Natural Pawz makes record donation to Houston shelters

Houston, Texas, USA-based Natural Pawz pet supply and grooming chain celebrated National Pet Day on April 11 by donating 100,000 pounds of dog food to local animal shelters and rescue groups.
The donation purportedly was the largest pet food donation in the city’s history, and was four times larger than the company’s recent annual donations. The donation, valued at US$250,000, will feed 5,000 shelter dogs for six to eight weeks.
The food was donated by Merrick, Nature’s Variety and Petcurean. For every pound of Nature’s Variety purchased, Nature’s Variety donated a pound, with a total donation of 10,000 pounds, which went to the city’s the Rescue Bank National Pet Food Distribution Program.
"Natural Pawz’s generous donation is a huge benefit to the Rescue Bank community in Houston,” said Elizabeth Asher, executive director, Rescue Bank. "Nature's Variety is a great food; receiving 10,000 pounds of puppy food at the height of puppy season will help us support the smaller rescue groups that struggle with resources. In turn, more puppies will be saved from shelters or the streets.”
Natural Pawz warehoused and inventoried all 100,000 pounds of food and delivered 30,000-40,000 pounds to the City of Houston BARC Animal Shelter, 35,000 pounds to the Houston Humane Society, and 10,000 to the Rescue Bank. Twenty other local rescue groups each received 700 pounds of food.
"We really wanted to spread the food out as much as we could to affect as many people as possible,” said Biff Picone, who co-owns 15 Natural Pawz stores. "We wanted to do something that made a statement in Houston and increase awareness and that’s what we think we did.”

Passion for animals ties Jackson Galaxy to the pet food industry

Improving the lives of companion animals is common goal of celebrity animal trainer and the pet food industry.

The passion to improve the lives of companion animals is what drives many in the pet food industry. That same passion caused Jackson Galaxy to transform from a part-time musician and animal shelter employee to one of the country’s best known cat behaviorists. Galaxy, the host of “My Cat From Hell” on the Animal Planet network and author of several books on cat behavior, was the keynote speaker at Petfood Forum 2015 in Kansas City April 28.
“My passion for passion for animals is what ties me to you,” he told the audience. “We are all people that are not OK with the status quo. I wasn’t ok with cat euthanasia. I am not ok with the average life span of cat being 14 years. I have a 23-year-old cat at home. Part of the reason that cat is still here is the passion of people like you who were not satisfied with feeding them the same thing.”
Galaxy said he now teaches that one of the basic needs of cats is better nutrition, which allows them to live longer. He thanked the pet food industry for the improvements it’s made in cat food over the past 20 years.
He said food is one of the key drivers in keeping a cat happy. “Cats do one thing really well, and that’s hunting,” he said. “If you can let your cat hunt, eat, groom and sleep, they will be very happy.”
Galaxy was working at an animal shelter in Boulder, Colorado, USA, when he first started studying cat behavior. He saw the connection between training and socializing the cats in the shelter and raising the adoption rate. So he studied more on cat behavior. He says he learned dog training clicker reinforcement dog training tricks and adapted them to cats.
“At that point, my passion for animals took over,” he said. “I took over adoption and then became community outreach manager. Was able to convey passion for animals to other people.”
He was teaching basic cat behavior to people adopting cats, and return rates went down. When someone called to give up a cat, he went and talked to them, and could often solve the problem that was leading to the cat being given up for adoption. Within a short time the shelter was euthanizing fewer cats.
Galaxy says his methods are about teaching people how to empathize with the animal. “We don’t get cats, because they aren’t dogs,” he said. “It’s only a little over a 100 years ago we started bringing cats into the house.”
 Today, Galaxy works with shelters and organizations across the country to improve the lives of animals in shelters and reduce euthanasia rates.

RECALL: Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit dog chews recalled

TFH Publications Inc./Nylabone Products, of Neptune, New Jersey, USA, is recalling one lot of its 1.69 oz. package of the Puppy Starter Kit dog chews because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals ingesting the product and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their health care providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The recalled Puppy Starter Kit consists of one lot of dog chews that were distributed nationwide, to Canada, and through one domestic online mail order facility.
The product comes in a 1.69 oz. package marked with Lot #21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, located on the back of the package, and with an expiration date of 3/22/18 also stamped on the back of the package.
The potential for contamination was noted after routine testing by the company revealed the presence of Salmonella in one lot of 1.69 oz. packages of the Puppy Starter Kit.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
Consumers who have purchased 1.69 oz. packages of the Puppy Starter Kit from affected Lot 21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, Expiration date of 3/22/18, should discontinue use of the product and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-273-7527, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time (after hours/weekends covered by third-party poison control center).

Rondo Food taking over Adax snack business

Rondo Food, a German manufacturer of snacks and treats for pets, is taking over the snack business of the French producer BHJ Adax Pet Snacks.
Both companies came to an agreement that Rondo Food will transfer the production of dog and cat snacks manufactured currently by Adax to its three existing production facilities. Deliveries to customers in France and other foreign markets are ensured. In addition, customers will benefit from a considerably wider product range in the future, which is marketed by Rondo Food and its Austrian partners in the International Treats Network, Rupp and Pro Pet Austria, in many European countries as well as in North America and Australia.
Rondo Food produces at two sites in Germany (Krefeld and Halle, Saale) and at its Irish subsidiary Gaines in Arklow. Snacks for dogs and cats are exclusively produced under the private labels of renowned European trading companies.
 “As a result of the amalgamation of Adax’s business with Rondo’s, we want to offer existing customers a larger and more attractive product range and use the economies of scale presented by Rondo’s existing production facilities,” said Thilo Kühne, Rondo sales director.

Merrick to donate US$25,000 in pet food

Merrick Pet Care will donate US$25,000 in Merrick pet food – nearly 50,000 meals – to local pet shelters and animal rescues as part of its Merrick’s Homeruns for Shelters campaign held this spring in conjunction with the start of baseball season.
Merrick’s Homeruns for Shelters Facebook program culminates with a US$1,000 donation of the company’s all-natural food to a local shelter for every home run hit by home teams during Opening Day baseball games this month.
Merrick invited its Facebook community of pet parents to nominate and vote on their favorite local shelters to receive a US$1,000 food donation. During baseball home openers this April, home teams racked up 25 total homeruns for a grand total US$25,000 donation.
“Every pet deserves a healthy meal, especially those pets most in need awaiting their forever home,” said Mark Sapir, vice president of marketing for Merrick Pet Care. “What better way to help them thrive than to knock it out of the park for them at the start of baseball season.”
 “With more than 600 shelter nominations, more than 16,000 votes, and 25 homers leading to 25 local shelters receiving free food, we are thrilled our pet parent community came out in a big way to support their local shelters,” said Sapir.

InVivo, Jeil Feed extend technical assistance partnership

InVivo Animal Nutrition & Health and Jeil Feed have signed a second technical assistance partnership agreement.
Under this one-year-agreement, InVivo NSA will provide knowledge, assistance and technical support to Jeil Feed. A renewed strategic cooperation allows the Korean feed producer to strengthen its knowledge in animal nutrition with InVivo NSA’s expertise.
The partnership focuses on designing innovating, efficient and sustainable solutions. After two years of collaboration, Jeil feed continues to develop more its knowledge in these areas in order to better address stakes of the future for agriculture. In this context, the company would strengthen the efficiency of its production systems by improving performance.
Driven by these objectives, the Korean leader in animal feed has chosen InVivo NSA to advise them in foreseeing market trends and to help the company in designing innovating, efficient and sustainable solutions. InVivo NSA also will provide zootechnical assistance tailored to meet the specific needs of Jeil feed, notably in pet food sector. This new services contract is characterized by a strong involvement of its international experts to share best practices with Jeil Feed teams. This support should allow Jeil Feed to better answer to the stakes of Korean livestock industry over the coming years.
France-based InVivo Animal Nutrition and Health has a turnover of US1.6 billion, with a presence in 28 countries, 72 production units and 6,830 employees. InVivo NSA operates in 5 activities: complete feed, premix and services, feed additives and ingredients, analysis laboratories and animal health.
Recognized for its research and development and zootechnical know-how, InVivo NSA benefits from 60 years of expertise in animal nutrition. The company has strengthened its pet food activity with the recent acquisition of the third-largest player in Brazilian petfood market, Total Alimentos.
Jeil Feed, the major South Korean animal feed manufacturer, produces 1.4 million tons of feed per year with a turnover of US535 million. The company, which recently invested in a pet food plant in Korea, belongs to the Harim Group, the South Korean leading industrial player operating in poultry production.

Hill’s Global Symposium offered as virtual event

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.’s 2015 Global Symposium will, for the first time, be run as a virtual event. Delegates can join the physical gathering in Miami, Florida, USA, on April 26?28, and through a custom?built virtual event center, from April 27?June 30.
The 2015 Hill's Symposium is designed to inspire and educate veterinarians and veterinary health care team members to use nutrition to improve and transform pet's lives. A special focus will be on treating pets that suffer from concurrent conditions. Common examples include dogs suffering from arthritis and obesity, and cats suffering from lower urinary tract disease (LUTD) and obesity.
"The Hill's Global Symposium is one of the premiere nutritional continuing education events of the year,” said Dr. Heather Berst, organizing chair of the Global Symposium at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “But time is so often a critical issue in busy practices, and taking a few days out to travel and attend the symposium is, unfortunately, just not possible for some veterinarians and key team members.”
Delegates attending virtually will be able to view lectures live and participate in Q&A sessions through the virtual event center. All lectures will be recorded and available for viewing on demand until the center closes on June 30. This virtual aspect will also benefit delegates attending the physical event, as they will be able to watch lectures again after the symposium and share them with colleagues.
During the symposium, expert speakers from around the world will discuss the pet health benefits of using nutrition to help manage multiple health conditions. Additionally, expert speakers will discuss key topics impacting the veterinary profession, including communication, compliance, social media and diversity.
"Nutrition plays a key role in managing pet health,” said Dr. Ellen I. Lowery, director, US Professional & Veterinary Affairs. “Recommending the right food for pets suffering from multiple conditions is an effective, practical solution that will encourage compliance and support a successful outcome.
 "We don't want busy veterinary professionals to miss out on the great learning opportunities being offered, so we are bringing the symposium to them. We have invested significantly in the technology platform to ensure that our virtual delegates enjoy the experience and can participate as fully as those in the room.”

Pet Food Experts ends Nestle Purina products distribution

Pet Food Experts has decided to end its 10-year distribution relationship with Nestle Purina PetCare in New York and New England. Phillips Pet Food & Supplies will acquire the distribution rights in that region.
“This important strategic decision demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our company mission,” said Michael Baker, president of Pet Food Experts. “Helping independent pet retailers win is our sole focus. Being independently owned, we have to be diligent in maximizing our resources and I’m confident this decision will only make us stronger. Nestlé Purina is an extremely professional organization and played an important role in our company’s history over the past decade. We wish them all the best in the future.”
 Pet Food Experts will make its last deliveries of Nestle Purina products on May 15 in New York and May 29 in New England. Phillips will begin servicing the New England market June 1 from its Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, distribution center and the New York metro market from its Easton, Pennsylvania, USA, distribution center starting May 18.

Burns Pet Nutrition honored with 4 awards

UK company Burns Pet Nutrition has received four awards in four months.
In December 2014, Burns was honored by Your Dog Magazine’s Products Awards for 2014-15. Burns Original was named Best Dry Dog Food, Burns Weight Control+ was named Best Specialist Dog Food, and Burns Penlan Farm was named Best Wet Dog Food.
Two of Burns’ products – Burns Sensitive+ in the Best Specialist Dog Food category and Burns Kelties for Best Dog Treat – were highly commended.
In March 2015, Burns was voted Manufacturer of the Year in Pet Product Marketing magazine’s annual awards.
 “These awards are confirmation that we are doing something right and keeping stockists and customers happy,” said company founder John Burns. “We’re very proud of these achievements, especially since we’re up against a huge number of global brands in a highly competitive industry, and would like to thank everyone who voted for us.

British pet food market value up US$15 million in 2014

The value of the British pet food market grew GBR10 million (US$14.8 million) in 2014 to GBP2.8 billion, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), whose 67 members account for more than 90% of the UK market.
However, the PFMA said, the total volume of the pet food market fell slightly to 1,476,000 tonnes.
The PFMA’s data is based on actual production figures and are consistent with falling pet ownership, it said.
The treats category has seen strong growth, with dog treats growing 5% in volume and 7% in value to reach GBP395 million. Cat treats saw a 17% increase in value to GBP120 million.
Dog food market volume fell slightly to 830,000 tonnes, with value holding steady at GBP1.3 billion. This results in average spending of GBP150 per dog per year, with 35% of dogs fed wet food and 50% fed dry food.
Cat food market volume dropped 2% to 405,000 tonnes, with the value holding steady at GBP1 billion. This results in average spending of GBP130 per cat per year, with 75% of cats fed wet food and 22% fed dry food.
Multi-serve wet cat food saw the largest drop, at 7% of volume to 102,000 tonnes, while single-serve cat food grew 1% in volume to 209,000 tonnes.
 In the small animal market, the rabbit category remains dominant at 53,000 tonnes with a value of GBP52 million. Total volume for rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents was about 75,000 tonnes. Value fell 2% to GBP73 million.

Single-serving Sheba Perfect Portions mean less mess

Sheba has introduced a cat food product designed to take the mess out of meal time: Sheba Perfect Portions Entrees.
The packaging features two separately sealed servings – one on each side of the package – ensuring a fresh, right-sized meal with no leftovers that need to be stored in the refrigerator.
 Sheba Perfect Portions Entrees contain real meat (beef, poultry or seafood) and are formulated without grains, fillers and artificial preservatives or flavors. They are available in eight varieties and are available at mass retailers and pet stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of US$0.79 for a pack of two separately sealed servings.

Dogswell, Three Dog Bakery standouts in luxury pet trends

A recent CNBC report highlights some companies that provide luxury pet services, wellness products and apparel, including Dogswell and Three Dog Bakery.
The report cites the American Pet Products Association, which said Americans spent $60 billion on their pets last year, with more expensive, healthier food accounting for $22 billion, twice what it was in 2000.
Included in the CNBC report were Dogswell and Three Dog Bakery.
Dogswell
Marco Giannini started Dogswell in 2003, as a premium pet food company that makes dog treats infused with nutrients that can help dogs live a better life. His first product, Happy Hips, is meant to help fight arthritis and hip dysplasia.
In his first month, Giannini made $35,000 in revenue and, in the first year, the company earned $500,000 in sales. He now has accounts with Whole Foods and Target.
Giannini sold the company in 2008, when it had 21 employees, was listed at No. 101 on the Inc. 500 list, and was seeing annual revenue of $17 million.
Three Dog Bakery
Mark Beckloff and Dan Dye opened Three Dog Bakery in Missouri in 1989. It was one of the first bakeries exclusively for dogs.
The company has about 40 gourmet bakeries across the US, Canada and Hong Kong, with 10 more scheduled to open in 2015. Three Dog Bakery’s products are sold in pet stores and online retailers including Kroger, Pet Supplies Plus, Target and Wal-Mart. The company’s average annual sales are between $10 million and $15 million.
Other luxury pet brands featured in the CNBC report are:

• Barkingham Palace, a Palm Desert, California, USA-based boarding and grooming facility for birds, cats and dogs that offers the same amenities as a five-star hotel for humans.
• Pet Butler, the first pet waste removal service
• Petplan USA, an insurance company that covers more than 160 million dogs and cats in the US
• Doggles, a company that provides protective eyewear and other accessories and products for dogs
• Zoom Room, a dedicated indoor space for urban dogs to train, socialize and shop
•  SimplyShe, which includes fashion and accessory lines SimplyDog, SimplyShe for Cats and SimplyShe for small animals 

Musti ja Mirri acquires Zoo Support

Finnish pet supplies chain Musti ja Mirri has acquired Zoo Support from Braganza AB.
Zoo Support is the owner of the Arken Zoo and Djurmagazinet, and is the largest pet care retail franchise in Sweden, with 91 stores.
Musti ja Mirri’s plan is to build on the Arken Zoo brand in Sweden and eventually combine the two companies’ products and sales organizations.
The deal gives Musti ja Mirra 220 stores in Finland and Sweden and annual consumer sales of EUR226 million (US$239.4 million) through franchise and corporate stores.
 Musti ja Mirri’s CEO Mika Sutinen says the acquisition will improve the company’s competitiveness.

Petfood Forum 2015 releases app, proceedings website

Petfood Forum 2015, the premier, exclusive event for the global pet food industry, has released two convenient digital tools to help registered participants plan their conference experience.
The Petfood Forum 2015 app is free and available to help participants plan their conference schedule, learn about sessions, speakers and exhibitors, and find discounts at restaurants and attractions near the Kansas City Convention Center and conference hotels. The app allows users to create a custom Petfood Forum schedule on their devices, see maps of the convention center, learn about new Petfood Forum features such as the Student Program and share their conference experience through social media, directly from the app.
To download the app, search for Petfood Forum 2015 in iTunes for Apple devices or Google Play for Android devices.
Pet food professionals registered for Petfood Forum can also use the app to download preliminary versions of most of the conference session presentations via a special Petfood Forum proceedings website. You will need to use your email address and Petfood Forum registration password to log into the site. (If you do not remember your password, you will receive instructions to be reminded of the password or to reset it.)
Final versions of all presentations will be available for download from this website within a few weeks after Petfood Forum.
Petfood Forum 2015 takes place April 27-29. In its 23^rd year, the conference is making its debut in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, the hub of the global pet food industry.

Top Dog Kitchen gets ‘vet recommended’ approval rating

Top Dog Kitchen has received a “vet recommended” approval rating from Dr. Tonya Loreman, DVM, and Dr. Shelley Gothard, DVM, from Sabal Palm Animal Hospital in Naples, Florida, USA.
“It can be a challenge to find appropriate treats for pets with certain medical conditions, and the treats made by Top Dog Kitchen offer great choices for those pets,” Loreman said. “Since Top Dog Kitchen promises simple recipes using USDA meats, we’re pleased to recommend them for healthy pets as well as for those pets that may need a restricted diet.
 “Pet treats are not always a necessity but they can contribute to the daily quality of life experienced by both pet and owner. There is value in the simple enjoyment of the treat and treats are usually an essential tool of pet training. We always recommend choosing treats carefully so that the treat does not create a new problem such as an upset digestive system. We’ve now made it official and are placing our ‘stamp of approval’ on Top Dog Kitchen’s line of treats that our patients have loved since 2011.”

Pet nutritionist discusses grain-free pet food debate

A recent report discussed the grain-free diet trend in pet food, and what consumers need to know about the debate over whether to feed pets a grain-free diet.
Adolphe noted that grains are a source of complex carbohydrates which, although they are not considered essential nutrients for pets, play a critical role by providing a highly digestible, readily available energy source.
She cited a report, “The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet,” in saying that one of the steps in the domestication of dogs was their adaptation to a high-carbohydrate diet relative to that of carnivorous wolves.
The report, “The glucose and insulin response to isoenergetic reduction of dietary energy sources in a true carnivore: the domestic cat,” was cited because it notes that moderate amounts of carbohydrates may be beneficial to promoting insulin sensitivity in cats.
“Alternative dietary fiber sources in companion animal nutrition” is a report mentioned by Adolphe that shows that beta-glucans in pet food may control blood glucose and prevent obesity.
Adolphe said that most grain-free pet foods are higher in protein than conventional diets, which can be harmful to pets with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease.
 Peas, tapioca and potatoes were provided as examples of beneficial grain-free carbohydrate sources.

Mars Veterinary DNA test expands dog breed screening

With millions of mixed-breed dog owners in the US, having access to reliable breed ancestry information can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall health care of furry family members. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog enables much more targeted care and, in some cases, provides life-saving information.
Mars Veterinary is launching the next evolution of the canine DNA test — Wisdom Panel 3.0 — by expanding the breed screening coverage to more than 250 breeds, types and varieties including all those recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and providing potentially life-saving medical information with an MDR1 genetic mutation test.
MDR1 or Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The MDR1 gene is responsible for production of a protein called P-glycoprotein. The P-glycoprotein molecule is a drug transport pump that plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain) and enhancing the excretion/elimination of many drugs used in dogs. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. Although the mutation is most closely associated with some purebreds, it can also be found in mixed-breed dogs.
Therefore, it is important for owners of mixed breeds to test their dogs and to share the results with their veterinarian in order to provide their pet with the best possible care. The discovery of the MDR1 mutation in dogs was made by Washington State University. It is a patent-protected diagnostic test offered by Washington State University that has been licensed to Mars Veterinary for use in the Wisdom Panel tests.
“At Mars Veterinary, we’re always investing in ways to improve the value of our products for the consumer. We want to provide them with the best possible information to make informed decisions regarding the health and well-being of their four-legged family members. With the introduction of the MDR1 genetic mutation screening in the new Wisdom Panel 3.0 test, we’re confident we’ve made a real step-change in our ability to provide that level of information,” said Neale Fretwell, PhD, Mars veterinary general manager.
 Mars Veterinary launched its first test, the veterinarian-administered, blood-based Wisdom Panel MX in 2007. The Wisdom Panel 2.0, DogTrax (for shelters) and new Wisdom Panel 3.0 canine DNA tests are all based on more than 15 years of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world. The development of the Wisdom Panel tests included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 15,000 dogs across the United States and Great Britain. As a result, they are the most comprehensive breed analysis tests on the market, detecting the breed composition of a dog with unprecedented accuracy using the Mars Veterinary’s proprietary processing algorithm.

Pet Fair Asia provides opportunities for growth

Throughout the global economic crisis, the pet industry has fared well, with several Asian countries – China in particular – becoming great markets to expand into.
Bilateral agreements between China and its commercial partners, and free-trade agreements are boosting the pet sector in the Asia-Pacific region, which is already the most integrated commercial space in the world.
For these reasons and more, professionals in the pet sector should consider attending Pet Fair Asia 2015, which will be held August 27-30, 2015, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.
The development of Shanghai Free Trade Zone, coupled with the exponential growth of a trade show like Pet Fair Asia are great opportunities to reach a large marketplace and develop business with several new territories at once. Being visible in China can provide access to other important markets, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and Thailand. The same goes for purchasing and sourcing opportunities.
In China, the health of its domestic market is changing the rules of international business: most pet products companies in China are now considering their own market as a priority. Local products are getting better – and export price higher – but Chinese consumers continue to prefer imported brands. A recent study by Euromonitor International indicates that sales in mainland China for premium dog food will keep growing by an average 13% per year for at least the next 5 years. The success of premium food, accessories, cosmetics and customization confirms the underlying trend of super-humanization in Asia.
Over the past 18 years, Pet Fair Asia has developed a very strong local then regional network. In 2015, the show will grow more than 20% with more than 700 exhibitors and 19,000 professional visitors expected (20% from overseas). Purchasing opportunities are clear with a wide choice of products and price range.
The new dedicated space for aqua products and live fish will be organized with local and international partners, along with on-site activities and competitions. Existing sections like the pet food and pet treat suppliers’ row or the veterinary area will return along with associated conferences: Petfood Forum China, Pet Hospital Management Meeting, International Pet Industry Summit and the Shanghai Veterinary Conference, all dedicated to a better understanding and anticipation of market trends.

Pet Food Institute names new president, CEO

Cathleen Enright, PhD, has been named the new president and CEO for the Pet Food Institute, effective April 27, 2015.
Most recently, Enright served as executive vice president, food and agriculture for the Biotechnology Industry Organization, where she spearheaded the development and launch of GMO Answers, an industrywide initiative to address negative perceptions about GMOs.
Prior to this, Enright led Federal Government Affairs for the Western Growers Association and served in senior roles across the federal government, including policy analyst, U.S. Department of State; assistant deputy administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and in the Office of the United States Trade Representative, as deputy assistant.

Merrick’s helps shelter pets with baseball campaign

As baseball season begins in the US, Merrick’s is kicking off Homeruns for Shelters, a campaign that will support local shelters.
For every home run hit by the home teams during Opening Day games, Merrick’s will make a US$1,000 Merrick food donation to a local animal shelter – that’s one shelter for every homer. Pet parents can nominate their favorite local shelter or rescue on Merrick’s Facebook page and invite others to share and vote for their shelter. The shelters with the most votes will win a special delivery of Merrick food in April.
Here’s how to help your favorite shelter:

• Share #HomerunsForShelters from Merrick’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and encourage your fans to nominate their local shelters or pet rescues.
• Post or tweet to your favorite baseball team about #HomerunsForShelters.
•  Share your best pet rescue and adoption stories and photos with us. Tweet and post pics of your pets sporting their home team caps and T-shirts, too, tagging #HomerunsForShelters. 

Study: Pet food labeling needs more transparency

A new study published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, the official journal of the Veterinary Associations of the Nordic Countries, has found that many pet food brands contain unspecified animal parts that are not listed on labels.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Nottingham, examined 17 popular wet pet foods for dogs and cats in the UK. Researchers said they examined the presence and authenticity of animal sources of proteins in pet food in the wake of the 2013 horse meat scandal in the human food chain.
The pet foods were sampled for the relative presence of DNA from bovine, porcine, chicken and horse sources. In the samples, no horse DNA was detected, but there were substantial levels of unspecified animal species in most products tested. The study found that 14 of those brands contained cow, chicken and pig DNA, but none of those animals were listed on the label. Of the seven brands with prominent descriptions containing the term “with beef,” only two were found to contain more bovine DNA than porcine and chicken DNA combined.
 Researchers concluded that there is a need for the pet food industry to be more transparent with consumers in the disclosure of the types of animal proteins in their products. They said full disclosure will allow consumers to make more informed choices on purchases that are particularly important for pets with food allergies, reduce the risk of product misinterpretation, and avoid potential religious concerns.

Partner in Pet Food acquired by investment firm

Partner in Pet Food (PPF) has been acquired by global private equity investment firm Pamplona Capital Management for EUR315 million (US342.7 million).
“Pamplona’s investment in PPF is the start of an exciting new phase of our company’s development,” said Attila Balogh, CEO, Partner in Pet Food Group. Under Advent’s stewardship. “PPF has gone from strength to strength, expanding across Europe into new categories and delivering excellent growth rates. We look forward to working with Pamplona as we start the next stage of our development, where we will look to continue organic growth while focusing on strategic acquisitions.”
Since Advent acquired the business in 2011, PPF has dynamically grown sales, predominantly through new products and innovation. The company has made significant investments in its industry-leading research and development and production capabilities in recent years, along with strategic acquisitions. This investment has enabled PPF to drive significant increases in sales, particularly through the launch of premium alucup and single-serve pouch products.
Pamplona is backing PPF’s current management team led by Balogh, who will become executive chairman, and will continue to invest in the business to support organic growth. The business plans to accelerate product innovation across its private label and branded offerings and will also look to grow through further innovations and acquisitions in Western and Central Europe. Pamplona has a strong track record of investing long-term capital in market-leading companies that are managed by exceptional management teams.
“PPF is one of Europe’s leading pet food producers. We look forward to working with Attila Balogh and his management team to grow the company further. PPF has a superb track-record of delivering organic growth and is a natural consolidator in the European pet food,” said Markus Noe-Nordberg, partner, Pamplona Capital Management.
 PPF is one of Europe’s largest producers of private label wet and dry pet food, supplying the continent’s top retailers across 37 countries.

Animal Supply Co. acquires Wilson Pet Supply

Animal Supply Co. (ASC) has acquired Wilson Pet Supply, based in Hanover Park, Illinois, USA.  This acquisition expands Animal Supply's service throughout the Midwest with significant focus in the Chicago area.
"Our mission is to deliver success to the independent pet retailer through product line breadth and services and by being local everywhere to meet our customers’ needs. Wilson's tremendous success over the years, particularly in supplies distribution, will strengthen our product offering and commitment to the independent pet retail channel," said George Ristevski, CEO of Animal Supply Company.
Jim Wilson, chairman of Wilson, added: "Animal Supply is the perfect partner for our customers and vendor partners.  ASC's vast resources will bring tremendous value to our retail community and will provide great opportunities for our employees." 
 Mike Neylon will continue as president of Wilson Pet Supply and will be an integral part of the ASC management team and integration team. After 41 years in the pet supply distribution business, Jim Wilson will retire.

Fressnapf partners with arvato for online store

Specialty pet supply chain Fressnapf has partnered with arvato Distribution GmbH to handle the logistics and returns processing for its online store, starting July 1.
The collaboration comes after the online store was converted to hybris software and SAP interface. The company hopes the move will lead to profitable growth and increased quality.
"I am convinced that, with arvato, we have found a service provider which is dedicated to customer care and customer orientation. We expect further improvements in the services, we offer to our customers, such as faster and more individual delivery times," says Alfred Glander, managing director at Fressnapf. "We look forward to continuing to work with arvato and are sure to have created a strong foundation for future growth."
 Fressnapf’s digital business has grown since the launch of its online store in 2009. The online business earned EUR50 million (US$54 million) in total sales for fiscal 2014.

Petfood Forum Asia 2016 to be co-located with trade shows

FIAAP, VICTAM & GRAPAS Asia 2016 will take place March 29-31 2016, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
FIAAP Asia 2016 is the only specialty exhibition and conference for the ingredients, additives and formulation of feeds for animals, aquafeed and dry pet food for the expanding Asia/Pacific markets. This show directly relates with VICTAM Asia 2016 as this primarily profiles animal feed production equipment and technology.
VICTAM Asia 2016 is Asia/Pacific’s largest exhibition of equipment, technology and ancillary systems required for the safe and effective production of feeds for animals, aquafeed and dry pet food and biomass pellet production. This show is co-located with GRAPAS Asia 2016 and FIAAP Asia 2016.
GRAPAS Asia 2016 and is the only trade show in the Asia/Pacific region for rice and flour milling systems, grain processing, storage, preservation and distribution, industrial noodle and pasta production, the manufacture of breakfast cereals and extruded snacks.
There are several supporting conferences co-located with the exhibitions:

• FIAAP Conference 2016
• Petfood Forum Asia 2016
• The Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2016
• The Thai Feed Conference
• Pellets Update Asia, Global Milling Conference/Grapas Conference
•  Good Manufacturing Practice 

Global Pet Expo sees record attendance for 2015

Global Pet Expo 2015 experienced record attendance, with 15,500 people attending the three-day show.
Presented by the American Pet Products Association and Pet Industry Distributors Association, the show had more than 311,300 net square feet of exhibit space, 6,061 buyers, more than 3,000 new pet product launches, 1,051 exhibitors and 3,113 booths sold.
“Having experienced another record-breaking year, we recognize that it is thanks to the growing support and consistent commitment of our exhibitors and attendees, which allows us to see such incredible gains,” said Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and chief operating officer of APPA. “Global Pet Expo attracts the best the pet industry has to offer, which certainly motivates us to provide the best trade show possible to meet their needs.”
Twenty percent of exhibitors were international, making up 213 of the 1,051 exhibitors. Twenty-nine percent of buyers were from outside of the U.S., coming from 82 countries.
Now in its fifth year, the New Products Showcase Awards recognized best in show, second and third place winners across nine categories. With more entrants than ever, buyers narrowed down their top picks out of 925 products to determine the winners.
Also released at the Show were APPA’s annual pet industry spending figures, which showed an estimated $60.5 billion in pet spending for 2015, an all-time high. Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals.
The 2016 Global Pet Expo will take place March 16-18, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, USA, at the Orange County Convention Center.