Dongwon F&B expands into the U.S. pet food market with Nutriplan

SOUTH KOREA – Dongwon F&B, the seafood processing arm of South Korea’s Dongwon Industries, has entered the U.S. pet food market with its “Nutriplan” brand, exporting six varieties of canned cat food to the world’s largest pet food market. 

This marks a significant milestone for the company as it expands its global footprint in the premium pet nutrition sector.

This strategic expansion will see Nutriplan products distributed through over 70,000 retail channels across the U.S., including offline stores, supermarkets, and pet supply e-commerce platforms. 

The move aligns with the growing trend of pet humanisation, where owners treat pets as family members, fueling demand for high-quality, natural pet food. 

According to findings by Research and Markets, brands offering organic, grain-free, or human-grade products based on pets’ health needs are experiencing increased popularity, making this an opportune time for Dongwon to establish its presence in the market.

Having long been a leader in the canned tuna industry, Dongwon F&B leveraged its expertise to enter the pet food sector in 2014. 

Recognising the demand for high-quality pet nutrition, the company expanded its portfolio with Nutriplan, offering 100% human-grade canned wet food for pets. 

Additionally, Dongwon operates an online shopping mall, Nutri Plan, dedicated exclusively to pet food products, further strengthening its market position. 

As South Korea’s largest canned tuna manufacturer, its ability to source premium seafood ingredients gives it a competitive edge in producing nutritionally rich pet food.

A booming U.S. pet food market 

The U.S. pet food market is a lucrative industry driven by rising disposable incomes and shifting consumer preferences. 

As of 2024, 66% of U.S. households—or 86.9 million homes—own a pet. In 2022, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported that U.S. consumers spent US$123.8 billion on pets, including US$58.1 billion on pet food and treats. 

Additionally, the rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed pet food retail, offering convenience, subscription services, and discounts. 

With more pet owners opting for online shopping, Dongwon F&B is well-positioned to cater to this demand through its dedicated e-commerce platforms. 

Dongwon F&B anticipates generating approximately 30 billion won (US$26 million) in U.S. sales this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 200 billion won (US$138 million) by 2027. 

Given that the U.S. imports over US$4 billion worth of pet food annually—primarily from Canada, China, Mexico, South Korea, and Japan—Dongwon’s Nutriplan is set to become a valuable addition to this competitive market. 

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