Cat Food Market Report 2025-2034

Report Description

This report is updated with the latest market data and insights as of June 2026. Base year: 2025  |  Forecast period: 2026-2034

Cat Food Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global cat food market size reached USD 43.2 billion in 2025, reflecting robust demand and rapidly evolving consumer preferences. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2026 to 2034, culminating in a forecasted market size of USD 65.2 billion by 2034. This significant growth trajectory is primarily attributed to rising pet ownership rates worldwide, deepening humanization of pets, and a growing focus on feline health and specialized nutrition across all major geographies. The broader pet food industry is experiencing parallel momentum, with cat food emerging as one of its fastest-expanding subsectors.

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One of the primary growth drivers for the cat food market is the rapid increase in pet adoption rates, particularly in urban settings. As more individuals and families bring cats into their homes, the demand for specialized and premium cat food products has surged considerably. Urbanization has led to smaller living spaces, making cats a preferred companion animal due to their adaptability and relatively lower maintenance requirements. This trend is further amplified by shifting demographics, with millennials and Gen Z consumers demonstrating a strong inclination toward pet companionship and a willingness to invest in high-quality nutrition. The growing awareness of the long-term health benefits associated with nutritionally balanced diets has encouraged consumers to trade up to premium and functional cat food products, propelling overall market growth.

Another significant factor fueling the expansion of the cat food market is the increasing emphasis on pet health and wellness. Pet owners in 2025 are more discerning than ever about the ingredients and nutritional value of the food they provide to their cats, spurring demand for products that address specific dietary needs, including grain-free, organic, high-protein, and life-stage-specific formulations. The proliferation of veterinary nutritional research, coupled with direct recommendations from pet health professionals, has made consumers more conscious of the connection between diet and long-term feline well-being. Manufacturers are responding by innovating products that address health concerns such as weight management, urinary tract health, joint support, and digestive wellness, further stimulating category growth.

The evolution of retail and digital channels has also played a pivotal role in driving the cat food market forward. The continued rise of e-commerce platforms and online pet specialty stores has made it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of cat food brands and formulations with the convenience of home delivery. Subscription services, personalized product recommendations, and detailed ingredient transparency have become critical decision-making factors for digitally engaged consumers. Additionally, the expansion of organized retail formats, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, has enhanced product visibility and accessibility in emerging markets, contributing to higher sales volumes. The growing use of digital and social media marketing by leading cat food brands has further heightened consumer engagement and brand loyalty globally. The same consumer sophistication is also driving growth in adjacent segments, including the kitten food market, where life-stage-specific nutrition is gaining strong traction.

From a regional perspective, North America continues to dominate the cat food market due to its high pet ownership rates, established retail infrastructure, and strong presence of leading global market players. Europe follows closely, driven by stringent regulations on pet food quality, a well-developed premium segment, and a growing trend of pet humanization across key economies. The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a high-growth market, fueled by rising disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and increasing awareness of pet health and nutrition. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa also present promising growth opportunities as pet ownership becomes more prevalent and consumer preferences evolve across these regions. Overall, the global cat food market is poised for sustained and broad-based growth, with regional dynamics continuing to shape the competitive landscape and innovation trajectory through 2034.

Product Type Analysis

The cat food market is segmented by product type into dry cat food, wet cat food, semi-moist cat food, and others. Among these, dry cat food remains the most popular choice worldwide, accounting for approximately 41.5% of the global market in 2025. Dry cat food is favored for its convenience, affordability, and longer shelf life, making it an ideal option for busy pet owners in both developed and emerging economies. The ease of storage and portion control adds to its appeal, particularly in multi-cat households. Manufacturers continue to innovate in this segment by introducing formulations tailored to specific life stages, dietary requirements, and flavor preferences, thereby catering to an increasingly diverse and demanding consumer base.

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Wet cat food, representing approximately 36.8% of the global market in 2025, is gaining traction steadily due to its higher moisture content and superior palatability, which appeals to cats with specific dietary needs or those that are selective eaters. Pet owners are increasingly opting for wet food to ensure adequate hydration for their cats, especially in regions with warmer climates. The premium positioning of wet cat food, combined with the perception of it being closer to a cat's natural ancestral diet, has driven higher adoption among health-conscious consumers. Brands are responding by expanding their product portfolios with gourmet flavor profiles, grain-free options, and convenient single-serve packaging formats.

Semi-moist cat food, though representing around 12.2% of the global market, offers a unique value proposition by combining the convenience of dry food with the palatability associated with wet formulations. These products are particularly popular among pet owners seeking dietary variety and flexibility. However, a higher cost per serving and shorter shelf life compared to dry food continue to limit their widespread mainstream adoption. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to improve the nutritional profile, ingredient transparency, and shelf stability of semi-moist cat food, aiming to broaden its consumer appeal.

Other product types, including raw, freeze-dried, and dehydrated cat food, are emerging as dynamic niche segments within the broader category, collectively accounting for roughly 9.5% of the market in 2025. These products cater to a growing segment of consumers seeking minimally processed, high-protein diets that more closely replicate ancestral feline eating patterns. The demand for raw and natural cat food is being driven by the deepening trend of pet humanization and the desire to provide biologically appropriate nutrition. While these products occupy a smaller portion of the overall market, their popularity is growing rapidly as consumer awareness and disposable incomes rise, particularly in developed markets across North America and Western Europe.

In summary, the product type segmentation highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the cat food market in 2025, with each category offering distinct advantages and addressing specific consumer needs. Ongoing innovation and diversification of product offerings are expected to drive growth across all segments, ensuring that pet owners have access to a wide and expanding range of options to meet their cats' nutritional and lifestyle requirements through 2034.

Report Scope

Ingredient Type Analysis

The cat food market is further segmented by ingredient type into animal-derived, plant-derived, and synthetic ingredients. Animal-derived ingredients, such as chicken, fish, and beef, dominate the market due to their high protein content and alignment with the natural dietary biology of cats, which are obligate carnivores requiring animal-sourced nutrients for survival and health. The demand for animal-based ingredients is driven by the growing emphasis on providing biologically appropriate diets that actively support feline health and well-being. In 2025, manufacturers are increasingly sourcing high-quality, traceable animal proteins from certified suppliers to enhance the nutritional value and safety of their products, directly responding to consumer concerns about food safety and supply chain transparency.

Plant-derived ingredients are gaining increasing prominence, particularly in response to rising consumer demand for natural and holistic cat food formulations. These ingredients, including grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, are incorporated to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. While cats require a primarily meat-based diet, carefully selected plant-derived ingredients are used to improve digestibility, support gut health, and deliver functional benefits such as hairball control and healthy weight maintenance. The trend toward grain-free and gluten-free formulations has spurred innovation in the use of alternative plant-based carbohydrate and fiber sources, catering to cats with specific dietary sensitivities or food allergies.

Synthetic ingredients, including added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and other essential amino acids, play a crucial role in ensuring the nutritional completeness of commercial cat food. These additives are essential for meeting the dietary requirements established by regulatory bodies such as the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). The use of synthetic ingredients allows manufacturers to fortify their products with nutrients that may be present in insufficient quantities in natural raw materials, thereby supporting comprehensive feline health. However, there is a growing consumer preference for minimally processed and naturally sourced ingredients, prompting manufacturers to find a careful balance between nutritional adequacy and clean-label formulation strategies.

The ingredient type segmentation underscores the increasing sophistication of the cat food market in 2025, with manufacturers leveraging intelligent combinations of animal, plant, and synthetic ingredients to create products that meet the evolving expectations of pet owners. The focus on ingredient quality, sourcing transparency, and environmental sustainability is expected to shape future product development as consumers become progressively more informed and discerning. The integration of functional ingredients, such as probiotics, prebiotic fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural antioxidants, further enhances the value proposition of cat food products, driving premium growth across all ingredient categories.

Overall, the ingredient type analysis highlights the importance of innovation, rigorous quality assurance, and proactive consumer education in the cat food market. As the demand for premium, natural, and functional cat food continues to accelerate, manufacturers are investing significantly in research and development to create products that deliver targeted nutrition and address specific health concerns, ensuring sustained market growth and long-term consumer satisfaction through 2034.

Flavor Analysis

Flavor is a critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions in the cat food market, with key segments including chicken, fish, beef, and others. Chicken-flavored cat food remains the most popular choice globally in 2025, favored for its broad palatability, digestibility, and consistently high protein content. Manufacturers leverage chicken as a primary protein source in both dry and wet cat food formulations, often combining it with complementary flavors to enhance taste complexity and nutritional value. The widespread availability and competitive cost of chicken also contribute to its continued dominance in the flavor segment, making it a foundational offering across virtually all major cat food brand portfolios.

Fish-flavored cat food is another highly sought-after option, particularly appealing to cats with a strong preference for seafood-based protein. Flavors such as salmon, tuna, and whitefish are valued for their rich natural omega-3 fatty acid content, which actively supports healthy skin and coat, cognitive function, and cardiovascular well-being. The popularity of fish-based cat food is especially pronounced in coastal regions, island markets, and countries with a strong seafood cultural heritage. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by introducing diverse fish flavor varieties, often blending them with complementary proteins and functional ingredients to create differentiated and appealing formulations for discerning consumers.

Beef-flavored cat food occupies a meaningful share of the global market, appealing to cats that prefer the robust taste of red meat. Beef is valued for its dense nutrient profile, providing essential amino acids, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The inclusion of beef in cat food formulations caters to consumers seeking protein diversity and variety in their cats' diets. Manufacturers are also actively exploring novel red meat protein flavors, such as lamb, venison, and bison, to cater to growing niche segments and differentiate their product offerings within a competitive and crowded marketplace.

The "others" flavor category encompasses a broad range of options, including turkey, duck, rabbit, and exotic proteins such as quail, crocodile, and kangaroo. These flavors are gaining traction among pet owners seeking novel protein sources and hypoallergenic options for cats with specific dietary sensitivities. The growing trend of rotational feeding, where pet owners regularly rotate flavors to prevent dietary boredom and encourage balanced nutrition, is driving demand for a wider and more diverse selection of cat food flavor options. Manufacturers are responding by continuously expanding their flavor portfolios and introducing limited-edition, region-specific, and seasonal offerings to engage consumers and stimulate repeat purchase behavior.

In conclusion, flavor innovation remains a key differentiator in the cat food market, with manufacturers investing meaningfully in sensory research and development to create palatable, nutritious, and truly diverse flavor options. The ability to cater to individual feline taste preferences and specific dietary needs is increasingly critical for building brand loyalty and sustaining market growth, as consumers in 2025 seek products that genuinely align with their cats' unique palates and health requirements.

Distribution Channel Analysis

The distribution channel landscape in the cat food market is composed of supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, online stores, and others. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the dominant distribution channels, accounting for the largest share of global cat food sales in 2025. These retail outlets offer consumers the convenience of one-stop shopping, competitive pricing structures, and a wide selection of brands and product types under one roof. Strategic product placement in high-traffic store areas, combined with in-store promotions and retailer loyalty programs, has contributed to sustained volume growth in this channel, particularly in North America and Europe.

Specialty stores, including dedicated pet shops and veterinary clinics, play a crucial and growing role in the distribution of premium and therapeutic cat food products. These outlets are preferred by consumers seeking expert guidance, personalized product recommendations, and access to high-quality niche brands not typically found in mass-market retail. Specialty stores generally stock a curated selection of products tailored to specific health conditions, life stages, and dietary preferences, making them the preferred destination for engaged and health-conscious pet owners. The deepening trend of pet humanization and the rising willingness to invest in premium nutrition have bolstered the performance of specialty stores across both developed and rapidly developing markets.

Online stores have cemented their position as the fastest-growing distribution channel in the cat food market through 2025, driven by the continuing penetration of e-commerce platforms and the permanent behavioral shift toward digital shopping. The convenience of doorstep delivery, access to a vastly broader range of products compared to physical stores, competitive pricing, and the ability to read detailed ingredient information and verified customer reviews have made online purchasing an attractive default option for modern pet owners. Subscription-based autoship services offered by platforms and direct-to-consumer brands are building strong consumer loyalty and generating predictable recurring revenue, reshaping the competitive dynamics of the distribution landscape.

Other distribution channels, such as convenience stores, discount retailers, farm supply stores, and direct sales, contribute to the overall diversity and reach of the cat food market. These channels serve specific consumer segments, including budget-focused shoppers and those seeking immediate or impulse purchases. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting comprehensive omnichannel strategies to ensure product availability across multiple simultaneous touchpoints, maximizing brand visibility and consumer accessibility. The integration of digital and physical retail experiences, such as click-and-collect services and in-store digital engagement tools, is further reshaping distribution norms and consumer purchase journeys.

In summary, the distribution channel analysis highlights the central importance of accessibility, convenience, and personalized service in driving cat food sales in 2025 and beyond. The continued evolution of retail formats and the widespread adoption of innovative digital distribution strategies are expected to reshape the future of the cat food market, ensuring that consumers maintain seamless access to a comprehensive range of products tailored to their needs through 2034.

Packaging Type Analysis

Packaging type is a critical consideration in the cat food market, with key segments including bags, cans, pouches, and others. Bags are the most commonly used packaging format for dry cat food, offering cost-effectiveness, ease of storage, and resealable convenience for extended use. The durability and lightweight nature of bags make them particularly well suited for bulk and large-format purchases, especially in multi-cat households. In 2025, manufacturers are placing strong emphasis on improving the sustainability and recyclability of bag packaging materials, responding to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions and mounting pressure to reduce plastic waste across the pet food supply chain.

Cans are the preferred packaging format for wet cat food, prized for their proven ability to preserve product freshness, flavor integrity, and nutritional value over extended shelf periods without the need for preservatives. Canned cat food is frequently positioned as a premium offering, with both single-serve and multi-serve options catering to different household sizes and consumption patterns. The adoption of BPA-free and fully recyclable aluminum and steel materials in can packaging is accelerating in 2025, as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious. Manufacturers are also exploring innovative can design features, such as easy-peel lids and embossed portion guides, to enhance everyday consumer convenience.

Pouches are rapidly gaining market share as a versatile, modern, and consumer-friendly packaging solution for both wet and semi-moist cat food. Pouches offer compelling advantages including lightweight construction, significantly reduced packaging material per serving, compatibility with resealable closure features, and strong shelf-appeal aesthetics. The flexibility of pouch packaging accommodates a wide range of portion sizes and product textures, appealing directly to consumers seeking convenience, freshness, and variety. The growing trend of single-serve and portion-controlled cat food products is further accelerating demand for pouch packaging, particularly in dense urban markets where storage space is limited and freshness is paramount.

Other packaging types, such as trays, rigid tubs, and multi-layer cartons, cater to niche segments and specialized product categories. These formats are frequently used for premium, therapeutic, or gourmet cat food products where differentiation and shelf presence are competitive priorities. Manufacturers are actively experimenting with innovative packaging materials, including compostable films and plant-based plastics, to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product integrity and visual appeal. The growing adoption of smart packaging technologies, such as embedded QR codes linking to nutritional information and batch traceability data, is providing consumers with greater transparency and reinforcing trust in leading brands.

In conclusion, the packaging type analysis underscores the essential role of functionality, environmental sustainability, and consumer convenience in the evolving cat food market. The continued development of new packaging formats and materials is expected to drive meaningful innovation and brand differentiation through 2034, enabling manufacturers to meet the diverse needs of modern pet owners while progressively reducing their environmental footprint.

Opportunities & Threats

The cat food market in 2025 presents a rich array of growth opportunities, anchored by the deepening trend of pet humanization and the rising willingness of consumers to invest in premium, specialized, and functionally enhanced cat food products. As pet owners become progressively more educated about feline nutrition, there is accelerating demand for products that address targeted dietary needs, including grain-free, organic, high-protein, and breed-specific formulations. Manufacturers can capitalize on this momentum by strategically investing in research and development to create innovative products that anticipate and respond to emerging consumer preferences. The integration of clinically validated functional ingredients, such as probiotics, prebiotic fibers, omega fatty acids, and targeted antioxidants, offers compelling avenues for product differentiation and significant value creation.

Another substantial opportunity lies in the ongoing expansion of digital and omnichannel retail strategies. The rapid growth of e-commerce, accelerating adoption of mobile commerce, and the widespread use of digital marketing and social media platforms provide manufacturers with powerful new tools to engage consumers, build lasting brand loyalty, and generate incremental sales. Subscription-based autoship models and AI-driven personalized product recommendations are gaining strong traction, offering genuine convenience and tailored nutritional solutions to time-pressed pet owners. Additionally, the rising consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging presents a differentiation opportunity for forward-thinking brands. By adopting circular economy principles and investing in certified sustainable packaging materials, manufacturers can enhance brand equity and align with evolving global regulatory requirements around single-use plastics and packaging sustainability.

Despite these considerable opportunities, the cat food market faces several meaningful restraining factors, including increasingly complex regulatory requirements and the volatile cost of premium raw ingredients. Compliance with food safety standards, ingredient approval frameworks, and labeling regulations varies significantly across regions, posing operational challenges for manufacturers pursuing multi-market growth strategies. The rising cost of high-quality animal-derived proteins can compress profit margins and limit the accessibility of premium products for price-sensitive consumer segments in developing economies. Furthermore, concerns about ingredient sourcing transparency, periodic product recalls, and food safety incidents can rapidly erode consumer trust and negatively impact brand reputation. Manufacturers must invest consistently in robust quality assurance systems, end-to-end supply chain traceability, and proactive, transparent consumer communication to mitigate these risks and maintain enduring consumer confidence.

Regional Outlook

North America remains the largest regional market for cat food in 2025, accounting for approximately USD 16.2 billion in market value. The region's sustained dominance is attributed to consistently high pet ownership rates, deep consumer awareness of advanced pet nutrition, and the concentration of globally leading market players in the United States and Canada. The United States, in particular, is the primary growth engine of the regional market, supported by a mature and well-organized retail infrastructure, a pronounced culture of pet humanization, and strong consumer spending on premium pet care. Demand for functional and therapeutic cat food products is especially robust in North America, continuing to drive product innovation and category premiumization. The region is expected to maintain steady growth through 2034, supported by ongoing digital retail expansion and the continuous introduction of value-added product lines.

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Europe represents the second-largest regional market, with an estimated market size of USD 13.3 billion in 2025. The region is characterized by among the most stringent global regulations on pet food quality, ingredient labeling, and safety standards, as well as a well-established consumer focus on sustainability and animal welfare. Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy are among the leading national contributors to regional market growth, driven by rising premium spending and evolving consumer priorities. The European cat food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 4.3% from 2026 to 2034, supported by growing demand for organic, natural, and functional formulations, as well as the rapid expansion of specialty retail and online channels across the region.

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the most dynamic high-growth market globally, with an estimated value of USD 8.5 billion in 2025. Rapid urbanization, rising household disposable incomes, and a pronounced increase in cat ownership are fueling demand in key markets including China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The expanding middle class and generational lifestyle changes are driving the adoption of premium and specialized cat food products, while the rapid growth of organized retail formats and advanced e-commerce infrastructure is dramatically improving product accessibility. The Asia Pacific cat food market is anticipated to record the highest CAGR among all regions through 2034, creating significant and compounding opportunities for both established international players and innovative local brands. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, with estimated market sizes of USD 2.9 billion and USD 2.3 billion respectively in 2025, are also positioned for meaningful growth as pet ownership rates rise, urban middle-class populations expand, and consumer preferences for quality pet nutrition continue to develop across these emerging regions.

Competitor Outlook

The global cat food market in 2025 is highly competitive, characterized by the active presence of several multinational corporations, well-established regional players, and a growing wave of entrepreneurial niche brands. Leading companies are focused on expanding their product portfolios, investing aggressively in research and development, and leveraging data-driven digital marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and deepen consumer engagement. The competitive landscape is continuously shaped by innovation in product formulations, packaging technologies, and distribution models, as well as strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships designed to strengthen market position and expand geographic reach. Companies are also placing increasing priority on environmental sustainability and ingredient transparency, responding to growing consumer and regulatory demand for responsible business practices across the pet food supply chain.

Product differentiation remains the primary competitive strategy in the cat food market, with manufacturers introducing an expanding range of flavors, life-stage specific formulations, and clinically supported functional benefits to address diverse and individualized consumer needs. The ability to consistently offer premium, natural, and specialized products at various accessible price points is critical for capturing and retaining market share. Leading brands are simultaneously investing in direct consumer education and community engagement through digital platforms, influencer partnerships, social media content, and structured loyalty programs. The rise of direct-to-consumer sales models and subscription-based autoship programs is enabling the leading companies to build much closer, data-rich relationships with pet owners, generating valuable real-time insights into evolving consumer preferences and purchasing behaviors that can directly inform product development decisions.

Innovation in sustainable packaging and advanced distribution logistics is another intensifying area of competitive focus, with companies exploring new recyclable and compostable materials, right-size packaging designs, and efficient last-mile delivery solutions to enhance convenience, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall consumer experience. The adoption of smart packaging technologies, including QR codes linking to full ingredient transparency portals and real-time batch traceability, is further differentiating market leaders from their competitors and building new dimensions of consumer trust.

Major companies operating in the global cat food market include Mars Petcare, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Blue Buffalo (General Mills), and WellPet LLC. Mars Petcare leads the global market with an expansive and diverse portfolio of brands including Whiskas, Sheba, and Iams, built on sustained foundations of quality, continuous innovation, and corporate sustainability commitments. Nestlé Purina PetCare is renowned globally for its rigorous, science-based approach to pet nutrition, offering a broad and trusted range of products under well-known brands such as Purina ONE, Fancy Feast, and Friskies. Hill's Pet Nutrition, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive, specializes in veterinarian-recommended therapeutic and prescription diets that address specific feline health conditions with clinical precision.

Blue Buffalo, operating under the General Mills umbrella, has built a compelling position as a leading brand in the natural and holistic cat food segment, with strong consumer resonance built around high-quality, recognizable natural ingredients and meaningful functional health benefits. WellPet LLC, Unicharm Corporation, JM Smucker, Thai Union Group, and Monge & C. S.p.A. are among the other significant global players, each contributing distinct regional strengths, category expertise, and innovation pipelines to the competitive landscape. These companies are continuously investing in research capabilities, sustainability programs, and digital transformation initiatives to maintain their competitive advantages and drive durable long-term growth in the global cat food market through 2034.

In addition to these established major players, the market is witnessing the accelerating entry of numerous regional, natural-focused, and niche brands, particularly within the organic, raw, and functional cat food segments. These emerging companies are leveraging local ingredient sourcing advantages, highly differentiated and transparent formulations, and targeted community-driven marketing strategies to carve out meaningful market positions and capture share from more established competitors. The increasing fragmentation of the global cat food market is fostering an environment of rapid innovation and heightened competitive intensity, ultimately delivering greater choice, improved quality, and stronger value to consumers and their cats worldwide.

Key Players

• Nestlé Purina PetCare
• Mars Petcare
• Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive)
• Blue Buffalo (General Mills)
• Spectrum Brands (United Pet Group)
• Diamond Pet Foods
• WellPet LLC
• Unicharm Corporation
• JM Smucker (Big Heart Pet Brands)
• Nisshin Pet Food
• Affinity Petcare (Agrolimen)
• Deuerer GmbH
• Heristo AG
• Lupus Alimentos
• Total Alimentos
• Thai Union Group (i-Tail Corporation)
• Monge & C. S.p.A.
• Sunshine Mills Inc.