Champion Petfoods Announces Opening Of $32M Pilot Facility In Acheson, Alta.

ACHESON — Champion Petfoods announced the grand opening of its $32 million CAD Global Innovation and Discovery Centre, a new pilot facility located at its NorthStar Kitchen in Acheson, Alberta. This investment, made by parent company Mars, reinforces Champion’s attempts to grow in the global pet food industry.

The new Centre reportedly strengthens Champion’s ability to develop, evaluate and refine new recipes, proprietary technologies and product concepts, serving all markets where Champion operates. According to a press release from Champion Petfoods, the company’s scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and product developers can now conduct controlled development work on market-specific recipes and new technologies for its ORIJEN™ and ACANA™ brands before scaling them to production kitchens. This investment is reportedly part of a broader commitment, which includes an additional $15 million CAD planned for Champion’s Canadian facilities over the next five years to enhance production, packaging and sustainability.

“The Global Innovation and Discovery Centre is a direct reflection of our BAFRINO mandate: our promise to craft food that is Biologically Appropriate, made with a variety of fresh, raw ingredients and to be never outdone,” said Stacey Osborn, President of Champion Petfoods. “This facility empowers our Associates to push the boundaries of pet nutrition, developing nutrient-rich foods with the speed, safety and scientific rigour that pet lovers expect from us. It’s an investment in the future of nutrition for cats and dogs and in our deep-rooted Canadian heritage.”

The Centre will reportedly leverage the region’s agricultural network by sourcing ingredients regionally and nationally, to try and better support the local economy.

“At Champion Petfoods, true innovation is driven by an uncompromising commitment to rigorous research and the high-quality ingredients,” said Jeff Johnston, Senior Vice President, Research, Innovation and Product Development at Champion Petfoods. “This Global Innovation and Discovery Centre uniquely positions us to pioneer breakthrough recipes and proprietary technologies. By bridging evidence-based science with our world-class regional ingredient sourcing, we have the agility to rapidly test and perfect nutrient-dense foods that continue to set the global standard for pet health and nutrition.”