The acquisition of the U.S.-based manufacturer expands i-Tail's presence in treats and specialty pet nutrition, combining Phelps' specialization in dog nutrition and its portfolio of air-dried foods and jerky-style pet treats with i-Tail's leadership in premium wet cat food. It also establishes a manufacturing presence in i-Tail's largest market, strengthens its supply network, and adds a complementary customer base across multiple retail and distribution channels.
Roy Chan, Chief Executive Officer of i-Tail, said, "As pet owners increasingly treat their pets as family, demand continues to grow for a wider range of treats, snacks, and innovative pet food solutions. Phelps is a strong strategic fit for i-Tail, bringing differentiated products, expertise, and market capabilities that complement our strengths and deepen our presence in one of the world's largest pet food markets. This acquisition marks an important milestone in our growth journey, supporting our aspirational target of reaching up to USD 1.5 billion in annual revenue by 2030 while creating long-term value for our customers, pet parents, and shareholders."
Rick Ruffolo, Chief Executive Officer and President of Phelps Pet Products, said, "Joining i-Tail marks an exciting new chapter for Phelps' customers, employees, and vendor partners. Both companies have a decades-long history of serving the pet industry, being leaders in certified sustainable manufacturing and sourcing practices, and providing innovative products to our customers. Combining our experience in the North American market with i-Tail's global reach and expertise in pet nutrition, we can broaden our collective product offerings through cross-selling and exploring opportunities in new categories which will enable our respective customers to innovate and grow market share."
Pet treats remain an important growth driver for i-Tail, representing 20% of total pet food sales in the first half of 2026. Growth is fueled by pet parents' desire to connect more closely with their pets and rising demand for treats with functional benefits. In response, i Tail launched more than 400 new products from January to June, reflecting its continued focus on innovation and product development.
Founded in 1966, Phelps Pet Products has grown into the innovative leader and preferred U.S. contract manufacturing partner for clean-label, protein-first pet treats and specialty pet nutrition products, collaborating with leading retailers and pet food brands across the United States and Canada, along with other regions of the world. In 2025, the company generated USD 70.3 million in net sales, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.6% from 2023 to 2025. With manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and clean-label product development.
Nomura acted as sole financial advisor to i-Tail, and Kelley Drye & Warren LLP acted as legal advisor in connection with the transaction.
