Alimentos Prosalud (APS), a Latin American company specializing in seafood processing and distribution, recently inaugurated a new pet food production facility in El Roble, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. The plant, which began operations in late 2024, marks APS’s entry into the pet food sector as part of its broader strategy for growth over the next five years.
Puntarenas, a coastal province in Costa Rica, was chosen for its thriving fishing industry and strategic access to maritime trade routes. According to APS, this expansion is expected to enhance its international presence, particularly in over 20 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Spain and Germany. The company aims to address the increasing demand for premium pet food products, particularly in Central America and North America, where pet ownership and spending on pet nutrition continue to grow.
Company introduces Vital Nutrition premium brand
APS also introduced its premium wet pet food brand, Vital Nutrition, which has been developed based on market research, trend analysis and nutritional studies. According to the company, the product is formulated with input from food technologists, animal nutritionists and industry experts and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to enhance both nutritional value and palatability for pets.
The new plant represents an investment of $10 million, spans 2,600 square meters, and has a daily production capacity of 500,000 canned pet food units. It operates under international food safety and quality standards, holding a global certification. Sustainability initiatives at the facility include optimizing raw material usage and implementing energy-efficient processes, including the repurposing of tuna by-products into fishmeal.
The production facility also employs over 1,500 people directly and supports an additional 5,000 indirect jobs, contributing to Costa Rica’s economic landscape. Recent expansion efforts have led to the hiring of more than 150 new employees. As the company scales its operations, the growth of its pet food division will likely shape its role in regional and international markets.
