CHICAGO and INDIANAPOLIS — Skyline Global Partners LLC, a private equity firm, announced an investment in pet treat co-manufacturer Cosmo’s Superior Foods.

According to Skyline Global, the US pet treat market reached $11.3 billion in 2022 and has a projected growth rate of 10% through 2026, offering significant opportunities. Premiumization and humanization continue to drive the category, with many pet parents seeking natural, human-grade ingredients in crunchy and freeze-dried treat formats, as well as those that offer dental health benefits.

Founded in 2012, Cosmo’s Superior Foods is a turn-key private label and co-manufacturer of ultra-premium pet treats. According to the company, it serves as a partner for a range of very well-known pet treat brands throughout North America. Cosmo’s specializes in dehydrated and freeze-dried offal treats, including single-ingredient jerky, diced whole muscle and organs, and limited-ingredient functional treats. Its portfolio spans chicken jerky, chicken hearts, chicken feet, turkey breast, beef heart jerky, wild-caught Alaskan salmon filet and more.

Cosmo’s treats are human grade and are formulated without additives and preservatives. The products are sourced and produced under HACCP guidelines in a FDA-registered facility in the United States.

Cosmo’s has grown to serve as one of the largest independent pet treat co-manufacturers in Indiana, according to the company. The company’s in-house brand has a current retail presence in more than 200 stores, with further expansion expected. Additionally, Cosmo’s plans to expand its facility and double its staff in the next year to help it meet growing demand.

“We were attracted to the growing pet treat category as well as the company’s consistent passion and discipline for bringing high quality and innovative products to its branded customer base,” said Sachin Gupta, partner at Skyline Global. “Our focus will be to continue to innovate and bring our customers high quality and differentiated products to retail shelves.”

Skyline Global’s investment provides Cosmo’s with growth capital to expand its business operations. According to Cosmo’s, it has already begun to expand its manufacturing facilities and has implemented state-of-the-art equipment to streamline production, increasing its capabilities and product offerings for its customers.

“We have faced many challenges over the years, but the ability to meet a consistent and exponentially growing demand was always our primary struggle,” said Sean Litke, founder and chief executive officer of Cosmo’s. “Our principal focus has always been delivering the highest quality and most consistent products available, and providing the highest level of communication, transparency and customer service. Our team has been working towards this opportunity for 12 years and I am very thankful for our new partners focus on helping us achieve continued success.”

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