CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND — New Zealand Riverland Foods recently announced that it has partnered with Canadian pet food brand PetKind to bring its pet food to the North American market. New Zealand Riverland Foods has shipped its first orders to the new region, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Since the company’s launch in March, New Zealand Riverland Foods has quickly expanded its reach to supply markets in Australia, South Korea and now North America, becoming the largest pet food cannery in New Zealand. According to the company, it is the largest pet food cannery in New Zealand. The company operates a $21 million facility in Christchurch with a capacity of 30 million cans annually.
“Entering the $85 billion North American pet food market is a pivotal step for the company’s growth,” said Michael Dance, general manager for New Zealand Riverland Foods.
“With an expected $40 billion in additional sales projected for North America in the next five years, establishing a presence here is essential,” Dance added. “Working with a respected brand like PetKind is a tremendous advantage. Their efforts to popularize Green Tripe — a nutrient-rich superfood — in the pet food industry have educated consumers worldwide about the health benefits of this natural ingredient.”
New Zealand Riverland Foods is known for its grass-fed meats and strong global reputation for quality, according to the company.
“Collaborating with a New Zealand-based company aligns with the core values we’ve developed at PetKind,” said Andrew Wasmuth, co-founder and owner of PetKind. “Their team’s technical expertise and deep industry knowledge were crucial factors in our decision to work together.”
New Zealand Riverland Foods is already preparing for further expansion, with plans to exhibit at Global Pet Expo, in Orlando, Fla., in March 2025. Participating in the show will provide the company an opportunity to introduce itself to US brands, many of which are exploring entry into fast-growing Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia, South Korea and China.
“Securing our Christchurch facility’s registration for export to China is the final piece of our puzzle,” Dance commented. “Chinese consumers trust New Zealand’s commitment to safety and quality across products like dairy and seafood, and we are eager to bring that same standard to pet food. We anticipate receiving our registration in November and look forward to fulfilling initial orders in time for Chinese New Year.”
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