WH Group, the world’s largest pork processor and a global leader in protein production, has entered the European pet food sector through the acquisition of Pupil Foods, a prominent Poland-based pet food manufacturer.

The transaction was led by WH Group’s European division, Morliny Foods, via its Polish subsidiary Animex Foods. The move marks a strategic expansion and portfolio diversification for WH Group, as it targets growth opportunities in one of Europe’s fastest-growing consumer segments.

“This acquisition represents a key step in Morliny Foods’ long-term strategy to diversify its offerings and gain a strong foothold in the rapidly expanding European pet food market,” the company said in an official statement.

With consumer demand for premium pet nutrition rising across Europe, WH Group is leveraging its established regional infrastructure to enter this lucrative market. The acquisition of Pupil Foods, known for its high-quality pet food products, allows WH Group to tap into evolving consumer trends while building on its strong operational base in Poland.

Pupil Foods will continue to operate under the Animex Foods umbrella, integrating its expertise in pet nutrition with WH Group’s global distribution and supply chain capabilities.

Headquartered in China and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, WH Group is the world’s largest pork company, owning Smithfield Foods in the U.S. and a range of well-known brands across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The company is expanding into adjacent categories such as pet food and plant-based proteins as part of its global diversification strategy.