Premium pet food manufacturer gains new investment
Private equity firm Arbor Investments, which focuses on food, beverage and related industries, has announced its plans to invest in a private label pet food manufacturer.
The firm will invest an undisclosed amount in Carnivore Meat Company, a producer of premium, freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food. On Jan. 19, Store Brands will host its industry forum on nonfood innovation, including pet products. Registration is now open.
Founded in Green Bay, Wisc. by entrepreneur and CEO Lanny Viegut in 2012, Carnivore is among the largest pure-play freeze-dried raw pet food producers in North America, manufacturing freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food, snacks and treats. Carnivore touts its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and proprietary freeze-drying process and say they “strongly position” the company to meet rapidly growing demand.
"Carnivore has been blessed with incredible growth and we see acceleration at an even faster rate in the future," said Viegut. "When we saw this opportunity to partner with a team who completely match us in culture, values and beliefs…and who share the same commitment to manufacturing premium quality food products, we just had to say, "YES"! This partnership will help us stay ahead of the ever-increasing demand for our 100% raw protein products. Carnivore and Arbor are a perfect fit and the timing couldn't be better. With our combined experience and expertise, along with Arbor's resources, we will continue scaling quickly to stay ahead of the incredible demand curve for our ultra-premium quality raw pet foods and treats."
Carnivore’s products are marketed under the company's family of brands including flagship brand Vital Essentials, Vital Cat, VE RAW BAR and the most recently launched Nature's Advantage line. Carnivore's branded products are distributed to over 7,200 retailers in the U.S. and Canada, online including via Chewy and Amazon, and in 14 international markets. In addition, Carnivore is a partner to a number of co-manufacturing and private label customers. The company was recently named to Inc. 5000's list of America's fastest growing private companies for a third consecutive year.
"The Carnivore team have developed distinctive products with a fanatical customer base," stated Arbor partner Chris Tuffin. "The freeze-dry sector is seeing meteoric growth as pet parents learn about the unrivaled benefits of a raw diet. We look forward to bringing our resources and capital to help increase capacity and support the step-change acceleration in the company's growth."