Swissoja, a history and values
La Maison du Tofu in Carouge in 1977 .
1977 – La Maison du Tofu
The company’s history began in 1977 in Carouge, Switzerland, under the name “La Maison du tofu”. The idea of its founder was to commit to healthy food, respectful of people and the environment at a time when vegetarianism was still very marginal.
It was one of the first tofu factories in Europe to offer a range of premium quality soya-based products. Our ambition was to win over the hearts and taste buds of a clientele who, at the time, had probably never heard of soya and its excellent nutritional properties.
1993 – The will of a man
It was in 1993 that the company first took off under the leadership of its sole employee.
Alfonso Martinez decided to continue the business on his own. He enabled the company to enjoy its first hours of growth in the French-speaking Swiss market.
2000 – Organic certification
At this time, consumers’ interest in organic products is gaining ground, and their consumption is becoming increasingly democratized.
In the early 2000s, we obtained the organic certification. Our products also meet the requirements of the organic Suisse specifications, which means that Swissoja complies with the “Ordonnance suisse sur l’agriculture biologique”.
Since then, we’ve been proudly displaying the Bourgeon label, which is highly trusted by consumers.
Manuel Martinez, CEO of Swissoja.
2007 – A new era
His nephew Manuel Martinez takes over the leadership of the company.
The growth of our establishment continues to accelerate and is accompanied by investments allowing us to both maintain artisanal activity, following traditional and ancestral manufacturing methods, and acquire additional tools essential for achieving the highest hygiene standards applicable in the field of the food industry.
The company has grown from 2 to 23 employees since 2007.
2013 – Inauguration of the new production laboratory
In April 2013, driven by new partners, the company and its entire team moved to new production laboratories in Geneva.
Since it was founded in 1977, the company has retained its traditional manufacturing methods, employing more people than machines. Only the work of a team of enthusiasts can continue to offer products of the quality offered by SWISSOJA.
2015 – Our Organic Soya Drink is launched
In 2015, we bottled the first soya juice, more commonly known as soya drink, and began marketing it through our distribution network.
Our Soya Drink, made from certified organic Swiss soya beans (and not from soya flour like most soya drinks), is naturally lactose-free and has the special feature of being available in the refrigerated section.
2016 – Swissoja exports to France
With the organic sector gaining more and more prominence nationally and internationally, we began exporting our products to the Rungis market (France) in 2016.
With its more than 5,500 m2, Rungis is the largest sales space dedicated to organic products in Europe and has thus become a national reference in the field.
2019 – The commercialization of Okara
In 2019, we introduced Okara to our wide customer base, increasingly keen on vegan and organic products.
Indeed, Okara Okara (soya pulp) is the perfect ally in the kitchen, especially for vegetarians and/or those intolerant to gluten. Widely used in vegan dishes, Okara is an ideal substitute for eggs (and flour), as it provides texture while having a neutral taste.
SWISSOJA,
a history and values
a history and values
1977
La Maison du Tofu
La Maison du Tofu
The company’s history began in 1977 in Carouge, Switzerland, under the name “La Maison du tofu”. The idea of its founder was to commit to healthy food, respectful of people and the environment at a time when vegetarianism was still very marginal.
It was one of the first tofu factories in Europe to offer a range of premium quality soya-based products. Our ambition was to win over the hearts and taste buds of a clientele who, at the time, had probably never heard of soya and its excellent nutritional properties.
1993
The will of a man
The will of a man
It was in 1993 that the company first took off under the leadership of its sole employee.
Alfonso Martinez decided to continue the business on his own. He enabled the company to enjoy its first hours of growth in the French-speaking Swiss market.
2000
Organic certification
Organic certification
At this time, consumers’ interest in organic products is gaining ground, and their consumption is becoming increasingly democratized.
In the early 2000s, we obtained the organic certification. Our products also meet the requirements of the organic Suisse specifications, which means that Swissoja complies with the “Ordonnance suisse sur l’agriculture biologique”.
Since then, we’ve been proudly displaying the Bourgeon label, which is highly trusted by consumers.
2007
A new era
A new era
Manuel Martinez, CEO of Swissoja.
His nephew Manuel Martinez takes over the leadership of the company.
The growth of our establishment continues to accelerate and is accompanied by investments allowing us to both maintain artisanal activity, following traditional and ancestral manufacturing methods, and acquire additional tools essential for achieving the highest hygiene standards applicable in the field of the food industry.
2013
Inauguration of the new production laboratory
Inauguration of the new production laboratory
The company has grown from 2 to 23 employees since 2007.
In April 2013, driven by new partners, the company and its entire team moved to new production laboratories in Geneva.
Since it was founded in 1977, the company has retained its traditional manufacturing methods, employing more people than machines. Only the work of a team of enthusiasts can continue to offer products of the quality offered by SWISSOJA.
2015
Our Soja Drink Bio is launched
Our Soja Drink Bio is launched
In 2015, we bottled the first soya juice, more commonly known as soya drink, and began marketing it through our distribution network.
Our Soya Drink, made from certified organic Swiss soya beans (and not from soya flour like most soya drinks), is naturally lactose-free and has the special feature of being available in the refrigerated section.
2016
Swissoja exports to France
Swissoja exports to France
With the organic sector gaining more and more prominence nationally and internationally, we began exporting our products to the Rungis market (France) in 2016
With its more than 5,500 m2, Rungis is the largest sales space dedicated to organic products in Europe and has thus become a national reference in the field.
2019
The commercialization of Okara
The commercialization of Okara
In 2019, we introduced Okara to our wide customer base, increasingly keen on vegan and organic products.
Indeed, Okara Okara (soya pulp) is the perfect ally in the kitchen, especially for vegetarians and/or those intolerant to gluten. Widely used in vegan dishes, Okara is an ideal substitute for eggs (and flour), as it provides texture while having a neutral taste.
