Nestlé Purina will make a significant capacity investment with a new CHF 520 million (US$644.4 million) plant in Mantova, Italy, as the company looks to meet continued demand growth for pet food. The facility will combine a wet pet food plant with a logistics platform serving Purina as well as other Nestlé brands.
The plant will produce superpremium wet pet food for cats and dogs for key Purina brands. The investment will bring the number of Purina production sites in Europe to 15, serving a total population of around 111 million cats and around 91 million dogs across Europe. Petcare now accounts for 29% of Nestlé sales in Zone Europe and continues to deliver organic growth led by internal growth, according to the company.
"Petcare is one of Nestlé's four focus businesses, and this investment is a clear signal of our continued growth ambition for the category," said Rafael López, CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe. "Superpremium wet pet food is particularly attractive right now. It offers a variety of textures and sensory experiences combined with great nutrition for dogs and cats, all things that people are looking for as they welcome pets into the heart of their families."
Wet pet food continues growth in Europe
According to Nestlé Purina PetCare, the European market for pet food is estimated at close to CHF 30 billion (US$37.2 billion). The pet population has grown in recent years, and people are spending more on their pets. Wet pet food is one of the fastest-growing segments, offering a variety of flavors and formats, including single-serve options, added the company. Wet cat food is a particular growth driver, with the segment growing 8% in Europe in 2025.
The new logistics platform is intended to serve retail customers more efficiently, support more sustainable transport flows and strengthen supply chain resilience for Purina products as well as other categories.
"The new Purina plant for wet pet food and the distribution platform strengthen our presence in Italy and at the heart of European transport corridors, enabling us to serve customers and consumers better and faster," said Marco Travaglia, president and CEO of Nestlé Italy.
The project will be developed and integrated over the coming years, with production expected to start in 2029. The facility will include environmental measures intended to reduce emissions, lower logistics-related traffic, save water and recover energy.
Growth in pet care globally
Petcare is also a growth driver for Nestlé globally, noted the company. Accounting for 21% of the company's global sales, the category is expected to continue growing, supported by rising pet populations, demand for superpremium nutrition and the premiumization of wet cat food, according to Nestlé. The investment in Mantova follows Nestlé's announcement earlier this year of a US$458.6 million investment in a new wet pet food factory in Brazil.
López said the investment reflects growth in commercial pet food and rising pet ownership.
"The number one is the increased population of pets," said López. "Today, we have around 111 million cats and 91 million dogs. Second also is the penetration of commercial pet food. And last, but most important, is that consumers, pet owners, are willing to spend more in great taste products, great quality, great nutrition, and new serving experiences that are helping them to increase the bond with their pets."
