VAFO Group

What VAFO Group does

VAFO Group a.s. is a privately-held, second-generation family-owned European pet food manufacturer headquartered in Chrášťany, Czech Republic. Operating through nine wet and dry food factories across the Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, Poland, and Sweden, the group produces superpremium pet food, snacks, and supplements under a portfolio of more than 17 proprietary brands — including flagship Brit (sold in 85+ countries), Carnilove (80+ countries), Pooch & Mutt, Hau-Hau Champion, Profine, PrimaDog, PrimaCat, Christopherus, Sam's Field, Canvit, Nutrican, Dagsmark, WOW, DOG'S LOVE, CAT'S LOVE, and Pure Nature — as well as private-label pet food for retail partners. Group revenue reached approximately EUR 605 million in 2024 with 220,200+ tons of annual production capacity and 260,000+ tons sold, ranking VAFO among the top five pet food producers in Europe and exporting to more than 90 countries.

The group's business model combines three revenue streams: (1) branded superpremium pet food sold through specialty retail, modern grocery, and veterinary channels; (2) private-label manufacturing for domestic and international retailers, accounting for roughly one quarter of group turnover; and (3) contract and distribution services via wholly-owned subsidiaries such as AZAN in Poland (~7,000 retail and veterinary customers), Franklin in France, PetCo in Austria, Lupus Foder in Sweden, and VAFO.de in Germany. Go-to-market motions include enterprise sales to retailers and veterinarians, D2C e-commerce (Pooch & Mutt, VAFO Digital launched 2025), and a growing veterinary channel anchored by Brit Veterinary Diets. Production technology includes Thermal Twin and Wenger 185 lines at the Číčenice plant, freeze-dried wet food and snacks manufacturing in Estonia, and a new €14M Polish wet food factory (100M-unit first-phase capacity) coming online end-2027.

VAFO's product and technology roadmap centers on functional and science-backed nutrition. The Pooch & Mutt subsidiary operates the BIOME9 microbiome analysis platform — an AI-assisted at-home canine gut health testing service that pairs with a portfolio of personalized supplements, lab operations now in-house at AberInnovation (UK). Innovation pipelines include PEKILO mycoprotein dry food developed with Enifer (Finland), collagen-rich functional treats, natural dental supplements, and sustainable packaging that has won WorldStar 2025 and Nordic ScanStar 2024 awards. Certifications include ISO 9001 and HACCP across all manufacturing facilities, and the group restructured in January 2026 into three entities — VAFO PRAHA (flagship brands Brit and Carnilove), VAFO Private Labels, and VAFO Production (all manufacturing) — to clarify capital allocation and segment accountability.

Name

VAFO Group

Legal name

VAFO Group a.s.

Website

https://vafo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

VAFO Group is a Czech-headquartered, family-owned European manufacturer of superpremium pet food, snacks, and supplements, operating nine factories and a portfolio of 17+ proprietary brands (Brit, Carnilove, Pooch & Mutt, Hau-Hau Champion and others) sold in 90+ countries alongside private-label manufacturing for retail partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pet Food Manufacturing

NAICS

Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing (311111), Animal Food Manufacturing (3111)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Dry Pet Food (Kibble) (AFADAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wet/Canned & Pouch Food (Dog & Cat) (CRADAFAB), Manufacturing, Private Label & Co-Manufacturing for Animal Diets (HLAMAHAO), Custom & Private-Label Pet Food Manufacturing (AFADAFAO), Alternative Protein & Sustainable Pet Food (insect/plant/cell-based) (CRADAFAI), Natural/Organic & Limited-Ingredient Diets (CRADAFAH), Life-Stage & Breed/Size-Specific Formulas (CRADAFAG)

Keywords

• Pet food manufacturing
• Superpremium pet nutrition
• Pet food private label
• Pet supplements nutraceuticals
• Pet snacks treats

Headquarters

HQ city

Chrastany

HQ country

Czechia

HQ region

Europe

Offices19 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Branded Pet Food Products: Sale of proprietary brands including Brit, Carnilove, Pooch & Mutt, Hau-Hau Champion, Profine, PrimaDog, PrimaCat, Christopherus, Sam's Field, Canvit, Nutrican, Dagsmark, WOW, DOG'S LOVE, CAT'S LOVE, Pure Nature across dry food, wet food, snacks, and supplements categories in more than 90 countries.
2. Private Label Manufacturing: Development and production of private label pet food products for domestic and international retail partners. VAFO Private Labels segment handles private label brands and smaller brands, representing approximately one quarter of group turnover.
3. Pooch & Mutt Health Products: Science-backed pet health products including gut health tests, dental powder, and personalized supplement subscriptions for dogs, powered by BIOME9 technology.
4. Manufacturing Services: VAFO Production encompasses all manufacturing plants in Czech Republic and abroad (Estonia, Finland, Poland), providing production capacity for own brands and private label products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

VAFO Group manufactures and distributes superpremium pet food (dry food, wet food, snacks, and supplements) for dogs, cats, and small animals across 17+ proprietary brands including flagship Brit, Carnilove, Pooch & Mutt, Hau-Hau Champion, Profine, PrimaDog, PrimaCat, Christopherus, Sam's Field, Canvit, Nutrican, Dagsmark, WOW, DOG'S LOVE, CAT'S LOVE, and Pure Nature. The company operates 9 European factories with annual production exceeding 220,200 tons, serving more than 90 countries, and offers B2B private label contract manufacturing services that represent approximately 25% of group turnover.

Product overview

VAFO Group is a leading European manufacturer of superpremium pet food operating a platform-plus-sub-brands model. The company produces dry food, wet food, snacks, and supplements across 17 distinct brands including flagship Brit, Carnilove, Pooch & Mutt, Hau-Hau Champion, Profine, PrimaDog, PrimaCat, Christopherus, Sam's Field, Canvit, Nutrican, Dagsmark, WOW, DOG'S LOVE, CAT'S LOVE, and Pure Nature. Additionally, VAFO offers private-label manufacturing services and, through its Pooch & Mutt subsidiary, provides science-backed pet health products including at-home microbiome testing via the BIOME9 platform. The portfolio serves over 90 countries worldwide through nine wet food and dry food factories with total annual production exceeding 220,200 tons.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Brit: Flagship superpremium pet food brand exported to more than 85 countries, includes Brit Care, Brit Premium By Nature, Brit Fresh, Brit Veterinary Diet, Brit Animals sub-brands.
• Carnilove
• Pooch & Mutt
• Hau-Hau Champion
• Profine
• PrimaDog
• PrimaCat
• Christopherus
• Sam's Field
• Canvit
• Nutrican
• Dagsmark
• WOW
• DOG'S LOVE
• CAT'S LOVE
• Pure Nature

Products and services

• Brit VAFO's flagship superpremium pet food brand for dogs and cats, available in more than 85 countries. Spans Brit Care, Brit Premium By Nature, Brit Fresh, Brit Veterinary Diet, and Brit Animals sub-lines.
• Carnilove Premium pet food brand inspired by natural diets of dogs and cats, emphasizing high meat content, grain-free formulations, and recipes aligned with instinctive diet; distributed in more than 80 countries.
• Pooch & Mutt UK-based pet food and health brand offering premium wet and dry foods plus science-backed health products including at-home gut health testing powered by BIOME9 microbiome analysis.
• Hau-Hau Champion Finland's leading retail dog food brand for over 60 years, offering wheat-free, meaty recipes of dry food, sausages, chew bones, and treats with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
• Profine Superpremium formulas for dogs and cats containing 60% chicken, lamb, salmon, and potatoes with sea algae, prebiotics, and marine complex for immunity, skin, and coat health.
• PrimaDog Superpremium dry food line for grocery channel with high meat content, Nordic superfood mix, grain-free varieties, and no wheat, soy, or GMO ingredients.
• PrimaCat Premium cat food line for grocery channel with high meat content and formulations free of wheat, corn, and added sugar; includes grain-free dry foods.
• Christopherus Premium formulas for all categories of dogs and cats with moderate protein and fat for balanced muscle mass, designed for different life stages.
• Sam's Field Holistic superpremium formulas for dogs and cats with farm-quality ingredients, vegetables, fruits, and herbal blends; available in low-grain, no-grain, and no-gluten varieties.
• Canvit Food supplement series for healthy animals offering vitamins, microelements, and nutraceuticals with high bioavailability, including BARF supplements in natural form.
• Nutrican Complete dry food formulas designed for cats with highly digestible chicken, cold-pressed herring oil, algae, brown seaweed, and chondroprotectives.
• Dagsmark Finnish pet food brand founded in 2016, known for high standards in responsible pet nutrition; acquired by VAFO Group in 2024.
• WOW Austrian premium brand for dogs and cats with natural, wholesome ingredients including fresh meat, high-quality offal, healthy oils, and vegetables without grains.
• DOG'S LOVE Premium food for dogs with carefully selected ingredients and veterinary cooperation; positioned as a top choice for dog owners wanting the very best nutrition.
• CAT'S LOVE Premium cat food offering exceptional quality with carefully selected ingredients for every palate.
• Pure Nature Pet food brand focused on natural, sustainable pet nutrition options for dogs and cats.
• Private Label Pet Food Manufacturing B2B contract manufacturing service for developing and producing private-label pet food, snacks, and supplements for domestic and international retail partners; represents approximately 25% of group turnover.
• Brit Veterinary Diets Veterinary diet line under the Brit brand designed to help manage various health conditions in dogs and cats while supporting animals during recovery; distributed through veterinary clinics.
• BIOME9 Gut Health Test At-home microbiome testing service for dogs using AI and science to analyze gut bacteria and provide personalized supplement recommendations; sold through Pooch & Mutt with subscription and one-off bundle options.
• Pooch & Mutt Natural Dental Powder 100% natural kelp-based dental powder supplement for dogs designed to combat plaque and tartar buildup and freshen breath; suitable for all breeds over 6 months.
• Pooch & Mutt Personalized Supplement Plans Subscription-based personalized supplement plans for dogs powered by BIOME9 microbiome analysis, including Gut Detoxifier, Gut-Joint Matrix, Microbiome Support, Immunity Support, Fibre Support, Vitamin Complex, and Gut Skin Support.

Quantifiable outcome

• VAFO Group revenue of approximately EUR 605 million in 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core and supporting.

• EniferstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2026Prima Pet (part of VAFO Group) collaborating with biotechnology company Enifer to develop new pet food product with PEKILO mycoprotein. Test batches containing PEKILO protein to be produced at Prima Pet's dry food factory in Nokia, Finland, followed by palatability trials with cats and dogs.
• AberInnovation / University of AberystwythcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 January 2025Pooch & Mutt acquired new laboratory at AberInnovation campus (world-class agri-tech and biotech research facility alongside University of Aberystwyth and Aberystwyth Vet School) to bring BIOME9 laboratory operations in-house for greater accuracy, faster turnaround times, and expanded research capacity.
• myclimate.orgsupportingOthersVAFO works with myclimate.org on CO2 offsetting projects as part of sustainability commitment. Partnership supports climate contribution projects aimed at reducing overall CO2 emissions.
• Kaivana Veterinary CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVAFO's long-term partnership with Kaivana spanning nearly 20 years. Kaivana opened new veterinary clinic in Rumšiškės, Lithuania carrying Brit Veterinary Diets brand for first time, focusing on orthopedics, neurology, and soft tissue surgery with advanced veterinary care.
• U-HeartssupportingOthersVAFO donated 15 full pallets of pet food displayed at Zoomark 2025 booth to U-Hearts organization dedicated to supporting animals in war-affected regions of Ukraine.
• International Veterinary Specialists (Dr. Stefanie Handl, Dr. Irene Bruckner, DVM Inês Carvalho, Dr. Jacek Wilczak, DVM PhD Paweł Kucharski)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNearly 150 veterinarians participated in first Brit Nutrition Conference in Poland organized by AZAN (VAFO subsidiary), featuring expert lectures from internationally recognized veterinary nutrition specialists.
• HedepysupportingOthersBrit (VAFO) partnered with online therapeutic platform Hedepy to provide psychological support for Czech veterinarians as part of 'The Other Side of Veterinary Care' campaign addressing mental health in the profession.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Champion Petfoods: Manufacturer of ACANA and ORIJEN premium pet foods, owned by Nestlé Purina. Closely comparable to VAFO's superpremium Carnilove and Brit Fresh positioning on biologically appropriate, high-meat, grain-free recipes, but concentrated in North America with growing European presence.

Broad incumbents

• Mars Petcare: Global pet food giant behind Royal Canin, Pedigree, Whiskas and others. Comparable to VAFO as a superpremium and mainstream pet food manufacturer operating across dry, wet and treats with worldwide distribution, but at vastly greater scale and with Royal Canin directly competing with Brit Veterinary Diets in the veterinary channel.
• Nestlé Purina PetCare: One of the world's largest pet care businesses, with Purina Pro Plan, ONE, Felix, Friskies. Directly comparable to VAFO's superpremium dry/wet portfolio (especially Pro Plan vs. Brit) and global retail reach, but operates at materially larger scale and broader portfolio breadth.
• Wellness Pet Company: US-headquartered premium natural pet food company behind Wellness Core, Holistic Select, and Old Mother Hubbard. Comparable to VAFO via overlapping superpremium natural positioning and treats portfolio, though VAFO is much larger by European volume and revenue.

Direct peers

• Hill's Pet Nutrition: Colgate-Palmolive-owned premium and veterinary pet food brand (Science Diet, Prescription Diet). The most direct competitor to VAFO's Brit Veterinary Diets line, sharing the veterinary-channel go-to-market, science-led positioning, and premium pricing model.
• Butcher's Pet Care: UK-based heritage pet food brand (Butcher's Original, Wainwright's) focused on natural and high-meat recipes. Comparable to VAFO via Carnilove and Pooch & Mutt in the UK and European superpremium natural segment, with similar positioning around fresh meat and grain-free formulations.
• Affinity Petcare: Spanish-headquartered European premium pet food manufacturer with brands including Ultima, Advance, and Brekkies. Closely comparable to VAFO in size, European geographic focus, multi-brand strategy, superpremium positioning, and private-label capabilities for European retailers.
• Heristo AG (Saturn Petfood): German family-owned food group whose Saturn Petfood division is a leading European private-label and co-manufacturer of wet pet food. Closely comparable to VAFO Private Labels and VAFO Production on contract manufacturing scale, and competes directly for European retail private-label wet food contracts.
• Deuerer Petfood: German private-label and co-manufacturing pet food specialist with multiple in-house brands (Christopherus is now under VAFO, with overlap). Directly comparable to VAFO's VAFO Production and Private Labels division in contract manufacturing capabilities, and competes head-to-head in European private-label supply.
• MPM Products: UK-headquartered premium pet food company behind Applaws, Reveal, and Eat Elite. Directly comparable to VAFO's Carnilove and Pooch & Mutt in the superpremium/natural wet and dry segment, with shared European retail distribution and similar marketing emphasis on high-meat, natural recipes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/BritPetFood
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vafo

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A4 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VAFO Group