ADM opens first wet pet food facility in Mexico to meet soaring demand

MEXICO – ADM, a leading human and animal nutrition company, has officially opened its first wet pet food manufacturing facility in Mexico, a US$39 million investment located in Yecapixtla, Morelos.

The new plant, unveiled during a ceremony led by ADM executives and Mexican government officials, features three production lines dedicated to wet dog and cat food for ADM’s flagship brands, Ganador and Minino. 

The facility marks a significant milestone in ADM’s strategic expansion across Mexico’s rapidly growing pet food market.

“This expansion will allow us to meet the needs of our strategic partners and strengthen our position within the top two pet food manufacturers in the country,” said Karim Castro, president of Animal and Pet Nutrition for Northern Latin America. 

“The pet nutrition sector is key due to the size of the market in Mexico. Estimations indicate that there are over 80 million companion animals, with dogs and cats being the most popular.”

ADM, which entered the Mexican pet food market in 2008, has steadily built a strong local presence through its Ganador, Minino, Top Choice, and FullTrust brands. 

The company’s recent investments include a production line expansion in Guadalajara in 2023 and the launch of a Macro Distribution Centre in the State of Mexico, underscoring its commitment to growing pet food operations in the region.

With the Yecapixtla plant now operational, ADM aims to supply half of Mexico’s wet pet food demand by the end of 2025. 

The new facility is among ADM’s most advanced in Mexico, integrating cutting-edge automation that reduces energy and water use while improving workplace ergonomics.

The push for wet pet food production comes as consumer preferences shift toward premium, high-quality pet nutrition. 

According to ADM’s Pet Nutrition Insights Report, 79% of global consumers are willing to spend more on preventive care and premium pet food. 

The Yecapixtla facility is designed to meet this trend, producing recipes formulated by animal nutrition experts using high-quality meat and carefully selected ingredients.

ADM’s investment in Morelos also extends beyond production. During the plant’s inauguration, the company highlighted its contributions to local development, including a donation of a Cold Room to the State Food Bank to support better food preservation and distribution in vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, after a challenging 2024, ADM is looking to divest part of its operations in Brazil. 

According to Carlos Sambrana of NeoFeed, ADM enlisted Barclays earlier this year to seek buyers for its Brazilian pet food unit, which is estimated to be valued between R$1 billion (approximately US$172.2 million) and R$1.5 billion (approximately US$258.3 million).

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