In Africa, the pet food industry amounts to $6.6bn in 2021 and is expected to grow by 9% every year between 2021-2025. South Africa accounts for $631m of that, or roughly 10% of the market on the continent, according to Statista. Africa has become the biggest emerging market for the pet food industry globally, with year-on-year growth being recorded by pet food manufacturers in South Africa who are exporting to the continent and internationally.
For the last four years the manufacturer says it has seen "exceptional growth" and in 2020 Montego accounted for 11% of all exported pet food from South Africa, showing dominance in countries like South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana.
“As an African company, Montego has a firm understanding of the industry on the continent and is committed to support Africa’s path to sustainable economic growth and development through intra-Africa and global trade,” adds Luther.
Issued by BMi Research 8 Feb 2022
This follows on from a $4.25m factory upgrade that Montego completed in 2018 at its original 6,000m² production facility in Graaff-Reinet (Eastern Cape), as part of its growth strategy to meet local and international demand for premium quality pet food.
Montego installed equipment to enhance the efficiency of its production process, boosting overall production by 30%, and expanded its range to grow its global distribution footprint.
“The boost in production and demand for Montego’s pet food and treats meant that a move to renewable energy sources was crucial for us. We believe it to be our responsibility to sustaining the environment and since installing the solar panels, we have seen a 300-tonne reduction in CO2 emissions,” concludes Luther.
Montego will be participating in the 2022 Interzoo Trade Fair in Germany to exhibit its proudly African products and plans for expansion to its global peers in the industry.