Awards

Vital Essentials Recognized for Global Brand Growth

GREEN BAY WI (February 22, 2018) –Carnivore Meat Company, the manufacturer of Vital Essentials® and Vital Cat™ brands, was one of seven Wisconsin companies awarded a prestigious Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award. This year’s special categories included: exceptional growth and service, enterprise-wide precision and global brand growth.

Out of 23 nominees ranging in size from mega (800+ employees) to small (1-99 employees), Carnivore Meat Company took home the special award for Global Brand Growth for the phenomenal growth of its Vital Essentials pet food.

Carnivore Meat Company is one of the fastest growing contenders in the pet food industry, specializing in the raw food category. This company has experienced explosive growth in the United States and globally over the past few years.

Their products are available in over 6,000 independent pet retail outlets around the world, sold direct on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Chewy.com, and are exported internationally to 14 countries.  “International growth is a focus for 2018 and we’re proud to have been recognized for our accomplishments globally,” commented Ron Franklin, International Sales Director.

The company and its leadership invest extensively in the development of new, unique and innovative raw pet foods. Under its consumer brand, Vital Essentials®, there have been many "first to market" pet food options that are not offered by any other manufacturer. In fact, there are over 20 products manufactured in its Green Bay, Wisconsin facilities that are not made anywhere else in the world.

While this company's export achievement is most impressive, they remain committed to investing in the state of Wisconsin. They expanded operations in 2017 with the addition of a 20,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center located that includes a 90,000 cubic foot freezer. Most recently, the company broke ground in December 2017 on a 5,350 plant expansion that will double their freeze-drying capacity along with adding at least 20 new jobs in the greater Green Bay area. This latest expansion will be complete by the end of March.



Pictured from left:  Brett Simmons, Plant Manager; Kevin Malnor, VP Sales & Marketing; Melissa Olson, Marketing Director; Ron Franklin, International Sales Director; Cheryl Viegut, CFO & Owner; Lanny Viegut, CEO & Owner; and Mike Carter, VP Operations

About the Manufacturer of the Year Awards

The Manufacturer of the Year Awards are sponsored by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce - the state chamber and manufacturers' association - the law firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and the accounting and advisory firm of Baker Tilly. Additional information can be found online at www.wimoty.com.

About Vital Essentials®

Vital Essentials is the most tenured RAW pet food in the nation.  The family owned company located in Green Bay, WI, manufactures high quality RAW frozen and freeze-dried pet food, snacks and treats. Sourced, made and packaged in the USA, every Vital Essentials product stands up to the same promise – Purely RAW, Instinctively Healthy.  To learn more, visit www.www.vitalessentialsraw.com