Nestlé has unveiled a CHF520 million (approximately US$641.9 million) investment to develop a pet food manufacturing plant in Mantova, Italy. This facility is set to produce super-premium wet foods for cats and dogs, aiming to start operations in 2029, in response to the increasing demand for pet food across Europe.
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The new site will feature both a wet food production area and a logistics platform serving Purina and other Nestlé brands. It is projected to cater to around 111 million cats and 91 million dogs throughout Europe, bringing Purina's total number of operational sites in Europe to 15.
Nestlé reports that the pet care segment constitutes 29% of its sales in Europe and continues to show organic growth, attributed largely to significant internal growth. Rafael Lopez, CEO of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, stated that this investment indicates Nestlé's ongoing growth ambitions for the pet care category, highlighting the current appeal of super-premium wet pet food, which provides varied textures and sensory experiences that align with consumer preferences.
The company observed a notable increase in pet ownership in recent years, with owners willing to spend more on their pets. Pet food represents 21% of Nestlé's global sales, with wet food particularly noted as one of the fastest-growing segments; cat food alone experienced an 8% growth in 2025.
Market trends indicate that the pet nutrition sector is evolving towards targeted solutions addressing gut health, cognition, and mobility, alongside an increased focus on sustainability and evidence-backed ingredients.
Nestlé's new logistics platform at the Mantova site will enhance operational efficiencies, improve transport sustainability, and bolster supply resilience. Marco Travaglia, president and CEO of Nestlé Italy, commented that the facility will significantly strengthen their presence in Italy and facilitate better and faster service to customers.
Environmental sustainability measures will be incorporated into the facility design, including reduced emissions, lower logistics-related traffic, energy recovery, and water conservation. Earlier in the year, Nestlé Purina also launched a new production site in Vargeão, Brazil, designed to meet both local demand and international export needs, which is crucial given Brazil's status as one of the largest global pet food markets, with approximately 110 million pets.