If the pet food industry were a mighty oak, Germany's Josera would be one of its deepest-rooted and most flourishing branches. What began as a mineral feed factory has grown through three generations of stewardship into a global pet nutrition leader, with an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability that has become its defining hallmark.
Early Foundations (1941-1988): Laying the Groundwork
In 1941, Joseph and Pauline Erbacher established a mineral feed factory in Germany, planting the seed for what would become Josera. For decades, the company focused on agricultural mineral supplements, contributing to local farming development. A pivotal transition came in 1969 when young Josef Erbacher took the reins, infusing new energy into the family enterprise.
Diversification Into Pet Nutrition (1988-2003)
The company made its decisive leap into pet food production in 1988, launching new lines for dogs, cats, and horses. This strategic expansion marked Josera's evolution from a traditional mineral feed specialist to a diversified nutrition provider. The following year saw the establishment of the ERBACHER Social Welfare Foundation, demonstrating the company's commitment to social responsibility through support for rural development projects worldwide.
Expansion and Innovation (2003-2015)
Josera's 2003 opening of its first dedicated pet food facility in Kleinheubach, Bavaria, significantly boosted production capacity. The subsequent years brought continuous product line extensions, with formulations tailored to different breeds and life stages. Throughout this growth, Josera maintained rigorous standards for ingredient selection and manufacturing processes, ensuring nutritional balance and safety across its portfolio.
Generational Transition and Sustainability Focus (2006-2020)
The 2006 leadership transition to third-generation stewards Burkhard and Josef Erbacher brought renewed emphasis on sustainable operations. Facility upgrades between 2011-2012 included QM-certified laboratories and eco-conscious infrastructure like biofilters for emissions treatment and renewable-material warehouses. The company reduced its carbon footprint through rail-connected logistics and implemented recyclable polyethylene packaging.
Josera's sustainability commitment extended beyond operations with the 2015 creation of the Food Cooperative Family Foundation, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and nutrition initiatives in East Africa.
Global Growth and Recognition (2016-2021)
Josera's 2016 investment in what became one of Europe's most advanced pet food production facilities in Kleinheubach underscored its technological leadership. The company's 2019 entry into the Chinese market through a joint venture marked a strategic global expansion. Industry recognition followed, including the Pet Sustainability Coalition's "Best in Category" award and designation as 2020/2021's most sustainable pet food manufacturer.
By its 80th anniversary in 2021, Josera products reached consumers in over 70 countries through retail channels including China's Tmall Global platform, serving millions of pets worldwide while maintaining its founding principles of quality and responsibility.
Josera's eight-decade journey from regional mineral supplier to international pet nutrition leader demonstrates how consistent values—when combined with strategic adaptation—can create enduring success in a competitive industry. The company's integration of family stewardship, product excellence, and environmental responsibility offers a compelling case study in sustainable business growth.