About us

In 2019, Tobias, a food scientist, and Mike, a trained chef and microbiologist, met at the University of Applied Sciences in Bern (HAFL). Both were driven by the question of how to make use of byproducts from the food industry. It quickly became clear that okara, through traditional fermentation, could be transformed into a delicious, juicy, and fully plant-based source of protein. The first prototypes were born.

Flavio, a financial advisor, passionate foodie and amateur fermenter, meets Mike and Tobias by chance during the Corona pandemic. The first joint projects were already underway by summer, from which Luya gradually developed. The first taste test took place in the same year at a Zurich Christmas market – with great success.

In 2021, „they“ became „we“ and, with feedback from various restaurateurs, we quickly took our products to the next level. Success was not long in coming, and by summer, the first restaurants already wanted to add our products to their menus. A company had to be founded: Luya was born.

In April 2022, we left the HAFL laboratories behind and moved into our own production facility in a former chocolate factory in Bern-Bümpliz. In June, the first Luya products were launched in Swiss retail.

Step by step, we continue to expand our production, launch new product formats, and win over more and more people to Luya.

In 2024, Nina joins Luya to complete the founding team. Be part of the good food revolution and stay up to date with our newsletter.

The team is growing: By building a dedicated sales and marketing team, we are laying the foundation for the next phase of growth. At the same time, we continue to work on new product formats – because innovation at Luya never stops.

The next chapter begins: New products are finding their way into restaurants and onto plates – including the plant-based tartare, which is being launched in foodservice. And we still have a few things up our sleeve in retail. Flavio is stepping down from day-to-day operations. Nina and Tobi will take over leadership together.