Blackwood Pet Food, LLC is a family-operated company dedicated to producing slow-cooked pet foods that deliver both nutrition and taste for healthier, happier dogs and cats. Founded over four decades ago by the father of current president Matt Golladay, the company follows a slow-cooking approach validated by research from Kansas State University to create holistic nutrition recipes. Every small batch is prepared in the United States with meticulous care to ensure quality, balancing fiber, fat, and protein content in every bite.

Based in Ohio, Blackwood Pet Food has been an active participant in Food Export-Midwest programs since 2012, using the Market Access Program-funded Branded Program for the past 14 years to help offset international marketing expenses and expand global sales.

Two years ago, the company used its Branded Program funding to increase brand awareness in China, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan. Their comprehensive marketing strategy included social media campaigns, participation in international trade shows, the creation of digital and print advertising materials, and promotional giveaways. These efforts resulted in $3.07 million in sales across the six markets, with an additional $5.8 million projected for the following year. The company also gained numerous new international buyer contacts and established both brick-and-mortar and online distributorships.

Matt Golladay, President of BrightPet Nutrition Group, Blackwood Pet Food’s parent company, stated: “The Food Export Association of the Midwest has been a tremendous asset to our company, providing experienced, hardworking staff who help guide us, answer our questions, and support our needs in the best possible way. They are always willing to navigate challenges and ensure the best outcomes for us and our partners.”

Since 2012, Blackwood Pet Food has actively participated in a variety of Food Export programs, including the Branded Program, the Online Product Catalog, and export education webinars.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.