Montego Pet Nutrition accelerates US expansion through strategic distribution partnerships

SOUTH AFRICA – Montego Pet Nutrition, a family-owned South African pet food company, is making significant strides in the United States market through a wave of new distribution partnerships aimed at rapidly expanding its presence across key regions of the country.

The company has partnered with King Wholesale Pet Supplies, Nelson Wholesale Service, Inc., Independent Pet Supply, and Tickner’s Pet Food Distribution. 

These alliances will strengthen Montego’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, Southern, and Northeast United States, with a focus on bringing its super-premium dog treats, KAROO Wild, to more than 1,000 independent retailers.

“Partnering with King Wholesale, Nelson Wholesale, Independent Pet Supply, and Tickner’s Pet Food Distribution marks an exciting milestone in our US expansion,” said Joshua Patterson, vice president of US Sales for Montego Pet Nutrition. 

He added that these companies share a commitment to quality, customer service and supporting independent retailers, making them ideal partners as Montego brings the super-premium, South African-made dog treats to more families across the US.

The rollout centres on KAROO Wild, a line of dog treats crafted with lean, hypoallergenic, sustainably sourced antelope, a novel protein rooted in South Africa’s rich game meat heritage. 

Available in rosemary, oregano, and thyme flavours, the treats come in three formats: Training Bits, Trail Bites, and Sticks.

KAROO Wild is designed to cater to dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. The treats are grain-free, gluten-free, and made without artificial colours or flavours. Each treat contains 20% protein, just 5% fat, and is naturally rich in iron, amino acids, and B vitamins.

In addition to promoting pet health, the product line supports biodiversity and sustainable farming by utilising antelope meat offcuts, helping to grow South Africa’s game meat industry.

Montego Pet Nutrition, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this June, has been navigating challenges in entering new markets, including regulatory barriers, currency volatility, and the need for consumer education.

“Our biggest challenges are export/import regulations, currency and exchange volatility, and consumer education in new markets,” said company representative van Jaarsveld in a 2024 Pet Food Industry interview. 

“It takes a lot of core consumer education to not only share the story of our deep history and heritage, but also our quality and uniqueness with products like KAROO Wild.”

With these new distribution partnerships in place, Montego is poised to introduce more American pet owners to its distinct blend of African heritage, sustainable sourcing, and premium pet nutrition.

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