Butternut Box, the London-based pet food startup delivering fresh, personalized dog meals, just landed more than €75 million in funding from Liquidity. This major capital injection will help the company expand its operations and bring its healthy pet food service to even more households across Europe.
The funding supports the construction of a second manufacturing facility in Poland, expected to open by mid-2025. Located in Zabrze, the new site will span 40,000 square meters and create hundreds of jobs. Its spot near major motorways will make it easier to deliver meals quickly to Germany and surrounding regions.
This move follows Butternut Box’s 2023 acquisition of PsiBufet, a Polish leader in fresh dog food. With this new production hub, the company is doubling down on its commitment to Central Europe. CEO David Nolan explained that producing food in Poland lets them serve more dogs faster, with fresher meals and better reach.
Fresh, Human-Grade Dog Food Backed by a Powerful Mission
Butternut Box began in 2016, when co-founders Kevin Glynn and David Nolan discovered that fresh meals transformed the health of Nolan’s rescue dog, Rudie. That breakthrough became the spark for their mission: help more dogs live healthier, happier lives by feeding them fresh, nutritious food.
Their first production site, named Rudie’s Kitchen, now cooks over 8 million meals a year. Each recipe is crafted with human-grade ingredients and taste-tested by the in-house dog crew. Unlike traditional kibble, which is often packed with fillers and cooked at high heat, Butternut Box meals are slow-cooked below 90°C to preserve nutrients and flavor.
Customers receive pre-portioned meals tailored to their dog’s needs, delivered through a flexible subscription. The menu includes over 10 recipes, ranging from grain-free to vegetarian, with every meal containing at least 60% meat. It’s a level of customization few pet food companies can match.
Transparency is another big reason customers stay loyal. Butternut Box shares details on ingredient sourcing, recipe testing, and food safety. The company holds an AA+ BRCGS rating — the highest in food safety — and earned B Corp certification in 2022 for its environmental and social impact. Its packaging is recyclable, and its waste reduction efforts have already cut landfill output by 30%.
With operations now in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Poland, Butternut Box is well on its way to becoming a household name across Europe. Backed by €75M in new funding, the company is pushing ahead to meet growing demand — and getting closer to unicorn territory with a valuation near £500 million.
A Culture Rooted in Inclusion and Growth
Butternut Box isn’t just building healthier meals — it’s building a better workplace too. In 2024, the company made real progress on gender equity. Women earned 12.4% more on average than men, reversing the previous year’s gap. The team also ensures 40% of candidates in first-round interviews come from diverse backgrounds.
More than 750 employees now work across Europe, and over 70 team members were promoted last year alone. From annual DE&I training to mental health workshops, Butternut Box actively supports inclusion. Topics range from LGBTQ+ awareness to Black history, with an aim to create a space where everyone feels valued. In fact, 90% of employees say they feel like part of the squad.
The company also entered the cat food market in 2024 with Marro, a new fresh-food brand for felines. With pet owners spending more on health-driven options, Butternut Box is seizing the opportunity to grow in a $12 billion industry — without losing its dog-first DNA.
As co-founder David Nolan puts it, “We’re just at the starting line.” With a bold vision, a loyal customer base, and strong investor support, Butternut Box is leading the charge in Europe’s fresh pet food movement.
