Vafo Group acquires Azan to bolster pet food distribution in Central Europe

POLAND – Vafo Group, a leading European producer of superpremium pet food, has acquired Polish distributor Azan in a strategic move to strengthen Vafo’s distribution capabilities and bring the company closer to end customers in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

The decision is the culmination of a partnership spanning nearly three decades. Azan, founded in 1997, has long been one of Vafo’s key distributors and was among its first international partners. 

The acquisition is aimed at capitalising on the growing integration of regional markets and supporting more direct, responsive operations in these countries.

“The decision stems from a joint ambition to further support growth in the Czech, Slovak, and Polish markets, which are becoming increasingly interconnected and unified,” the company stated. 

Within Vafo Group, Azan will continue to focus on its core strengths in distribution and customer care, while benefiting from synergies in logistics, finance, and shared best practices.

Azan currently supplies nearly 7,000 customers across specialised retail, veterinary services, and modern retail formats. In addition to distribution, the company also runs e-commerce platforms and manages its own pet snack brand, Azanki. 

With more than 80 employees, Azan will now operate as part of the Vafo Group, retaining its regional expertise while contributing to the group’s broader strategy.

Agnieszka Donicz, Azan’s co-founder and CEO, said the acquisition validates the company’s long-standing commitment to quality and growth: “We are very proud that, as a food distributor, we’ve reached a level of development that made us an attractive partner for a reputable company like Vafo. Instead of pushing us out, they saw our potential and recognised us as a valuable player in the market.”

Poland becomes a core pillar in Vafo’s growth plan

For Vafo, the acquisition marks a deeper commitment to the Polish market, one that the company considers among its most strategic. Direct distribution in the country will allow Vafo to respond more efficiently to changing customer demands and evolving retail trends.

“I’m happy to welcome Azan to the Vafo family,” said Pavel Bouška, Chairman of the Board at Vafo Group. “They’ve been a key part of our success in the Polish market – a market that’s always felt a bit like home to us. We’ve had a factory there for five years already, and I believe more will follow. I’m also proud that with this step, we’re gaining a strong team and roughly a quarter of our colleagues will now be based in Poland.”

Vafo Group is one of Europe’s five largest pet food producers, with 2024 revenues of approximately EUR 605 million (approximately US$692 million).

The acquisition of Azan not only expands its geographic footprint but also aligns with its long-term strategy of remaining a dominant force in the premium pet food segment.

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