GAINESVILLE, GA. — In order to meet rising demand for premium, functional and human-grade pet nutrition, pet treat manufacturer Big Creek Foods and European pet nutrition company Scholtus Special Products B.V. have teamed up to expand their production of air-dried and semi-moist pet treat and food products. By combining their respective capabilities in science-driven nutrition, premium sourcing and scalable production, Big Creek Foods and Scholtus will offer pet brands an “unprecedented opportunity” to bring the next generation of functional pet nutrition products to the market. 

Founded in 2014, Big Creek Foods aims to redefine pet treat manufacturing in the United States, focusing on premium, US-made jerky treats. During the past two years, the company has expanded its operations with a new, state-of-the-art facility in Gainesville that specializes in air-dried treats, whole-muscle jerky, as well as semi-moist and functional pet nutrition products. 

Established in 1981 in the Netherlands, Scholtus has served as a pioneer in the European pet nutrition market, specifically focusing on scientifically formulated, high-quality pet snacks for cats and dogs. The company’s portfolio includes training treats, dental chews, soft chews, sticks and pet supplements formulated with functional ingredients and developed in collaboration with veterinary specialists, and more. Scholtus operates facilities in Renswoude, Helmond and Gouda, Netherlands, and has a contract partner in China. The company uses four production processes, including dehydration, cold extrusion, extrusion and hot extrusion, to create its products.

Source: Big Creek Foods/Scholtus Special Products B.V.

In 2023, Scholtus acquired Big Creek Foods, providing Big Creek Foods with global reach, new manufacturing capabilities, and enhancing its custom solutions for private-label pet brands. According to the companies, they offer the widest range of premium pet treats currently available on the market. 

Through their partnership, the companies’ enhanced capabilities include:

• Formed jerky, whole-muscle jerky, jerky bites, semi-moist treats and sticks, training treats, functional treats and soft chew supplements for cats and dogs at Big Creek Foods’ Gainesville facility. 
• Twists, sticks, dual extruded treats, cheese puffs/pops, hot dogs, supplements, dental sticks, cat pillows, cat treats and grain-free snacks for cats and dogs at Scholtus’s operations in the Netherlands. 
• Formed jerky, whole-muscle jerky, wrapped meat treats, jerky bites, raw hide chews, no-hide chews, pressed bones and knotted bones for cats and dogs through a partnership with contract partners in China.

With an expanded global footprint, the companies’ customers now have access to premium manufacturing in both continents, reducing transportation costs for East Coast and European distribution, according to Scholtus and Big Creek Foods.

In addition to continuing to enhance their production capabilities, Scholtus and Big Creeks Foods are dedicated to setting a standard for product quality and food safety, aspects that are imperative as pet food recalls rise and consumers become more interested in ingredient transparency.  According to the companies, their facilities meet the strictest global standards and tout state-of-the-art safety protocols. 

“We are thrilled to bring the combined expertise of Scholtus and Big Creek Foods to the US market, partnering with retailers and legacy brands to produce high-quality, private-label pet products,” said Jan Smulders, managing director of Scholtus. “Our commitment to innovation, safety and premium nutrition makes this an exciting opportunity to support retailers and pet parents with trusted, tailor-made solutions. We look forward to growing alongside our partners and setting new standards in pet nutrition and manufacturing.”

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