VAFO Group, a European superpremium pet food producer, has completed the acquisition of AZAN, one of Poland's largest pet food distributors and a nearly 30-year business partner.
The acquisition positions VAFO for direct distribution in Poland, one of its most strategic markets in Central and Eastern Europe. The company said the move allows it to establish closer customer relationships and respond more effectively to market demands in the region.
AZAN will continue operating within VAFO Group's structure while maintaining its distribution expertise and customer service capabilities. The integration is expected to create operational synergies in logistics, finance, and cross-group knowledge sharing.
Founded in 1997 by siblings Agnieszka Donicz and Krzysztof Furdal, AZAN takes its name from "A to Z Animals." The company has grown from a small family operation to a major distributor serving nearly 7,000 customers across specialized retail, veterinary and modern retail channels. AZAN also operates e-commerce platforms and produces its own snack brand, Azanki, while employing more than 80 people.
"We are very proud that, as a food distributor, we've reached a level of development that made us an attractive partner for a reputable company like VAFO," said Donicz, co-founder and CEO of AZAN. "Instead of pushing us out, they saw our potential and recognized us as a valuable player in the market. For us, this proves that growth, quality and commitment to the industry are key to building long-term, strategic partnerships."
From left to right: Pavel Bouška, Agnieszka Donicz and Anna Derlatka.VAFO Group
"I'm happy to welcome AZAN to the VAFO family," said Pavel Bouška, chairman of the board of VAFO Group. "They've been a key part of our success in the Polish market — a market that's always felt a bit like home to us. We've had a factory there for five years already, and I believe more will follow. I'm also proud that with this step, we're gaining a strong team and roughly a quarter of our colleagues will now be based in Poland. This acquisition is an important step in fulfilling our strategy to remain a leading pet food company in Europe."
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, VAFO Group ranks among Europe's five largest pet food producers and reported revenues of approximately €605 million (US$660 million) in 2024. The company operates manufacturing facilities across multiple European markets and focuses on Czech, Slovak and Polish markets.
