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About Us

Our Company

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AFB International was founded in 1986 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with a vision to create the best palatants and make pet food taste great. Over 35 years later, we remain committed to being the leader in pet food palatability. AFB is a subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, a privately-held company for over 185 years focused on space & defense, pet food science and biotechnology.

As part of an organization dedicated to innovation, we are able to continually offer new products and services and expand our global presence. Today we are an international company with resource centers and production facilities designed to service pet food manufacturers across the world.

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EBI Foundation

The EBI Foundation was created to give back and support the communities where we live and work. Established in 1952, it is financed by AFB’s parent company, Ensign Bickford, and its subsidiaries. Significant gifts are given in the areas of education, the environment, natural disaster response, medical institutions, scientific innovation, the arts and community improvement. Individual employees are encouraged to contribute their time and talent to community projects. In addition, the EBI Foundation matches employee contributions to educational and cultural organizations.

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Who We Are

AFB partners with pet food manufacturers to make food, treats and supplements for dogs and cats taste great, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrition they need. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, we bring value to pet food companies through research expertise, technical support, and unparalleled customer service.

How We Work

Clearly understanding our customers’ complex needs provides a firm foundation for success. To determine the best approach, we strive to understand the interaction of the palatant with other crucial factors our customers manage or execute including product formulation, ingredient quality and process capabilities. The more pieces of the puzzle we have, the better we can develop palatant solutions that meet a customer’s performance targets, attribute requirements and economic objectives.

Corporate Sustainability

AFB is passionate about improving the wellbeing of pets, people and our planet. Our sustainability mindset motivates us to responsibly and collaboratively make pet food taste great. This mindset is a critical component of how we do business.

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Our Core Values

Long-term strategic approach: Our long-term strategic approach creates stability for our customers, our people and our shareholders.

Respect for individuals: We respect each individual’s well-being, growth and sense of belonging.

Superior execution: Rigorous execution of our systems and processes enables superior performance.

Customer intimacy: Customer intimacy enables unique insights into our customers’ needs.

Kaizen mindset: Relentless drive for continuous improvement (our kaizen mindset) achieves transformational results.

High-performing teams: Our experienced, high-performing teams win.

Customer-driven innovation: Customer-driven innovation is our lifeblood.

Executive Team

Dale Spence
President

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Fred Sharp
Vice President, Finance and Accounting

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Morgan Clarkson
Vice President, Global Human Resources

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Stephanie Hackmann
Vice President, Global Operations

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Michael Ceddia, Ph.D.
Vice President, Global Research and Development

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Leeann Bo
Vice President, Global Strategy and Marketing

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John Vergeer
General Manager, Europe

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Bas Melssen
General Manager, Asia Pacific

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Our Locations

  • North America
  • Asia/Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Europe, Middle East and Africa