The origins of DAERRYS trace back to 2013, when researchers Dr. Dana G. Vera Cruz and Dr. Tereso A. Abella of Central Luzon State University began developing a method to transform tilapia into a premium dessert without its characteristic fishy flavor. Through extensive research and food processing techniques, the team successfully created a protein-rich ice cream using processed tilapia flakes.

The technology was further refined through funding from the Philippine Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and later commercialized under Vera Bella Enterprises Limited Co., a university spin-off company established with support from the CLSU Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator (AFTBI). 2

In 2016, the innovation received international recognition after winning the Innovation Gold Award at the Salon International de l’Agroalimentaire (SIAL ASEAN) Manila, helping establish DAERRYS as one of the country’s notable food innovation brands. 3

The name DAERRYS is used as the commercial identity for the company’s food products. The trademark is registered in the Philippines for food products and food service under Classes 30 and 43, with registration granted in 2022. 4

DAERRYS specializes in nutritious frozen desserts and snack products, including:

• Tilapia Ice Cream (Classic)
• Tilapia Ice Cream Sandwich
• Tilapia Praline Crunch
• Tilapia Fryewich
• Tilapia Oatmeal Cookies
• High-protein frozen desserts
• Specialty café menu items served through DAERRYS Scoop ‘N Bites

According to project reports, the products contain higher protein levels than conventional ice cream while maintaining a creamy texture and minimal fish flavor through proprietary processing techniques. 1

DAERRYS was created as part of efforts to increase the value of Philippine aquaculture products. Instead of marketing tilapia solely as fresh fish, the research focused on producing premium food products with greater commercial value.

The project contributes to:

• Value addition for tilapia farming
• Food innovation through university research
• Higher-protein functional foods
• Technology commercialization
• Sustainable agricultural entrepreneurship

The initiative also supports local fisherfolk, dairy suppliers, cooperatives, and rural enterprises through its production network. 1

Following successful commercialization, DAERRYS products became available through:

• DAERRYS Scoop ‘N Bites
• Selected Shell Select convenience stores
• Philippine Carabao Center outlets
• Milka Krem
• Partner cafés and specialty retailers in Nueva Ecija

The brand has also pursued collaborations with food businesses and explored international partnerships, including a joint venture aimed at introducing its products to the Malaysian market. 3

In March 2023, the company opened its first dedicated retail outlet, DAERRYS Scoop ‘N Bites, in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The shop serves its signature tilapia-based desserts alongside sandwiches, pasta, and snack items, functioning as both a retail store and a showcase for the brand’s food innovations. 3

DAERRYS aims to:

• Transform scientific research into commercially successful food products.
• Increase the value of Philippine aquaculture resources.
• Provide healthier, protein-rich dessert alternatives.
• Support local farmers and fisherfolk through technology-driven entrepreneurship.
• Promote sustainable food innovation originating from Philippine universities. 1

The DAERRYS innovation has received several notable recognitions:

• Innovation Gold Award at SIAL ASEAN Manila (2016) for Tilapia Ice Cream.
• Featured by Philippine government agencies as a successful example of university technology commercialization.
• Highlighted by agricultural and entrepreneurship organizations as a model research spin-off. 3

DAERRYS is considered one of the Philippines’ notable examples of research-based food innovation, demonstrating how academic research can be transformed into commercially viable products with economic and social benefits. By combining food science, aquaculture, and entrepreneurship, the brand has helped popularize the concept of fish-based premium desserts while creating additional market opportunities for local agricultural communities. 1

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2. Verabella Enterprises Ltd. launches Daerrys Scoop ‘N Bites
3. CLSU Trademark Registration Document – Daerrys Class 30 & 43 – Studocu
4. Climate Resilient Agriculture and Fisheries through Transformative Research for Development: