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, established 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. After arriving in California in 1908, Keisaburo embarked on a series of ventures, from wildcatting for oil to co-partnering in a tuna cannery near Los Angeles, before setting his sights on a familiar product – rice. In his efforts to control all aspects of quality, Keisaburo eventually built his vertically integrated rice farm and processing facility.
Over the decades, Koda Farms pioneered numerous advancements in rice farming, including aerial seeding, and 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 wasn’t without challenges. The Koda family faced significant hardships during World War II when they were interned, and most of their land and assets were sold off due to mismanagement. 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 cease rice farming and processing on their homestead. However, their legacy lives on through a new partnership with Western Foods, a leading grain manufacturer based in Woodland, California.
In July 2024, Koda Farms announced their collaboration with Western Foods, entrusting them with the continued production of Koda Farms’ renowned products, including Kokuho Rose®, Sho-Chiku-Bai®, Blue Star® Brand Mochiko, and Diamond K®. Commencing a new chapter in the Koda Farms story, 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 alliance, some Kokuho Rose® rice will continue to be grown in South Dos Palos, where the Koda family farmed for decades, while production expands to the Sacramento Delta region. Additionally, a portion of Koda Farms’ Blue Star® Mochiko and Diamond K® rice flours may be processed at Western Foods’ state-of-the-art facility in Arkansas, ensuring these beloved products 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.