Tyson Foods forms alliance with Freshpet

Tyson Foods Inc. and Freshpet announced a strategic alliance focused on bringing new refrigerated fresh pet food products to consumers, a move expected to revolutionize the pet food category.

The $17 billion pet food market, which has become one of the top 10 packaged-goods categories, has seen significant growth in recent years.

Tyson will have a minority investment in Freshpet. The alliance will combine Tyson’s fresh food knowledge, refrigerated distribution network, and supply of meat and poultry with Freshpet’s pet food experience and market knowledge.

New Jersey-based Freshpet developed a line of fresh refrigerated dog food and treats under the Freshpet Select and Deli Fresh brands in 2006. The foods and treats are all refrigerated, ready to eat, and sold in grocery and pet stores across the United States and Canada.

In the United States, Freshpet supplies about 3,000 stores and has secured commitments for more than a thousand others. Freshpet products are produced at a federally regulated plant in Quakertown PA, with plans to expand production using Tyson federally regulated facilities.