Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Pet & Garden Products
Central Garden & Pet has been a market leader in the pet and garden industries for over 45 years. Our mission is to nurture happy and healthy homes through innovative solutions that care for pets, gardens, and communities. Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, we operate with a team of 6,000 employees across North America, dedicated to leading the future of our industries with integrity and passion. Our portfolio includes more than 60 trusted brands like Amdro, Aqueon, Kaytee, and Pennington, which serve both consumers and professionals.We prioritize sustainability, safety, and community impact while maintaining a culture of entrepreneurship and continuous improvement. Our values guide us to do the right thing, strive for excellence, and grow every day through innovation and collaboration. With a history dating back to 1980, we have built a legacy of quality and reliability that supports homes from the house to the yard, stable to city center. Our leadership team brings decades of industry expertise to ensure we remain at the forefront of pet and garden innovation.
Services
Pet Food
Garden Seeds
Pest Control Products
Aquarium Supplies
Dog Treats
Wild Bird Products
Fertilizers
Pet Accessories
Gardening Tools
Outdoor Cushions
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in pet and garden industries
- Our portfolio includes 60+ trusted brands like Aqueon and Pennington
- We prioritize sustainability and community impact in all operations
- Our team of 6,000+ employees ensures nationwide support and expertise
- We offer innovative products for both consumers and professionals
Services
Pet Food
Our pet food products provide balanced nutrition for dogs, cats, and small animals. Formulated with high-quality ingredients, these solutions support pet health and vitality. Trusted brands like Kaytee and Nylabone deliver specialized nutrition for different life stages and dietary needs.
Garden Seeds
We offer premium grass seed blends for residential and commercial landscaping. Our Pennington brand provides climate-specific solutions for lush, resilient lawns. Products include fertilizer-coated seeds and specialized blends for different growing conditions.
Pest Control
Our pest control solutions protect homes and gardens from insects using innovative formulations. Brands like Amdro and Farnam offer both chemical and organic options for indoor and outdoor pest management. Products include IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) solutions for long-term control.
Aquarium Supplies
Aqueon brand aquarium products provide complete solutions for freshwater and saltwater habitats. Our offerings include tanks, filtration systems, and water conditioners that maintain optimal aquatic environments. Products support both hobbyist and professional aquarists.
Dog Treats
We manufacture premium dog chews and treats under brands like Nylabone and TDBBS. These products promote dental health and provide safe chewing alternatives. Our offerings include natural chews, dental sticks, and interactive treat-dispensing toys.
People
Niko Lahanas
Chief Executive Officer
Niko Lahanas became CEO in 2024 after serving as CFO since 2017. With extensive finance experience and leadership roles across Central's business units, he brings strategic vision to lead the $3.2 billion portfolio of 65+ brands.
Brad Smith
Chief Financial Officer
Brad Smith joined Central in 2017 as CFO after 12 years at Delhaize Group. His 25+ years of finance experience in retail and consumer goods includes leadership roles at Arthur Andersen and Ahold Delhaize's European operations.
Glen Axelrod
Senior Vice President, Dog & Cat
Glen Axelrod leads Central's Dog & Cat division with expertise from his family's founding of TFH Publications. He oversees brands like Nylabone and Four Paws, combining pet industry knowledge with strategic leadership since the 1997 acquisition.
John Hanson
President, Pet Consumer Products
John Hanson became President of Pet Consumer Products in 2019 after ConAgra leadership roles. His 30+ years in consumer-packaged goods include growing businesses from $1.7B to $2.5B in sales through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements.
Dan Pennington
Senior Vice President, Wild Bird
Dan Pennington has spent 50+ years in the garden industry, starting in the family business in 1972. His expertise in wild bird feed and agricultural products spans multiple leadership roles at Pennington Seed, now part of Central's garden portfolio.
Questions
What industries does Central Garden & Pet operate in?
We specialize in pet care and garden products, offering solutions for pets, lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces through 60+ trusted brands.
How long has Central Garden & Pet been in business?
Since 1980, we've nurtured homes across America with innovative pet and garden solutions through strategic acquisitions and internal growth.
Where is Central Garden & Pet headquartered?
Our corporate headquarters is located in Walnut Creek, California, with operations across North America.
What sustainability initiatives does Central support?
We prioritize environmental responsibility through sustainable manufacturing practices, eco-friendly product development, and community-focused initiatives across our pet and garden brands.
How can retailers partner with Central Garden & Pet?
Our distribution division provides comprehensive support for independent pet retailers and garden centers through innovative product solutions and logistics expertise.
What career opportunities exist at Central Garden & Pet?
We offer diverse career paths across 6,000+ employees in North America, focusing on professional growth, inclusivity, and a culture of innovation in pet and garden industries.
