#None #Croatia #Proof #MHP Pet Food #Zlatar Bistrica

MHP Pet Food's Arrival in Croatia

On May 18, 2026, MHP SE made a significant stride in the pet food industry with the inauguration of Croatia's first wet pet food production plant, aptly named MHP Pet Food, located in Zlatar Bistrica. This state-of-the-art facility, a testimony to MHP's commitment to sustainable growth in South-Eastern Europe, represents an exciting development in the local business landscape.

A Major Investment

The newly established facility is the result of an investment exceeding EUR 43 million. This impressive funding aims to produce the company's innovative pet food line, Proof. The products under this brand are crafted following modern nutritional standards, showcasing high meat content, raw materials from controlled sources, and grain-free formulations, catering specifically to a growing demand for high-quality pet food options.

Yuriy Kosyuk, the founder and CEO of MHP Group, expressed his excitement about entering the pet food market. He emphasized that the same entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation, which had fueled MHP's global growth, would support its success in this new segment as well.

Expanding the Product Range

The Proof brand is a testament to the company's responsiveness to consumer trends, especially the increasing interest in premium pet nutrition. The Zlatar Bistrica factory is designed to align with MHP's broader strategy towards establishing a circular economy in cooperation with Perutnina Ptuj, a notable player in poultry and meat production within the region.

Oleksii Bezuglyi, the Director of MHP Pet Food, elaborated on the competitive advantages of the new factory, highlighting its meticulous control over raw material sourcing, adherence to world-class production standards, and unwavering focus on product quality. Utilizing MHP's vertically integrated business model and industry expertise, Proof aims to carve out a substantial share in the competitive European pet food market.

Positive Economic Impacts

Moreover, the launch of the facility harbors significant implications for the local economy, promising the creation of numerous jobs and investment opportunities. Željko Kolar, the Prefect of Krapina-Zagorje County, remarked on the sustainability and innovation focus that guided this project. He stated that the EUR 40 million investment aligns with the county’s goals of attracting major investors and fostering economic development.

Projects like MHP Pet Food’s contribute not only to job creation but also offer chances for local entrepreneurs and suppliers, further fortifying the region's economic resilience.

Commitment to Community

MHP also showcased its commitment to corporate social responsibility during the opening ceremony, announcing a donation to the Municipality of Zlatar Bistrica to aid in acquiring a new fire truck for the local community. This gesture underscores MHP's pledge to create enduring value beyond business, aiming to enhance the well-being of the people and regions within which it operates.

Ongoing Growth and Acquisition

MHP's track record of fostering success within local markets includes the acquisition of Perutnina Ptuj in 2019. This partnership has proven fruitful, catalyzing near doubling of production and tripling of EBITDA, underscoring the company's commitment to infusing over €241 million into local economies. Since the acquisition, employment rates have surged, with the workforce growing from 3,600 employees in 2018 to over 5,700 by 2025.

Furthermore, in 2025, MHP successfully acquired over 92% of Grupo UVESA, a key player in Spain’s poultry and pork production markets, continually striving to unlock the full potential of its ventures.

With innovative products and a focus on community support, MHP Pet Food's entry into Croatia marks a new chapter for the company, heralding a future of growth and sustainability in the region's pet food market.