United Petfood Acquires Wellness Pet Company’s Arkansas Dry Pet Food Plant, Adding Third North American Manufacturing Site
Executive Summary: Belgian private-label pet food manufacturer United Petfood has agreed to acquire Wellness Pet Company’s dry pet food production facility in Decatur, Arkansas, announced on September 22, 2026. The transaction includes a long-term supply agreement between the two companies and will become United Petfood’s third North American manufacturing site, joining facilities in Mishawaka, Indiana and Drummondville, Quebec.
Key Facts
- Company
- United Petfood (acquirer); Wellness Pet Company (seller)
- Country
- United States (Arkansas)
- Industry
- Pet Food Manufacturing
- Category
- Private-Label Dry Pet Food
- Event
- Acquisition of production facility + long-term supply agreement
- Date
- September 22, 2026 (announced)
- Location
- Decatur, Arkansas, USA
- Source
- United Petfood official announcement
What Happened
On September 22, 2026, United Petfood, a Belgium-based private-label pet food manufacturer, announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wellness Pet Company’s dry pet food production facility in Decatur, Arkansas. The transaction also includes a long-term supply agreement between the two companies, allowing them to maintain a commercial relationship following the asset transfer.
The Decatur facility will become United Petfood’s third production site in North America. The company already operates facilities in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. This acquisition builds on United Petfood’s 2024 entry into the US market when it acquired Wellness Pet Company’s production facility in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Background
United Petfood specializes in private-label dry and wet pet food, treats, and snacks for retailers and pet food brands. The company operates an international network of production facilities and has been actively expanding its manufacturing footprint through acquisitions.
Wellness Pet Company is a US-based pet food manufacturer known for brands including Wellness Core, Wellness Complete Health, and Whimzees. The company has been repositioning its manufacturing footprint, selling production assets while maintaining brand ownership and product development.
Industry Context
The pet food manufacturing landscape is undergoing significant consolidation as private-label and contract manufacturers expand capacity to meet growing retailer demand. The private-label pet food segment has gained share as retailers seek greater control over product offerings and margins.
This transaction reflects a broader trend of branded pet food companies rebalancing their manufacturing strategies — selling production assets to specialized manufacturers while maintaining brand equity and product innovation capabilities.
Market & Business Impact
The acquisition strengthens United Petfood’s position as a leading private-label pet food manufacturer in North America. With three production sites across the US and Canada, the company can offer customers regional manufacturing flexibility, reduced logistics costs, and improved supply continuity.
For Wellness Pet Company, the long-term supply agreement ensures production continuity for its brands while allowing the company to focus on brand development, marketing, and product innovation rather than manufacturing operations.
Companies & Brands Involved
United Petfood — Belgium-based private-label pet food manufacturer with international production network. The company produces dry and wet pet food, treats, and snacks for retailers and pet food brands across multiple markets.
Wellness Pet Company — US pet food company owning brands including Wellness Core, Wellness Complete Health, and Whimzees. The company has sold two manufacturing facilities to United Petfood (Mishawaka in 2024, Decatur in 2026) while maintaining brand ownership.
What This Means for the Pet Industry
This deal signals accelerating consolidation in private-label pet food manufacturing. United Petfood’s North American buildout — three sites in two years — reflects growing retailer demand for outsourced manufacturing flexibility. The long-term supply agreement structure suggests branded players are strategically repositioning manufacturing footprints while maintaining product continuity, a trend likely to continue across the industry.
Key Takeaways
- United Petfood signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wellness Pet Company’s dry pet food facility in Decatur, Arkansas on September 22, 2026.
- The transaction includes a long-term supply agreement between the two companies.
- The Decatur facility will become United Petfood’s third North American production site.
- This acquisition builds on United Petfood’s 2024 purchase of Wellness’s Mishawaka, Indiana facility.
- The deal reflects growing consolidation in private-label pet food manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened?
United Petfood agreed to acquire Wellness Pet Company’s dry pet food production facility in Decatur, Arkansas, announced on September 22, 2026.
Which companies are involved?
United Petfood (Belgian private-label manufacturer, acquirer) and Wellness Pet Company (US pet food brand owner, seller).
Where did it take place?
Decatur, Arkansas, United States.
Why is this important for the pet industry?
The deal signals accelerating consolidation in private-label manufacturing and reflects branded companies’ strategic repositioning of manufacturing assets.
What pet industry segment is affected?
Private-label and contract pet food manufacturing, particularly dry pet food production.
Sources
- United Petfood official announcement — https://www.unitedpetfood.eu/nl/nieuws/united-petfood-expands-north-american-footprint/ — Published September 22, 2026
- Feed Business MEA — https://www.feedbusinessmea.com/2026/09/23/united-petfood-expands-north-american-footprint/ — Published September 23, 2026
- The Herd — https://theherd.news/the-feed/united-petfood-to-acquire-arkansas-dry-pet-food-facility — Published September 2026
