Who owns Purina? The company, also known as Nestlé Purina PetCare, is owned by Nestlé, a Swiss multinational food and beverage company. Nestlé acquired Purina in 2001 by merging its Nestlé Friskies Petcare Company with Ralston Purina Company. As a result, Nestlé became the majority shareholder and owner of the newly formed Nestlé Purina PetCare. Today, Purina is one of the leading global pet care brands under the ownership and guidance of Nestlé.
Company History
Purina, officially known as Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, is a leading pet food company that produces and markets various pet food products, treats, and litter. The company’s history can be traced back to several American pet food companies, and its ownership has changed over time. Here is an overview of Purina’s journey:
1. In 1894, William H. Danforth, George Robinson, and William Andrews founded the Robinson-Danforth Commission Company in St. Louis, Missouri. The company initially produced feeds for various farm animals.
2. In 1902, the company was rebranded as Ralston Purina. The name “Purina” comes from a slogan developed by Danforth, which was “where purity is paramount.” “Ralston” was inspired by Ralstonism, a social movement advocating for a healthy lifestyle.
3. Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Ralston Purina expanded its product lines and introduced innovative pet food products, such as Purina Dog Chow, Purina Cat Chow, and Puppy Chow.
4. In 1986, Ralston Purina sold its Purina Mills animal feed business to British Petroleum (BP).
5. Over the years, Ralston Purina ventured into other markets such as cereals and food products, by acquiring other businesses including Chex, Ralston Foods, and The Continental Baking Company.
6. In December 2001, Swiss multinational food and beverage giant Nestlé acquired Ralston Purina. The deal was valued at around $10.3 billion, and the company was rebranded as Nestlé Purina PetCare.
Since then, Nestlé Purina PetCare has been a subsidiary of Nestlé Group, which is its current owner. The company has continued to expand and grow, acquiring several small to medium-sized pet food brands. Today, Purina is one of the largest pet food companies globally and offers a wide range of products for dogs, cats, and other pets.
Who was the founder?
Purina, originally known as Ralston Purina, was founded by William H. Danforth in 1894 in St. Louis, Missouri. Danforth was born on September 10, 1870, in Charleston, Missouri.
He had a strong belief in hard work, perseverance, and self-sufficiency, and was inspired by George Washington Carver’s essay “Four Things,” which advocated for essential morals in life. Danforth began his career in the milling industry along with his two brothers-in-law, George Robinson and William H. Andres. They started out by producing a whole-wheat cereal called “Purina.” The name “Purina” was derived from the company’s original slogan “where purity is paramount.”Under Danforth’s leadership, the company expanded its product offerings beyond cereal and diversified into the animal feed business.
Their first animal feed, called “Purina Horse Chow,” was introduced in 1926, followed by “Purina Dog Chow,” “Purina Cat Chow,” and other pet food products. William H. Danforth’s passion for animal nutrition and commitment to helping animals live their best lives led to the success and growth of the Purina brand. Today, Purina is owned by Nestlé and remains one of the leading pet food manufacturers in the world.
Commitment to Sustainability
Purina also leads initiatives promoting sustainability and animal welfare. The company has implemented eco-friendly practices, including reducing packaging waste and sourcing sustainable ingredients. Additionally, Purina partners with shelters and rescue organizations to improve the lives of animals in need.
Through these efforts, Purina reinforces its mission to enrich the bond between pets and their owners. The brand’s dedication to quality, innovation, and social responsibility cements its reputation as a trusted name in pet care worldwide.
FAQ Section
Who owns Purina?
Purina is owned by Nestlé, a multinational food and beverage company headquartered in Switzerland. Nestlé acquired Purina in 2001, merging it with their Nestlé Friskies Petcare Company to create Nestlé Purina PetCare.
What types of products does Purina offer?
Purina offers a wide variety of pet food products, including dry and wet food for cats and dogs, treats, and supplements. Their product lineup includes popular brands such as Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, Purina Veterinary Diets, Purina Dog Chow, Purina Cat Chow, and others.
What is Purina’s mission?
Purina’s mission is to enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them by providing high-quality pet food products and promoting responsible pet care, community involvement, and the positive bond between animals and humans.
Where is the Purina headquarters located?
The headquarters of Purina is located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Purina has manufacturing facilities across the United States, as well as research and development centers in Switzerland and France.
How can I find out if my pet’s food has been recalled?
If you suspect that your pet’s food has been recalled or you want to stay up-to-date with Purina’s product recalls, you can visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for the latest information. Alternatively, you can check Purina’s website or contact their customer service for assistance.
Sources for More Information
- Purina Official Website
- Nestlé Official Website
- Nestlé Purina PetCare – Wikipedia
- Nestlé Purina PetCare – Forbes
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