Akvatera, one of the most modern specialized animal food production companies in Northern Europe, belonging to the KIKA Group, produces the highest quality pet food: dry extruded dog and cat food, rodent feed and bird feed and treats.
The A++ energy class factory building under construction by the newly established company “Akvatera W” managed by the group in the town of Žemaitkiemi, near the A1 highway, should be completed by 2025. the end 7.2 thousand sq. m. 2 production lines will be installed in the 2-story building, about 90 people will be employed. The total value of the project will reach 20.5 million. euros. The project is planned to be implemented in 2024. and finish in 2025.
Raw materials obtained only from selected, reliable suppliers will be used for production. ISO standards and detailed laboratory tests ensure the production of safe and high-quality products and effective control.
The products produced at the dry food “Akvatera” factory have already won the highest awards not only in Lithuanian competitions, but also international recognition – the products are exported to more than 60 countries of the world.
“This state-of-the-art facility will help us continue to maintain strong growth.” In it, we will prepare wet food – canned goods – in small “pouch”-type packages, which are now in great demand in the world.
It is products of this format that will enable us to cooperate more actively with large European retail chains and offer our customers a new generation of “Nature Protection” functional food. This will further increase the competitiveness of the entire group”, says Tauras Plungė, one of the co-founders of KIKA Group.
Photo of the organizers/”KIKA Group” starts construction of the second factory in Kaunas
“We are grateful to the KIKA Group group of companies for their trust. We understand our responsibility to complete the construction of the factory on time and on budget. We are sure that our experience will allow us to successfully implement this non-standard project, so that KIKA Group can offer even more quality products to people who love their animals”, says Martynas Žibūda, CEO of EIKA Development.
“The new factory will allow us to further expand our exports and offer even more products to pet lovers in all our markets.” We are really happy to have the opportunity to manufacture these products in Lithuania. We value the reputation, experience and partnership of the Eika Group, so we have no doubt that the construction management of the new factory is in very reliable hands,” says Janita Januškauskaitė-Plungė, co-owner of the KIKA Group.
One of the country’s largest banks, Swedbank, lent 16.4 million. EUR for the construction of the “Akvatera W” factory in the Kaunas district of the “Kika Group” company, which manages animal product chains in Lithuania and Estonia.
Today, KIKA Group manages a network of 128 KIKA brand stores in Lithuania and Estonia, where the group sold 47% of production last year. The group’s exports grew by 35% last year and reached 31.2 million. euros or 43.5% of the group’s sales. in 2023 KIKA Group’s consolidated sales grew by 10% to 71.7 million. euros.
The group exports to 65 countries worldwide. The largest export market remains Europe, dominated by the Czech Republic, Finland, Poland, Ukraine and Italy. The group’s exports are growing fastest in Asian countries – Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia and Taiwan.
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**Interview with Tauras Plungė, Co-founder of KIKA Group**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Tauras. Your company, Akvatera, is set to open a new factory in 2025. Can you tell us more about what this facility will mean for the pet food industry in Lithuania?
**Tauras Plungė:** Absolutely! This state-of-the-art facility in Žemaitkiemi is designed to enhance our production capabilities significantly. With two production lines, we’ll be able to prepare both dry and wet food, particularly in the convenient “pouch” format, which is gaining popularity globally. This expansion will not only reinforce our position in the pet food market but also help us meet increasing demand and enhance our exports.
**Editor:** That sounds exciting! I understand that quality is a major focus for Akvatera. How do you ensure that the pet food you produce meets high-quality standards?
**Tauras Plungė:** We source our raw materials exclusively from selected, reliable suppliers, ensuring we start with the best ingredients. Our production process adheres to ISO standards, and we conduct thorough laboratory tests to guarantee safety and quality. This meticulous approach has resulted in our products receiving international recognition and awards.
**Editor:** With exports to over 60 countries, how do you plan to tap into larger European retail chains?
**Tauras Plungė:** The introduction of our new wet food products will be pivotal in this regard. The “Nature Protection” functional food line we are developing will be appealing to large retail chains looking for innovative, high-quality options for their customers. We believe this collaboration will boost our competitiveness across the board.
**Editor:** The environmental aspect seems crucial in today’s market. How does Akvatera plan to incorporate sustainability into its production practices?
**Tauras Plungė:** We are committed to sustainability in several ways. Not only are we building an A++ energy class factory, which will utilize energy efficiently, but we are also focusing on using natural ingredients in our products. By offering functional foods like ours, we aim to promote not just pet health but also environmental protection.
**Editor:** Lastly, what are your expectations for the future of Akvatera and the pet food market?
**Tauras Plungė:** We expect strong growth as we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings. Our new factory will play a crucial role in this. The pet food market is evolving rapidly, and we are eager to be at the forefront of these changes, providing quality and sustainable products for pet lovers around the world.
**Editor:** Thank you, Tauras, for sharing these insights. It sounds like an exciting future for Akvatera!
**Tauras Plungė:** Thank you for having me! We look forward to the journey ahead.
