Loop Pet Food expands retail footprint in Kenya as CEO joins UK insect industry board

KENYA – Loop Pet Food has expanded its retail presence in Kenya following a new listing with Chandarana Foodplus, strengthening its distribution across key urban and regional markets.

The move places the company’s full product range, including dog and cat food and treats, in stores across Nairobi, Western Kenya, Nanyuki and coastal regions. 

With this latest listing, Loop Pet Food is now stocked in three of Kenya’s largest supermarket chains, alongside Naivas and Quickmart.

The expansion reflects growing consumer interest in alternative protein-based pet nutrition, particularly insect-derived ingredients positioned around digestibility, sustainability and functional health benefits. 

In Kenya, rising pet ownership and increasing awareness of premium pet diets are supporting the growth of specialised pet food categories.

Loop Pet Food’s products are formulated with insect protein, primarily derived from black soldier fly larvae, offering a locally sourced alternative to conventional proteins such as beef, chicken, and soy. 

Insect-based formulations are gaining traction globally as manufacturers seek to reduce environmental impact while maintaining nutritional performance.

The retail rollout also signals a broader shift in how alternative proteins are entering mainstream channels. 

Supermarket listings provide scale and accessibility, enabling emerging brands to reach a wider consumer base beyond niche or speciality outlets.

Leadership move reflects growing insect sector momentum

In a separate development, Loop Pet Food’s co-founder and CEO, Laura Stanford, has joined the board of the UK Edible Insect Association, highlighting increasing cross-regional collaboration in the insect protein sector.

The association confirmed that Stanford will advance demand-side development, including applications in pet food, while supporting broader circular-economy initiatives within the industry.

“I am excited to support the UK insect sector in building strong demand-led markets, particularly in pet food, while championing the role of insects within a truly circular economy,” she said.

Stanford brings more than eight years of experience in the insect protein sector across East Africa, with a focus on black soldier fly larvae and other alternative feed and food applications. 

Her appointment reflects the growing importance of insect-based solutions in global protein markets, particularly as sustainability, supply chain resilience and resource efficiency become central to industry strategy.

The UK Edible Insect Association noted that the board changes are aimed at strengthening innovation and supporting the sector’s long-term growth, with a focus on expanding commercial applications and improving industry coordination.

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