Freshpet Maintains Strong Growth as Company Prepares for Leadership Transition

Freshpet continues to strengthen its position in the U.S. fresh pet food market as the company enters a new phase of growth and prepares for a planned leadership transition.

The U.S.-based pet food manufacturer has maintained strong sales momentum in 2026, following a 13.1% year-over-year increase in first-quarter net sales to $297.6 million. Freshpet also reported broad-based consumption growth across its retail channels, supported by expanding distribution, household penetration and its growing refrigerated product network.

The company has continued investing in manufacturing efficiency and capacity while expanding its omnichannel distribution. Freshpet's fresh and refrigerated positioning has helped it gain market share in the highly competitive U.S. dog food category.

At the same time, Freshpet is preparing for an important leadership change as it marks its 20th anniversary.

Scott Morris, Freshpet's co-founder and current president, will transition from day-to-day operating responsibilities to an advisory role on October 20, 2026. He will remain available to the company as an advisor for 18 months to support the transition.

Current Chief Operating Officer Nicki Baty will assume the additional role of president while continuing as COO. Baty joined Freshpet in 2024 and has been part of the company's succession planning process. In her expanded role, she will oversee commercial operations and supply chain activities.

Freshpet has also strengthened its broader management team, including appointments in finance and supply chain earlier this year.

The leadership transition comes as Freshpet seeks to build on its growth trajectory, expand its manufacturing capabilities and capture further opportunities in the rapidly developing fresh pet food segment.

The combination of continued category growth, expanding distribution and a planned succession strategy positions Freshpet for its next stage of development in the U.S. pet food market.