Freshpet expands cold-chain capacity with new pet food facility

USA – Freshpet, the frozen pet food company, is nearing completion of a 216,000-square-foot cold storage facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as the pet food producer expands its distribution capacity for refrigerated products and strengthens its operations in the Lehigh Valley.

The facility, located in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park VII with access to Interstate 78, is expected to open by the end of 2026. 

It will be Freshpet’s first dedicated cold storage operation and is designed to support the distribution of its temperature-sensitive pet food products.

Freshpet established its presence in the Lehigh Valley in 2013 with the opening of its Freshpet Kitchen production facility in Hanover Township, Northampton County. 

The company has since expanded its operations in the region several times.

Freshpet produces refrigerated meals and treats for dogs and cats using ingredients including meat, fruits and vegetables. 

Its products are steam-cooked at lower temperatures and marketed as a fresh alternative to conventional processed pet food.

“This new distribution center is an important step forward as we continue to grow alongside the families who count on us,” said Nicki Baty, Freshpet’s Chief Operating Officer.

“Located just minutes from our Bethlehem Kitchen, it gives us greater control over our operations and the scalability we need to keep pace with our growth, while positioning us to support Freshpet for years to come,” she added.

Lehigh Valley strengthens pet food manufacturing position

Freshpet’s expansion adds to the Lehigh Valley’s growing concentration of pet food manufacturing activity.

The region is among the top 15% of manufacturing markets in the US, with more than 700 manufacturers generating a combined US$9 billion in output. Manufacturing accounts for 16% of the Lehigh Valley’s GDP, compared with 11% nationally.

Around 35% of Pennsylvania’s pet food manufacturing jobs are located in the Lehigh Valley, where employment in the sector is 13 times higher than the national average.

Freshpet is joined in the region by pet food companies including Spot & Tango and Nestlé Purina. Spot & Tango recently announced a US$20 million expansion of its production centre in Upper Macungie Township, which is expected to double production capacity within one to two years.

“Freshpet’s impressive growth continues right along with the renaissance of the Lehigh Valley,” said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC).

Food and beverage manufacturing is one of the sectors targeted for growth under LVEDC’s strategic plan.

The new Freshpet cold storage centre is being developed through a joint venture between J.G. Petrucci Company and BGO Cold Chain, with construction managed by Petrucci’s Iron Hill Construction Management.

“We are grateful for the commitment of Freshpet to continue expanding here and for the great partnership between Petrucci and Freshpet to continue to provide new and expanded facilities for growth like this new building in South Bethlehem,” Cunningham said.

The facility will be fully leased by Freshpet, reflecting growing demand for refrigerated supply-chain infrastructure in the market.

“Petrucci has been an exceptional partner, bringing specialist expertise and a shared commitment to quality and strong execution,” said Kevin Rivest, Managing Partner at BGO.

“Freshpet’s lease of the entire facility underscores the growing demand for modern cold chain infrastructure in this market,” he added.

The new facility is expected to strengthen Freshpet’s supply chain as the company continues expanding production and distribution of refrigerated pet food in the US.

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