Nestlé Purina has inaugurated a new factory in Vargeão, Brazil, to increase its supply of wet food for cats and dogs. The facility will meet rising demand in Brazil, one of the world’s largest petfood markets with around 110 million pets, and will also produce for export.
The Vargeão site represents Purina’s largest investment in Brazil to date, totalling BRL 2.5 billion (CHF 370 million), and will almost double the company’s wet petfood capacity in the country once fully operational. In recent years, Purina has recorded double-digit growth in Brazil.
“Petcare is one of four businesses Nestlé is focused on globally,” said Marcelo Melchior, CEO of Nestlé Brazil. “The new Vargeão plant strengthens our global strategy to expand premium wet pet food, offering a range of textures and sensory experiences that enhance quality nutrition for dogs and cats. This investment reflects our commitment to innovation, pet wellbeing and Brazil as one of the most strategic markets for the growth of the pet business.”
The new facility complements Purina’s existing site in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, and will increase export capacity. The Vargeão plant has begun shipments to Chile, with phased expansion planned to other South American markets.
As part of Nestlé’s ongoing digital transformation, the factory is equipped with next-generation production lines designed to deliver improved efficiency and productivity. It includes an Integrated Operations Centre (IOC), robots on filling and packaging lines, and solutions powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, enabling real-time monitoring and end-to-end traceability.
The site is also Purina’s first manufacturing facility in Latin America to operate on 100 percent renewable energy, both thermal and electric, using a biomass-powered boiler and electricity generated from renewable sources. The project will create 140 permanent jobs.
Latin America remains a key growth market for Purina. In addition to the Vargeão investment, the company recently opened a new Purina Experience Centre at its plant in Silao, Mexico, where employees, customers, veterinary students and partners can explore the science and innovation behind Purina’s products.
