GREEN BAY, WIS. — On April 11, Vital Essentials, flagship brand of Carnivore Meat Company, shared its new partnership with NEMA, Inc. to expand its sales team and forge more connections with retail partners.

Founded in 1977, NEMA is a sales rep group with relationships spanning manufacturers, distributors and pet retailers. With more than 320 years of combined experience, the company’s sales team works with manufacturers in the pet industry to aid in growth. NEMA’s service area spans 37 states with a team that covers about 75% of the US population, according to the company.

In its partnership with Vital Essentials, NEMA will help the pet food brand expand its retail presence.

“As the leader in the raw pet foods space, we are proud to partner with Vital Essentials and help support their growth,” said Mark Pustizzi, owner of NEMA Pet Associates. “We believe in their mission to only offer the finest quality butcher-cut protein, and we look forward to helping them expand their offerings across our focus markets.”

According to Vital Essentials, the partnership is expected to increase its market share in the eastern half of the United States, as well as significantly expand its customer-facing sales team.

“As we look to expand operations and connect with more retail partners across the country, NEMA will help us achieve that goal,” said Nick Ebert, vice president of sales at Vital Essentials. “Mark and the NEMA team are experts in the pet industry. Their deep industry expertise will help expand our sales touch points, increase our revenue, and allow us to continue to be the premier provider of raw, freeze-dried pet food. Our expectation is that Vital Essentials will be the most compelling and customer-centric brand in the industry, and NEMA helps us to bring that to life.”

Vital Essentials’ expansion follows a recent rebrand, in which the brand debuted new packaging for its pet food and treats at Global Pet Expo 2023. The premium kraft paper packaging, reminiscent of butcher paper from a butcher shop, highlights the brand’s commitment to using high-quality, “butcher-cut” proteins. The new packaging is slated to hit retail shelves this spring.

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