Canadian pet food business rolls out superfood products

Three companies make strategic moves across North American and European markets with new product launches and expansion plans.

Dog Eating Super Food Kibble Dall E
Lisa Cleaver | Dall-E

Canada's Healthybud, a pet food business focused on superfood-based pet nutrition, has announced the launch of its new Lamb+Salmon Freeze-Dried Raw Food.

The product's innovative formula is the first complete and balanced freeze-dried raw dog food to comprise both prebiotics and postbiotics, scientifically designed to support gut health, Healthybud said in a statement.

Healthybud's Lamb+Salmon recipe "reimagines surf and turf for dogs, blending butcher-quality lamb with wild-caught salmon in a protein-packed, omega-3-rich feast. Enriched with a powerful blend of superfoods, fruits and vegetables, the formula nourishes dogs inside and out, while promoting digestive balance and overall vitality," noted the company.

Dana Ben David, the company's co-founder and creative director, told Petfood Industry the new Lamb+Salmon meals represent the first freeze-dried raw dog food that was formulated with both pre- and postbiotics in what sets a new standard in pet nutrition, all the while supporting digestion, immunity and overall vitality.

"While most kibble on the market is ultra-processed and packed with fillers, we take a different approach: our recipe combines butcher-quality meat with clean, powerful superfoods, and a precise blend of pre and postbiotics," said David. "Crafted alongside experts, our food is designed for picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs, making mealtime as nourishing as it is delicious."

The new products are available in two formats: crunchy, kibble-style bites and soft, rehydratable patties.

Established in Montreal, Canada, Healthybud's complete product range comprises freeze-dried raw food, functional chews, as well as single ingredient treats, according to data released by the business.

Earlier this year, Healthybud announced the successful closing of a strategic funding round of CAD$1.5 million (US$1.1 million), positioning the firm for further expansion in North American markets.

Ukrainian manufacturer launches sales in Estonia

Kormotech has become the first Ukrainian pet food maker to enter the Estonian market. To expand its foothold in the Baltic State, Kormotech has decided to team up with one of the largest distributors in Estonia to ensure wide-scale distribution of its brands there.

"Estonia is a key part of our regional strategy through 2028," said Maksym Tsymbal, the country manager for the Baltic region at Kormotech. "We are here to strengthen our position among the category leaders. Having our brands in the country's major national retail chains is the result of synergy between professional distribution, marketing support, and our strategic focus."

Owing to the latest expansion, a number of Kormotech brands are currently available to consumers in the Estonian market. These include Optimeal, Club 4 Paws, Delickcious and My Love.

"My Love, in particular, is seeing rapid growth," said the company. "Following its redesign, the brand achieved high recognition and quickly secured a strong presence in retail chains. For the first time in the region, a digital campaign was launched for My Love, featuring placements on national online platforms and outdoor advertising in Tallinn. This campaign drove substantial sales growth and sparked retailer requests to expand the range."

Kormotech specializes in wet and dry food for cats and dogs. The company's corporate strategy defines the goal of increasing its annual sales to around US$500 million by 2028.

German pet retailer enters Belgium

In a bid to expand its international presence, Germany's pet retailer Kölle Zoo is readying to open its first store in neighboring Belgium in cooperation with a local franchisee.

The German company is readying to launch an outlet with a surface of some 1,200 square meter (12,900 square foot) in Sankt Vith, in the country's southeastern part, Kölle Zoo said. Under the plan, the store is to be opened this fall.

"Our partner for this important milestone is the experienced retail entrepreneur Sebastian Haep, who, with his diverse expertise in retail, 24/7 smart stores, event catering, restaurants, and an existing pet store, is an ideal partner for market entry," noted Kölle Zoo.

"With the new franchise model, we are pursuing the goal of sustainable growth through strong regional partnerships and further expanding our presence," the retailer added. "The opening in Belgium marks a significant milestone in this regard."

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