Nestlé Expands Pet Food Operations with New Facility in South Korea
Nestlé Purina is set to broaden its global footprint with a significant investment in a new pet food facility in South Korea, marking a strategic move to tap into the country’s rapidly growing pet care market. The company will invest approximately US$368 million (500 billion Korean won) to establish the plant in the city of Jeonju, located in North Jeolla Province.
Construction is slated to begin in the second half of 2024, with production expected to commence by 2027. Once operational, the facility will focus on the manufacture of wet pet food products and is anticipated to employ around 80 people. The Jeonju factory represents Nestlé’s first pet food production site in South Korea and is designed to meet rising local demand while contributing to regional supply chains.
South Korea’s pet care market has seen accelerated growth, driven by increasing pet ownership and premiumization trends. According to Euromonitor data cited by Nestlé, the pet food segment in South Korea grew at an annual rate of 16% between 2018 and 2023, and is forecast to rise by 10% annually through 2028. This growth is particularly pronounced in the premium and wet food categories, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward higher-quality, nutrition-focused products for pets.
The new facility will also serve as a key hub for supporting innovation in packaging and sustainability. Nestlé reports that the plant will be designed in alignment with its global sustainability goals, incorporating energy-efficient systems and aiming to use renewable energy sources long-term. The site will also explore recyclable packaging materials in partnership with key stakeholders.
This expansion aligns with Nestlé Purina’s broader strategy to strengthen supply chain resilience in Asia and deliver pet nutrition closer to its growing consumer base. The Jeonju facility joins a portfolio of over 20 production sites across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to local manufacturing and agile distribution.
With demand for premium pet products on the rise and consumer expectations evolving, Nestlé’s investment underscores the increasing importance of localized production in the FMCG sector. The move is likely to intensify competition in South Korea’s pet food space, especially among global and regional manufacturers looking to capitalize on this high-growth market.