Umios expands Asian pet food business with PWI acquisition

MALAYSIA – Japanese food group Umios Corporation has completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Malaysian pet food manufacturer Pet World International (PWI) for approximately JPY11.4 billion (US$72.2 million), strengthening its manufacturing and distribution base in Southeast Asia.

The transaction was completed through a newly established holding company as part of a strategic joint venture between Umios and Malaysia’s Wah Kong Corporation. 

PWI will become the third company in Umios’ pet food business, alongside Japan-based AIXIA and Thailand-based Southeast Asian Packaging and Canning (SEAPAC).

PWI holds the second-largest share of Malaysia’s pet food market and ranks first among local companies, according to NielsenIQ.

The company operates Malaysia’s only BRC-certified pet food manufacturing plant and employs approximately 350 people.

It sells its products through more than 10,000 physical stores and its own e-commerce channels.

PWI recorded consolidated sales of approximately JPY12.4 billion (US$78.5 million) for the year ended September 2025.

The partnership combines Umios’ wet pet food capabilities with PWI’s dry-food manufacturing expertise, giving the group coverage across both wet and dry products for dogs and cats.

The companies plan to integrate their sales networks, product portfolios, manufacturing capabilities and research and development expertise to accelerate growth across Asia.

Umios also plans to leverage its marine resources business, including raw material procurement capabilities, within its pet food operations.

“We have built PWI over many years into one of Malaysia’s leading pet food businesses, and our priority was to find a partner that could help take the company into its next stage of growth while sharing our long-term vision for the business,” said Choy Peng Yew, shareholder and chief executive officer of PWI.

“Umios brings extensive capabilities in pet food, product development and international markets that are highly complementary to PWI’s strengths,” Choy added.

“By combining these capabilities, we believe we can accelerate PWI’s growth beyond Malaysia and build PWI into a leading pet food platform across Asia and beyond.”

Umios said the acquisition supports its strategy to expand its pet food business in Asia and strengthen its global production and supply capabilities.

The group is targeting approximately JPY10 billion (US$63.3 million) in operating profit from its pet food business and an 18% return on invested capital by the financial year ending March 2028.

The deal strengthens Umios’ position in Southeast Asian pet food manufacturing while giving PWI access to broader product, technical and international market capabilities.

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