Grupo Diana, a leading player in the Colombian rice industry, has announced the acquisition of Alimentos Nutrión S.A., a Bogotá-based pet food manufacturer. With this move, the company formally enters the pet food market, a sector in Colombia that is growing at over 10% annually and, according to local sources, now exceeds US$1 billion in annual sales.
Founded in 1964 and best known for "Arroz Diana," Grupo Diana is a leading Colombian food company with estimated annual revenues of US$340 million. Over the decades, it has expanded from rice into multiple food categories and is recognized among the country's top brands.
Sixth place in a competitive national market
According to data from Triplethree International, Alimentos Nutrión S.A. ranks as the sixth-largest pet food producer in Colombia. The company operates a plant located in Bogotá, dedicated exclusively to the production of dry food for dogs and cats. Nutrión currently produces and markets two brands — Nutrión and Élite — both positioned in the value-priced segment.
Strategic location for nationwide reach
Its location in Bogotá provides logistical advantages for efficiently supplying the country's main urban centers, reducing delivery times and optimizing distribution costs. Combined with Grupo Diana's established transportation and sales network, this capacity could expand the brands' presence in both traditional and modern retail channels.
Diversification beyond the rice business
The Colombian pet food market has shown consistent growth, driven by the "humanization" trend in pet ownership, where households allocate increasing budgets to the care and nutrition of companion animals. Within this market, dry food dominates total sales, while value-priced brands maintain a significant share among mass-market consumers.
The acquisition of Nutrión is part of Grupo Diana's broader diversification strategy. In addition to its strong rice business, the company is active in categories such as flour, beans, cooking oil, sauces, and soft drinks. By acquiring Nutrión, Grupo Diana aims to leverage synergies in logistics, marketing, and production to strengthen its position in a sector characterized by high purchase frequency and steady growth potential.
This move reinforces Grupo Diana's adaptability and readiness to compete in competitive markets dominated by both multinational corporations and established domestic producers. With Nutrión now under its umbrella, the group positions itself to tap into the growing demand for quality yet affordable pet food in Colombia.
Iván Franco is the founder of Triplethree International and has collaborated on hundreds of research projects for several consumer goods industries.
