Central Garden & Pet

In 1980, Central Garden & Pet founder Bill Brown launched Central Garden Supply, a small, regional distributor of lawn and garden supplies in the Bay Area of California. After 12 successful years in business, the company prepared to go public. At this time, the company explored the possibilities of entering another, complimentary industry. Pet looked like a great next step and Central acquired a pet distributor company. This is when a whole new business emerged, and the company became Central Garden & Pet. Shortly thereafter, Tropical Fish Hobbyist and Four Paws businesses joined the Central portfolio. Since that time, Central has become a true pet supplies industry leader.

Central Garden & Pet has grown into a portfolio of loved and respected pet and garden businesses that are dedicated to the millions of pets, gardens and communities that depend on the brands. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, the company remains a leader in the pet industry on the success of such brands as Aqueon, Cadet, Farnam, Four Paws, Kaytee, K&H and Nylabone. In September, Central Garden & Pet promoted Niko Lahanas, who has been with the company for nearly 18 years, to chief executive owner.