About Us

New Zealand Petfoods was established in 1987 by the Gawn family as a way of diversifying their North Otago farming operation. Its primary purpose was to add value to the farm’s cull stock by processing them into a natural real meat roll which was sold to local farmers and pet owners.

By 1989, the company had diversified into a wider range of free flow frozen natural products which are still distributed South Island wide through supermarkets, pet stores and butcheries. In 2000, the company relocated to larger premises and established Adair Abattoirs, inland from Timaru.

As demand for New Zealand Petfoods’ products increased, and the Adair Abattoir processing operation grew, the decision was made to split the company into two divisions. Stock procurement and processing at Adair, whilst manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution were relocated to a new purpose-built factory in Timaru. This structure continues today and gives the company complete control over the supply chain from procurement of raw material through to manufacturing and distribution.

Arguably, New Zealand Petfoods provides the widest range of raw feeding options to its pet customers through a varied supply chain nationwide. The company continues to supply its supermarket brands such as Equal and Maranui throughout the South Island, with its other range of raw feeding options being sold via selected pet stores, web sales and from its own branded retail pet food shops. These shops are situated at our factory, 32 Redruth Street Timaru, and the other at 16 Ouse Street, Oamaru.

The company continues to grow and innovate and is proud to remain New Zealand owned and operated after 30 plus years in the industry.

Company Directors Karen and Russell Gawn and Stephen Allington
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