Overview
H. von Gimborn GmbH, one of Europe’s oldest pet-care manufacturers founded in 1855, has acquired a majority stake in Cerberus Srl, an Italian specialist in plant-based cat litter. The deal, announced on July 19, 2026, integrates Cerberus’s state-of-the-art production facility near Varese into Gimborn’s global manufacturing network — marking the first time in the company’s 171-year history that it will manufacture plant-based litter in-house.
Key Facts
For four decades, Gimborn’s Biokat’s brand has been synonymous with high-quality bentonite-based cat litter produced at its Kelheim facility in Germany. However, demand for plant-based alternatives has grown steadily across Europe as consumers increasingly seek biodegradable, renewable options. Until now, Gimborn sourced its plant-based range from external suppliers. This acquisition changes that equation, giving Gimborn direct control over production, innovation cycles, and margins in the sustainable-hygiene segment.
Cerberus Srl, headquartered in Castronno near Varese, has been developing and manufacturing plant-based cat litter and small animal bedding products since 2015. The company specializes in sustainable and biodegradable products made primarily from agricultural raw materials, combining environmentally friendly production processes with high-performance product characteristics. The facility will now become a core node in Gimborn’s European production network.
Market Implications
The move signals that even heritage manufacturers are adapting aggressively to sustainability-driven consumer preferences. With the EU’s Extended Producer Responsibility rules and Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation taking effect in August 2026, local, controllable production is becoming increasingly valuable. For competitors including Nestlé Purina, Mars, and private-label suppliers, Gimborn’s in-house plant-based capabilities create a more formidable rival in the European cat-litter aisle.
