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Central Garden & Pet Company

Consumer Packaged Goods: Pet and Lawn & GardenFounded 1955
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Company data updated: October 2026
Independent Editorial Analysis
11 historical events · Editorial analysis

Central Garden & Pet Company Profile: Revenue, Business Model & Strategy

Research depth: 11 milestones · 9 FAQs

Central Garden & Pet is a Walnut Creek, California consumer products company that makes and sells pet supplies and lawn-and-garden products under brands like Nylabone, Kaytee, Aqueon, Pennington and Amdro.

How Central Garden & Pet makes money: Central makes money by manufacturing and marketing its own pet and garden brands and selling them to retailers. The Pet segment covers dog and cat treats and chews, toys, small-animal and pet bird food, aquatics, equine…

Revenue & employeesCEO historyFoundersBusiness model
Annual Revenue (FY2025)$3.1B
Employees6,800
CEONicholas Lahanas
Founded1955
IndustryConsumer Goods
By Swet ParvadiyaLast reviewed:
Data sources: annual reports, SEC filings, methodology
Industry:Consumer Packaged Goods: Pet and Lawn & Garden

Central Garden & Pet Company key figures

Central Garden & Pet Company had revenue of $3.1B for fiscal year 2025, down 2.2% from FY2024.

Source: company filing · Last reviewed October 2026

Revenue growth, FY2016 to FY2025
+6.1% a year
Compound annual rate, $1.8B to $3.1B
Peak revenue year
FY2022
$3.3B; the latest reported year is 6.3% below the peak
Revenue per employee
$460,162
FY2025 revenue divided by 6,800 employees; headcount may use another date
Current chief executive
Nicholas "Niko" Lahanas
In the role since 2024 (2 years)
Documented transactions
6
Between 1998 and 2026
Founded
1955
71 years ago
Where was Central Garden & Pet founded?
Central Garden & Pet was founded in Walnut Creek, California in 1955.
When did Central Garden & Pet start?
Central Garden & Pet was founded in 1955.
Who founded Central Garden & Pet?
Central Garden & Pet was founded by William E. Brown.
How old is Central Garden & Pet?
Central Garden & Pet is 71 years old as of 2026.
In-Depth Analysis
282 words · 2 min read

Central Garden & Pet is a Walnut Creek, California consumer products company that owns dozens of pet and garden brands, from Nylabone and Kaytee to Pennington and Amdro. It reported $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales and trades on Nasdaq as CENT and CENTA.

From garden distributor to brand owner

The business began in 1955 as Central Garden Supply in Lafayette, California. William E. Brown took control in 1980 and built a national distribution network for garden centers and pet stores. When big-box chains started buying direct from manufacturers in the 1990s, Central began buying manufacturers itself, including Kaytee, Four Paws, Nylabone and Pennington Seed.

How Central makes money

Central sells owned and private-label products to retailers such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Tractor Supply, Petco, PetSmart, Amazon and Chewy. Its Pet segment covers treats, chews, toys, small-animal and bird food, aquatics and animal health. Its Garden segment covers grass seed, bird feed, fertilizers, pest controls, packet seeds and live plants, with sales peaking in spring.

Recent results

Net sales slipped from $3.339 billion in fiscal 2022 to $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025, but fiscal 2025 GAAP EPS reached a record $2.55. In Q3 fiscal 2026, sales fell 8% to $882 million after the pet distribution exit, organic sales rose 2%, and gross margin improved to 35.9%. Guidance for fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS was raised to $2.85 or better.

What comes next

CEO Niko Lahanas is focusing Central on higher-margin brands. In 2026 the company moved pet distribution into a joint venture with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies and agreed to buy 80% of Germany's TRIXIE for up to $452 million (EUR 400 million), its biggest step into Europe.

Table of Contents

Central Garden & Pet Company Key Facts

CompanyCentral Garden & Pet Company
Annual revenue change-2.2% (FY2024–FY2025)
Financials$3.1B (FY2025, last reviewed October 2026)
Market Cap$2.4B
Last reviewedBy Swet Parvadiya, Founder & Editor - October 2026
Founded1955
Founder(s)William E. Brown
CEONicholas Lahanas
HeadquartersWalnut Creek, California
IndustryConsumer Packaged Goods: Pet and Lawn & Garden
Employees6,800+

Central Garden & Pet Company Profile: Revenue, Business Model & Strategy

"Central Garden & Pet reported $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales and $162.8 million in net income, then spent 2026 exiting pet distribution and agreeing to buy 80% of Germany's TRIXIE for up to $452 million (EUR 400 million)."

Why Central Garden & Pet Company Wins

Central wins with a wide portfolio of category-leading niche brands, manufacturing control over key products like grass seed and bird feed, and relationships with the largest pet and garden retailers in North America.

Central Garden & Pet Company operates in a competitive market alongside The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Chewy, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Nestlé S.A.. Analysts frequently compare Central Garden & Pet Company and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company due to their overlapping products, target markets, and strategic positioning.

Central Garden & Pet is a Walnut Creek, California consumer products company that makes and sells pet supplies and lawn-and-garden products under brands like Nylabone, Kaytee, Aqueon, Pennington and Amdro. It reported $3.13 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales, is led by CEO Niko Lahanas, and trades on Nasdaq as CENT and CENTA.

Revenue

$3.1B

Founded

1955

Employees

7K+

Market Cap

$2.4B

Author: CorpDigest Research DeskCompany Research

Key Facts

  • Founded: Central Garden & Pet Company was established in 1955 and is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California.
  • Revenue: Central Garden & Pet Company had $3.1B in annual revenue (FY2025).
  • Valuation: Market capitalization of approximately $2.4B.
  • Scale: Central Garden & Pet Company employs 6,800 people globally.
  • Business Model: Central makes money by manufacturing and marketing its own pet and garden brands and selling them to retailers.
  • Competitive Edge: Central's advantage is breadth plus retail access.

How Central Garden & Pet Makes Money

Capital Allocation & Scaling Mechanics

Central makes money by manufacturing and marketing its own pet and garden brands and selling them to retailers. The Pet segment covers dog and cat treats and chews, toys, small-animal and pet bird food, aquatics, equine and livestock health products (Farnam, Champion's JustiFLY) and pet beds. The Garden segment covers grass seed, wild bird feed, fertilizers, insect and weed controls, packet seeds and live plants. For decades Central also distributed other companies' products, but in 2026 it moved its lower-margin pet distribution operation into a joint venture with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies so the company could concentrate on owned brands. Pet demand is fairly steady year-round, while Garden sales are concentrated in the spring selling season.

Explore Central Garden & Pet Company In Depth

📅Central Garden & Pet Company History & Milestones💼How Central Garden & Pet Company Makes Money📊Central Garden & Pet Company Revenue & Financials⚔️Central Garden & Pet Company Competitive Strategy & SWOT👤Central Garden & Pet Company Founders & Origin Story🏆Central Garden & Pet Company CEO History & Leadership🤝Central Garden & Pet Company Acquisitions & Deals

What Is Central Garden & Pet Company's Growth Strategy?

Central's Central to Home strategy rests on three levers: build and grow its consumer brands, take cost out through productivity and footprint consolidation, and add brands through acquisitions. Recent deals show the pattern: TDBBS (premium natural dog chews, 2023), the U.S. assets of cattle fly-control company Champion USA and its JustiFLY line (December 2025), and the pending majority stake in TRIXIE (announced July 2026). At the same time the company is exiting lower-margin activities, such as the 2026 move of pet distribution into a joint venture with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies.

How Much Revenue Does Central Garden & Pet Generate?

Central's sales have drifted lower while profits improved. Net sales were $3.339 billion in fiscal 2022, $3.310 billion in 2023, $3.200 billion in 2024 and $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025 (year ended September 27, 2025). Fiscal 2025 was still a record earnings year: GAAP EPS rose to $2.55 from $1.62 and non-GAAP EPS was $2.73, and the company ended the year with a record cash position. In fiscal 2026, first-quarter sales fell 6% to $617 million on spring shipment timing. Third-quarter sales (ended June 27, 2026) fell 8% to $882 million after the pet distribution exit, but organic sales rose 2% to $862 million, gross margin widened 130 basis points to 35.9%, and adjusted EPS was $1.54. Management raised fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance to $2.85 or better. Central does not pay a dividend and returns cash through buybacks.

Financial MetricEstimated Value (2026)
Market Capitalization$2.4B
Employee Count6,800 +
Latest Annual Revenue$3.1B (FY2025)

Historical Revenue Chart

Central Garden & Pet Company Annual Revenue History

All figures in USD.

Fiscal YearRevenue FigureYoY Change
FY2016$1.8BN/A
FY2017$2.1B+12.3%
FY2018$2.2B+7.8%
FY2019$2.4B+7.6%
FY2020$2.7B+13.1%
FY2021$3.3B+22.6%
FY2022$3.3B+1.1%
FY2023$3.3B-0.9%
FY2024$3.2B-3.3%
FY2025$3.1B-2.2%

The source for each year is listed on the Central Garden & Pet Company financials page.

Core Strength

Brands such as Nylabone, Kaytee, Pennington, Amdro and Ferry-Morse hold strong positions in their niches and give Central broad shelf presence across pet and garden aisles.

Key Weakness

Net sales fell from $3.339 billion in fiscal 2022 to $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025, and a few large retailers account for a significant share of revenue.

Deep Dive into Central Garden & Pet Company SWOT Analysis

Who Are Central Garden & Pet Company's Main Competitors?

Central competes category by category rather than against one rival. In lawn and garden its largest competitor is Scotts Miracle-Gro, which leads in fertilizers and soils, while Central is strong in grass seed (Pennington), wild bird feed, insect controls (Amdro, Sevin) and packet seeds (Ferry-Morse). In pet supplies it competes with Spectrum Brands (Tetra, Nature's Miracle), Mars and Nestle Purina in treats, numerous smaller specialty brands, and retailer private labels at Walmart, Chewy, Petco and others. Central's response has been to keep cutting costs under its Central to Home strategy, prune low-margin businesses such as pet distribution, and buy brands that add scale, most notably the planned 80% stake in TRIXIE, which management says would make Central a major player in European pet supplies.

Top CompetitorsHead-to-Head Analysis

What Is Central Garden & Pet Company's Full Historical Timeline?

Historical Timeline & Strategic Pivots

Key Milestones

1955 -

The business starts as Central Garden Supply, a lawn-and-garden distributor in Lafayette, California.

1980 -

Brown acquires control and becomes chairman, beginning the company's national expansion.

1993 -

Central goes public on Nasdaq to fund the expansion of its distribution network.

1998 -

After buying pet brands such as Kaytee, Four Paws and Nylabone, Central acquires Pennington Seed, anchoring its garden brands business.

2018 -

Central Garden and Pet bought the plant grower Bell Nursery in 2018.

2019 -

Timothy Cofer became CEO of Central Garden & Pet in 2019. CEO from October 14, 2019 until October 6, 2023, when he left for Keurig Dr Pepper.

2021 -

Central buys Green Garden Products, owner of Ferry-Morse packet seeds, for $532 million.

2024 -

Former CFO Nicholas 'Niko' Lahanas becomes CEO on September 29, 2024, after Beth Springer's interim term.

2025 -

Fiscal 2025 net sales are $3.129 billion with record GAAP EPS of $2.55; in December Central buys the U.S.

2026 -

Central moves pet distribution into a joint venture with Phillips Pet Food & Supplies (April) and agrees to buy 80% of Germany's TRIXIE for up to $452 million (EUR 400 million) (July).

Risks & Weaknesses

Analytical Assessment

Primary Risk Factor

Central's biggest risk is its dependence on a few large retailers and on spring weather: a retailer inventory cut or a poor garden season can quickly reduce sales and profit.

Risk assessment based on public filings, SWOT analysis, and verified industry data. Not financial advice.

How Did Central Garden & Pet Start and Grow?

Established

1955

Fiscal Revenue (FY2025)

$3.1B

Workforce

7K+

HQ Location

Walnut Creek, California

Key Turning Point

: The Strategic Shift That Created a Behemoth

As big-box retailers bought direct from manufacturers, Central began acquiring the brands it distributed, including Kaytee, Four Paws, Nylabone and later Pennington Seed.

Explore Central Garden & Pet In Depth

Detailed research across every dimension of Central Garden & Pet — history, financials, leadership, and strategy.

Company History

Central Garden & Pet is less famous than the brands it owns. Shoppers know Nylabone chews, Kaytee bird food, Aqueon aquariums, Pennington grass seed or Amdro ant bait, but most do not know one Walnut Creek company makes…

Full Central Garden & Pet history →

Revenue & Financials

Central Garden & Pet had $3.1B in revenue for fiscal year 2025. Data covers 10 fiscal years. Market capitalization stands at approximately $2B.

Central Garden & Pet financials →

Founders

Central Garden & Pet was founded by William E. Brown in 1955. Explore each founder's background, motivations, and their role in building the company.

Central Garden & Pet founders →

CEO & Leadership

Central Garden & Pet is currently led by Nicholas Lahanas. Explore the full CEO history — leadership transitions, tenures, and the strategic decisions of each chief executive.

Central Garden & Pet CEO history →

Business Model

Central makes money by manufacturing and marketing its own pet and garden brands and selling them to retailers. The Pet segment covers dog and cat treats and chews, toys, small-animal and pet bird food, aquatics, equine…

How Central Garden & Pet makes money →

Acquisitions

Central Garden & Pet has completed 6 documented acquisitions. Explore the full acquisition history and strategic rationale behind each deal.

Central Garden & Pet acquisitions →

Competitive Strategy

Central's Central to Home strategy rests on three levers: build and grow its consumer brands, take cost out through productivity and footprint consolidation, and add brands through acquisitions.

Central Garden & Pet strategy →

CorpDigest Research Desk

 Research Profile

Our analysts compile business strategy profiles from public financial filings, press releases, and analyst reports. Each profile is reviewed for accuracy before publication by our editorial desk and updated on a rolling basis.

About the Author →Our Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions About Central Garden & Pet

What is Central Garden & Pet?

Central Garden & Pet is a Walnut Creek, California company that makes and markets pet supplies and lawn-and-garden products. It trades on Nasdaq as CENT (voting) and CENTA (Class A) and reported $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales.

How does Central Garden & Pet make money?

It sells its own branded and private-label products to retailers. The Pet segment sells treats, chews, toys, small-animal and bird food, aquatics and animal health products; the Garden segment sells grass seed, wild bird feed, fertilizers, pest controls, packet seeds and live plants.

Who is the CEO of Central Garden & Pet?

Nicholas 'Niko' Lahanas has been CEO since September 29, 2024. He previously served as chief financial officer from 2017 and succeeded interim CEO Beth Springer.

Who owns Central Garden & Pet?

It is a public company owned by shareholders of its CENT and CENTA stock. Chairman William E. Brown holds significant voting control through Class B shares, while institutional investors own much of the traded stock.

What brands does Central Garden & Pet own?

Pet brands include Nylabone, Kaytee, Aqueon, Farnam, Cadet, K&H Pet Products and Four Paws. Garden brands include Pennington, Amdro, Sevin, Ferry-Morse and Bell Nursery.

Who are Central Garden & Pet's competitors?

Scotts Miracle-Gro is its main lawn and garden rival. In pet supplies it competes with Spectrum Brands, Mars, Nestle Purina, many specialty brands and retailer private labels.

What was Central Garden & Pet's revenue in 2025?

Net sales were $3.129 billion in fiscal 2025 (ended September 27, 2025), down from $3.200 billion in fiscal 2024. Net income was $162.8 million and GAAP EPS was $2.55.

What is the TRIXIE acquisition?

In July 2026 Central agreed to buy 80% of TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf, a German pet supplies and snacks company, for ~$384 million (EUR 340 million) in cash at closing plus up to $67.8 million (EUR 60 million) in earn-outs. Closing is expected in the first half of fiscal 2027.

Where is Central Garden & Pet headquartered and how many employees does it have?

Central is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and had over 6,800 employees according to its fiscal 2025 annual report.

Analysis: How Central Garden & Pet Company Makes Money

Deep dive into the Central Garden & Pet Company business model, revenue streams, and strategic moats in 2026.

Competitor Benchmarking

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    Financial data on this page is sourced from SEC EDGAR filings, official earnings releases, and verified press statements. Revenue figures are reviewed and updated periodically. Read our full data methodology ->

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    Editorial Methodology

    Company Research

    We use company filings, annual reports, company statements and press reports, with primary sources preferred where available. Each financial row shows its recorded source. Full-year figures are separated from annualized run-rates, partial periods and forecasts; unaudited figures carry a label. Source detail varies by company, so check the linked material when the reporting basis matters.

    1. Primary Sources

    Public companies may provide filings and annual reports. Private-company figures may come from statements or press coverage. A missing figure stays missing, and a source link should identify where its number came from.

    2. Expert Curation

    We organize company records and review claims for strategic context, source quality and clarity. Pages show a review date where one is recorded.

    3. Multi-Pass Audit

    Technical checks flag inconsistent figures and missing links. Editorial review of the underlying source remains necessary for claims those checks cannot verify.

    Swet Parvadiya
    SEC filings & public records methodology
    Sourced from public financial records

    Explore Related Pages for Central Garden & Pet Company

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    Sources & References

    The data and narrative synthesized in this intelligence report were verified against primary sources:

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