Chia Pets are a beloved American novelty item, known for their ability to sprout chia seeds into a furry, green "pet." But who owns Chia Pet, and how did this unique product come to be?

Who Owns Chia Pet?

The Origins of Chia Pets

The story of Chia Pets begins in the 1970s, with a man named Joe Pedott. Pedott was a marketing consultant who had the idea of creating a product that would combine the popularity of chia seeds with the appeal of a pet.

Pedott partnered with a businessman named John Mascarella, and together they developed the first Chia Pet. The product was an instant success, and by the early 1980s, Chia Pets were a household name.

The Chia Pet Company

In 1982, Pedott and Mascarella founded the Chia Pet Company to oversee the production and distribution of their popular product. The company was headquartered in Alameda, California, and it quickly became a major player in the novelty gift market.

Over the years, the Chia Pet Company expanded its product line to include a wide variety of chia-growing kits, as well as other novelty items such as Chia Heads and Chia Robos.

Current Ownership

In 2017, the Chia Pet Company was acquired by Joseph Enterprises, a private equity firm based in San Francisco. Joseph Enterprises is owned by Joseph Betesh, a successful entrepreneur and investor.

Under the ownership of Joseph Enterprises, the Chia Pet Company has continued to grow and innovate. The company has introduced new products, expanded its distribution channels, and increased its marketing efforts.

The Future of Chia Pets

Chia Pets have been a popular novelty item for over 40 years, and they show no signs of slowing down. With their unique design and ability to sprout chia seeds into a living "pet," Chia Pets continue to appeal to people of all ages.

The Chia Pet Company is well-positioned to continue its success in the years to come. The company has a strong brand name, a loyal customer base, and a wide variety of products. With Joseph Enterprises at the helm, the Chia Pet Company is poised for continued growth and expansion.