United Petfood acquires 50% stake in SmartPetPro to strengthen premium wet pet food 

EUROPE – United Petfood has acquired a 50% stake in German premium wet petfood manufacturer SmartPetPro, forming a strategic partnership to expand production capacity, strengthen its position in Europe’s largest petfood market, and accelerate growth in the premium wet petfood segment.

The agreement combines United Petfood’s international manufacturing network with SmartPetPro’s expertise in premium wet pet food production. 

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The partnership reinforces United Petfood’s presence in Germany while broadening its portfolio of premium wet petfood products. 

SmartPetPro, meanwhile, will gain access to United Petfood’s international resources, technical expertise and wider customer network to support its long-term expansion.

“This partnership is a natural fit,” said Dominiek Dumoulin, founder of United Petfood Group. 

“SmartPetPro has built an impressive business with a strong entrepreneurial culture, deep expertise in premium wet pet food, and an excellent reputation in the German market.”

As part of the agreement, Lars Oehlmann will remain chief executive officer of SmartPetPro, while co-founders Stefan Pfannmöller and Erich Herrmann will continue supporting the company’s long-term development. 

The partnership also paves the way for the expansion of SmartPetPro’s production facility in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany, to meet growing customer demand.

“This transaction allows us to combine local entrepreneurship with international scale to create even more value for our customers and support their future growth,” said Dries Eeckhout, CEO of United Petfood Group. 

“We are excited to welcome SmartPetPro into the United Petfood family and look forward to growing together.”

Oehlmann said the partnership would enable SmartPetPro to accelerate its growth while maintaining its entrepreneurial approach.

“Joining forces with United Petfood gives us the opportunity to accelerate our growth while staying true to the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our company,” he said. 

“Together, we are creating a strong platform for the future of premium pet food in Germany.”

Consolidation continues in Europe’s pet food sector

The acquisition reflects continued consolidation in the European petfood industry as manufacturers invest in premium nutrition, specialised production capabilities and larger manufacturing networks to meet rising demand.

Premium wet pet food has become one of the fastest-growing categories in the pet nutrition market, driven by increasing pet ownership, premiumisation trends and consumers seeking higher-quality diets with functional health benefits.

United Petfood is one of Europe’s largest private-label pet food manufacturers, producing dry and wet pet food as well as treats. 

The company operates 29 production facilities across Europe and the Americas, supplies customers in more than 110 countries, and reports annual turnover exceeding US$1.8 billion.

The addition of SmartPetPro strengthens the company’s manufacturing footprint in Germany and enhances its ability to serve retailers and brand owners seeking premium wet pet food products across Europe and international markets.

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