MUENSTER, TEXAS — Muenster Milling Company, a manufacturer of freeze-dried and extruded pet foods, appointed Jim Holdrieth to president and chief executive officer on Nov. 15. Holdrieth will leverage his extensive experience to help drive growth for the pet food processor.

“We could not be happier to welcome Jim Holdrieth into the Muenster family,” said Mitch Felderhoff and Chad Felderhoff, fourth-generation owners of Muenster Milling. “We are confident that Jim will build on Muenster’s commitment to excellence in pet food manufacturing, including food safety, innovation and exceeding customer expectations.”

Holdrieth is a veteran food ingredient executive and has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing. He most recently served as chief executive officer of Florida Food Products (FFP), a formulator and manufacturer of natural and clean-label ingredients for food, beverage and pet food. During his time at FFP, Holdrieth expanded the company’s manufacturing operations and commercialized new technologies to support its customer base.

Prior to FFP, Holdrieth led Balchem’s North American Food Ingredients business and its Sensory Effects division.

“The Felderhoff family has built a terrific pet food business with attractive growth potential as consumers move toward ‘better for my pet’ meals and treats,” Holdrieth said. “I am especially excited about the company’s new freeze-dried manufacturing facility that is vertically integrated with a full suite of packaging solutions for customers, as my background in food ingredient manufacturing gives me an appreciation for how freeze-dried proteins can play a strategic role for customers given its versatility and nutritional benefits. I am excited to continue Muenster’s 92-year legacy while leading its transformation into a market leader within the freeze-dried category.”

Muenster Milling is a portfolio company of Kainos Capital, a private equity focused on the food, consumer products and services, and pet food industries. The private equity acquired the pet food producer in August 2021. FFP was a former portfolio company of Kainos.

“We have a long history with Jim, who oversaw transformational growth at our investment in FFP,” said Kevin Elliott, partner at Kainos. “He is the right leader for Muenster at this time as we dramatically scale the company’s manufacturing and new product development capabilities.”

Jeff Moredock, principal at Kainos, added, “Muenster is well recognized as an innovative partner to the leading brands in the pet food market. Jim’s unwavering commitment to customer service and his process-driven approach to commercializing innovative food manufacturing technologies will enable Muenster to play a pivotal role in helping these brands meet the growing consumer demand for freeze-dried pet food.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.