The well-known animal feed canning company Riverland Foods Limited started operations in New Zealand last February.
The company has a plant with the capacity to produce 30 million cans of cat and dog food per year, exclusively for its customers’ brands. This plant, called Riverland, is characterized by its high speed and volume, making it attractive to large international pet food companies that were looking for a modern factory to boost their business.
Unlike other companies in New Zealand that produce pet food, Riverland will not directly grow its own ingredients. This will allow them to be more flexible and adapt quickly to market and customer demands. According to general manager, Michael Dance, this will also help New Zealand become a major location for third-party pet food manufacturing, generating more than NZ$300 million in exports each year. It is estimated that most of Riverland’s production will be destined for export.
Dance explained that the decision to establish their location in Hornby, Christchurch in the Canterbury region, allows them to be in close proximity to major meat processors in order to work with fresh meats.
According to Dance, the amount of money invested in the Riverland project has exceeded NZ$30 million (US$20 million) and more funds have been earmarked for future developments bit by bit. This involves exploring different varieties and textures of meat, with a focus on meeting the exacting demands of its target audience: cats.
Pet food companies must adapt to the changing tastes of cats, offering a range of textures to satisfy their increasingly demanding appetites. Riverland stands out in this aspect by being able to offer a variety of options to its customers and thus keep them loyal to its brands. He also expressed his desire to play a key role in the welfare and prolonged life of pets, as well as to help position New Zealand as a leading country in the production of animal feed in the world.
In addition, the company is in negotiations with brand owners in different regions, including North America, Asia and Australia, to produce its products. While they are open to working with smaller local brands, they know they need to compete with large international players in the multi-million dollar pet food industry. In New Zealand, the pet food market was valued at approximately $500 million in 2023.
