Mary Allen
Introduction: The Mystery of Blue Dog Food Ownership
When it comes to pet food, Blue Buffalo is a household name. Many pet owners swear by the brand’s natural and wholesome ingredients, making Blue Buffalo a popular choice for pet food. However, despite the brand’s popularity, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding who owns Blue Dog Food. In this article, we will dive into the history of Blue Buffalo, its acquisition by General Mills, and the role of private equity in the company’s past.
The History of Blue Dog Food
Blue Buffalo was founded in 2002 by Bill Bishop and his family. The company’s focus was to create high-quality pet food made with natural ingredients. The brand quickly gained popularity for its grain-free and holistic approach to pet food, which was a departure from traditional pet food brands. The company’s name was inspired by their family dog, a Blue-Heeler/Australian Shepherd mix named Blue, who had cancer. The Bishop family believed that Blue’s cancer was due to food additives and unhealthy ingredients, which led them to create Blue Buffalo.
The Acquisition of Blue Buffalo by General Mills
In 2018, General Mills, the food giant behind Cheerios and Betty Crocker, acquired Blue Buffalo for $8 billion. The acquisition was a significant milestone for both companies. For General Mills, it was an opportunity to expand its presence in the pet food industry, which was growing rapidly. For Blue Buffalo, it was an opportunity to leverage General Mills’ resources and expertise to accelerate its growth. The acquisition was also seen as a win for pet owners, as it brought together two companies with a shared commitment to high-quality, natural ingredients.