VAFO Praha has appointed Milan Bartoš as managing director as part of a restructuring that divides the company into three separate entities focused on branded products, private label manufacturing and production operations.
Bartoš, who has been with VAFO Praha for 12 years and worked in the pet food industry for more than 15 years, previously led the company's sales department for the past five years. He started as a sales manager in 2013 and managed private-label brands from 2018.
"We're entering a new phase of growth in which we aim to be one of the most responsive and forward-looking companies on the European pet food market," said Bartoš. "The landscape is changing faster than ever before, which is why we're basing our strategy on adaptability, data and the strength of our brands.
"Our goal is not only growth, but also the creation of solutions for new challenges across individual sales channels, from specialist stores and the modern market to e-commerce and a direct relationship with the customer," Bartoš continued. "Our brands will continue to help our partners win in the market, not merely follow it."
Company restructuring
The restructuring, effective at the beginning of the year, creates three companies reflecting different business functions:
- VAFO Praha, s.r.o. oversees sales and marketing for flagship brands Brit and Carnilove, led by Bartoš.
- VAFO Private Labels, s.r.o. manages private-label products and smaller brands for domestic and international partners, headed by Michal Vinický.
- VAFO Production, s.r.o. encompasses manufacturing plants in the Czech Republic and four facilities in Estonia, Finland and Poland, led by Jakub Majer, former managing director of VAFO Praha and a member of the VAFO Group board.
"VAFO is entering another stage of its development," said Majer. "We have been growing in a long-term and systematic manner, so it's essential for us to have a clearly defined structure that allows us to continue strengthening our brands, developing production, and responding flexibly to market needs. The new arrangement gives individual teams greater scope to focus on what they do best, while at the same time creating a solid foundation for further expansion both domestically and internationally.
In July, VAFO Group acquired AZAN, one of Poland's largest pet food distributors and a nearly 30-year business partner. The acquisition positioned VAFO for direct distribution in Poland, in what it said is 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.
The company said the recent organizational change will not affect employees or clients. All three companies remain part of VAFO Group.
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.
