In the heart of California’s rich agricultural landscape, a nearly century-old legacy is taking a new direction. Koda Farms, renowned for its premium Japanese-style rice varieties, has been a symbol of quality and tradition for a century. As the third generation of the Koda family, siblings Robin and Ross Koda, prepare to step down, a new partnership with Western Foods is set to carry their esteemed heritage forward.
Koda Farms, founded in 1927 by Keisaburo Koda, has long been a cornerstone of California’s agricultural history. Keisaburo, a visionary entrepreneur, was the son of a rice miller and former samurai from Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. His journey to establish an American rice farm was a business venture and a lifelong mission. After arriving in California in 1908, Keisaburo embarked on a series of ventures, from drilling for oil to opening tuna canneries, before settling on a vertically integrated rice farm.
Over the decades, Koda Farms has pioneered numerous advancements in rice farming, including aerial seeding, and has developed iconic rice varieties. One is Kokuho Rose®, a fragrant medium-grain rice that has become a staple in many American kitchens.
However, the road has not been without challenges. The Koda family faced significant hardships during World War II when they were interned and lost most of their land and assets. Yet, with resilience and determination, they rebuilt their business from the ground up, continuing to produce high-quality rice that chefs and home cooks alike cherish.
As the challenges of modern farming—rising water costs, insurance premiums, and the need for new technology—have grown, the Koda family decided to close shop on their homestead. However, their legacy will live on through a new partnership with Western Foods, a leading grain manufacturer based in Woodland, California.
On July 29, 2024, Western Foods announced their collaboration with Koda Farms, taking on the responsibility of continuing the production of Koda’s renowned products, including Kokuho Rose®, Sho-Chiku-Bai®, Blue Star Brand® Mochiko, and Diamond K®. This partnership marks a new chapter in the Koda Farms story, as Western Foods will maintain the high standards and quality that have defined these brands for nearly a century while also introducing new manufacturing improvements and expanding the product line to include gluten-free options.
“We are honored to carry forward Koda Farms’ esteemed legacy,” said Miguel Reyna, Owner of Western Foods. “Our dedication to quality, consistency, and integrity perfectly aligns with the values that have defined Koda Farms for nearly a century. We are excited to introduce these brands to new audiences while staying true to the standards that have made them a staple in kitchens across the country.”
Under this new collaboration, some Kokuho Rose rice will continue to be grown in Dos Palos, where the Koda family has farmed for decades, while production will expand to the Sacramento Delta region. Additionally, some of Koda’s Blue Star Mochiko and Diamond K rice flours may be processed at Western Foods’ state-of-the-art facility in Arkansas, ensuring that these beloved products continue to meet the highest standards of quality.
Western Foods’ collaboration with Koda Farms is more than a business partnership; it is a passing of the torch, ensuring that the Koda family’s legacy continues to thrive in a new era. As production transitions and inventories are depleted, customers can rest assured that Western Foods will uphold the same dedication to excellence that defined Koda Farms.
For the Koda siblings, this transition is bittersweet but necessary. “For what our parents and grandparents went through, we feel a huge sense of obligation, but in another sense, I feel like it’s time to move on,” said Robin Koda. “My grandfather reinvented himself so many times after immigrating here—I think if he were in our boots, he’d say, yes, it’s time to move on.”
As Western Foods takes the helm, it does so with a deep respect for the history and values that have made Koda Farms a cherished name in the world of rice. Koda Farms’ future may look different, but its essence—built on quality, innovation, and a commitment to excellence—remains unchanged.
Stay tuned for more updates as Western Foods continues to honor the Koda legacy, bringing their beloved rice products to new generations of cooks and food enthusiasts.
Read the New York Times Article About Western Foods & Koda Farms.
© Western Foods 2024