Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Source for Pet & Garden Solutions
Central Garden & Pet has been a market leader in the pet and garden industries for over 45 years, dedicated to nurturing happy and healthy homes through innovative solutions. Our portfolio of more than 60 trusted brands serves both consumers and professionals, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, we employ over 6,000 team members across North America who share our passion for pets, gardens, and community. Our mission drives us to lead the future of these industries by focusing on every detail, from blade of grass to wagging tail. With a history of strategic acquisitions and organic growth, we continue to expand our expertise in pet care, lawn and garden products, and distribution services.Our values emphasize integrity, safety, and environmental stewardship while fostering a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement. Through entrepreneurial leadership and a customer-centric approach, we deliver reliable products that enhance homes nationwide. Our long-term vision prioritizes innovation, operational excellence, and strengthening communities through sustainable practices. By investing in our people and maintaining rigorous quality standards, we ensure lasting value for customers and stakeholders alike. This enduring commitment to excellence has solidified our position as a trusted partner in the pet and garden sectors.
Services
Pet Products
Garden Supplies
Distribution Services
Brand Management
Pest Control Solutions
Wild Bird Feed
Aquarium Products
Outdoor Cushions
Dog Treats
Plant Seeds
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 45 years of expertise in pet and garden product innovation.
- Our portfolio includes 60+ trusted brands meeting diverse consumer needs.
- We maintain rigorous quality standards across manufacturing and distribution.
- Our team of industry experts serves North America with localized knowledge.
- We prioritize sustainability and community impact in all business practices.
Services
Pet Products
Central Garden & Pet offers a comprehensive range of pet food, treats, and care products through trusted brands like Nylabone and Four Paws. Our solutions cater to dogs, cats, birds, and small animals while emphasizing quality and safety. With decades of expertise, we develop innovative products that promote pet health and owner satisfaction across North America.
Garden Supplies
Our garden division provides seeds, fertilizers, pest control, and outdoor living products under brands such as Pennington and Amdro. These solutions support residential and commercial landscaping needs while prioritizing environmental sustainability. With advanced horticultural research and nationwide distribution, we help gardens thrive through reliable, science-backed products.
Distribution Services
Central Garden & Pet operates a full-scale distribution network delivering pet and garden products to retailers nationwide. Our logistics infrastructure ensures timely, efficient delivery while maintaining product integrity. By combining warehousing expertise with customer-focused service, we strengthen supply chains for over 6,000 employees and business partners.
Brand Management
We manage 65+ premium brands through strategic acquisitions and organic growth, including Kaytee and Aqueon. Our approach balances brand heritage with market innovation to meet evolving consumer demands. This portfolio strategy creates synergies across pet and garden categories while maintaining each brand's unique identity and customer loyalty.
Wild Bird Feed
Our wild bird feeding products support backyard wildlife enthusiasts through specialized seed blends and feeders. Brands like Farnam deliver nutritionally balanced solutions that attract diverse bird species while promoting ecological balance. This product line reflects our commitment to connecting people with nature through high-quality, research-driven offerings.
People
Niko Lahanas
Chief Executive Officer
Niko Lahanas leads Central Garden & Pet as CEO with over 18 years of experience in finance and operations. Prior roles included CFO and leadership positions at private equity firms. He holds an MBA from The George Washington University and a BA from UC Berkeley.
Brad Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Brad Smith serves as CFO after 17 years in finance roles at Central and Delhaize Group. He earned a BA in Economics from UC Davis and brings extensive financial strategy expertise to our pet and garden product operations.
Glen Axelrod
Senior Vice President, Dog & Cat
Glen Axelrod oversees Central's Dog & Cat division with a legacy spanning decades. As part of TFH's founding family, he combines generational expertise with scientific credentials, including a Master of Science in Ichthyology from Rhodes University.
John Hanson
President, Pet Consumer Products
John Hanson leads Pet Consumer Products with prior executive experience at ConAgra and consulting firms. He holds dual degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has grown major consumer brands to over $2.5 billion in sales.
Dan Pennington
Senior Vice President, Wild Bird
Dan Pennington manages Wild Bird operations with 50+ years of family agribusiness experience. Holding an Agri Business degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, he has driven Pennington Seed's growth since 1972 through strategic leadership roles.
Questions
What industries does Central Garden & Pet operate in?
We specialize in pet care and garden products, offering 60+ brands for animal wellness, lawn care, outdoor living, and wildlife support across North America.
How long has Central Garden & Pet been in business?
Our history spans over 45 years since founding in 1980, with strategic acquisitions expanding our pet and garden product leadership nationwide.
What sustainability initiatives does Central support?
We prioritize environmental stewardship through sustainable manufacturing, eco-friendly product development, and community programs that strengthen ecological resilience in pet and garden spaces.
Where are Central Garden & Pet products available?
Our products reach consumers nationwide through retail partnerships, while our distribution network ensures professional customers across North America receive timely, efficient service.
