The Brazilian pet sector closed the year 2024 with a total revenue of R$75.4 billion (US$12.7 billion). The sale of industrialized pet food alone represented 54.1% of the sector's revenue, ending the year with R$40.8 billion (US$6.8 million). Aiming to expand its presence in this growing market, Mars Pet Nutrition inaugurated a new distribution center (DC) at the end of January.
Located in the city of Extrema, in Minas Gerais, the DC is the result of a R$30 million (US$5.1 million) investment, allowing the company to strengthen its operational capacity in the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions of Brazil, ensuring agile and efficient supply.
In addition to strengthening the distribution of products from the brands Pedigree®, Whiskas®, Royal Canin®, Optimum™, Cesar®, Sheba®, Kitekat®, and Dreamies®, the investment also focuses on increasing the company's reach in the wet food pouches and treats categories. Mars projects that the new DC will distribute around 6.7 thousand tons of products per month, accumulating more than 70 thousand tons by the end of 2025.
Partnerships with impact
Part of the investments in the new DC are directed towards technology, including modern and updated solutions for product tracking throughout the supply chain. Furthermore, the space allows the distribution center's operation to continue while receiving or shipping products, ensuring greater logistical efficiency.
For the development and execution of the project, Mars partnered with the Government of Minas Gerais, through the State Secretariat for Economic Development (Sede-MG) and its linked agency Invest Minas, and AGV Solistica, a company specializing in value-added storage and distribution in Brazil.
This operation has a positive impact on local economic development. "The new DC contributes to the generation of more than 100 direct and indirect jobs, in addition to boosting the logistics chain and fostering partnerships with suppliers and transporters in the region," reports Henrique Carvalho, Manufacturing and Supply Director at Mars Pet Nutrition.
Sustainability
Aligned with the Sustainable in a Generation (SIG) program, the operation at the Extrema DC aims to reduce environmental impacts throughout the production chain. According to Carvalho, the company adopts sustainable initiatives such as designing for circularity, incorporating recycled materials into secondary and tertiary packaging, and developing recyclable packaging. "Our commitment to sustainability extends to both the environmental and social aspects, ensuring that our operations have a positive impact on the planet," states the director.
In addition to the redesign of packaging, Mars has also implemented partnerships for the collection of industrial organic waste to transform it into fertilizers for agriculture, promoting the return of essential organic compounds to agricultural production
