03/02/2026
The Interview: Stanley Andrade, Director of MBRF Pet
MBRF Pet is currently positioned as one of the leading companies in the sector in Brazil. How would you describe the company's current moment and the main pillars of its growth strategy?
MBRF Pet was born as a major player, with a long history and significant contributions to pet nutrition and well-being, supported by the expertise of one of the largest food companies. Over the past year, our focus has been strongly directed toward integrating companies, systems, and processes—both internally within MBRF Pet and with MBRF as a whole. This has placed us in an even more privileged position in key areas, including partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a consistent capacity for investment in our operations.
MBRF Pet has the most complete pet portfolio in the market, offering solutions for all sizes, life stages, and consumption profiles. This breadth has enabled us to be present across all channels and consumption occasions, always delivering the best value equation for our customers and pet owners. This diversity is undoubtedly one of the company's greatest strengths.
One of our main pillars is anchored in the Super Premium Natural segment, where we hold two of the most relevant brands on the market: Biofresh and Guabi Natural. Based on in-depth and ongoing research conducted by our technical team, we are convinced that this is the future of pet nutrition. There is still significant potential for growth in this segment in Brazil and Latin America, driven by increasing awareness among veterinarians and pet owners.
Our priority remains the commitment to improving the lives of pets, their owners, and industry professionals. To achieve this, we continue to invest consistently in innovation and the delivery of the highest-quality foods. Biofresh stands out as the only brand with a high inclusion of fresh ingredients—not only animal proteins but also fresh vegetables, herbs, and greens—while Guabi Natural is a pioneer in the Super Premium Natural segment in Brazil, with a trajectory that began in 2004.
We are also attentive to different consumption occasions and continuously seek to expand our portfolio, ranging from complete meals—both dry and wet—to reward moments such as snacks, as well as new textures and flavor variations. We operate strategically to meet the specific demands of each channel, offering tailored solutions for both mass retail and specialized pet channels, always respecting consumer profiles and brand positioning.
You are leading a significant international expansion. What opportunities do you currently see for Latin American pet food brands in global markets?
International expansion remains a central pillar of our strategy and is directly connected to the investments we have made in portfolio evolution and MBRF Pet's production capacity. Today, we operate in more than 20 countries, with a focus on regions such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Over the next two years, we plan to expand our presence to more than 30 markets. Brands, such as GranPlus, Biofresh, Guabi Natural, Balance, Three Dogs, Three Cats, Primocão, and Primogato, are gaining global relevance, bringing the quality of MBRF Pet nutrition to new consumers.
We see very clear opportunities for Latin American brands, especially when they combine quality, innovation, and a value proposition aligned with key global industry trends. The pet market undergoes an accelerated process of sophistication, driven by pet humanization, the search for more natural foods, and the consistent growth of the cat population, which is expanding at a faster pace than dogs. This movement has a direct impact on the demand for specific nutritional solutions, particularly in the wet food segment, which is growing rapidly, especially among felines.
In addition, MBRF Pet's industrial footprint is the strongest in the market, with factories in Brazil and Paraguay, strict quality controls required by different countries, a fully integrated chain, and the advantage of MBRF's global scale and logistics expertise. This allows us to compete efficiently and consistently in international markets, combining superior quality, food safety, and innovation capability.
From this solid foundation, international growth is driven by strategic local partnerships, deep consumer knowledge, and adaptation to regional dynamics. It is an ongoing effort that requires disciplined execution on a daily basis, but it has enabled us to consolidate leadership positions in several markets and open new avenues for MBRF Pet's brand growth.
From your perspective, what are the most relevant technological transformations currently shaping the pet food industry?
The pet food industry is experiencing a period of significant technological advancement, driven by science, innovation, and a deeper understanding of animals' real nutritional needs. Together, technology and nutrition create even more complete, safe, and functional food, aligned with the expectations of pet owners and veterinarians.
These trends have guided our investments in production capacity and new product development, especially in the wet food and Super Premium Natural segments.
A recent example of this commitment to innovation is the recognition of the Biofresh brand at the FISA 2025 Innovation Awards, with the launch of Biofresh Lombo & Abacaxi (loin and pineapple). It is a Super Premium Natural food that delivers functionality and an exclusive 'ideal feces' claim: reduced volume and odor, firm texture, and less attractive feces for ingestion. This reinforces our focus on advanced, effective nutritional solutions.
This innovation combines nutritional science, food engineering, and rigorous quality control, delivering a differentiated and high-value-added product.
Digitalization and data use throughout the entire production chain play a fundamental role. Ingredient traceability, industrial process control, and system integration generate significant gains in efficiency, predictability, and quality. At MBRF Pet, we leverage the full technological robustness of MBRF to operate under extremely high global standards.
How does sustainability fit into MBRF Pet's strategy?
As part of MBRF's global chain, MBRF Pet adopts a wide range of practices that promote sustainable development, minimize environmental impact, and contribute to animal welfare and social development. These are non-negotiable principles, rooted in our commitment to quality, integrity, and safety. We are committed to producing pet food responsibly, applying manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact and supporting NGOs dedicated to animal welfare. One of our goals, for example, is to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable.
As regards sustainability, MBRF Pet practices 'zero landfill' operations at its Ivoti and Campinas plants: the waste generated is sent monthly for co-processing rather than disposal in landfills. Additional initiatives include the use of feed waste as organic fertilizer, the recycling of 100% of Guabi Natural packaging (with the company having already offset 130 tons of packaging), as well as water reuse practices and grain traceability.
On the social front, through the Guabi Natural brand, the company supports NGOs, such as GAVAA. It has donated over 111 tons of pet food to rescued animals, in addition to other donations to institutions. In 2023 alone, the company donated more than 20 tons of pet food to Ampara, AAAC, and Pata Santa.
Sustainability is a central axis for MBRF. It guides the company toward ethical, transparent, and responsible business practices. Within its global chain, the company operates a robust sustainability platform with multiple pillars, including origin control and supply chain management, climate, animal welfare, natural resources, circular economy, waste management, and social responsibility. The full sustainability report is available on the company's website.
Finally, is there any message, ideas, or reflection you would like to share with industry professionals reading this interview?
The pet sector carries great responsibility, as we deal directly with their health, well-being, and quality of life. For this reason, I believe that the industry growth must always be accompanied by science, ethics, collaboration, and a long-term vision.
There has been a positive market evolution characterized by increasingly qualified professionals, more conscious consumers, and companies that consistently invest in innovation and sustainability. This movement raises the overall standard of the sector and benefits the entire value chain, from producers to pet owners.
As an industry, our role is to continue investing in knowledge, technology, and best practices, fostering transparent and responsible relationships with customers, partners, veterinarians, and society. The future of the pet market necessarily depends on doing more and doing better—always with respect for animals and a positive impact on people.
Thank you, Stanley, for sharing your vision and knowledge with the All Pet Food community!
By Stanley Andrade
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
