Riverland Foods, New Zealand’s largest petfood cannery, has officially entered the North American market, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The Christchurch-based company has shipped its first orders to the US, in partnership with Canadian pet food brand PetKind, to bring premium, New Zealand-made pet food to North America’s $85 billion (€79 billion) pet food industry.
The collaboration is poised to capitalize on North America’s rapidly growing petfood sector, with projections indicating an additional $40 billion (€37 billion) in sales over the next five years. Michael Dance, General Manager of Riverland Foods, highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion. “Establishing a presence in North America is essential for our growth, and partnering with PetKind, known for its promotion of Green Tripe as a superfood in pet diets, gives us a competitive edge,” he said.
PetKind’s co-founder, Andrew Wasmuth, said “Working with Riverland Foods reflects our shared dedication to premium ingredients and sustainable practices.”
Since its launch in March, Riverland Foods has seen rapid growth, with shipments already reaching Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand. The company’s state-of-the-art €19.5 million ($21 million) processing facility in Christchurch, which can produce up to 30 million cans per year, has been pivotal in scaling operations.
Riverland Foods is also planning to showcase its products at the Global Pet Expo in Florida in early 2025 to connect with US brands. Additionally, the company is pursuing certification to enter the Chinese market, aiming to fulfill orders ahead of the Chinese New Year. The expansion into North America and Asia-Pacific markets represents a key step in Riverland Foods’ ambition to establish itself as a global leader in premium pet food manufacturing.