Who we are

and how we got here

In 1982, founder Simon Staughton invested in a small offal processing plant in Central Victoria, three hours from Melbourne. With a long family history of agriculture, Simon understood farming and resource production. The processing plant serviced one customer, one of the world's largest pet food manufacturers. At the time quality and freshness wasn't as prioritised, and Simon saw an opportunity to treat our pet food ingredients with respect and do better for our pets and the ingredients, with the goal of maintaining freshness and quality across the supply chain.

Using his incredible engineering mind, Simon created patented technology that rapidly chilled the pet food products coming out of the abattoir, giving Cool Off a reputation for producing the freshest pet food ingredients in Australia.

In 2008, Simon's son Edward Staughton took over as Managing-Director. Since those small beginnings, Cool Off has grown into an Australian regional success story, employing over 150 local staff, processing over 70,000t of raw materials per year, exporting to 11 countries throughout America, Asia and Europe and supplying specialty ingredients for premium pet food and treat manufacturing for Australia and international pet food manufacturers.

At Cool Off, we believe that the right understanding and technological edge can lead our customers towards a unique product offering in a competitive market. We work with our customers to learn and evolve, crafting unique solutions for any pet food needs.

Meet the Team

With years of experience in the pet food ingredient game, our team is knowledgeable, flexible and loves working with our customers to craft individualised solutions for all your pet food needs.

Founder

Simon Staughton

In 1982, while trying his hand at sapphire mining, investing in supermarkets and farming, Simon invested in a small offal processing factory that supplied one Australian pet food manufacturer. Seeing an opportunity to ensure pet food ingredients were kept fresh, he developed his own collection and chilling system, which lead Cool Off to what it is today.

Simon continues to guide Cool Off with enthusiasm and a drive to continuously improve quality, efficiency and sustainability in pet food production.

Managing Director

Edward Staughton

Edward has agriculture in his blood, coming from a long line of Australian farmers. After studying finance and IT, Edward sought a challenge and joined the family offal processing business in 2008.

Over 15 years, under his guidance, Cool Off has grown to be the premier supplier of Australian pet food ingredients globally. Edward loves customising solutions with our partners and thrives on building long-term relationships. He has a passion for sustainability and developing processes and products that take items that were traditionally waste and creating value-adding solutions.

Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Fankhauser

Matt Fankhauser is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in the petfood and meats industry.

Throughout his career, Matt has worked with top companies in the industry, gaining a wealth of knowledge across all areas.He has a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of the industry and is skilled in developing and executing strategies that deliver results.

Matt's passion for animals and commitment to quality have been key drivers of his success, with a strong background in pet nutrition. In addition, his expertise in meat processing and production has helped him to develop and implement innovative solutions that improve efficiency and quality in line with customers needs.

General Manager: Commercial

Dean Schiller

Dean has always been a farm boy. Growing up in South Australia, he has been around agriculture his whole life and has a particular interest in understanding our food supply chain from start to end. His working dogs were his mates, and he continues to share a love for all animals.

Dean has been involved in the meat and allied industries for over 40 years, both operationally and in international trade for human consumption and pet food.

Dean sees it vital to assist Cool Off and our clients in good long-term strategies for best value, sustainability and commercial viability.

Want to work with us?

Cool Off prides itself on being a collaborative, innovative and progressive leader in regional NSW. Career and job information can be found on our Staughton Group website.

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