The Guillermo Lehmann Cooperative has entered the pet food market with the launch of Lokal, a new production facility for dog and cat food located in San Jerónimo Norte, Santa Fe, a central-northeastern province that plays a key role in Argentina’s agricultural sector.
Lokal marks a strategic diversification for the cooperative into a high-growth category driven by rising demand for premium and sustainable pet nutrition. The project represents an investment of more than US$6 million and includes a state-of-the-art industrial complex designed for efficient, scalable production.
The facility features advanced extrusion and milling technology with a production capacity of up to 2.5 metric tons per hour. It includes high-capacity mixers that can process 10 tons per hour and automated systems that dose macro, medium, and micro ingredients. A dedicated quality control lab pre-weighs and verifies all inputs to support traceability and industry compliance.
Lokal will operate under its own brand, focusing on premium dry dog and cat food. Product formulations will be free from synthetic additives and aligned with current trends in pet wellness and sustainability.
Initially distributed through the cooperative’s internal commercial network, Lokal plans to expand into pet specialty stores, veterinary clinics and regional retailers, with long-term ambitions to develop export channels in neighboring countries.
Argentina’s pet food infrastructure expands
Pet ownership in Argentina continues to rise, especially among one- and two-person households, where dogs and cats are increasingly viewed as family. This cultural shift is fueling demand for natural, health-oriented pet foods — making Lokal’s launch well-timed as the domestic pet food market remains one of the most dynamic segments of the country’s consumer goods sector.
With modern infrastructure, premium positioning, and established distribution support, Lokal is poised to grow its share of the Argentine pet food market and contribute to the region’s evolving pet care landscape.
