From June to December 2024, the animal nutrition industry witnessed a series of significant announcements, expansions, and investments in facilities and operations worldwide. While pet food manufacturers have slowed down their operational investments, suppliers have ramped up their efforts, leading to notable advancements in technology, capacity, and sustainability. This period highlighted strategic moves by both manufacturers and suppliers to enhance production capabilities and meet growing market demands.

Pet Food Manufacturers Expand Production Capabilities

In the latter half of 2024, several pet food manufacturers made substantial strides in expanding their production facilities. Notable developments include Instinct Pet Food's new Center of Excellence in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is set to triple its capacity, and United Petfood's acquisition of its first U.S. plant in Mishawaka, Indiana. Mars Pet Food also inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility in Tianjin, China, marking one of its largest investments in pet food manufacturing. These expansions aim to boost production efficiency, introduce advanced technologies, and cater to increasing consumer demand for high-quality pet nutrition.

Instinct Pet Food's Center of Excellence will significantly enhance its freeze-dried and high-pressure processing (HPP) capacities, while United Petfood's new plant allows it to establish a local presence in the U.S. market. Mars Pet Food's investment in Tianjin underscores its commitment to modernizing production lines and expanding into wet pet food production. Additionally, Suziria Group received a $2 million grant from USAID to develop a wet pet food facility in Kalush, Ukraine, aiming to increase capacity and create jobs. VICTOR Super Premium Pet Food invested over $5 million in upgrades to its Mount Pleasant facility, focusing on food safety and production efficiency. Purina's £150 million investment in Wisbech, England, and Kormotech's €63 million project in Lithuania further exemplify the industry's push towards modernization and sustainability.

Suppliers Enhance Support with Advanced Facilities and Technologies

The second half of 2024 saw suppliers making significant investments to support the animal nutrition industry. Packaging company Sonoco Products opened a cutting-edge technical and engineering center in Ohio, offering design and process development services. Enorm Biofactory unveiled its massive insect processing facility in northern Europe, specializing in converting black soldier fly larvae into nutritious insect meal. Hydro Pressure + Pack launched a new HPP facility to serve regional pet food processors, ensuring safe and high-quality products.

Viterra detailed plans for a new grain facility in Dalhart, Texas, enhancing market access for producers and end-users. Innovafeed completed its third phase of expansion in Nesle, France, becoming the world's largest insect production site. DSM-Firmenich opened an Animal Nutrition & Health plant in Egypt, meeting high standards in production efficiency and environmental sustainability. Handtmann expanded its customer support with a new West Coast office in Cypress, California, while SGS North America moved into a larger facility in New Jersey to offer enhanced testing services. AFB International established its Asia Pacific headquarters in Thailand, integrating corporate offices, manufacturing, R&D, and quality teams under one roof. Anchor Ingredients unveiled a transload and ingredient processing facility in Richmond, Indiana, and Tebrio shared plans for a new insect-based ingredients facility. Oberland opened a commercial insect facility in Nova Scotia, diverting waste from landfills. Oterra debuted a new innovation hub in Wisconsin, and Agroloop launched an automated protein production facility in Hungary. Retailer Pet Valu opened a LEED Gold certified distribution center in Surrey, British Columbia, tripling its warehouse size and enhancing service to Western Canada.