Creating regional value chains – from raw materials to sales: Pro Pet Koller received this year's EIFEL Award from the Eifel Future Initiative for its exemplary regional value creation.
For its regional and sustainable collaboration with businesses in the Eifel region, the Hofgut Eifel Land brand and production facility was awarded the EIFEL Award 2025. "We are delighted to receive this award because we have placed great value on regionality for many years," explained Managing Director Markus Koller in an interview with the Cologne newspaper Kölner Stadtanzeiger . At the award ceremony, Pro Pet Koller along with 30 other businesses from the Eifel, was honored for its exemplary contribution to regional value creation. This "regional Oscar" has been awarded by the Eifel Future Initiative since 2009 to companies and initiatives that demonstrate outstanding achievements in selected areas.
Regionality as a pet project
“Pro Pet Koller creates dog food with a literal wow factor. The ingredients: fresh meat, vegetables, and the finest food-grade herbs from regional farmers,” the jury explained in its selection statement. Since 2019, Pro Pet Koller has been producing regional, sustainable dog food for its eponymous brand at its own production facility, Hofgut Eifel Land. The family-run company relies on local producers, short transport routes, and high-quality, food-grade ingredients. But the local value chain doesn't end with production: label design, distribution, and logistics are also handled with the help of regional partners.
At the event, District Administrator and host Markus Ramers emphasized the exemplary nature of the award winners: “The EIFEL Award honors companies that embody regional value creation: local raw materials, short supply chains, strong partnerships – this creates jobs and reduces emissions. For us, rural means future-proof – with digitalization, good training and sustainable business models, we become competitive, attract skilled workers and take responsibility locally.”
Transparent evaluation criteria
The jury of this year's EIFEL Awards used a transparent points system for its evaluation: The criteria included, among other things, innovative strength and a seamless connection to the Eifel region throughout the value chain. As a family business with strong ties to the region, Pro Pet Koller is proud to be among the award winners with its Hofgut Eifel Land brand and production facility, and to serve as a role model for strong cooperation in the Eifel.
Further information about the EIFEL Award 2025 can be found on the website of the Eifel Future Initiative: www.wirtschaft.eifel.info
