Champion Petfoods has opened its Global Innovation and Discovery Centre, a $32 million CAD (US$23.5 million) pilot facility at its NorthStar Kitchen in Acheson, Alberta, marking one of the latest in a series of major capital investments the company has made in its Canadian operations.
The center is designed to strengthen Champion's ability to develop, evaluate and refine new recipes, proprietary technologies and product concepts across all markets where the company operates. Scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and product developers will use the facility to conduct controlled development work on recipes and new technologies for its ORIJEN and ACANA brands before scaling them to high-volume production kitchens.
The investment is part of a broader commitment that includes an additional $15 million CAD (US$11 million) planned for Champion's Canadian facilities over the next five years to enhance production, packaging and sustainability. It builds on $591 million CAD (US$434 million) invested over the past 10 years to establish pet food manufacturing operations in Canada.
"The Global Innovation and Discovery Centre is a direct reflection of our BAFRINO mandate: our promise to craft food that is Biologically Appropriate, made with a variety of fresh, raw ingredients and to be never outdone," said Stacey Osborn, president of Champion Petfoods. "This facility empowers our associates to push the boundaries of pet nutrition, developing nutrient-rich foods with the speed, safety and scientific rigor that pet lovers expect from us. It's an investment in the future of nutrition for cats and dogs and in our deep-rooted Canadian heritage."
The center leverages Alberta's agricultural network by sourcing fresh ingredients regionally and nationally. Champion said the facility will also support its sustainable upcycling efforts by enhancing the nutritional value of ingredients through proprietary processing methods, including freezing fish at the source and extracting oils for use in fresh kibble and freeze-dried recipes.
Champion also cited academic partnerships as a key component of its innovation strategy. The company collaborates with scientists and veterinarians from the University of Calgary and the University of Guelph on pet nutrition research, and said many findings from those university-led studies will be open-sourced.
"At Champion Petfoods, true innovation is driven by an uncompromising commitment to rigorous research and high-quality ingredients," said Jeff Johnston, senior vice president, research, innovation and product development at Champion Petfoods.
"This Global Innovation and Discovery Centre uniquely positions us to pioneer breakthrough recipes and proprietary technologies," continued Johnston. "By bridging evidence-based science with our world-class regional ingredient sourcing, we have the agility to rapidly test and perfect nutrient-dense foods that continue to set the global standard for pet health and nutrition."
Champion Petfoods, owned by Mars, recently marked its 40th anniversary. The company said the Acheson facility is intended to help elevate Alberta as a hub for pet nutrition innovation.
