Reál Mesa launched in November 2023 with a lineup of pet meals, treats and toppers inspired by traditional human Mediterranean meals. Now, one year in, business is growing and the company is thrilled with its prospects.
“Our first year has been everything we could’ve dreamed of – it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the brand we’ve built come to life and make its way to shelves in almost 1,000 retail stores across the U.S.,” says Tierney Monaco, chief marketing officer for Reál Mesa. “We’re extremely proud of the relationships we have with our suppliers and partners, and the value we’re able to offer our customers as a result of those relationships. We’ve also been able to give back to communities who need it most. In the wake of Hurricane Helene alone, we donated more than 100,000 meals to local shelters and pet hospitals to help those pets displaced in the aftermath of the natural disaster.”
The company initially launched in digital formats like Amazon and Chewy.com, but quickly reached the physical space as well.
Reál Mesa’s dog foods involve three all-life-stage options and a puppy option. All formulas are Mediterranean-inspired recipes, including Mediterranean Chicken & Rice, Wild Caught Salmon Feast, Lamb and Tomato Stew, and Puppy Chicken & Vegetable Asado. | Courtesy Reál Mesa
“We’ve expanded our retail footprint to nearly 1,000 stores across the U.S., including Tractor Supply, Sprouts and Meijer, among others, and are continuing to grow and scale nationwide as we look ahead to year two,” says Ray Evans, the company’s chief commercial officer. “We have been very encouraged by the retail footprint we have been able to secure this year (2024) and are seeing month-over-month double-digit growth in existing stores, along with increased store counts. Partnering with our customers on a focused and dedicated support plan has put us ahead of what we forecasted this year. That combined with our continued retail expansion plans gives us great momentum as we head into 2025.”
Taking Reál Mesa’s foundations into Year 2
“We believe the Mediterranean way of eating provides a great foundation for wholesome and flavorful meals for your pet, and our products deliver both great taste and balanced nutrition,” says Monaco. “We also look to the Mediterranean way of life for the overall mood and energy it evokes — the power of good food, families around the table and long conversations over a great meal.”
Reál Mesa’s dog food formulations include ingredients including a protein as the main ingredient (salmon, chicken, lamb) and nutrient-dense vegetables (artichoke, kale, green beans, tomatoes, carrots). | Courtesy Reál Mesa
These beliefs will carry the company into its second year.
“The Mediterranean way of eating has similar nutritional benefits for pets as it does humans, and this idea has resonated with customers and consumers alike,” says Evans. Our marketing efforts will continue to reinforce the various benefits of our products and find new ways to connect with our consumers as the brand continues to grow. As we look ahead to Reál Mesa’s second year in the market, we’ll be focusing on expanding our retail footprint and dialing in on the uniqueness of our product.”
Of course there are challenges with being a newcomer to the industry, but there are also plenty of opportunities.
Reál Mesa also has a line up jerky treats and soft chewy treats, with formulas including chicken and beef kebabs (jerky), and chicken and lamb bites (chewy). | Courtesy Reál Mesa
“Our small but nimble team is made up of pet industry veterans who have more than 100 years of combined experience working with established brands in the industry, and still we’re learning something new every day here at Reál Mesa,” says Evans. “Building a brand from the ground up presents its own unique set of challenges — we’ve really had to adjust our thinking from big brand orientation to creating awareness for a completely new-to-category brand. There’s a degree of patience we’ve had to practice as we continue to grow and scale, and we’re constantly uncovering new developments that require us to pivot and think on our feet.”
That patience has paid off so far, meaning expansion is the plan for 2025.
“Our biggest opportunities lie in continuing to expand our physical availability and further build our longstanding partnerships with both retailers and trusted suppliers that have been invaluable as we scale our store presence,” says Evans. “As we continue to grow, our partners grow with us, creating a strong, mutually beneficial foundation for the future.”
The future of pet food and Reál Mesa
The pet food industry currently looks strong, which is good news for a business settling in for some sophomore-year success.
“The pet food industry continues to be strong, driven by steady demand and evolving consumer preferences that blend value, convenience and quality,” says Evans. “As the pet population increases, the industry remains poised for continued growth, adapting to meet the needs of dedicated pet parents across the country.
Reál Mesa’s jerky treats feature a high-quality protein as the first ingredient and are made in small batches with limited ingredients. | Courtesy Reál Mesa
Reál Mesa plans to stay its course of providing high value at an accessible price, focusing on easing concerns of pet owners who are feeling the effects of inflation pressures.
“By focusing on delivering high-quality, differentiated products at accessible price points, Reál Mesa products ensure that pet owners can feel confident about both the quality and value of their choices,” says Evans. “We’re excited about the future as we focus on driving awareness of our brand, expanding our retail partnerships, strengthening consumer and supplier relationships, and continuing to expand through a robust pipeline of innovation — stay tuned for more exciting developments ahead!”
Fast Facts
Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Officers: Chris Hamilton, chief executive officer; Ray Evans, chief commercial officer; Tierney Monaco, chief marketing officer
Brand: Reál Mesa
Website/Social Media: www.realmesapetfood.com, @realmesapetfood on Instagram
Notable: The Reál Mesa team has a collective 100+ years of experience working in pet care. They even worked together for more than 10 years before reconnecting to make their dream of delivering something unique to the category a reality.