Plant-based food ingredients supplier Green Boy has launched a new division dedicated to plant-based pet food ingredients, extending its operations globally. This new venture aims to provide a comprehensive range of plant-based ingredients, including starches, sweeteners, proteins, and fibers, to pet food manufacturers.
“Pet food producers are still using large amounts of animal proteins. We want to offer a plant-based alternative for them”
The newly formed pet food ingredient sector at Green Boy will supply ingredients derived from pulses, grains, cereals, and vegetables. This includes a variety of proteins such as vital wheat gluten, pumpkin, pea, potato, and chickpea proteins. Additional offerings will include sweet potato, psyllium husk, arrowroot, and tapioca.
Co-founder and owner of Green Boy, Peter van Dijken, commented, “Green Boy has always operated with the goal of accelerating the plant-based food reformation, to help with the transition from animal-based food products to plant-based food products. We want to lower the dependence on meat, fish, and dairy.” He described the expansion into pet food as a “logical next step” given the company’s history of supplying similar ingredients to the human food market.
Established in 2016, Green Boy has developed a notable presence in the food industry by offering non-GMO and organic ingredients through its international offices located in Los Angeles, Chicago, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Sydney. The company has created four distinct plant-based protein lines tailored for specific applications in food products, including options for meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, baking needs, and beverages. Additionally, Green Boy maintains a direct-to-consumer retail segment that sells protein powders.
Potential within pet food industry
Frederik Otten, also a co-founder and owner of Green Boy, noted the potential within the pet food industry, citing its expected 2024 sales of around $60 billion and an annual growth rate of approximately 6%. “The pet food market is very interesting for Green Boy; it is an ever-expanding playfield from a consumer perspective. […] We know we can add value to our existing customer network because many of the large brands we supply also have a very strong presence in the pet food market,” Otten remarked.
Managing Director of Green Boy, Jeroen van den Heuvel, detailed the strategic focus of the new division, targeting premium markets in North America, Europe, and Oceania. He stated, “Pet food producers are still using large amounts of animal proteins. We want to offer a plant-based alternative for them, our aim is to make functional high-quality plant-based pet food ingredients more accessible to this exciting market. Our new pet food division will encompass ingredients for dry and wet pet food and for the utilization of all kinds of pet food products.”
