Petfood Innovation Wenger and Extru-Tech Join Forces Under JBT Marel at Petfood Forum 2026
Wenger and Extru-Tech, two globally recognized leaders in extrusion processing solutions for both pet food and human food applications, are set to make a significant joint appearance at Petfood Forum 2026, taking place in Kansas City from April 27–29. Located at Booth #1614, this event will mark the first time the two brands exhibit together in a unified space, signaling a pivotal moment for the companies and the broader pet food processing industry.
This collaboration reflects a new phase in their evolution as both companies now operate under the JBT Marel umbrella. By combining their decades of expertise, Wenger and Extru-Tech aim to accelerate innovation, broaden their product offerings, and deliver more integrated solutions to meet the rapidly changing demands of pet food manufacturers. The joint presence at Petfood Forum—North America’s largest gathering of pet food professionals—serves as a platform to showcase the strength of this partnership and its potential to reshape the future of pet food production.
Travis Moore, General Manager of Wenger and Extru-Tech, emphasized the importance of this milestone, describing the event as a tangible expression of the companies’ “Stronger Together” philosophy. He noted that the partnership brings together over 90 years of combined experience in extrusion and processing technologies from Wenger and Extru-Tech, enhanced by JBT Marel’s advanced capabilities in areas such as meat preparation, forming systems, high-pressure processing, and steam-based thermal solutions. This integration enables the companies to offer one of the most comprehensive portfolios of pet food processing technologies available today. Moore also highlighted the shared commitment to improving sustainability, safety, and nutritional value across pet food products.
At the heart of the joint exhibit will be the recently introduced Minimally Processed Pet Food Line solutions. This innovative system represents a major step forward in pet food manufacturing, offering a fresh approach to product development that goes beyond traditional kibble. Designed to support a new generation of pet food products, the system enables the production of premium kibble, “un-kibble,” and treat formats that align with evolving consumer preferences for natural, wholesome, and minimally processed nutrition.
The concept of minimally processed pet food has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by pet owners who increasingly view their pets as family members and prioritize high-quality, nutrient-rich diets. These consumers are seeking products that closely resemble fresh or home-prepared meals, with fewer artificial additives and greater transparency in ingredients. The new processing line addresses this demand by preserving the natural integrity of ingredients while maintaining efficiency and scalability for manufacturers.
To enhance the visitor experience, attendees at the booth will be able to explore the entire minimally processed production line through an immersive virtual environment. This interactive showcase provides an end-to-end view of the process, from ingredient handling to final product output, allowing visitors to better understand how the integrated system operates and how it can be tailored to different production needs.
The versatility of the system is one of its key strengths. It supports a wide variety of product categories, including gently cooked meals, air-dried products, fresh formulations, and baked goods. This flexibility allows manufacturers to diversify their product portfolios and respond more effectively to shifting market trends.
Among the standout technologies featured at the booth is the PetFlex Extrusion system. Developed by Wenger, this advanced twin-screw extruder is designed to offer unprecedented flexibility in production. It allows manufacturers to seamlessly switch between traditional formulations and recipes with high fresh meat content, all using the same equipment. This capability is particularly valuable in today’s market, where customization, allergen-friendly recipes, and sustainable sourcing are becoming increasingly important. By reducing the need for extensive hardware changes, the PetFlex system helps improve operational efficiency while enabling greater product innovation.
Another key technology on display will be High Pressure Processing (HPP), a solution provided by JBT Marel. HPP uses ultra-high-pressure water to eliminate harmful pathogens in raw pet food products without the need for heat. This process not only enhances food safety but also helps extend shelf life while preserving the nutritional quality and freshness of the ingredients. As demand for raw and minimally processed pet foods continues to grow, HPP is becoming an essential tool for manufacturers seeking to deliver safe, high-quality products.
In addition, the exhibit will feature an integrated steam tunnel system designed for gentle thermal processing. This technology uses controlled steam cooking to maintain the structural and nutritional integrity of ingredients, resulting in products with a more natural appearance and improved texture. The steam tunnel is particularly well-suited for producing premium pet food items that require careful handling to retain their visual and nutritional appeal.
Together, these technologies illustrate the comprehensive approach that Wenger, Extru-Tech, and JBT Marel are taking to address the evolving needs of the pet food industry. By combining expertise across multiple processing stages, the partnership aims to provide end-to-end solutions that enhance efficiency, product quality, and sustainability.
Visitors to Booth #1614 will have the opportunity to engage directly with a team of experts, including business development managers, engineers, and company leadership. These interactions will offer valuable insights into how the integrated solutions can be applied to real-world production challenges and how manufacturers can leverage the latest technologies to stay competitive in a dynamic market.
Overall, the joint presence of Wenger and Extru-Tech at Petfood Forum 2026 represents more than just a shared exhibit—it reflects a strategic alignment aimed at driving the next wave of innovation in pet food processing. By uniting their strengths and embracing a collaborative approach, the companies are positioning themselves as a powerful force in shaping the future of the industry, delivering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.
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