The opening of a 35-million dollar pet food plant is being celebrated in Christchurch

Riverland Foods' Hornby factory has capacity to produce 30-million cans annually.

It's expected to be the largest export cannery for pet food nationwide.

Agriculture and Trade Minister, Todd McClay says it's a big win for the Christchurch economy.

He says it's not that long ago it was struggling, following the earthquakes.