History of the Corporate Group

SILVER POODLE NAMED KIKA
I am KIKA – a silver poodle, whose purchase for Janita Januškauskaitė-Plungė, a young woman at the time, was a real challenge. My price was equivalent to half a year’s salary of her father, so everyone had to make an effort – she saved, her father contributed, and her mother even created a special story about my rescue. Thus, I became an inseparable part of the family. My name became a symbol of everything Janita created and remains important to this day.

FIRST STEP – GROOMING SALON
Meeting all my care needs as a silver poodle was another big challenge that inspired Janita to create new solutions.
Since my coat required meticulous attention and dog grooming salons were very expensive at the time, my owner decided to learn grooming herself. Quickly mastering this art, Janita did not go unnoticed. People around, impressed by her talent, began asking her to take care of their pets as well.
I, Kika, was more than just a dog – I was the beginning of a change that transformed the approach to pet care in Lithuania.
The grooming salon became the first major step in a big business!

POODLE CLUB
The grooming salon was just the first step towards pet welfare.
It was a time when wonderful people began to gather around Janita: mentors, friends, and poodle lovers who shared the same goal – to do everything best for us, pets, and to care for our well-being and achievements. Janita said it didn’t feel like work – it was a true way of life.
This led to the founding of the Poodle Club, with Janita herself becoming the president.

FIRST PET STORE IN LITHUANIA
These were special years in our history! In Kaunas, on Miško Street, the first pet store in Lithuania was opened, quickly becoming more than just a place of commerce.
In one hall, my owner Janita held lectures, teaching people how to care for their pets. Meanwhile, the other hall housed a grooming salon and store. This pet store became a true center of love and care, transforming the approach to pet care throughout Lithuania.

COMPANY “KIKA” ESTABLISHED
When Lithuania regained independence, a true breakthrough occurred in November 1991 – the company KIKA was officially established. Why KIKA? Because my name, as a silver poodle, became not only the starting point of Janita’s vision but also a true symbol of love, perseverance, and care that she envelops us with. I was her inspiration, and my name carries a story full of dedication and dreams that continue to this day. Every step reminds us that true love and care are the values that shape our shared future.

FIRST OFFICIAL “KIKA” STORE OPENED IN KAUNAS
In November, on Mickevičiaus Street in Kaunas, the first “KIKA” pet store in free Lithuania was opened – a place where our owners found everything needed for quality care. This marked the beginning of wholesale trade! My owner Janita and her team started selling products from brands like “Royal Canin,” “Tetra,” “Beaphar,” and “JRS,” serving up to 300 veterinary clinics and 200 stores. This event became a cornerstone in our growing pet care history, inspiring everyone to reach new heights.

1997 – LAND IN ZAPYŠKIS
Another significant step in our journey was the acquisition of land in Zapyškis, Kaunas district, which helped meet the growing needs of pet lovers. This decision marked the beginning of a new phase, as KIKA grew and expanded, and Janita implemented even more ideas that changed the perception of pets in Lithuania.

“TAURO KENNEL” BREEDING KENNEL OPENED
Before stepping into the new millennium, the “Tauro Kennel” breeding kennel was established, where my friends, true champions, are born!
Here, Pomeranians, Maltese Bichons, and Curly Bichons are bred. I still can’t believe that dogs raised in this kennel live in 55 different countries around the world. Moreover, they have already won more than 2000 champion titles worldwide, including 7 world champions, 9 world vice-champions, 10 European champions, and even 18 US champions.

SPECIALIZED PET FOOD FACTORY “AKVATERA” OPENED
A new phase of activity began in Zapyškis – a specialized pet food factory “Akvatera LT” was built and opened here. This was a significant step forward – from now on, KIKA’s care for our nutrition became even more responsible. The equipment here is among the most modern in Europe, and the production processes meet the highest quality standards. In creating pet food, “Akvatera” relies on advanced technologies and consultations with Western European specialists, so that we, the four-legged ones, can enjoy the highest quality, balanced, and healthy nutrition worldwide.Upon employment of SAPARD aid allocations granted in 2004, a pet food manufacturing shop was set up that was equipped with the most advanced production line of extruded pet food with the output capacity of 2.3-2.7 t/h. In 2014, in the process of upgrading the factory’s production and enhancing labour efficiency, the newest and leading-edge Italian packaging equipment Fisker was installed with the output capacity of 600 pieces of packaging/h. The entire manufacturing process is automated, monitored and digitally analysed, which eliminates any divergence from standard or error.

EXPANSION IN ESTONIA
These were truly inspiring years – our KIKA store network expanded beyond Lithuania and began operations in Estonia. This was just the beginning of our international expansion – now our store network has grown to over 120! It is so gratifying to see that our care and love for animals have gained recognition beyond our borders.

“NATURE’S PROTECTION” BRAND CREATED
The “Nature’s Protection” brand has been created and introduced to the world, transforming our nutritional standards. It offers a complete nutritional solution, including dry food, canned food, and treats, all enriched with vitamins and minerals to help pets stay energetic and healthy. This food is not only delicious but also beneficial, and you, our dedicated owners, already understand the importance of caring for our well-being.

FIRST SHIPMENT TO THE ASIAN MARKET
Great products must travel far beyond Europe! Especially when there is no shortage of interest. In 2013, the first “Nature’s Protection” shipment was sent to the Asian market – Malaysia. This year marked the beginning of trade outside Europe and the start of overseas export expansion. The brand gained new “wings,” and the love and care put into each product began to change our pets’ lives worldwide. I couldn’t be prouder!

THE “NATURE’S PROTECTION SUPERIOR CARE” BRAND CREATED
Janita knew very well that my friends, white-coated dogs, need special care. Their coats often turn brown, red, or black due to improper food, vitamin deficiencies, or allergies. Therefore, knowing what we can offer them, the “Nature’s Protection Superior Care” brand was introduced in 2014 to address this specific issue. This innovation is yet another proof that innovation and love for animals can create real changes!

VETERINARY CLINIC OPENED
To meet the growing needs of our clients and expand the range of services, the KIKA veterinary clinic was opened. I really appreciate that they take comprehensive care of our health here: only professional and friendly veterinarians work to ensure that each of my friends receives the necessary care.

“HiQ” BRAND CREATED
The “HiQ” brand, a top-quality, unparalleled dog food, was created and introduced to the world. Let me share a secret with you – the food technologists at “Akvateros” perfected this product over two years, using innovative technologies and incorporating nanoparticles that had never been used in the market before. As a dog, I’m thrilled that “HiQ” contributes to our health and helps us feel energetic!

TAURO MISOKO THE BICHON – WORLD CHAMPION
In the spring of 2018, when there were no limits to our goals, Janita traveled to China for an important global dog show in Shanghai. Here, the curly-haired Bichon Tauro Misoko became the World Champion. This was the first time that these Lithuanian dogs, accompanied by Janita, showcased their achievements on the international stage and brought home not only the World Champion title but also many more prizes. I always rejoice that our community strives for greatness and captivates the world with its accomplishments!

“TAURO PRO LINE” BRAND CREATED
I know that a pet’s happiness isn’t limited to food alone – it’s also important to care for their coat and skin. That’s why the KIKA team introduced the “Tauro Pro Line” brand in 2019 – a professionally developed skin and coat care line for dogs and cats, containing up to 97% natural ingredients. This means our champions can maintain a flawless appearance and feel completely healthy every day.

“LIFESTYLE” BRAND CREATED
There are no limits to individual solutions! Who better to cater to each champion’s needs than the KIKA team? In 2019, the “Lifestyle” brand was introduced – a completely grain-free food, specially designed for pets with sensitive digestive systems. It contains no grain ingredients that could cause allergic reactions, making it easily digestible and perfect for even my most sensitive friends.

“OAK’S FARM” BRAND CREATED
The journey of new solutions continues! KIKA introduced another innovation – the “OAK’S FARM” brand – grain-free food for dogs and cats. Created with love and care, this line ensures balanced nutrition for pets that need special attention to their health and well-being.

“EXPORTER OF THE YEAR” AND BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
A truly remarkable year for important recognitions! In the “Praise the Service” competition, KIKA was recognized as the best customer service company – further confirming that genuine care for pets and their owners is a priority.
In the same year, the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists named “Akvatera LT” as the “Exporter of the Year.” This is proof that the Lithuanian products created by the KIKA team are conquering ever-wider markets and reaching pets all over the world!

TREAT FACTORY OPENED
A Year of Growth and Innovation! Our new treat factory has opened – another step towards ensuring that our beloved pets enjoy wholesome and delicious food tailored to their needs. Now, we can be sure that the treats for our heart’s champions are not only tasty but also made from carefully selected, top-quality ingredients.

“TAURO GROOMING ACADEMY” OPENED
The first pet grooming and SPA salon in the Baltics, Tauro Grooming Academy, has opened – a place where beauty meets professional care. Here, my buddies can enjoy not only exceptional beauty treatments but also relax after all their incredible adventures in the caring hands of professional pet groomers.

THE BRAND “MISOKO” WAS CREATED
The world was introduced to “Misoko” product line – created with the specific needs of certain animals or even individual breeds in mind. This brand was named after the legendary curly-haired Bichon Misoko – a dog who twice earned the world champion title and visited more than 60 countries, becoming one of the most famous representatives of his breed.

THE FIRST SHIPMENT TO THE U.S. MARKET
I am proud of the KIKA team’s efforts to truly care for champions from ALL over the world. The first shipments of “Nature’s Protection” and “Tauro Pro Line” products have been sent to the United States market, marking a new important stage in KIKA’s expansion. Although our products have already reached more than 51 countries worldwide, starting operations in the U.S. is a particularly significant step for the team in the international market.

THE BRAND “AMELUM” WAS CREATED
As you already know, progress and innovative solutions that meet all the needs of your heart’s champion are what the KIKA team strives for. So, food, treats, coat care, and SPA are not the limit! The world was introduced to “AMELUM” – an aromatherapy brand created with the specific needs of my buddies in mind. It’s also delightful that aromatherapy contributes not only to the well-being of pets but also to the entire family.

A MODERN WAREHOUSE OPENED IN ZAPYŠKYS
Expansion in the international arena requires changes at home. It won’t surprise you to hear that after starting trade in the U.S., we ran out of space in Lithuania. To accommodate all the produced goods, a modern warehouse of more than 5,000 square meters was opened in Zapyškys.

THE MAIN SPONSOR OF THE WORLD EXHIBITION
Have you heard about the largest global dog show, the “World Dog Show”? This annual event is considered the most important dog show in the world and has been attracting thousands of dogs and their owners from all over the globe since 1971. In 2023, this prestigious show took place in Switzerland, and KIKA became its main sponsor. Nearly 20,000 dogs gathered at this show, so to my great delight, many heart champions and their owners heard our name.

DIETARY VETERINARY FEEDS CREATED
To my pride, in order to further care for our heart’s champions, the KIKA team created and introduced “Nature’s Protection Superior Care” dietary veterinary food to the world. These top-quality products reflect the team’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the well-being and health of my buddies, so that each one can enjoy long, healthy, and happy years of life.

40 CHAMPION TITLES FOR “TAURO KENNEL”
My favorite place in the world, Tauro Kennel, has achieved impressive accomplishments that once again confirm its high reputation in the international dog show arena. They have earned 5 world champion titles, 8 European champion titles, and 27 American champion titles. APC winners included BOB Pranciškus and BOS Bolonia. The European veteran champion title was awarded to my well-known buddy, the curly-haired Bichon Misoko, for whom this was the 60th title. The kennel’s founder, Janita Januškauskaitė-Plungė, emphasized that the competition at such events is incredibly fierce – the European Championship saw participation from as many as 18,000 dogs, among which Lithuanian pets stood out! Hooray to all my titled buddies and the kennel residents.

KIKA POODLE REVIVAL
2025 marks an era of change!
I, KIKA, was just a silver poodle more than 30 years ago, the first pet of Janita. But can we, heart champions, really be just pets? In fact, I became the axis of all changes and dreams.
To return to our roots, the KIKA team, led by Janita, embarked on another major transformation project – from 2025, KIKA is changing its appearance, and all achievements and adventures, like this entire timeline, will be told through my eyes, the silver poodle. And this is not the end – I, KIKA, along with my buddies, will strive for perfection every day, and our journey will continue to grow, learn, and love our heart champions at every step!

We open the “Akvatera W” factory
2025 was a special year for us – in Kaunas district, a brand-new, modern, and sustainable “Akvatera W” factory opened its doors! It’s a more than €20 million investment, turned into a space equipped with state-of-the-art production lines for wet pet food in convenient pouch packaging.

This factory is not only the birthplace of new products for both Lithuanian and international markets – it also created around 100 new jobs and became our leap into a wider world. We’re proud that the building was designed with sustainability in mind: solar panels on the roof, heat pumps for energy efficiency, and most of the energy coming from renewable sources.

It’s a bold step forward – a milestone in our history worth remembering!