Central's Champion USA Buy Signals Strategic Expansion in Livestock Health

WALNUT CREEK, CA – December 16, 2025 – In a strategic move that expands its footprint from suburban backyards to the nation's vast ranchlands, Central Garden & Pet has acquired the U.S. assets of Champion USA, a specialized leader in cattle fly control. The deal, which closed on December 12, gives the pet and garden behemoth ownership of the proprietary JustiFLY® product line, signaling a significant deepening of its investment in the lucrative and rapidly growing animal health sector.

This acquisition brings a highly regarded, EPA-approved fly-control solution into Central's extensive portfolio, which already includes over 60 brands like Nylabone, Pennington, and Farnam. For Central, a company with $3.1 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales, the move represents a targeted addition to its production animal segment, targeting the persistent and costly problem of fly infestations in the U.S. cattle industry.

A Strategic Step in a Growing Market

Central's acquisition of Champion USA is more than an addition to its brand roster; it's a strategic reinforcement within one of the most dynamic segments of the global economy. The animal health market, valued at over $55 billion in 2024, is on a steep growth trajectory, with some projections estimating it will surpass $70 billion by 2025. North America stands as the largest regional market, driven by a massive livestock population and high investment in advanced veterinary care.

Within this market, the production animal sector, which includes cattle, represents the dominant share, accounting for over 60% of the industry. By acquiring Champion, Central strengthens its position in this critical area. “We are excited to incorporate the JustiFLY® brand of products into Central’s portfolio,” said Niko Lahanas, CEO of Central. “This acquisition strengthens our position in one of the fastest growing segments in animal health and enhances our ability to deliver effective, high-quality solutions for cattle producers nationwide.”

The move aligns with a broader trend of market consolidation and a focus on preventative healthcare for livestock. As the global demand for animal-derived food products continues to rise, so does the economic incentive to protect herd health and productivity. Fly control is a cornerstone of this effort, with infestations responsible for an estimated $1 billion in annual economic losses to the North American beef industry alone through reduced weight gain, lower milk production, and disease transmission.

The Science of Sustainable Fly Control

At the heart of the acquisition is the JustiFLY® product line, a feed-through solution that represents a modern approach to pest management. Unlike traditional sprays or ear tags, JustiFLY® is an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) that cattle ingest with their feed or mineral supplements. The active ingredient, Diflubenzuron, passes through the animal's digestive system and into its manure, where it works to break the fly lifecycle.

Diflubenzuron inhibits the synthesis of chitin, a key component of an insect's exoskeleton. Fly larvae that hatch in the treated manure are unable to develop properly and mature into adults. This mechanism is highly effective against four of the most problematic species for livestock producers: horn flies, face flies, house flies, and stable flies.

A key differentiator that sets JustiFLY® apart is its environmental profile. The product is marketed as being safe for beneficial insects, most notably dung beetles. These beetles are vital to pasture ecosystems, as they break down manure, aerate the soil, and disrupt the breeding grounds of parasites. By preserving these beneficial species, the product supports more sustainable and healthier pastures, a significant selling point for environmentally conscious ranchers.

This targeted, eco-friendly approach helped JustiFLY® gain EPA approval in 2015 for use in both pasture and confinement cattle. For producers, it offers a solution that is not only effective but also aligns with growing demands for sustainable agricultural practices.

From Backyards to Barnyards: Central's Expanding Portfolio

For over 45 years, Central Garden & Pet has built its empire through a consistent strategy of acquiring strong, niche brands and leveraging its massive distribution and marketing power to scale them. The purchase of Champion USA is a classic example of this playbook being applied to the animal health sector. This isn't the company's first foray into the space; its portfolio already includes Farnam, a major player in horse and pet healthcare, and its Central Life Sciences division markets Altosid, another IGR used for fly control.

The acquisition of JustiFLY® complements its existing offerings by adding a proprietary product with a different active ingredient and a strong reputation specifically within the cattle industry. It provides Central with a powerful one-two punch in the feed-through fly control market, solidifying its role as a key supplier to livestock producers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Champion USA’s employees will join Central's Professional business unit. This integration is designed to ensure a seamless transition for the more than 300,000 cattle producers who have relied on JustiFLY®, maintaining the product quality and customer service they expect while benefiting from Central's formidable resources.

“Joining forces with Central and transitioning the JustiFLY® portfolio to their stewardship enables that mission to reach even more ranchers, supported by Central’s resources, innovation engine and national distribution footprint,” said André Rocha, President of Champion, in the original announcement.

Enhancing Options for Ranchers

The practical implications for American ranchers are significant. Feed-through fly control is widely valued for its ease of use, as it dramatically reduces the need for labor-intensive and stressful animal handling associated with sprays, pour-ons, and ear tags. By providing a consistent dose through feed, producers can manage fly populations proactively throughout the season.

With Central's backing, the availability and reach of JustiFLY® are expected to expand considerably. The company's national distribution network can bring this technology to a wider audience of cattle producers, from large-scale operations to smaller family farms. For a product that costs just pennies per head per day, this increased accessibility could have a measurable impact on the health and profitability of herds across the country.

The move also intensifies competition in the cattle fly control market, which includes products like ClariFly and Rabon. With control over both Altosid and now JustiFLY®, Central is poised to further solidify its standing in the IGR segment. This could spur further innovation among competitors and provide ranchers with more advanced and cost-effective options for protecting their livestock from the relentless pressure of pest infestations.