Loop Expands East African Pet-Food Business Into Tanzania

Kenyan pet-food manufacturer Loop has expanded into Tanzania, extending its locally produced pet-nutrition business into another East African market.

The company produces complete and balanced pet food using regionally sourced ingredients and has incorporated Black Soldier Fly larvae and other alternative or upcycled ingredients into its product strategy.

The expansion follows the company’s launch of its more affordable Loop+ range earlier in 2026.

Building Regional Pet-Food Manufacturing

Loop’s strategy is based on developing a regional pet-food supply chain rather than relying predominantly on imported finished products. That model potentially provides advantages in:

• ingredient sourcing;

• distribution costs;

• product localisation;

• supply-chain resilience; and

• affordability.

Alternative Protein Opportunity

The use of insect-derived ingredients is particularly notable. Black Soldier Fly protein is being evaluated globally as a potential alternative protein source because of its feed-conversion characteristics and potential use of agricultural side streams.

Commercial adoption will ultimately depend on nutritional performance, palatability, regulatory acceptance, consumer perception and cost.

Analyst View

Emerging markets could become important test beds for new pet-food business models.

Companies capable of combining local manufacturing, alternative ingredients and affordable formulations may be positioned to capture growing pet ownership without depending entirely on premium imported products.