Transavia Announces €150m Investment to Enter Pet Food Market With Major New Production Facility

Transavia, Romania’s largest poultry producer, is making a bold strategic move into the global pet food sector with a €150 million investment to develop a new production division. The project is fully financed through reinvested profit, underscoring the company’s long-term confidence in the rapidly growing pet nutrition market.

A New 65,000 sqm Factory Among Europe’s Largest

Located in Ciugud, Alba County, the new facility will become Romania’s largest pet food plant and one of the most advanced in Europe. With a production footprint of 65,000 square meters, the plant will be capable of generating enough output to feed more than 11 million dogs and cats each year. Full-scale operations are planned for H2 2026.

Theodora Popa-Liteanu, Vice President of Transavia, highlighted the significance of the project:

“This cutting-edge facility will have a lasting economic impact, reinforcing Romania's position as a global player and promoting Romanian-made pet food products that are nutritious, tasty, and sustainable.”

High-Efficiency Design Backed by Transavia’s Zero Waste Policy

The new factory has been engineered for top-tier efficiency and sustainability. Key features include:

• full automation, digitalization and robotics

• integrated energy recovery systems

• an on-site wastewater treatment plant

• photovoltaic panels with 12 MWp installed capacity

• alignment with Transavia’s Zero Waste Policy

These elements support a low environmental footprint and ensure competitive long-term production capabilities.

Massive EBITDA Growth Expected

Following the launch of its pet food division, Transavia anticipates a major financial uplift. The company projects its EBITDA will increase from around €100 million today to approximately €250 million within two to three years of entering the market.

Helping to Reduce Romania’s €1 Billion Pet Food Trade Deficit

Despite strong growth in domestic demand, Romania has relied heavily on imports, leading to a €1+ billion trade deficit in pet food in 2024. Transavia’s new capacity aims to reduce this imbalance by supplying high-quality, locally produced alternatives that meet or exceed international standards.

With this investment, Transavia positions itself to compete in the world’s Top 10 global pet food markets, while strengthening Romania’s role in the European agri-food sector.