A Ukrainian pet food pioneer going global

Kormotech, the largest Ukrainian pet food company, has grown significantly since its inception in 2003. Founded and managed by the Vovk family in western Ukraine, it was the first to produce pet food in the country that meets international standards.

Over the past 20 years, Kormotech has captured over one third of the domestic market and ranks 49th among the world’s top 100 pet food manufacturers by sales. It is the only Ukrainian company on this list, which is traditionally dominated by long-established US and European giants.

Strategic growth and global expansion

In response to the internal instability caused by the conflict in Ukraine, Kormotech revised its strategy in 2024 to focus on international expansion.

The goal is to become one of the 30 largest pet food companies in the world by 2028, with $500 million (€459M) in sales. This approach has opened up new opportunities, positioning Kormotech as an anti-fragile company.

Despite the challenges, in 2023 Kormotech increased its annual turnover by 22% to over $152 million (€140M), surpassing its planned indicators by $2 million (€1.8M). Sales volume reached 77,400 tons, a 15.7% increase from the previous year.

These achievements solidified Kormotech’s global standing and placed the company in the top 50 for the first time.

Innovations and new brands

Last year, Kormotech launched a new wet pet food brand, Delickcious, and revamped its mass-market brand, My Love!. The company also introduced Rocketo, an innovative dehydrated raw organic pet food acquired through a venture investment.

Kormotech operates two production plants, in Ukraine and Lithuania, with a combined capacity of 102,000 tons of pet food per year. The Lithuanian plant’s expansion has earned the company major investor status from the Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation, providing tax and duty exemptions until 2028.

Expanding international reach

By 2023, Kormotech products were sold in 42 countries, including many European nations and other regions including Azerbaijan, Turkey and Chile.

In 2024, the company expanded into South Korea, with at least 12 online platforms distributing its flagship brands, Optimeal and Club 4 Paws.

Kormotech is strategically focused on Central and Eastern Europe, with sales teams in Romania, Poland and the Balkans. Kormotech Global, headquartered in Warsaw since 2023, supports international promotion.

The company regularly participates in international pet food trade shows and industry events across Europe, Asia and the US. As part of expanding its marketing efforts in Asia, Kormotech presented its brands at the International Industrial Fair in Kobe, Japan, in 2023.