New Zealand raw petfood manufacturer named to Deloitte''s Fast 50

New Zealand petfood company K9 Natural Food was named among the top five fastest growing companies in Deloitte's Fast 50 ranking, which the petfood company attributes to huge export growth.

Christchurch, New Zealand-based K9 Natural was named the top manufacturer in New Zealand and top exporter in the Canterbury/upper South Island, New Zealand, region. The Deloitte Fast 50 is a ranking of the top 50 fastest growing companies in New Zealand.

K9 Natural Food CEO Calvin Smith said the company's annual export growth climbed 1,875% with increased sales in Japan, Canada, the US and Australia. Overall growth resulted in a 797% increase.

"Sales in the later part of this year have been stronger than the early part of the year. The sales growth has been driven by expanding the domestic distribution network and the launch of Feline Natural cat food. The sales growth for the next six months will be driven by launching the frozen product into North America and Australia," Smith said. "Exports are currently accounting for approximately 70% of total sales at the moment. Our huge export growth was due to the company focusing primarily on export sales. More recently we have looked at the domestic market and have doubled domestic sales in the last six months."