Croatian company opens country’s first dry pet food plant

Tvornica Dobre Hrane aims to capture a major share of the Croatian pet food market, which to date has relied on imports, then expand to other EU markets.

Croatian pet food maker Tvornica Dobre Hrane offers dry dog food containing poultry, beef and lamb meat proteins, among others. l Courtesy of Tvornica Dobre Hane
Croatian pet food maker Tvornica Dobre Hrane offers dry dog food containing poultry, beef and lamb meat proteins, among others. l Courtesy of Tvornica Dobre Hane

Croatian company Tvornica Dobre Hrane d.o.o. has opened the country’s first dry pet food factory in Virovitica, in the country’s northern part, and is planning to have the plant reach its full output capacity in 2022, according to senior company representatives.

Marko Škrablin, director of Tvornica Dobre Hrane, told Petfoodindustry.com that the company’s mission is to produce premium products using ingredients purchased from local suppliers.

“Our vision is to become an accepted manufacturer of premium pet food, following the nutritional and production-related industry trends,” Škrablin said. “The name of our factory is Tvornica Dobre Hrane, which means the Good Food Factory in English. Our brand’s products contain a minimum of 70% meat proteins that are also naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. All of our pet food contains fruits, vegetables, fatty acids, probiotics, herbs and a blend of vitamins and minerals.”

Pet food plant to reach full production in 2022

Between 2021 and 2022, the plant is expected to double its output. “At our Croatian factory, we have a production capacity of just over 10,000 tons of extruded pet food,” Škrablin said. “In 2021, we plan to produce 5,000 tons, and in 2022, we plan to achieve our full production capacity and target the 10,000-ton mark.

“Croatia used to import 100% of its pet food, which is a trend we aim to turn around with the start of production in our factory,” he added.

According to earlier reports, Tvornica Dobre Hrane allocated about HRK 15.4 million (U.S.$2.5 million) to build the factory.

Considering foreign pet food sales to expand

Tvornica Dobre Hrane’s primary focus is on securing a major share of the country’s pet food market. However, the pet food producer is also targeting an increased foreign foothold and is considering selling its output in a number of European Union (EU) member states.

“We are in communication and have inquiries about exporting our products to various EU countries. We will probably take advantage of that opportunity,” according to Škrablin.

Other plans by the Croatian business include further expanding its product portfolio. “In the future, we will be present in all the other categories, both premium and economy, as our goal is to have a complete and balanced product for a healthy and happy life of pets without using artificial flavors and colors, in all price ranges,” Škrablin said. “Currently, our main product is premium-quality extruded dog food. During this year, we will also include cat food in our offerings.”

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