WH Group, one of the world’s largest pork processors, has acquired Poland‑based pet food company Pupil Foods, reported Just Food. The deal was executed through Morliny Foods, WH Group’s European arm operating under its Polish subsidiary, Animex Foods.
WH Group described the acquisition as “a key step in Morliny Foods’ strategy aimed at diversification of its portfolio and strengthening the presence in the dynamically growing pet-food market in Europe.” Financial terms were not disclosed.
Pupil Foods specializes in both wet and dry cat and dog foods, supplying European markets including the United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary and Serbia, with exports to Asia and the Middle East. The company’s product range features brands, including Pupil and Teo, as well as private‑label offerings. The company runs two facilities in Poland: Nowe Skalmierzyce (wet foods) and Odolanów (dry foods).
WH Group first entered the European meat business in 2004 when its U.S. affiliate, Smithfield Foods, acquired Morliny Foods and Comtim Group for a combined US$83 million. Morliny Foods now operates facilities in Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain, France and the U.K., producing a portfolio of brands including Pek, Krakus, Mecom, Berlinki, and Morliny.
