Latest content from Food manufacturers

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

ADM Expands Animal Nutrition Footprint in Brazil with New Premix Plant
 
News

3+ MIN

ADM Expands Animal Nutrition Footprint in Brazil with New Premix Plant  

CHICAGO – ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, recently opened a new premix and feed additives production facility in Apucarana, Paraná, Brazil. The facility, which spans 7,500 square meters, has an installed capacity of approximately 40,000 tons per year and is engineered to deliver up to 10 tons per hour. Designed to be one of the most technologically advanced premix operations in Brazil, this plant combines advanced automation with traceability processes that enhance predictability and reliability across the protein value chain.
  "Our innovation process is focused on improving our customer's production performance by reducing losses through higher bioavailability and feed conversion and unlocking more value for our customers through higher productivity, improved yield and cost efficiency." said Raphael Bozola, ADM's Vice President of Animal Nutrition for South America. "More than a capacity increase, the inauguration of this plant symbolizes our strategic decision to grow with control, standardization and operational excellence in a key pillar of our business in Brazil — animal nutrition," he added. 
  To support traceability, a core requirement for global market operations, the Apucarana facility deploys advanced systems that deliver faster, more precise monitoring of materials and processes, further reducing operational risk. The plant will be able to comply with increasingly stringent standards for quality, safety and process segregation, supported by advanced tracking technology and full mapping of all ingredients used in each premix formulation. In addition, the facility is equipped to produce customized formulations for each producer, with no risk of cross-contamination.
  With individualized silos and a dedicated mixing system, the production model enhances process robustness and further strengthens consistency and integrity between batches. Unlike traditional systems with shared mixers, the segregation approach adopted in the new plant reinforces the integrity of formulations — particularly relevant for "clean" lines, free from ionophores, and for markets that require high standards of quality and traceability.
  Compliance and control are critical to the reputation of the brands served, according to Bozola. "Advancing the level of control delivers additional gains in predictability across the value chain and reinforces the reliability of our customers' production performance. Our facilities leverage technology in service of consistency and growth. The automation and systems implemented at the new unit are not an end in themselves, they are tools to sustain efficient growth, raise the technical standard of our operations, and prepare the business for the future of animal nutrition: more demanding, more regulated and increasingly data-driven," Bozola emphasized. Source: ADM
  About ADM
ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We're a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry's broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We're a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We're a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new bio-based consumer and industrial solutions. And we're leading in business-driven sustainability efforts that support a strong agricultural sector, resilient supply chains, and a vast and growing bioeconomy. Around the globe, our expertise and innovation are meeting critical needs from harvest to home. Learn more at www.adm.com.


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 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

News Purina Opens New Pet Food Factory in Ohio, Its First Built from the Ground Up in More Than 50 Years
 

4+ MIN

Purina Opens New Pet Food Factory in Ohio, Its First Built from the Ground Up in More Than 50 Years  

Community leaders, elected officials, and Nestlé Purina associates and leaders gathered today to celebrate the official grand opening of Purina's newest pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio. The event marks a major milestone for the company and the culmination of years of planning, construction and workforce development to bring Purina's most advanced manufacturing facility to life.
  Representing an investment of more than $550 million, the Batavia factory is Purina's first brand-new factory built from the ground up since 1975 and the largest investment Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility to date. The facility is already producing trusted Purina brands including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow and currently employs more than 430 associates, with plans to grow to more than 500 team members when fully operational.
  "Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Purina in Ohio," said Nina Leigh Krueger, president and CEO of Purina. "The Batavia factory reflects our long-term commitment to American manufacturing, innovation and the communities where we operate. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and partnering with a skilled workforce and supportive community, we have built a facility that will help us serve pets and their owners for generations to come."
  Located approximately 30 miles east of Cincinnati, the Batavia operation expands Purina's manufacturing footprint in Ohio and becomes the company's 24th factory in the United States. The 1.3 million-square-foot facility was designed to help meet ongoing consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious pet food while providing greater flexibility and efficiency across Purina's manufacturing network.
  "Today is a great day for Clermont County as Nestlé Purina officially opens its new pet food factory in Ohio, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the region," said Governor DeWine. "Ohio is truly the heart of opportunity, and this investment will have long-lasting impacts on the local economy and the people who live here."
  "Purina's investment is a tremendous milestone for Clermont County and a testament to the strength of our workforce, our business community and our shared commitment to growth," said Bonnie Batchler, president of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners. "This facility has already created hundreds of jobs and new opportunities for our residents, and Purina's ongoing investment in local organizations demonstrates the company's commitment to being a valued community partner. We are proud to welcome Purina to Clermont County and look forward to the positive impact this facility will have for generations to come."   A Factory Designed for the Future   Inspired by innovative Nestlé facilities around the world, the Batavia factory incorporates advanced food safety systems, digital manufacturing tools, robotics and automation to support efficient production while maintaining Purina's world-class quality standards. The facility's 10-plus-story design includes an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), advanced digital manufacturing technology and a Manufacturing Experience Center that helps visitors, students and community leaders better understand modern manufacturing.
  The facility will help feed approximately eight million pets annually and is designed to quickly adapt to changing consumer needs across Purina's portfolio of trusted brands.
  "What makes Batavia special is the combination of cutting-edge technology and an exceptional team," said Mike Ferritto, Batavia factory manager. "This facility represents the very best of Purina's manufacturing expertise and our associates are bringing that vision to life every day. We're proud to produce high-quality products that pet owners trust while building a strong future right here in Clermont County."   Investing in Ohio and Clermont County   Purina selected Batavia because of the region's strong manufacturing heritage, talented workforce and strategic location within the Cincinnati area's food manufacturing ecosystem. This project also expands Purina's manufacturing footprint in Ohio, joining its long-standing Zanesville factory that has operated in the state since 1973. The company continues to hire professional staff, engineers, operators and technical specialists as Batavia operations expand.
 
Beyond manufacturing investments, Purina has focused on becoming an active community partner throughout Clermont County. Through the Purina Foundation and local engagement efforts, the company has supported organizations focused on public safety, animal welfare, workforce development and community well-being. Past community investments have included support for Williamsburg Township Emergency Services, Union Township Police Department and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
  During today's celebration, Purina recognized local partners and community organizations helping create a stronger future for the region while reinforcing the company's commitment to operating as a good neighbor for years to come.
  During the grand opening celebration, Purina announced two $30,000 grants through the Purina Foundation to support organizations serving people and pets across Clermont County. The League for Animal Welfare received funding to help create innovative housing for shelter dogs, providing a more comfortable, low-stress environment while they wait for adoption.
  Impacting Tomorrow was awarded a $30,000 grant to support its new Companion Care Project, which will provide pet supplies and veterinary assistance to local families facing financial hardship, helping keep people and pets together during challenging times. These investments reflect Purina's ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen communities and improve the lives of both people and pets Source: Neslte Purina PetCare