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Kormotech Explores Brazil and Latin America as Next Growth Opportunities at PET South America 2026
News

5+ MIN

Kormotech Explores Brazil and Latin America as Next Growth Opportunities at PET South America 2026

For Kormotech, Brazil represents a significant opportunity within a broader Latin American strategy. The company currently does not have a distributor in Brazil and is using the market to evaluate potential partnerships, while already supplying private label products to Chile and working on registrations in other countries in the region. 

"We are here not only to search clients for the Brazilian market. We are looking more widely for the South American market," says Oleksandra Frayt, export sales manager at Kormotech, who attended the event alongside fellow export manager Olena Kukhar.

The company is particularly interested in finding strong importers and distributors with which it can develop both branded and private label businesses. "We are looking here for the partnership and to find a strong distributor importer with whom we can cooperate and export our brands and also private labels," Frayt explains. "We know that the Brazilian market is very strong and huge."
Brazil as Part of a Broader Regional Strategy
Kormotech's interest in Brazil comes from the country's scale, but the company's strategy extends beyond a single market. According to Frayt, Latin America is being evaluated as a region with potential for future growth, while the company continues to focus primarily on its established European markets.

"Actually, this market is not the main accent for now. We are just here to investigate," she says. Kormotech is currently more concentrated on the Central and Eastern European market but sees Brazil and Latin America as potential opportunities for the future. "But we know that the Brazilian market is growing. Also, Latin America has potential for us. We'll see how it works," she adds. 

The company's regional expansion has already begun elsewhere in South America. Kormotech currently has a partner in Chile and supplies private label products in the country, which Frayt describes as its first market entry in South America.

 "Nowadays we have a partner in Chile. We already supply private labels there. It is the first country we enter South America," Frayt says. She comments that they also started the registration of their brands in Peru, Costa Rica and Colombia. 'It is also interesting to us." 

Regulatory processes, however, are among the main challenges. Kormotech expects to face as it expands across the region. Registration timelines vary significantly between countries, according to Frayt. "The challenges might be these regulations during registration. It will be the first issue," she explains. "Some countries tell us it takes two to four months. Sometimes it can be six months. In Colombia it might take two years."
Premium Brands and Private Label Opportunities
At PET South America, Kormotech presented a portfolio that includes brands positioned in the premium segment, with Delickcious, Optimeal and Club 4 Paws identified by the company as particularly relevant for the Brazilian market. 'They're our premium segment, the most suitable for this market,' Frayt affirms.

The response from visitors during the exhibition provided an initial indication of interest. According to the export manager, visitors approached the Kormotech booth specifically to learn more about Delickcious, while the packaging and recipes also attracted attention.

At the same time, private labels emerged as another relevant opportunity for the company in Latin America. Kormotech says it has developed new recipes that generated interest among potential partners at the event.

The focus on private labels is particularly relevant to Kormotech's regional strategy because it allows the company to work with local partners while leveraging its manufacturing and product development capabilities.
A First Look at the Brazilian Market
Kormotech's participation in PET South America was also an opportunity to understand the market directly and assess the level of interest among potential commercial partners.

The company does not yet have a distributor in Brazil, but Frayt says its traditional model in other markets is to work through distributors. "Nowadays we have no distributor in Brazil. We would like to find such cooperation in Brazil or in other countries of South America. But usually we work through distributors," she says. 

The company's first experience at PET South America provided a significant number of contacts to follow up after the event. Frayt describes the exhibition as busy and highlights the business meetings as one of the most valuable aspects of the company's participation. 

Although Kormotech is still relatively unknown to Brazilian visitors, the company saw an opportunity to introduce its portfolio directly to potential buyers. Even so, she describes the meetings with buyers as productive, particularly during a dedicated meeting program.

According to the executive, Kormotech held a series of short meetings with buyers throughout the morning, with representatives from different Latin American markets. "We had 19 representatives from different countries. Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Uruguay,' she says.

The company left the event with a list of contacts that will require follow-up in the coming weeks. "We have a huge work after this exhibition to follow up with them. We hope we will have business here," Frayt says.

For Kormotech, therefore, the value of PET South America extends beyond immediate sales. The event served as an initial platform for market intelligence, relationship-building, and identifying potential partners across the region.
From Ukraine to Global Markets
Kormotech's interest in Latin America comes within the context of a company that has expanded significantly beyond its Ukrainian origins.

"We are a family-owned company. And we are relatively young. I mean, 23 years old," Frayt says. According to the executive, the company has grown rapidly during that period and currently ranks among the world's top 50 pet food manufacturers and among the top 20 European manufacturers.

Kormotech is also the leader in the Ukrainian market, where the company says it holds a 39% share, and exports its products to 50 countries worldwide. 

Product development is another component of the company's international strategy. "We have our own R&D team, and we can support every customer in every question regarding recipes, flavors, segments, and other questions," Frayt explains.

The company also highlights its international certifications as part of its ability to work with customers across different markets. 

Brazil remains an opportunity under evaluation rather than an established operation. But the company's first participation in the country's leading B2B pet industry event provided an initial network of potential partners and a clearer understanding of the region.

As Frayt puts it, Kormotech is still investigating the market. The next step will be to see "how it works" and determine which relationships developed at the fair can evolve into long-term business.

To learn more about Kormotech's portfolio, private label solutions, and potential distribution partnerships, visit https://kormotech.com/. Source: All Pet Food

Mars appoints Christina Ruggiero as North America Regional President for Pet Nutrition business
 
News

3+ MIN

Mars appoints Christina Ruggiero as North America Regional President for Pet Nutrition business  

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (July 21, 2026) — Mars today announced the appointment of Christina Ruggiero as Regional President, Mars Pet Nutrition North America, effective July 1.
  For more than 90 years, Mars has helped pet parents care for their pets through trusted nutrition brands backed by world-class science.  Today, the company is advancing solutions that support hydration, gut & dental health, healthy aging and lifelong wellness. At the same time, Mars is helping pet parents navigate an increasingly complex landscape of information, trends and choices through seamless experiences wherever they research, shop for and care for their pets.
  In this role Ruggiero will lead one of Mars Petcare's largest units, overseeing a portfolio of trusted and iconic brands including PEDIGREE®, IAMS®, SHEBA®, CESAR®, GREENIES™, TEMPTATIONS® and NUTRO™ across the United States and Canada. By working closely with retailers, suppliers, industry partners, agencies, and other strategic collaborators, Ruggiero will strengthen the partnerships that drive growth, accelerate innovation, and create exceptional experiences for pet parents and their pets.
  Ruggiero joins Mars from The Coca-Cola Company, where she most recently served as President of the Global Nutrition Category, leading a $9 billion portfolio that included Minute Maid, Simply, Santa Clara, fairlife, Maaza and Innocent, and delivering one of the fastest-growing businesses in Coca-Cola's portfolio during her tenure.
  Her appointment comes at a moment of significant opportunity for the pet care category. Nearly two-thirds of Americans are now pet parents1, and over one third of American pet parents say their pet is the most important thing in their life2 – investing more in their health, wellbeing, and longevity than ever before. With more than four in five pet parents3 viewing nutrition as the most important contributor to their pet's health, demand is growing for science-backed nutrition, trusted wellness solutions, and innovative products that help pets live full, healthy lives.
  "Throughout my career, I've been drawn to businesses with category-defining brands, strong purpose and opportunities to create meaningful impact," said Ruggiero. "Mars Pet Nutrition combines world-class science, culturally fluent brands and a deep understanding of the role pets play in people's lives. I'm excited to join the team at such an important time for the business and help accelerate growth, strengthen innovation and give pet parents greater confidence in the choices they make every day for the pets we love."
  Prior to leading Coca-Cola's Global Nutrition Category, Ruggiero served as President, North America Operations, Central Zone, and spent nearly four years in India as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd., where she doubled the company's net worth and significantly expanded its retail footprint. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles across procurement, operations and supply chain, including serving as Vice President of Procurement for Diageo, where she led teams across North America, Europe, Russia and Africa. She began her career as a cryptologist in the U.S. Navy supporting the National Security Agency.
  Ruggiero has been recognized throughout her career for her commitment to inclusive leadership and organizational culture, earning honors including House of Rose Professional's "Best CEO Leading on Gender Diversity & Inclusion" and "Most Inspirational Woman Leader."
  She holds a Master's degree in Management from the University of Huddersfield and a Bachelor of Science degree from Marymount College. Source: Mars

References
1. NielsenIQ Pet-O-Graphics Survey, Q2 2025 
2. Mars Global Pet Parent Study, April 2024
3. Petfood Industry, April 2025

Royal Canin® Launches First Therapeutic Diet Portfolio for Dogs
 
Releases

4+ MIN

Royal Canin® Launches First Therapeutic Diet Portfolio for Dogs  

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (July 14, 2026) – Royal Canin®, a global leader in pet health nutrition and one of the billion-dollar brands of Mars, Incorporated, today announced the U.S. launch of Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets, the brand's first fresh, fully-cooked therapeutic diet portfolio available exclusively through veterinarians.
  Formulated to support dogs with specific health conditions, including gastrointestinal needs, food sensitivities and reduced appetite, Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets provide complete and balanced nutrition, along with therapeutic precision and scientific rigor veterinarians expect from Royal Canin in a fresh, fully-cooked format many pet owners seek. The new portfolio helps meet the dog's therapeutic needs and pet owner feeding preferences, giving veterinary professionals a science-backed option from a brand they already trust.
  "Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to support dogs managing chronic illnesses," said Dr. Brent Mayabb, global chief medical officer, Royal Canin. "When it comes to choosing diets, pet owners want to have options that align with their preferences. Our new Fresh Veterinary Diets give veterinarians a highly effective, science-backed fresh diet that bridges what owners want to feed with delivering the precise therapeutic nutrition their dogs need." The innovative fresh canine portfolio includes:
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal Low Fat – Royal Canin's lowest-fat fresh formula, designed to support dogs requiring fat-restricted nutrition, including those with fat sensitivities and digestive disorders. 
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Selected Protein Pork – A highly digestible, single-animal-protein diet formulated for dogs with certain food sensitivities and adverse food reactions. 
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Appetite Stimulation – A highly palatable, nutrient-dense formula designed to support dogs experiencing reduced appetite, recovery from illness or unintentional weight loss.
  "Veterinarians are having more conversations than ever with pet owners about fresh feeding approaches, particularly when managing a dog's health condition," said Jennifer Cullen, General Manager, U.S. Veterinary Business Unit, Royal Canin North America. "Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets give veterinary professionals new therapeutic options that combine the fresh, fully-cooked format pet owners are seeking with the nutritional precision and scientific expertise that defines Royal Canin."
  The launch comes as nutrition continues to play an increasingly important role in veterinary medicine. Recent ACVIM-endorsed consensus guidance on chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) in dogs reinforces the importance of dietary management, including complete dietary treatment trials, as part of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinically stable dogs.
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets are now available through participating veterinary practices and veterinary online pharmacy partners. Veterinary professionals interested in learning more can access educational resources, continuing education opportunities and product information through Royal Canin's veterinary network and professional platforms. Pet owners interested in learning more can visit here.
  Source: Mars About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $65bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®,  and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.   About ROYAL CANIN® ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.
  Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet's age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.
  ROYAL CANIN® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.

Champion Petfoods Unveils $32M CAD Global Innovation and Discovery Centre
 
News

3+ MIN

Champion Petfoods Unveils $32M CAD Global Innovation and Discovery Centre  

Champion Petfoods announced the grand opening of its $32 million CAD Global Innovation and Discovery Centre, a state-of-the-art pilot facility located at its award-winning NorthStar Kitchen in Acheson, Alberta. This significant investment, made by parent company Mars, reinforces Champion's long-standing commitment to advancing Biologically Appropriate pet nutrition and solidifies its leadership in the global pet food industry.
  The new state-of-the-art Centre strengthens Champion's ability to develop, evaluate and refine new recipes, proprietary technologies and product concepts, serving innovation worldwide across all markets where Champion operates. Working in a nimble, small-footprint environment, the company's scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and product developers can conduct controlled development work on nutrient-rich, market-specific recipes and new technologies for its acclaimed ORIJEN and ACANA brands before scaling them to its high-volume production Kitchens. This investment is part of a broader commitment, which includes an additional $15 million CAD planned for Champion's Canadian facilities over the next five years to enhance production, packaging and sustainability. This builds on the $591 million CAD invested over the past ten years to establish best-in-class pet food manufacturing in Canada.
  'The Global Innovation and Discovery Centre is a direct reflection of our BAFRINO mandate: our promise to craft food that is Biologically Appropriate, made with a variety of fresh, raw ingredients and to be never outdone,' said Stacey Osborn, President of Champion Petfoods. 'This facility empowers our Associates to push the boundaries of pet nutrition, developing nutrient-rich foods with the speed, safety and scientific rigour that pet lovers expect from us. It's an investment in the future of nutrition for cats and dogs and in our deep-rooted Canadian heritage.'
  The Centre reinforces Champion's commitment to its Alberta roots by leveraging the region's world-class agricultural network. By sourcing fresh ingredients regionally and nationally, Champion ensures its recipes are rich in nutritional value while supporting the local economy. The Centre also seeks to further Champion's sustainable upcycling efforts by enhancing the nutritional value of its ingredients through proprietary expertise. From freezing fish at the source to extracting oils, Champion uses ingredients and processing approaches to produce fresh kibble and freeze-dried recipes that deliver high-quality nutrition for dogs and cats.
  A cornerstone of Champion's innovation strategy is a strong partnership with leading academic institutions. Champion collaborates with scientists and veterinarians from the University of Calgary and the University of Guelph to pioneer evidence-based pet nutrition. To advance the entire industry, many of the findings from these university-led studies will be open-sourced, providing foundational knowledge for the future of pet health.
  'At Champion Petfoods, true innovation is driven by an uncompromising commitment to rigorous research and the high-quality ingredients,' said Jeff Johnston, Senior Vice President, Research, Innovation and Product Development at Champion Petfoods. 'This Global Innovation and Discovery Centre uniquely positions us to pioneer breakthrough recipes and proprietary technologies. By bridging evidence-based science with our world-class regional ingredient sourcing, we have the agility to rapidly test and perfect nutrient-dense foods that continue to set the global standard for pet health and nutrition.'
  By turning breakthrough science and discovery into tangible products in Parkland County, Champion Petfoods is helping to elevate Alberta as a premier global hub for pet nutrition innovation. Source: PETS+

Delickcious Revamps Chunk Shape in Its Wet Cat Food Line
 
News

2+ MIN

Delickcious Revamps Chunk Shape in Its Wet Cat Food Line  

This decision was driven by an analysis of global trends, particularly the growing demand for maximum naturalness.
  "We are seeing a strong, growing trend toward the humanization of pet food. Today's pet parents want to see natural-looking food in their pets' bowls. Perfectly identical, geometric chunks are gradually losing relevance because real meat simply doesn't look like that," explains Yelyzaveta Medushivska, Senior Brand Manager for Delickcious. "That's why we decided to switch to irregular chunks for our complete wet cat food line. First, it gives the product a much more natural appearance. Second, the juicy, whole chunks in varying shapes create a highly appetizing texture. Most importantly, we've implemented an updated cooking technology that makes the flavor even richer."
  Internal research has shown that cats actually prefer the taste of the new format over the previous version. This confirmed the team's hypothesis: the shape of a chunk influences not just the visual appeal of the product, but the actual tasting experience for the pets.
  "We knew that palatability is a core feature for Delickcious. Therefore, it was crucial for us to not just change the shape, but to ensure it positively affected how pets perceive the food," notes Andriy Savchuk, Product Manager at Kormotech. "During testing, we kept the recipe exactly the same—we only changed the shape of the chunk. The results showed that the product performed better in comparative palatability tests. This proved that the new shape doesn't just look more natural, but actually makes the food even more appealing to cats."
  The update applies to three complete wet cat food recipes:
  Chunks with salmon and mussels in gravy; Chunks with lamb, chicken fillet, and green beans in jelly; Chunks with duck, chicken fillet, and spinach in gravy. Source: Kormotech


Releases

Releases Royal Canin® Launches First Therapeutic Diet Portfolio for Dogs
 

4+ MIN

Royal Canin® Launches First Therapeutic Diet Portfolio for Dogs  

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (July 14, 2026) – Royal Canin®, a global leader in pet health nutrition and one of the billion-dollar brands of Mars, Incorporated, today announced the U.S. launch of Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets, the brand's first fresh, fully-cooked therapeutic diet portfolio available exclusively through veterinarians.
  Formulated to support dogs with specific health conditions, including gastrointestinal needs, food sensitivities and reduced appetite, Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets provide complete and balanced nutrition, along with therapeutic precision and scientific rigor veterinarians expect from Royal Canin in a fresh, fully-cooked format many pet owners seek. The new portfolio helps meet the dog's therapeutic needs and pet owner feeding preferences, giving veterinary professionals a science-backed option from a brand they already trust.
  "Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to support dogs managing chronic illnesses," said Dr. Brent Mayabb, global chief medical officer, Royal Canin. "When it comes to choosing diets, pet owners want to have options that align with their preferences. Our new Fresh Veterinary Diets give veterinarians a highly effective, science-backed fresh diet that bridges what owners want to feed with delivering the precise therapeutic nutrition their dogs need." The innovative fresh canine portfolio includes:
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Gastrointestinal Low Fat – Royal Canin's lowest-fat fresh formula, designed to support dogs requiring fat-restricted nutrition, including those with fat sensitivities and digestive disorders. 
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Selected Protein Pork – A highly digestible, single-animal-protein diet formulated for dogs with certain food sensitivities and adverse food reactions. 
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets Appetite Stimulation – A highly palatable, nutrient-dense formula designed to support dogs experiencing reduced appetite, recovery from illness or unintentional weight loss.
  "Veterinarians are having more conversations than ever with pet owners about fresh feeding approaches, particularly when managing a dog's health condition," said Jennifer Cullen, General Manager, U.S. Veterinary Business Unit, Royal Canin North America. "Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets give veterinary professionals new therapeutic options that combine the fresh, fully-cooked format pet owners are seeking with the nutritional precision and scientific expertise that defines Royal Canin."
  The launch comes as nutrition continues to play an increasingly important role in veterinary medicine. Recent ACVIM-endorsed consensus guidance on chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) in dogs reinforces the importance of dietary management, including complete dietary treatment trials, as part of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for clinically stable dogs.
  Royal Canin Fresh Veterinary Diets are now available through participating veterinary practices and veterinary online pharmacy partners. Veterinary professionals interested in learning more can access educational resources, continuing education opportunities and product information through Royal Canin's veterinary network and professional platforms. Pet owners interested in learning more can visit here.
  Source: Mars About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $65bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, Pringles®, Cheez-It®,  and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.   About ROYAL CANIN® ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.
  Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet's age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.
  ROYAL CANIN® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.


News

News Mars Announces £161 Million Investment in Midlands Pet Food Manufacturing
 

3+ MIN

Mars Announces £161 Million Investment in Midlands Pet Food Manufacturing  

Mars, Incorporated, the family-owned business behind household brands including WHISKAS®, PEDIGREE® and SHEBA®, Ben's Original™, EXTRA®, M&M's® and SNICKERS®, has today announced a £161 million (GBP) investment to modernize and future-proof its historic pet nutrition factory in Melton Mowbray.  
  This latest commitment takes the company's total capital investment in the UK to £661 million since 2021. It follows a £190 million investment announced earlier this year in the Mars chocolate factory in Slough, and a £1.2 million upgrade to its pet nutrition research and development hub in Birstall.  
  The major upgrade to the site will introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, including smart optical sorting to cut production waste by over 50%, alongside installation of state-of-the-art pouch lines to enable the switch to fully recyclable mono-PP packaging. Together, these upgrades will create a more modern, resilient and future-ready manufacturing operation.
  The investment will also actively support local employment and career pathways by creating more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles in the first year. It will expand Melton Mowbray's dedicated apprentice program from 26 to 33 permanent positions by 2027.
  By offering practical, high-tech skills, the program directly supports the UK Government's ambitions for regional economic growth and youth employment. Across its wider UK business, Mars currently employs more than 140 apprentices, backed by a dedicated curriculum designed to upskill Associates in artificial intelligence, digital systems, and data analytics. Mars maintains an impressive 97% permanent placement offer rate for apprentices upon completion of their training.   Nick Foster, General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition, Northern Europe, said: 
"The UK is a cornerstone of our global pet care business at Mars, and this £161 million investment is a direct statement of our confidence in the UK market and the vital role our British factories play within our wider European network. Melton Mowbray has been feeding the nation's pets for 75 years. By equipping our teams with world-class technology and sustainable manufacturing capabilities, we are strengthening the site's role within our regional supply network and ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of British pet owners for years to come.'
  Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  
'This investment is great news for the East Midlands, which will bring jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities to local communities and shows that our economic plan is working. It's an investment which marks a huge vote of confidence in local talent and British industry – the driving force behind our plan to reindustrialize and bring good growth to every postcode.'
  Mars contributes $7.7 billion Gross Value Add to the UK economy annually and employs over 10,000 Associates across Britain, which serves as the company's second-largest market globally. The business operates eight manufacturing facilities across the UK - including Slough, Plymouth, Melton Mowbray, Birstall, Milton Keynes, Castle Cary and King's Lynn. This industrial footprint is complemented by the world-leading Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, an international authority on animal health and nutrition, alongside Linnaeus, a veterinary network of more than 180 clinics and referral hospitals across the UK and Ireland. Source: Mars, Incorporated

News Nestlé invests CHF 157 million in Thailand to meet growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition
 

2+ MIN

Nestlé invests CHF 157 million in Thailand to meet growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition  

Nestlé is investing more than CHF 157 million to expand its pet food manufacturing capabilities in Thailand, strengthening production for Purina brands and helping meet the growing demand for high-quality pet nutrition.
  The investment is focused on Purina's manufacturing site in Rayong, Thailand and will enable increased production of pet food and pet treats under the Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan and Purina One brands. Production will support both local and international markets.
  "Pet food is one of Nestlé's most dynamic segments globally, accounting for around 21% of Group sales. This investment reflects our confidence in its long-term potential across Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA) as well as the rest of the world," said Remy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Zone AOA. "Thailand is an important part of Purina's global manufacturing network, and this expansion will enhance our ability to serve more pet owners with superior nutrition."
  A rise in pet ownership is driving growth in pet care across AOA. Pet owners are moving from home-prepared meals to wholesome packaged nutrition, particularly in the premium space, and they are looking for products that support pets' health and wellbeing.
  'With over 350 million domestic cats and dogs across AOA as well as a pet population that continues to grow, demand for high-quality pet nutrition is also increasing,' added Hubert Wieser, CEO of Nestlé Purina Petcare. 'The health and wellbeing trend is being extended to pets, as they are increasingly seen as members of the family. This is driving demand for functional and specialized products that help enhance their longevity, vitality and overall quality of life.'
  The expanded production is expected to use a high proportion of locally sourced raw materials, including poultry, fish and vegetables, supporting local suppliers and boosting value creation in Thailand.
  The CHF 157 million investment is part of Nestlé's continued efforts to strengthen pet food manufacturing worldwide, following a CHF 520 million investment in a new pet food plant and logistics platform in Italy and a USD 550 million investment in a new Purina factory in the U.S. The investment further strengthens Nestlé's manufacturing footprint in Thailand, as the company also plans to build a new high-tech Nescafé production and distribution hub in the country.   Source: Nestlé