General Mills Backs Organic Push in Fresh Pet Food, But M&A Still on Table

As General Mills continues to expand its pet food footprint, the company is leaning heavily on organic growth, particularly in the fast-growing fresh pet food category, while still keeping mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as an option.

During an earnings call on June 25, Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Harmening emphasized that General Mills’ approach to category expansion is a deliberate balance between building from within and acquiring where necessary.

Harmening argued that General Mills believes it has the right investment profile

Mars Opens New Pet Food Facility in Ohio

Mars has opened a new $450 million Royal Canin pet food factory in Lewisburg, Ohio, representing the largest single investment in a Royal Canin manufacturing site globally. 

The new facility, spanning 450,000 square feet, will produce enough dry pet food to feed 4 million pets annually and create up to 270 new jobs over five years. 

In the US, Mars operates 37 factories in addition to veterinary clinics, labs and 14 global and regional offices. This investment is part of Mars’ larger $6 billion commitment 

ADM Inaugurates Pet Food Plant in Morelos, Mexico

ADM Animal Nutrition has inaugurated a wet pet food plant in the state of Morelos, Mexico.

ADM invested US$39 million in the facility, which strengthens its position among Mexico’s leading pet food manufacturers.

Julio Berdegué, Minister, Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), who attended the inauguration, said the new plant aligns with Plan México, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum in collaboration with the private sector to enhance domestic production efficiency and competitiveness while reducing imports.

Belgium Detects First Bird Flu Cases in Cats

Belgium has reported its first cases of H5 avian flu in domestic cats, the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (AFSCA) confirmed last week.

The virus was detected in two outdoor cats owned by a poultry farmer in East Flanders, where an avian influenza outbreak struck the farm’s poultry in mid-February. Officials suggest that these animals were exposed by scavenging bird carcasses or consuming contaminated eggs.

David Clarinval, Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy, and Agriculture, said: "This is the first...

IPPE 2025 Live: HPAI's Growing Impact Prompts Urgent Action in Pet Food Industry

At the AFIA Pet Food Conference, held alongside the IPPE event in Atlanta, Leah Wilkinson, Director of Public Policy and Education for the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), highlighted the growing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which has expanded beyond poultry to affect various mammal species, including cats and dogs.

"This has traditionally been a wild bird and poultry issue," Wilkinson said. "But in the past year, we've seen HPAI move into cows, field mice, skunks, raccoons, seals, dolphins, polar bears, tigers, lions, and 

ANALYSIS: First Edition of Expana's Monthly Pet Food Market Insight

Welcome to the Pet Food Market Insight report, your essential guide to navigating the dynamic and ever-evolving pet food industry. In this comprehensive report, we provide you with critical price and supply insights that are crucial for making informed decisions in today’s competitive market. These numbers are monthly averages, taken at month’s end. Whether you’re a manufacturer, supplier, or retailer, staying ahead of market trends and understanding the fluctuations in raw material costs, supply chain challenges, and consumer preferences...

NCC Elects New Officers; Peco Foods’ Bill Griffith Installed as Chairman

The National Chicken Council (NCC) has installed the four officers that will guide the organization through 2025. The installation took place at NCC’s 69th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Bill Griffith, Chief Operations Officer at Peco Foods, will serve as 2024-2025 Chairman.

Bill has more than 25 years of management experience in the food industry and is known for his strong reputation for innovation, sustainability and quality...