Mars coy over Kazakhstan pet-food project

Mars is lining up to develop a pet-food manufacturing facility in Kazakhstan, according to the country’s government, Just Food reports.

The office of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan said the Ministry of Agriculture has “concluded an agreement with Mars Petcare Kazakhstan, which provides for the construction of the enterprise in the city of Konaev”.

In the statement, the office said the proposed factory would involve investment of more than KZT88.8bn ($173.6m) and be designed to produce 100,000 tonnes of pet-food a year.

However, when approached by Just Food, Mars, which has a pet-food portfolio including brands such as Pedigree, Royal Canin and Whiskas, declined to comment directly on the project.

Mars said: “As a global business, we regularly review opportunities aligned with our long-term strategy. We are currently engaging with relevant authorities in Kazakhstan to explore potential ways to support the sustainable development of the pet-food industry. Any updates will be shared as appropriate.”

Nevertheless, according to the statement from the office of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, the construction and commissioning for the plant are expected to be finalised by 31 December 2030, with production due to begin on 1 January 2031.

The government said the factory is expected to employ 200 people, at least 85% of whom will be Kazakh citizens.

Training and skills development programmes for staff are planned as part of the project.

“The implementation of this project will make a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s processing industry, will expand the range of domestically produced goods with high added value, and will create a sustainable production base in the region,” the office said.

Last May, PepsiCo set out plans to double investment and more than triple production capacity at an under-construction salty snacks plant in Kazakhstan.

The facility in the Almaty region was originally set to make 16,000 tons of snack products a year when it opens in spring 2026 but will now aim to produce 70,000 tons of finished product.

A month later, Danone detailed plans to expand capacity at its dairy plant in the same region.

Last week, Mars announced it had promoted Marc Carena, the president of its snacks business in Europe, to the position of president of its pet-care business worldwide.

As well as marketing pet food, Mars has interests in veterinary care.