Champion Petfoods officially opened its $32 million CAD Global Innovation and Discovery Centre on June 24, 2026, at its NorthStar Kitchen in Acheson, Alberta. The state-of-the-art pilot facility, funded by parent company Mars, reinforces Champion's commitment to Biologically Appropriate pet nutrition and strengthens its leadership in the global pet food industry.
Facility Details and Purpose
The new Centre enables Champion to develop, evaluate, and refine new recipes, proprietary technologies, and product concepts for markets worldwide. Scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians, and product developers work in a nimble environment to conduct controlled development on nutrient-rich, market-specific recipes for the ORIJEN and ACANA brands before scaling to high-volume production Kitchens.
Investment and Economic Impact
This investment is part of a broader commitment, including an additional $15 million CAD planned for Champion's Canadian facilities over the next five years to enhance production, packaging, and sustainability. It builds on $591 million CAD invested over the past decade to establish best-in-class pet food manufacturing in Canada.
Leadership Perspectives
“The Global Innovation and Discovery Centre is a direct reflection of our BAFRINO mandate: our promise to craft food that is Biologically Appropriate, made with a variety of fresh, raw ingredients and to be never outdone,” said Stacey Osborn, President of Champion Petfoods. “This facility empowers our Associates to push the boundaries of pet nutrition, developing nutrient-rich foods with the speed, safety and scientific rigour that pet lovers expect from us. It’s an investment in the future of nutrition for cats and dogs and in our deep-rooted Canadian heritage.”
Sustainability and Local Sourcing
The Centre leverages Alberta's world-class agricultural network, sourcing fresh ingredients regionally and nationally to ensure nutritional value while supporting the local economy. It also advances sustainable upcycling efforts by enhancing ingredient nutritional value through proprietary expertise, such as freezing fish at the source and extracting oils, to produce fresh kibble and freeze-dried recipes for dogs and cats.
