Big Dog Pet Foods

Business case study | Food and Agribusiness

Big Dog Pet Foods

Moreton Bay’s ability to combine an enviable lifestyle, skilled workforce, technology and market access benefits have helped fast-track the growth of Big Dog Pet Foods.

More than two decades ago, Food Science graduate Chris Essex founded an all-raw natural dog and cat food company, giving pet owners an alternative to highly processed pet foods.

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Australia’s leading healthy pet food producer

800

Distributed in 800 stores

5

Exports to five countries

30%

Achieved 30% year-on-year growth

Recipe for Growth

Big Dog Pet Foods plans to double its size, in terms of both products and staff, in the next five years. The purchase of their new Narangba facility will support this fast growth.

Staying in the region was the most cost-effective move for the company and will logistically make it easier to receive supplies and distribute products nationally.

“We can get to the airport very quickly. We can deliver containers to the port very easily,” said Chris.

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Established in 2000

70

Team of 70 staff

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100 tonnes of pet food produced per week

“Being located here in the Moreton Bay Region, from a logistics point of view, just makes our business more efficient. And having access to other businesses that can assist us with technology and innovation is highly beneficial. Everything we need is here. It’s perfect.” - Chris Essex, Managing Director

Today, Big Dog Pet Foods produces 100 tonnes of raw diet pet food every week, achieving 30% growth last year and on track to achieve another 30% growth this year.

Big Dog Pet Foods attributes the lifestyle benefits of living and working in the Moreton Bay Region as one of the keys to their successful growth.

“There is very much a family feel about Moreton Bay. We recruit staff from this region. The reduced commute time increases business efficiency,” said Chris.

Why Moreton Bay is the only choice for food and agriculture businesses that want more.

Moreton Bay has food and agribusiness pedigree. It’s home to award-winning innovators developing new product segments and urban farming pioneers set to change the world. We have more of everything you need here.

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Moreton Bay is home to Queensland’s only aquaculture research facility which plays an integral role in the technological advancement of Australia’s aquaculture and fishing industries.