First wet pet food factory opens in Croatia with €43 million investment

(Photo: Krapinsko-zagorske županije)

18 May 2026 – MHP Pet Food officially opened Croatia’s first wet pet food production facility on Monday in Zlatar Bistrica, marking a major investment in the country’s food manufacturing sector.

The new production plant, valued at more than €43 million, is also the first wet pet food facility within the international MHP Group, one of Europe’s leading food and agricultural companies.

Alongside the opening of the facility, the company introduced its new pet food brand, “Proof”, developed according to modern international production standards.

The opening ceremony gathered numerous guests and officials, including Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Željko Kolar.

Speaking at the event, Kolar said the investment reflects the region’s focus on sustainability, innovation and investment in people. He noted that Zagorje is increasingly being recognised as a stable and competitive destination for major international investments.

He added that projects of this scale create new jobs, strengthen opportunities for local entrepreneurs and suppliers, and contribute to the long-term economic development of the region.

MHP Pet Food director Oleksii Bezuglyi said the new factory represents a natural extension of the company’s decades of experience in food production.

(Photo: Krapinsko-zagorske županije)

He highlighted the company’s control over raw material sourcing, high production standards and focus on product quality as key advantages for entering the competitive European pet food market.

According to Bezuglyi, the launch of the Proof brand demonstrates how expertise from the food industry can be successfully transferred into the growing pet food sector.

He also stressed the importance of the investment for the local community, particularly through new employment opportunities and future investment potential.

As part of the company’s support for the local community, MHP Group founder and CEO Yuriy Kosyuk presented a €15,000 donation to the Zlatar Bistrica volunteer fire brigade for the purchase of a new fire vehicle.

(Photo: Krapinsko-zagorske županije)

Zlatar Bistrica Mayor Dražen Mikulec thanked the company for the donation and wished MHP continued business success, stable growth and satisfied employees.

He said he hopes the factory will become an example of responsible and high-quality business practices, both economically and in its relationship with the local community and environment.