Nestle Purina Invests 644 Million Dollars in Italian Plant

Nestle Purina will invest 520 million Swiss francs, approximately 644 million dollars, to construct a wet pet food plant and logistics hub in Mantova, Italy. The facility, expected to begin production in 2029, will produce high-quality wet food for cats and dogs and serve as a distribution center for various Nestle brands. This project increases the company's European production network to 15 sites.

The investment is supported by 60 million euros in state aid from the Italian government and received approval from the European Commission last year. The company intends for the plant to optimize supply chains, reduce energy use and emissions, and address the increasing European demand for high-end pet products. Rafael Lopez, Chief Executive of Nestle Purina PetCare Europe, noted that "super-premium wet pet food is particularly attractive right now."

This expansion is part of a broader global growth strategy led by CEO Philipp Navratil, who has designated Petcare as one of the group's four strategic growth areas. The Italian project follows a separate announcement earlier this year regarding a 370 million franc investment in a new factory in Brazil.