Swiss Giant Opens R$ 2.5 Billion Factory in Brazil, Creates Thousands of Jobs, Boosts Santa Catarina, and Transforms the Country Into a New Strategic Global Center for Pet Food Production and Export

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 11/03/2026 at 11:53

Nova fábrica de alimentos para pets inaugurada em Santa Catarina movimenta a economia local e gera milhares de empregos na indústria.

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New Industrial Unit in Santa Catarina Expands Production Capacity and Strengthens Brazil’s Position in the Global Pet Food Market

A new factory from Nestlé Purina has recently begun operations in Vargeão, in Western Santa Catarina, expanding the Swiss multinational’s presence in the pet food sector.

The company established the facility as part of a R$ 2.5 billion investment package in Brazil, which is considered the largest ever made by the company in the country in the pet food segment.

With the new unit, Brazil gains a strategic position in the production and exportation of wet food for dogs and cats, especially products sold in pouches.

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Construction of the Factory Mobilized Thousands of Workers

During the construction of the industrial unit, approximately 7.2 thousand workers were involved in the works, boosting the local economy.

With the start of operations, the factory is generating 140 permanent direct jobs, strengthening the local job market.

Among these positions, 42% belong to women, who also hold half of the leadership positions within the unit.

In addition, the industrial operation creates 44 indirect jobs, while about 200 outsourced workers participate in the productive activities.

Brazilian Pet Market Drives New Investments

The investment occurs at a time of significant growth in the pet market in Brazil.

Currently, the country has over 150 million pets, placing Brazil in the third position in the global pet market ranking.

In this context, Marcelo Melchior, CEO of Nestlé Brazil, emphasized that the investment reinforces Brazil’s strategic role in the company’s global expansion.

According to the executive, the project combines innovation, animal welfare, and growth in the pet food market, consolidating Brazil as one of the most promising markets in the sector.

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Origin of Nestlé and Company Expansion

Nestlé was founded in 1866, in Switzerland, during the period of the Industrial Revolution.

The German pharmacist Henri Nestlé founded the company while seeking solutions to reduce infant mortality at the time.

Initially, the company produced baby food, offering nutritional alternatives for newborns.

Over time, the company expanded its operations into various food segments.

Among the products that became part of the company’s portfolio are:

• Dairy Products
• Breakfast Cereals
• Coffee
• Bottled Water
• Ice Cream
• Pet Food

Between 2014 and 2016, experts ranked Nestlé as the largest food company in the world, based on global revenue and corporate performance indicators.

In this context, the new investment in Brazil reinforces the continuity of the company’s expansion in the animal nutrition sector.

Given the accelerated growth of the pet market and the increase in the number of pets in the country, will Brazil continue to attract new billion-dollar investments from the global pet food industry in the coming years?

Swiss Giant Opens R$ 2.5 Billion Factory in Brazil, Creates Thousands of Jobs, Boosts Santa Catarina, and Transforms the Country Into a New Strategic Global Center for Pet Food Production and Export

New Industrial Unit in Santa Catarina Expands Production Capacity and Strengthens Brazil’s Position in the Global Pet Food Market

Construction of the Factory Mobilized Thousands of Workers

Brazilian Pet Market Drives New Investments

Origin of Nestlé and Company Expansion

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Swiss Giant Opens R$ 2.5 Billion Factory in Brazil, Creates Thousands of Jobs, Boosts Santa Catarina, and Transforms the Country Into a New Strategic Global Center for Pet Food Production and Export

New Industrial Unit in Santa Catarina Expands Production Capacity and Strengthens Brazil’s Position in the Global Pet Food Market

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Brazilian Pet Market Drives New Investments

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