MAS-pro PET – experience from the meat industry, presented in a new form

Katarzyna Salomon, Rzeźnik Polski: The pet food market was already part of MAS-POL’s product range. Why, then, did you decide to establish a separate brand, MAS-pro PET?

Krzysztof Łodej, Commercial Director: The pet food sector is no longer just an adjunct to our core business. Over the years, we have supported manufacturers by providing casings, printing services, additives, and technical expertise; as the number of such projects grew, we realized the need for a more structured approach. Clients began asking not just for individual components, but for comprehensive solutions—covering everything from raw material selection and product stabilization to the choice of casings and their subsequent printing. MAS-pro PET is designed to bring clarity to this. We want manufacturers to recognize the name and immediately understand that these solutions are specifically tailored for pet food. The brand is backed by a technical team, a commercial department, a printing facility, and a packaging design studio. MAS-POL’s current offering is structured in a similar way: our technologists assist with product development and raw material selection, while the packaging studio, printing facility, and commercial team handle the subsequent stages of implementation.

Rzeźnik Polski: Not long ago, for many meat processing plants, this was a somewhat exotic activity—something far removed from their core production. Today, the situation looks a bit different.

Krzysztof Łodej: Definitely. At this point, one can no longer refer to the pet food sector as a niche. The figures alone clearly illustrate the scale. According to data from YouGov, Polish households spent approximately 4.7 billion PLN on dog and cat food in 2025. On a European level, FEDIAF estimates the market to be worth around 29.4 billion EUR annually. To me, even more interesting than the sales figures themselves is the significant shift in how pet owners view their animals. Today, a dog or cat is treated as a member of the family. Owners take a keen interest in what goes into the food bowl—they carefully examine the ingredients and observe how their pet feels after consuming a particular product. This is a trend we previously observed in the human food sector. Naturally, some meat processing plants are looking toward this category as an opportunity for growth. They already possess the necessary machinery, expertise regarding raw materials, and production experience. However, they often require a partner to help them navigate the journey from an initial concept to a stable, market-ready product. We are encountering an increasing number of representatives from these processing plants at congresses and conferences dedicated to pet food—for instance, at the recent Pet Food Congress in Kielce.

Rzeźnik Polski: MAS-POL had a strong presence at this congress.

Krzysztof Łodej: Yes, we were a sponsor of the event and had our own booth. We showcased casings, printing solutions, and functional additives from the MAS-pro line, but conversations with manufacturers were just as important to us. We also prepared a presentation on the practical application of AI tools in the development and launch of a new pet food product. We wanted to demonstrate the entire process—from market analysis and formulation development to a fully realized brand, ready for market entry. We were pleased to see that the presentation sparked genuine interest among the audience. Every event of this kind is a valuable experience for us; we listen carefully to what pet food manufacturers have to say, which allows us to deepen our own knowledge and, quite simply, learn from them.

Rzeźnik Polski: Krzysztof, from a technologist’s perspective, what distinguishes working on pet food from working on a conventional meat product?

Krzysztof Suchodolski: First and foremost, you cannot approach this with the mindset: “we’ve made a similar product for humans, so let’s just do the exact same thing here.” The pet food industry has its own highly rigorous legal and quality requirements. Not every additive used in food for human consumption can automatically be applied to the production of pet food. There are specific legal regulations in place, as well as the EU Catalogue of Feed Materials. Every product offered under the MAS-pro PET brand comes with full feed-grade specifications, and our operations are conducted under an official veterinary registration number for feed businesses. This provides manufacturers with the assurance that the components we supply are fully legal, safe, and auditable. On the other hand, our experience in the meat industry is a tremendous asset. We understand how proteins, fibers, gelling agents, and specific flavorings behave. Many of the products we select for MAS-pro PET have already been thoroughly tested during implementations in traditional meat processing. We aren’t starting from scratch; rather, we carefully evaluate whether a given solution makes sense for a specific pet food recipe.

Rzeźnik Polski: What kind of solutions are offered under the MAS-pro PET brand?

Krzysztof Suchodolski: We focus on solving specific production challenges. Our technological efforts center on issues such as effectively binding fat and water, achieving the right firmness and structure in pet food after sterilization, preventing jelly leakage, and ensuring the product maintains a stable, appetizing appearance. In food technology, it is very rare for a single ingredient to resolve a complex process; therefore, we develop specialized functional blends. Such a carefully designed composition works on multiple levels—stabilizing the fat-water emulsion, delivering the desired texture following thermal processing, and ensuring the product looks appealing within its packaging.

Rzeźnik Polski: On the company’s website, pet food offerings feature, quite prominently, packaging in the form of a barrier casing.

Krzysztof Suchodolski: In the case of a casing, the packaging is also an integral part of the technological process. It must withstand filling, clipping, thermal processing—often including sterilization—and subsequent storage. A thorough understanding of process parameters is crucial, particularly when selecting solutions designed to endure high stress while remaining stable during sterilization. A well-chosen casing helps ensure product consistency and provides protection throughout the storage period. This might seem like a minor detail—until one goes through the entire production process and sees just how significant such elements are in practice.

Krzysztof Łodej: Barrier casings and their printing form the cornerstone of our business. However, the MAS-pro PET brand represents much more. We work on projects involving wet pet food—packaged in casings, cans, jars, or pouches—as well as labeled products, such as shaped items, *kabanosy* (thin dry sausages), other types of sausages, snacks, and dried products. Each of these formats places unique demands on our technology department and printing facility.

Rzeźnik Polski: So, is MAS-pro PET intended to encompass more than just technological additives?

Krzysztof Łodej: Definitely. And that is one of our strong points. Clients can discuss everything with us—from the recipe, additives, and casings to the printing and the overall look of the packaging. We view the product as a whole. You might have a fantastic recipe, but if the packaging can’t withstand the production process, or if the product doesn’t look good on the shelf, the implementation is incomplete. Conversely, attractive graphics won’t save a product that is technologically unstable. These elements must work in harmony.

Rzeźnik Polski: What does the collaboration process actually look like when a plant wants to enter the pet food sector or develop a new product?

Krzysztof Suchodolski: Trust is the foundation of our entire collaboration. When a manufacturer is open about the challenges they face, we are able to work much faster and more efficiently. Our methodology is based on a strict principle: we must gain a thorough understanding of both the client’s raw materials and their processes. We begin by conducting an in-depth analysis of the raw material—examining its physicochemical properties and water activity levels. Next, we examine the technological process, including mixing parameters, thermal treatment, sterilization, or drying. Only once we have combined our knowledge of the raw material with the process parameters do we develop or select a blend tailored to that specific environment. Consequently, trials conducted at the production facility are no longer a matter of guesswork, but rather a targeted, predictable course of action.

Rzeźnik Polski: So, is MAS-pro PET, in a sense, a culmination of the experience you have gathered previously?

Krzysztof Łodej: Yes, we also view it as the beginning of the next phase. Discussions with pet food manufacturers have reinforced our conviction that the pet food industry needs suppliers who understand not just individual components, but the entire implementation process. Over the years, we have developed such a model of cooperation within the meat industry, and now we intend to foster it just as strongly here.

Krzysztof Suchodolski: MAS-pro PET is intended to be a clear signal: we have dedicated solutions for this sector, we have a team focused on it, and we want to work alongside manufacturers to create concrete products. We aim to guide the client through the entire journey—from the initial technical discussion to the finished, packaged product.

Krzysztof Łodej: In October—the time when this conversation will be published—we are planning to launch the MAS-pro PET brand at pet food trade fairs in Nadarzyn and Kielce. We invite you to visit our stands and explore what we have to offer for this industry.

Rzeźnik Polski: Apart from the MAS-pro PET brand, what else are you currently working on?

Krzysztof Łodej: For many years, we have been associated with spices—specifically their sale, packaging, and the creation of blends. Over the past year, we have expanded our spice-packaging facility with new machinery and increased the size of our team, which has significantly boosted the production capacity of this department. We are also working intensively on a new, proprietary line of premium, all-natural spice blends. We will certainly share more details about the results of this work very soon.

Rzeźnik Polski: To sum up – so thanks to the new MAS-pro PET brand, the slogan “together we create taste” is gaining a new audience?

Krzysztof Łodej: Exactly. Except that this time, the flavor ends up in a bowl rather than on a plate [laughs].

Thank you for the conversation.

A conversation about technology, ideas for new products, and the collaboration that is expanding the range of meat products.

The meat industry faces a constant stream of new challenges regarding production costs, stringent quality standards, and the demands of customers who are increasingly attentive to product quality and ingredients. Meat processing plants are seeking suppliers who understand the market and can help them meet these requirements. We discuss what this collaboration looks like in practice with representatives from MAS-POL—a company specializing in solutions for the meat industry—and Zakład Masarski KRAWCZYK from Mleczkowo, a business long renowned for its high-quality products.

To start with, please tell us a little about your companies.

Piotr Szpanel, Production Director at ZM KRAWCZYK:
We are a family-owned business that has been operating continuously since 1990. The art of butchery and charcuterie is a passion that has been passed down through our family for generations. Both the grandparents and the father of Sylwester—the company’s founder—crafted cured meats by hand. This passion for the craft has been inherited by his children, who now support Mr. Sylwester in the company’s day-to-day operations.

Our motto is simple: cured meats must be both healthy and delicious. This simplicity and the honest composition of our products are our top priorities; after all, we put our own name on them. This commits us to maintaining the highest quality. We set high standards for ourselves, and our customers appreciate it—KRAWCZYK cured meats are a trusted and well-known brand throughout the region.

Michał Przybylski, Regional Manager at MAS-POL:
MAS-POL has been collaborating with meat processing plants across Poland for many years. We specialize in supplying spices and technological blends, printed casings, and labels, as well as providing comprehensive technological consulting for the meat industry.

Our role is not merely to supply products, but above all to assist in creating new products, refining existing formulations, and implementing solutions that streamline production and enhance the quality of the client’s final product.

How did the cooperation between your companies begin?

Piotr Szpanel:
The beginnings were a bit rocky (laughs); our first contact with Mr. Michał was many years ago, but we approached the relationship with caution. After all, “outsiders” weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms back then (laughs). But in all seriousness, that caution stemmed from our commitment to maintaining high standards. We vet every spice blend, production process, and product thoroughly. Yet, step by step, we built mutual trust. Each subsequent order, product launch, and—most importantly—the support provided during urgent, unplanned situations brought us closer to what we can now describe as a true partnership.

Michał Przybylski:
Fortunately, I am a very persistent and patient person (laughs). It was evident from the very first meetings that both sides were open to exploring new ideas. The plant needed a partner capable not only of supplying spices or casings but also of providing technical support for new product development. And that is precisely our area of ​​expertise; we have years of experience bringing products to market, along with the necessary know-how and a team of specialists.

Piotr Szpanel: We value working with a company that understands the realities of the meat industry and can view a product from both a technological and a market perspective. In MAS-POL, we have found a partner that actively participates in the new product development process and proposes innovative solutions.

What does the day-to-day cooperation between the companies entail?

Michał Przybylski:
Our cooperation has several dimensions. Above all, we supply spices and technological solutions that form the basis of many products manufactured at the plant.

In addition, we support the plant in developing new recipes and refining existing products. We work together to select the right spice blends to achieve the desired taste, aroma, or product texture.

Another area of ​​cooperation involves printing on casings and labels, and—more recently—marketing support for a new line of products in cardboard packaging.

Piotr Szpanel: We value the fact that MAS-POL is not merely a supplier to us, and that Mr. Michał is not just a salesperson presenting a dry price quote. We meet to discuss specific matters: to sample finished products and learn about methods for implementing them in our company.

A MAS-POL technologist also takes part in the meetings and subsequently participates in the supervised production process. After years of collaboration, I can confidently say that the sales representative and technologist team consists of solid professionals who truly know their craft.

Could you give an example of such collaborative work on a product?

Michał Przybylski:
We have successfully carried out numerous product implementations involving items developed by MAS-POL and subsequently adapted for our plant’s production lines. We prepare proposals for seasonings and functional additives, and suggest solutions to enhance the product’s taste, appearance, or manufacturing process. We then conduct production trials, during which we collaboratively refine the final version destined for store shelves.

Piotr Szpanel:
We have recently been working intensively on a new line of slow-cooked meats sold as ready-to-cook products. Our goal was to make our portfolio stand out in the rapidly growing ready-meal segment. While our foundation lies in traditional products that have long been known in our region, we are also seeking new products for our expanding sales network.

Michał Przybylski:
We have prepared proposals for meat dishes in sauces—along with their packaging—that are ready for evaluation. This is a market segment where we can already point to our own successes: last year, we won second place in the “To mi smakuje! – eksperci rekomendują” (“I Like the Taste! – Experts Recommend”) competition for a product developed jointly with another client.

As is standard with new product launches, we developed several flavor variants and a detailed production recipe—crucial for ensuring consistency moving forward. Initial feedback was highly positive regarding taste, appearance, and meat texture alike. I’m not giving away any secrets by saying that the barbecue-sauce ribs developed by MAS-POL turned out to be an absolute hit.

Piotr Szpanel:
Yes, that’s true. The term “barbecue” itself is broad. We can make honey-flavored meat—slightly sweet, with a noticeable smoky aroma or a hint of whiskey or plum—and any of these would deserve the name “barbecue.” The key is to develop a sauce that tastes unique yet is versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of customers—in our case, Polish customers from the central part of the country. And that is exactly the kind of sauce MAS-POL developed for us. Our meat and preparation technique, combined with their recipe, created an exquisite final result.

Michał Przybylski:
This result has also been recognized by experts. This year, we jointly won first place in the “To mi smakuje!” (“I Like the Taste of This!”) competition for our product—pulled pork in barbecue sauce—and its packaging, which was designed by our MAS-pack studio and printed in-house. These products are available at ZM KRAWCZYK stores. We encourage you to give them a try!

Piotr Szpanel:
Turning to more routine yet important matters, I am reminded of our collaboration on the production of our *Parówki z Mleczkowa* (Mleczkowo Frankfurters). It is a very popular, high-meat-content product—one that actually won the “Highest Quality Products in the Meat Industry” award from the Institute of Biotechnology in Warsaw. We were looking for a replacement for the cellulose casing, but it had to be a sure bet: a casing that would perform well at high stuffing speeds and could be implemented as quickly as possible.

Michał Przybylski:
Yes, we discussed the matter together and proposed the Magnum Hot Dog Smoke casing. At the time, it was a new product that we had introduced to the Polish market as the exclusive distributor. The biggest challenge was modifying the heat treatment process for this type of casing. Thanks to the commitment and expert support of the ZM KRAWCZYK team, we conducted trials and jointly adjusted the production process.

Piotr Szpanel:
We are very pleased with this solution. It is our flagship product, and thanks to the changes, we have managed to reduce processing losses. Production runs more smoothly and without downtime, and the casing itself is available on short notice—and in smaller volumes—compared to “classic” cellulose.

In your opinion, what are the most important challenges facing the industry?

Piotr Szpanel:
Nature abhors a vacuum, and the market is no different. Customers expect tried-and-tested, traditional products, yet they also pay attention to new offerings, interesting flavor combinations, and attractive packaging. As a manufacturer, we must meet these demands without compromising on quality. The key challenge for us is balancing the quality our customers have come to expect with rising production costs. We need to find solutions that ensure consistency and help optimize costs, while also not being afraid to expand our range with unique, unconventional products.

Michał Przybylski:
Exactly. Modern cured meat production combines experience, technology, and creativity. By collaborating with meat processing plants, we can not only supply products but also jointly develop new concepts and respond to changing trends.

What are the plans for further cooperation?

Michał Przybylski:
We want to continue developing joint product projects and serve as a specialized support resource for production. We are eager for further shared successes.

Piotr Szpanel:
Our goal remains unchanged: to continue expanding our product range and maintaining the high quality of the goods that bear our name. Our partnership with MAS-POL provides us with solid support and access to new solutions that we can utilize in our production.

Thank you for the conversation.