Gimborn, Italy’s Cerberus Enter Partnership to Strengthen Biokat Cat Litter Portfolio

H. von Gimborn GmbH, manufacturer of the premium cat litter brand Biokat’s, and Cerberus Srl, Italian specialist in high-performance plant-based cat litter, have entered into a strategic partnership. Gimborn has acquired a majority stake in the company, integrating Cerberus’s state-of-the-art production facility near Varese into its global manufacturing network. The agreement unites Gimborn’s market leadership with the technical mastery and innovative plant-based solutions developed by founder Raffaele Darino and his team.

A complementary addition to a proven portfolio

For 40 years, Biokat’s has stood for quality and innovation, with its core strength in bentonite-based products manufactured in Kelheim, Germany. While these natural clay litters remain at the heart of the brand, demand for plant-derived alternatives is growing steadily, especially across Europe. This collaboration enables Gimborn to complement its established bentonite range with a robust plant-based offering, providing pet owners a well-rounded choice.

“This partnership is the first of its kind in our 171-year history. It may open up further opportunities for collaboration with existing or new partners and customers seeking innovative, high-quality and high-performance product solutions in this segment.” says Jordi Queralt, CEO of H. von Gimborn GmbH. “By combining complementary expertise at our two sites in Kelheim and Varese, we are very well positioned to develop and produce new plant-based litters that respond to evolving consumer needs and market trends.”

In-house plant-based production for the first time

Until now, Gimborn has relied on external sourcing for its plant-based range. This agreement changes that: through the Varese facility, the company will manufacture these technically advanced products in-house. Combining Cerberus’ specialist know-how with Gimborn’s decades of research and operational mastery in bentonite creates a solid foundation for manufacturing excellence across both product categories.

The partnership also broadens Gimborn’s private-label offering, adding plant-based solutions alongside its established branded and private-label bentonite business for customers across Europe.

“The plant-based litter segment offers attractive growth potential in Europe and internationally, driven by rising demand for sustainable, natural and high-quality pet care products,” adds Werner Averkamp, CFO of H. von Gimborn GmbH. “Cerberus strengthens our competitive position by broadening our portfolio and enhancing our ability to meet evolving customer needs with innovative and high-performance solutions.”

Shared vision, complementary strengths

This collaboration is the result of a comprehensive three-year strategic evaluation, during which Gimborn identified Cerberus as the ideal partner. The decision was driven not only by the company’s exclusive specialization in plant-based cat litter since its founding in 2015, but above all by the technical expertise of its founder Raffaele Darino. By integrating this talent and know-how, Gimborn intends to systematically advance its premium plant-based product portfolio over the coming years, directly supported by Mr. Darino’s extensive research and development capabilities.

“The partnership with Gimborn GmbH is a fundamental milestone in our growth journey, driven by a shared vision and common values,” states Raffaele Darino, CEO of Cerberus Srl. “In a cat litter market undergoing a profound transformation shaped by the circular economy and sustainability, we have found in Gimborn the perfect partner to face the future. This partnership will allow us to offer more effective and competitive solutions, creating tangible value for our customers and further strengthening our position within the pet industry.”