FARGO, N.D. — Barrett Petfood Innovations (BPI), a growing premium pet food co-manufacturer, has partnered with Anchor Ingredients Co., LLC, a premium pet food and food ingredient supplier, to develop and build a state-of-the-art freeze-drying manufacturing facility to meet growing protein demand.

The facility will be constructed near BPI’s new 165,000-square-foot extrusion plant in Little Falls, Minn., which began operations in the fall of 2019. The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including custom microbial reduction equipment to optimize food safety.

“We are excited to add freeze-drying to our portfolio here at BPI and offer our branded customers a one-stop shop for all of their co-manufacturing needs,” said Tom Barrett, co-managing director at BPI.

While this is not the first time these two companies have collaborated, this new partnership will further enhance their relationship and help both companies provide premium ingredients and top-tier customer service for an evolving industry.

“Anchor is hyper-focused on innovation and being in a position to support the evolving and dynamic pet food industry,” said Al Yablonski, chief executive officer and co-founder of Anchor. “We are excited to now be able to manage our ingredients along the entire value chain through the partnership with BPI.”

Historically, Anchor has supported its customers through the development, procurement and processing of raw ingredients. This partnership will be a step down the ingredient value chain as it focuses on premium, freeze-dried products.

Read more about Barrett Petfood Innovations in our exclusive processor profile from December 2020, and learn more about freeze-drying equipment in our March 2021 digital edition.

Read more about pet food and treat processing on our Operations page.