Ghent-based United Petfood has signed an agreement to acquire its second production site from Wellness Pet Company.
After first setting foot in America two years ago (2024) with the acquisition of Wellness Pet Company’s production site in Mishawaka, Indiana, United Petfood is solidifying this standing and partnership by signing a definitive agreement to acquire another dry pet food production facility in Decatur, Arkansas and signing a long-term agreement as a supplier to Wellness Pet Company.
Wellness Pet Company – the largest North America-based independent, branded, premium natural pet food producer – acquired Decatur in 2022. “The Decatur site gives us additional capacity and flexibility to respond to our customers’ needs,” reveals Dries Eeckhout, CEO of United Petfood Group.
By expanding its localised production capabilities, United Petfood can more effectively respond to the evolving needs of its North American customers and reduce regional supply lead times.
Dries explains that the acquisition will be another important step in strengthening United Petfood’s production footprint across North America, with Decatur becoming its third on the continent – joining the facility in Mishawaka and another one in Quebec, Canada, that the group acquired back in 2025.
While North America represents a growing focus for United Petfood, the company continues to leverage a massive operational footprint across the European market. The group specialises in private label dry pet food, wet pet food, treats, and snacks. Its established European infrastructure includes individual manufacturing sites in Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Romania, and Turkey. To support large-scale retail demands, United Petfood also operates concentrated regional networks comprising six production facilities in the Netherlands, five in France, three in the United Kingdom, and three in Poland.
“By expanding our US presence, we can combine the advantages of local production with the expertise and capabilities of our international network of pet kitchens,” Dries adds.
