The KIKA Group, a leading provider of petfood in the Baltics, has started building a new wet petfood production facility in Lithuania. The factory, named Akvatera W, is located near Kaunas and represents a €20.5 million investment aimed at expanding the company’s product range and increasing its global presence.
The 7,200-square-meter factory will feature two production lines and focus on producing high-quality wet food for pets. The facility will add 52 new products to KIKA Group’s portfolio and is expected to ramp up production to 11,000 tonnes annually. The products will be sold locally in Lithuania and Estonia, as well as exported to markets in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
The plant’s production will meet growing demand for pouch-packaged wet food, which aligns with current consumer trends. It will also enhance KIKA Group’s partnerships with European retailers.
“We are well-positioned to expand our functional pet food line and other private label categories, improving our global competitiveness,” said Tauras Plungė, Co-Founder of KIKA Group.
Akvatera W will have a 500 kW solar power plant installed on the roof, helping to meet part of the plant’s electricity needs. Combined with energy from remote solar plants, the facility will source 90% of its electricity from renewable sources. The plant will also feature advanced heat recovery systems to maximize energy efficiency. KIKA Group’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its broader energy strategy, with a combined solar capacity of 3 MW across its locations. The company’s focus on green energy aims to reduce environmental impact while ensuring price stability.
The new facility is expected to help KIKA Group continue its expansion, which has already seen the company grow its exports to 65 countries, with notable growth in Asia. The group’s 2023 sales totaled €71.7 million, with 43.5% coming from exports.
KIKA Group owns the Akvatera LT dry pet food plant and the Tauro Kennel breeding facilities and operates 128 stores under the KIKA brand in Lithuania and Estonia.Bottom of Form