bulk in local heath food stores.

The Joe family celebrates the birth of their third daughter, Jenny Joe
Sunrise increases production capacity to 1,500 lb. per day.
Peter Joe begins working in the family business.
Universities begin serious research into the health benefits of soy beans and soy products.
The three sisters take on the management of the corner store which has become a robust retail business.

Sunrise Soya 70s

In 1983, Sunrise purchases the site of their present Vancouver manufacturing plant.
The next year, 1984, sees Sunrise move to a new 5,000 square foot plant at that location. New technology, equipment and manufacturing processes not only allow an increase in production to 15,000 lb. per day, but also a further improvement in production quality.
In 1985, Sunrise sells its first "packaged" tofu through supermarket chains in Western Canada.
Sunrise introduces pasteurized products to further expand distribution and availability.
The product line is expanded to include soy beverages.
Sunrise ships their first packaged tofu out of British Columbia to outlets in Alberta, Ontario and Washington.
Sunrise becomes a market leader in Western Canada with an expanding product portfolio.

Sunrise purchases property adjacent to its Vancouver manufacturing facility, which allows them to expand manufacturing and warehousing space to 35,000 square feet.
Sunrise acquires Mandarin Soya Foods in 1994. Mandarin offers a complementary line of soy products and the acquisition allows Sunrise to increase its share of the tofu market in Canada.
By 1995 Sunrise tofu is available in more than 1,000 stores across Canada.
Sunrise produces the first organic tofu with the introduction of Soyganic brand.
In 1999, Sunrise responds to consumer demand by restating its commitment to the use of non-GMO soy beans in all its products.
That same year, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America grants Sunrise kosher certification, including permission to use the Circle-U symbol on all packaging.

Sunrise Soya 90s

In April 2002, expanding markets in Eastern Canada prompt Sunrise to open a 65,000 square foot manufacturing and warehousing facility in Toronto, from which the company will service the Ontario, Quebec and Eastern United States markets.
May 2002 sees Sunrise's newest brand, Pete's Tofu, launched. Pete's Tofu is aimed at tofu novices and experts alike. "Taking the guesswork out of tofu," Pete's line-up includes convenient, ready-to-eat products such as savory tofu triangles and tofu desserts.

Sunrise launches Coconut and Banana flavours in twin packs.
Presenting sponsor of the 2006 season of CityCooks, popular TV Show. Sunrise Soya Foods will be featured through on set product displays, 30 second promos and a special tofu week.
Feb 2006 Sunrise releases its Vancouver Chefs Take on Tofu Cookbook, featuring 21 different Vancouver restaurants and 42 wonderful tofu recipes. Half of all sales go to the Canadian Diabetes
Sunrise Soya Foods celebrates its 50th Anniversary in May 2006!

Sunrise Soya 2006