“We experienced exponential gains with the RevoPortioner” (2024)

A new and ambitious company catering to the demand for quality

Especially Pet Food began production in August 2023, quickly establishing a presence across Latin America and beyond. “Currently, we have a production capacity of around 180 tons per month of snacks and treats for dogs and cats, serving the Brazilian market and exporting to the United States, as well as virtually all countries in South America,” says Mura. “Soon, we will also be serving the European common market, specializing in premium products.”

As pet owners become increasingly discerning about what their pets eat, Especially Pet Food sets itself apart by producing quality products at an affordable price. They support this by pursuing innovative solutions that provide the speed and flexibility to adapt to emerging industry trends and market changes.

Teaming up with Marel

Especially Pet Food faced initial challenges in perfecting their products due to limitations in the production process, including difficulties with recipes, formulas and formats. Discovering Marel marked a turning point, as they found a partner with a shared passion for innovation. “When we came across Marel, right here in Brazil, we found a great synergy,” explains Mura.

True to their forward-thinking approach, Especially Pet Food became the first pet food company in Brazil to invest in a RevoPortioner, a low pressure former that creates uniformly shaped products with accurate weight. Originally developed for forming human food such as burgers and nuggets, the RevoPortioner’s flexible design has proven ideal for creating pet food and treats with higher meat content.

“With the acquisition and implementation of RevoPortioner in our production line, we experienced exponential gains,” says Mura. Today, Especially Pet Food produces products that include up to 90% meat content, something they were unable achieve previously. Mura adds, “The RevoPortioner enabled us to meet the requests from our customers more effectively. So, our experience with Marel was the best possible.”

Transforming pet food production affordably and sustainably

By increasing yield, the RevoPortioner has enabled Especially Pet Food to create high-quality products at lower cost, which in turn makes their products more affordable for the end customers. The sustainability benefits of the RevoPortioner are also evident. Unlike other equipment that uses water to expel products after forming, the RevoPortioner utilizes compressed air. This method not only significantly reduces daily water consumption but also produces a better product with an improved shape, ultimately enhancing the final product's appearance and quality.

Support and continued partnership

After acquiring the RevoPortioner from Marel, Especially Pet Food was pleasantly surprised by the smooth start-up process. “We received tremendous support from the entire technical team, which greatly facilitated the startup process,” says Mura. Throughout the startup phase, Marel conducted training sessions for machine operators, maintenance staff and cleaning crews. This provided the Especially Pet Food team with the confidence and comfort to operate the machine.

Looking ahead, Mura is optimistic about Especially Pet Food's partnership with Marel. “Today, we have a great synergy with Marel, and we hope that this partnership will only strengthen further.” Especially Pet Food is currently exploring other Marel solutions. “This is due to the quality of the equipment and what it delivers, as well as the expertise of the technical team,” says Mura. This partnership is expected to continue maturing as Especially Pet Food grows.