MHP SE has opened MHP Pet Food, a wet pet food production facility in Zlatar Bistrica, Croatia, which the company said is the first of its kind in the country. The facility represents an investment of more than EUR 43 million (US$47.5 million) and will produce the company's new brand, Proof.
Proof products are formulated with high meat content, controlled-origin raw materials and grain-free recipes developed to current nutritional standards.
"I'm pleased to announce that today MHP enters the pet food market," said Yuriy Kosyuk, founder and CEO of MHP Group. "I believe that the entrepreneurial mindset, commitment to innovation, and operational excellence that have driven our international growth, will also support our success in this industry."
The Zlatar Bistrica plant is part of a circular economy strategy shared by MHP and Perutnina Ptuj, one of the region's leading poultry and meat producers. The facility draws on MHP's vertically integrated supply chain, giving the company direct control over raw material sourcing.
"MHP Pet Food is a natural extension of the knowledge and expertise in food production that we have developed over decades," said Oleksii Bezuglyi, director of MHP Pet Food. "Our competitive advantages include full control over the supply of raw materials, world-class production standards, and a strong focus on product quality. We have utilized MHP's vertically integrated business model and food industry expertise to launch Proof enabling the brand to establish a strong position in the competitive European pet food market."
Bezuglyi also noted the facility will create jobs and investment opportunities for the local economy.
Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Željko Kolar said the investment — valued at more than EUR 40 million (US$44 million) — aligns with the region's priorities.
"This project confirms that Zagorje is recognized as a stable, modern and competitive region that is attractive to major international investors," Kolar said. "Projects like this create new jobs, open opportunities for local entrepreneurs and suppliers, and further strengthen the economic development of the region. We are proud that MHP Pet Food chose Zagorje as the location for its first wet pet food factory in Croatia."
MHP Pet Food is a dedicated business unit of MHP Group, which according to the WATTPoultry.com Top Companies Database, is the largest poultry producer in Europe.
