dsm-firmenich expands pet-dedicated premix network in Brazil

BRAZIL – dsm-firmenich has expanded its global pet nutrition network with the opening of NextGen Itatiba, a fully dedicated pet food premix facility in São Paulo state, strengthening supply capacity for South America’s fast-growing pet food sector.

The new facility, located in Itatiba, approximately 100 kilometres from São Paulo city, will focus exclusively on producing vitamin and mineral premixes for cats and dogs. 

The site will serve as dsm-firmenich’s primary manufacturing and supply hub for pet nutrition across South America.

Developed in partnership with Globalfood, the plant forms part of dsm-firmenich’s wider strategy to build a global network of species-dedicated premix facilities for the pet food industry.

The Brazil launch follows the recent opening of dedicated pet nutrition facilities in Haag, Austria, and Tonganoxie, Kansas, in the United States. 

With the addition of NextGen Itatiba, the company now operates three connected pet-focused production hubs across Europe, North America and South America.

According to dsm-firmenich, the facility was designed to ensure pet nutrition production does not compete for manufacturing capacity with commercial livestock feed operations.

The company said the plant is equipped to blend a wide range of dry powder ingredients, allowing manufacturers to customise premixes to meet brand requirements, market demands and the specific nutritional needs of pets.

Under the agreement, Globalfood will operate the facility as a dedicated toll manufacturer, while dsm-firmenich retains control over formulation, raw material sourcing, quality assurance and product release processes.

Victor Hasserodt, General Manager at Globalfood, said the partnership would help bring advanced pet nutrition solutions closer to manufacturers across the region.

“We are immensely excited to expand our successful partnership with dsm-firmenich as it brings its world-class pet nutrition solutions closer to customers in Brazil, South America and beyond,” he said.

Hasserodt added that the facility benefits from sustainability infrastructure already established at Globalfood’s ingredients campus, including solar energy generation, water reuse systems and reforestation initiatives.

South America emerges as key pet food growth market

The investment comes amid continued expansion in South America’s pet food industry, with rising pet ownership and increasing demand for premium and functional pet nutrition products driving growth across the region.

Francisco Fienga, President of dsm-firmenich Brazil, said the project reflects the company’s long-term commitment to pet nutrition as a strategic growth category supported by formulation science and innovation.

Jose Fernandes, Vice President, Regional Sales, Pet Food LAM at dsm-firmenich, described South America as one of the fastest-growing pet nutrition markets globally.

“By establishing a dedicated facility at the heart of this high-growth market, dsm-firmenich is reinforcing its long-term commitment to this continent, and to the manufacturers, pet owners and most importantly, the beloved pets that call it home,” Fernandes said.

The facility also strengthens the company’s regional supply chain capabilities by improving delivery responsiveness to pet food manufacturers across South America while supporting demand for specialised nutrition solutions in premium pet food formulations.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.