VCA Charities, Hill’s mark 1 million meals for pets in need

Marking the serving of one million meals to pets in need, VCA Charities and Hill’s Pet Nutrition celebrated the major milestone in their five-year partnership at the St. Joseph’s Center in Venice, California, USA, where the pet food assistance partnership began in 2010.
The partnership with Hill’s helps support the VCA Pet Food Pantry program, initiated by VCA Charities five years ago to provide pet food to pet parents stricken by the economic downturn. At that time, an increasing number of pets were being taken to animal hospitals for euthanasia or abandoned when their owners could no longer bear the cost of caring for them.
Since that time, the VCA Pet Food Pantry program has expanded to more than 20 locations throughout the United States and Canada, providing free pet food to clients of existing food pantries.
“We started the Pet Food Pantry program to provide healthy, nutritious pet food to families who could not otherwise afford it in the local communities we serve,” said Art Antin, chief operating officer for VCA Animal Hospitals. “By providing these one million free meals, we have helped many families in need hold on to the loving and comforting bond their pets provide.”
St. Joseph Center’s Executive Director Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum said: “The Food Pantry is the primary gateway to St. Joseph Center's efforts to help working poor families achieve and maintain stability as they make their way toward lasting self-sufficiency. With the VCA Pet Food Pantry on-site, our families don’t have the additional burden of worrying how they will be able to feed their companion animals.”
Working with VCA Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the maker of the Science Diet, Prescription Diet and Ideal Balance brands, currently donates premium pet food to more than half of the VCA Pet Food Pantries across the US, and has made a commitment to expand the current partnership by supporting additional pet food pantries with pet food donations over the next few years.
“Our mission at Hill’s is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, North America. “We want to help transform lives, and this partnership with VCA Charities allows us to do that by keeping a pet with its family during a time of need when its unconditional love is most needed.”
In furthering its mission, Hill’s has a long-standing history of helping pets in need through its Food, Shelter & Love program, which has donated more than $280 million worth of Hill’s Science Diet brand foods to more than 1,000 shelters in the U.S.
Hill’s also comes to the aid of communities impacted by disaster. In the past two years, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has delivered free pet food to 60 shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents to feed displaced pets.
VCA Charities continues to support programs, organizations, and causes that promote pet healthcare education, proactive veterinary care, proper pet nutrition, and prevention of cruelty to animals. In furthering its mission, VCA Charities partners with the American Red Cross in their Disaster Relief Network, and provides free exams, boarding, and vaccinations for pets displaced or injured during a disaster or emergency.

FDA issues draft guidance on mandatory recall authority

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published draft guidance on mandatory food recall authority as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 (FSMA).
The guidance gives the government authority to order a responsible party to recall food when FDA determines there is a reasonable probability that the food is adulterated or misbranded, and that the use of the food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. Dietary supplements also are included under this guidance.
After the FDA decides a product should be recalled, it must give the company the opportunity to recall it voluntarily. If the company chooses not to conduct a voluntary recall, FDA can order it to stop selling the food and hold a hearing. After that, the FDA commissioner can order a recall.
Food is considered adulterated if it has any “poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health; consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, or decomposed substance, or is otherwise unfit for food; or has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may be rendered injurious to health.” Dietary supplements are adulterated when an ingredient presents a “significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury under the conditions of use recommended or suggested in labeling; or is a new ingredient that is not assured of safety; or poses an imminent hazard to public health or safety.”
Since 2011, FDA has used this power twice: a recall of Salmonella-contaminated pet treats in 2013, and the recall of OxyElite Pro Dietary Supplements in 2014.

AFIA designs broadened biosecurity document

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the government asked animal agriculture industries to release guidelines to its manufacturing facilities regarding the protection of the nation's agriculture assets. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) developed the 2012 Bioterrorism Awareness Guidelines, which it recently redesigned as a broadened biosecurity document for the feed and ingredient manufacturing industries.
"During the last two years, AFIA discussed the development of a foreign animal disease risk model with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, formed a working group and reevaluated our 2012 bioterrorism guide," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman.
"This is a tremendous resource for our members, and I greatly appreciate the leadership of this task force for developing a high-quality guidance document that will assist our members and the industry in the control of biological hazards. I especially appreciate the assistance of the associations that participated to provide insight and recommendations," Newman added.
The working group -- including scientists from the feed industry and representatives from the National Grain and Feed Association, National Pork Board, National Pork Producers Council and National Renderers Association -- rewrote the guide with a focus on protecting the feed industry's assets and ensuring the latest science was considered in order to protect AFIA's customers' premises and animals from the spread of animal disease.
The document's purpose is to provide feed and ingredient manufacturers with recommendations to develop a biosecurity plan to help control the potential spread of animal disease through the manufacturing, transport and use of feed and feed ingredients.
Each facility, location or business should develop a biosecurity plan based on the potential hazards and risks of occurrence within its processes. Procedures should be developed to ensure the plan is implemented and remains effective as situations change. The new guidance document focuses on the development of biosecurity practices for feed and ingredient manufacturers to control biological hazards that may contribute to the spread of animal disease.
 "We greatly appreciate the dedication and support of the 14 members and organizations that provided insight and recommendations on updating this document," said Dr. Henry Turlington, AFIA director of quality and manufacturing regulatory affairs. "We are confident the new guidance will help our industry deal with current animal diseases to become better prepared for the next animal health issue."

New company involving Kay Flo animal nutrients assets forms

The animal nutrients business formerly run under third-generation company Kay Flo, has been reorganized under a new name, Kay Dee LLC.
A.W. Lohry founded Kay Dee Feed in 1928, which evolved into Kay Flo in the 1970s. Eric Lohry, A.W. Lohry’s grandson, has acquired all assets of the animal nutrients business, which now encompasses a family of brands that includes Nutraferma, Kay Dee Feed, UltraPhos, NF Protein and DPS.
“We are excited to be able to build upon a long tradition of customer focus, product innovation and intensive research and development,” Eric Lohry said. “Our single mission now will be to create technologically advanced and research-proven products for the animal feed industry.”
Kay Dee LLC was formed in concurrence with the sale of Kay Flo, which was announced on May 18. Kay Dee LLC will retain all related animal nutrient companies, product lines and facilities.
Lohry said the sale of the fertilizer side of the business will allow the newly formed company to continue its legacy in a more focused and strategic way.
Kay Dee owns and operates five manufacturing facilities; two are in Sioux City, Iowa, and one is in Nevada, Missouri. The other two are joint-venture facilities, located in North Sioux City, South Dakota, and Jiangsu, China.
“This exciting change will offer a real advantage to our customers,” Lohry said. “What we were great at before, we will become even better going forward – we have exciting expansion plans right on the horizon.”

Central Garden & Pet posts US$497.6 million in net sales

Central Garden & Pet Co. reported second quarter net sales of US$497.6 million, down 1% from US$501.6 million a year ago.
The company’s second quarter operating income was US$50 million, compared with US$44.8 million a year ago.
Sales and general administrative expenses as a percentage of sales improved to 20.1% from 20.5% a year ago.
Pet segment
Net sales for the company’s pet segment rose 2% to US$221.5 million. Partially offsetting those gains were lower wild bird feed and dog and cat revenues. Sales of other manufacturers' products increased primarily due to increased distribution and higher sales of dog food, treats and supplies. The pet segment’s branded product sales were US$168.4 million, and sales of other manufacturers’ products were US$53.1 million.
 The pet segment’s operating income was US$27.1 million, up 12% from a year ago.

Blue Buffalo files counterclaims against Purina

Blue Buffalo issued a letter to its customers on its website on May 19, 2015, regarding its ongoing battle with Nestle Purina over the labeling of ingredients in its products.
“Given all the misinformation out there, we would like to give you a quick update on the legal front. As we had informed you on May 9th, today we formally brought claims of breach of contract, fraud and unjust enrichment against the parties responsible for the intentional mislabeling of certain ingredients that were shipped to us and other well-known pet food brands through May 2014,” the statement said. “Separately, we informed the court in the case involving consumers’ claims in this matter that we would also name the same parties as defendants in that case, so they can be held fully accountable for their actions.”
Blue Buffalo’s amended answer to Purina’s lawsuit includes counterclaims against Purina and its public relations agencies and new claims against the suppliers of mislabeled ingredients.
“We encourage all of you who are interested to read our lawsuit and learn more about Nestlé Purina’s smear campaign attacking our integrity, and the supplier fraud that impacted the industry until May of last year,” the statement said.
On May 6, 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising after testing revealed the presence of poultry byproduct meal in some of Blue Buffalo’s top-selling pet foods. On May 6, 2015, Blue Buffalo acknowledged in court that a “substantial” and “material” portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold to consumers contained poultry byproduct meal, despite advertising claims to the contrary.

AFIA names new chair, directors, members

Members of the American Feed Industry Association's board of directors met May 12-13, 2015, to discuss top priority issues affecting the animal food industry and address those issues with legislators during the association's annual spring visit to Washington.
AFIA's board also recognized Dr. Alan Wessler, MFA Incorporated, for his leadership as its chair during the 2014-15 year, welcomed his successor, Rob Sheffer, Waycrosse, and announced its chair-elect and new directors, and elected new members to the organization's executive committee.
Sheffer is an active AFIA board member, serving since 2009, and has served on the executive committee since 2012.
Sheffer is the president and CEO of Waycrosse in Wayzata, Minn. Prior to transitioning to his new role, Sheffer served as the group director for Cargill Feed and Nutrition, where he was responsible for leading the U.S. retail and commercial feed business and providing strategic direction to Cargill Animal Nutrition. He holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and is active in the fight against global hunger.
Sheffer's one-year term began May 1.
In related business, the board voted to accept the nomination of Paul Phillips, Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc., to become chairman-elect of the organization. Phillips will succeed Sheffer in May 2016.
The following individuals were elected to three-year terms on the AFIA board and began their service at the May board meeting: Eric Arnold, Bill Barr & Company; Cory Berg, QLF-Quality Liquid Feeds, Inc.; Roy Brister, Tyson Foods, Inc.; Jim Conway, Darling Ingredients; Mark Etienne, Potashcorp; Frank Goode, ILC Resources; John Howe, Manna Pro Products, LLC; Raj Lall, Vets Plus, Inc.; Chuck Loefer, ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc.; Diane Loiselle, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.; Joe Lucas, Phibro Animal Health Corporation; Mike Manning, The F.L. Emmert Company; Rod Paulson, CHS Inc.; Paul Phillips, Maxi-Lift Inc./Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc.; Mike Rivard, International Ingredient Corporation; and John Thorpe, Kent Nutrition Group, Inc.
The six nominated individuals chosen as additions to AFIA's Executive Committee were approved: Kevin Baker, Valley Proteins, Inc.; Tim Belstra, Belstra Milling; Lisa Deverell, Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Lee Hall, Hallway Feeds; Dennis Hart, Diversified Ingredients; and Mindy Whittle, Monsanto Company.
 Jeff Cannon, Diamond V, and Ed Galo, Novus International, Inc., were elected as new trustees to the Institute for Feed Education & Research Board of Trustees by AFIA's board of directors. The existing eight trustees were reelected for a consecutive one-year term: Cathy Bandyk, Westway Feed Products, LLC; Marc de Beer, DSM Nutritional Products; Bruce Crutcher, Trouw Nutrition USA; Al Gunderson, Vita Plus Corporation; Dr. C. Ross Hamilton, Darling Ingredients; Dr. Wes Jamison, Palm Beach Atlantic University; Chad Risley, Berg+Schmidt American, LLC; and Eddie Wells, Milk Specialties Global. IFEEDER, created by AFIA in 2009, addresses the education and research challenges our U.S. food and feed production industries will face in the next 40 years and beyond, as the world's population grows by almost 2.5 billion people. The Executive Committee also renewed the appointment of Dean Warras, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, as IFEEDER's chair.

Pet Fair Asia gears up for largest show ever in August

The 18th edition of Pet Fair Asia will take place August 27-30, 2015, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
Pet Fair Asia, one of the largest trade shows for the pet industry in China, will add a third exhibit hall as it continues to grow along with the Chinese petfood and pet care markets. It will include several exclusive country pavilions, an upgraded InnovAction Area, and a new dedicated aquarium area.
Petfood Forum China will again be co-located with Pet Fair Asia. Early Bird Registration is opening soon for this one-day educational and networking conference, leading pet food industry experts will provide in-depth information on pet food and treat product trends to provide a framework for the types of products that pet owners are seeking and also help you identify undeveloped market niches for new products.
 At Petfood Forum China 2015: New Product and Brand Development Workshop, pet food professionals in China and Asia can learn how to develop products and brands to capture share in this dynamic market, as well as export markets. This exclusive conference features expert information that can help you take a new pet food or snack product idea to market and how to develop a brand that stands out in the marketplace and grabs the attention of today’s pet owners. Plenty of networking opportunities with other pet food professionals and leading industry suppliers are available, too.

RECALL: OC Raw Dog recalls 2,055 pounds of food

Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella

OC Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, USA, is voluntarily recalling 2,055 pounds of Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. 
This voluntary recall is limited to Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulations that were packaged into 6.5 lb. Doggie Dozen Patties and 5 lb. Bulk Bags with the lot number 1511 and use by date of 10/8/15.  These products were distributed in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Colorado and sold to consumers through independent pet specialty retailers.
This recall is a result of a routine sampling program by the Nebraska Department of Food and Agriculture which revealed a presumptive positive to Salmonella.
OC Raw Dog has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.
The company says it will make several changes to its methods of production in order to further protect its product.
If you are in possession of this recalled product, please submit a picture of the package with the lot number to Olivia@ocrawdog.com for verification of product in the marketplace.  Please return the product to the retailer where you purchased for a full refund or replacement product.
Consumers with questions may contact the company at +1.844.215.DOGS (3647) Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Pedigree launches Feed the Good global marketing campaign

Pedigree Brand has launched a new global marketing campaign called Feed the Good.
Created by BBDO, Feed the Good is Pedigree’s first global campaign in years and is based on the simple, yet universal insight that dogs bring out the good in people as their innocence helps us reconnect with our own.
"Studies attest how the companionship of animals transforms and improves people's lives," said Leonid Sudakov, chief marketing officer, global petcare, Mars Inc.  "By nourishing the loveable innocence in every dog, Pedigree helps feed the good they bring to the world."
Pedigree will roll out Feed the Good creative, as well as other integrated marketing elements beginning in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and the US, with additional markets slated for later in 2015 and 2016. The global insight will fuel all of the Feed the Good executions, but the creative content is contextually relevant for the markets where it will be featured.
Above and beyond television, print and online advertisements, the campaign will feature various additional integrated marketing efforts including in-store displays, social media, consumer promotions and public relations. In some markets, like New Zealand, the campaign will be supported with world-class digital solutions developed in collaboration with companies like Google.
A 'Good Fight' in Australia
The first television commercial in the Feed the Good campaign began airing on May 4 in Australia. Titled “Good Fight,” the spot opens on several young adults on a street corner who are poised to fight. Just as it's about to get really heated, one of them notices a loose dog in the middle of a busy street with a despondent owner on the far sidewalk. Suddenly the men forget about their issues and sprint to help protect the dog. The relieved owner joins the two men who saved his dog to thank them – the fight long forgotten.
'First Days Out' in Brazil
Feed the Good launches in Brazil via an online documentary film that follows the real-life journey of two ex-cons – Joey and Matt – who each adopt dogs upon their release from prison. The emotional three-minute video, called “First Days Out” profiles all of the good that comes from these unlikely pairs, including new opportunities, blossoming friendships and mended fences. In addition to the documentary, Pedigree will release a 30-second television commercial called “Dogs World” in Brazil later in 2015.

Petfood Forum 2015 breaks all attendance records

Petfood Forum 2015 conference and exhibition, held on April 27-29, 2015, broke all records for attendance. The event was held for the first time in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, at the Kansas City Convention Center, after more than 20 years in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.  
Overall attendance figures saw nearly 2,500 industry professionals from more than 40 countries worldwide, representing a 50% increase from 2014. A sold-out Petfood Innovation Workshop: Next Generation Treats helped contribute to the totals, with its new hands-on pet treat-making format spurring registrations to hit maximum capacity months prior to the event.
Exhibit Hall space mapped out to a total of 103,000 square feet, equaling a 60% increase from 2014, and available exhibit spaces sold out in February. Plans for expansion and reconfiguration of the floor in order to allow more booths are already in the works. Early feedback from exhibitors has indicated that the relocation of Petfood Forum to Kansas City, the heart of the animal health corridor, made it more motivating for attendees to come, and more convenient for exhibitors to have a booth with greater staff presence.
Many new show features also proved to be a popular draw for the industry, including the Student Program which provided more than 50 college students the opportunity to participate and attend Petfood Forum, network with top pet food company decision-makers, and utilize the platform to display their scientific posters. The Student Program will be expanded for 2016.
“Many of the world’s largest pet food companies had a presence at Petfood Forum 2015; and it’s no coincidence that Kansas City is now the new home of Petfood Forum through 2018,” said Debbie Phillips Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “Now we’ve set the bar pretty high for ourselves to make the Petfood Forum 2016 event even bigger and better than this year. We’ll be examining all of our feedback for ways to improve, to continue to expand and innovate, and keep Petfood Forum as the leading event for the members of the pet food industry.”
Petfood Forum and Petfood Innovation Workshop provide show visitors with opportunities to network with industry peers, learn from leading pet food experts, consultants and technical experts, visit with suppliers, and of course transact business with one another. This occurs among the pet food industry's largest collection of companies that supply brand and private-label manufacturers with ingredient, additive and formulation solutions, processing and packaging equipment, flexible packaging solutions, co-packing solutions and services, and consulting and additional services, all in one location.
Petfood Forum 2016 is set for April 18-20, 2016. For more information, visit www.PetfoodForumEvents.com.

Plan ahead for National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

In recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 9, 2015, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is encouraging pet parents to plan ahead by creating a pet emergency go-kit and following several easy tips to ensure the safety of their pets during a crisis.
“The best thing a family can do in the case of an emergency is be prepared, and that includes having a plan in place for your pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America. “We hope that families take into account some simple steps that will help them feel ready to respond should disaster strike.”
Hill’s recommends building a Pet Emergency Go-Kit in order to cut down on time in the event of a crisis, allowing families to focus solely on getting to safety as quickly as possible.
“Just knowing that a kit is packed and ready to go should eliminate some of the stress during an emergency,” said Dr. Ellen Lowery, director of U.S. Veterinary and Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “It will put a family at ease, knowing that everyone, including their beloved pets, will be taken care of.”
The Pet Emergency Go-Kit should include the following:

• Basic first aid supplies
• A three-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
• Safety harness and leash
• Waste clean-up supplies
• Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
• List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
• List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
• Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends the following additional Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:

• Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
• Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
• Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

Hill’s Disaster Relief Network
In the event of an emergency, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network is positioned to quickly respond and aid impacted areas by supplying pet food to communities hit by disasters. The first-of-its-kind network was established in 2013 as an extension of Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which has donated more than $280 million worth of Hill’s Science Diet brand foods to more than 1,000 shelters in the United States and helped more than eight million pets find new homes.
In the past two years, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network delivered free food to more than 60 different shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 25 major incidents – including floods in Colorado, fires in Idaho and Arizona, the fertilizer plant explosion in Texas, the mudslide in Washington state and tornadoes in the central and southern regions of the country. In 2015, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has already assisted with three incidents – most recently with the March tornado damage in Moore, Oklahoma.
 “It’s important for pet owners to know what resources are available to them within their own communities before they’re needed,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society, which is a member of the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network. “With storm and wild fire season under way, we’re encouraging families to pay close attention to these emergency planning tips so they are better prepared and more confident when having to respond to a disaster. Pets are a part of the family, so it’s just as important to include them in your emergency plan.”

Pets at Home revenue up 9.6%

British pet specialty retailer Pets at Home saw total revenue rise 9.6% to GBP729.1 million (US$1.12 billion) since a year ago, the company said.
Revenues were driven by strong performance in the advanced nutrition, health and hygiene, and VIP Club membership. The company said focus on services and omnichannel performance also helped results.
Merchandise like-for-likes rose 3.7%, while like-for-like sales of services grew 10.7%. Income from joint venture veterinary practices soared 30.7% to GBP28.2 million.
In the past year, the retailer added 25 stores, bringing its total to 400, and it opened 61 veterinary practices, bringing its total to 338.
Pets at Home added 270,000 members to its VIP Club in the fourth quarter, bringing the total number of members for the fiscal year to 3.2 million.
 “We are delighted to be delivering on expectations in our first year as a publicly listed company,” said Pets at Home chief executive Nick Wood. “We have seen strength across both merchandise and services, demonstrating the broad range of levers through which we will successfully deliver further profitable business growth.”

Velco closure used in Wellness Natural packaging

Wellness Natural Pet Food has integrated Velcro Industries’ Press-Lok closure into the packaging of its premium TruFood line. Press-Lok delivers the reliability, durability and strength that consumers have come to expect from other Velcro Brand products. The closure solution is an easy-to-use, tactile re-closure solution and will help keep pet food fresh and contained within the bag.
"Wellness' mission is to provide pet owners with high quality, natural ingredients," said Chanda D. Leary-Coutu, senior manager, marketing communications, Wellness Natural Pet Food. "Like us, Wellness pet parents view their cats and dogs as part of the family, so it's important that our ingredients are fresh and the packaging we deliver our products in meets customers' expectations."
Launched in March 2015, Wellness TruFood is the newest line of nourishing pet food recipes for dogs and cats featuring the vibrant nutrients of whole prey protein, raw produce and antioxidants. Wellness TruFood is blended by hand and baked in small batches to create delicious, natural meals. Made with colorful ingredients you can see like chicken, beets, coconut oil, kale, pumpkin and live active yogurt cultures, TruFood recipes are living proof that real nutrition is the most fundamental source of health and happiness for your pets.
"Press-Lok closures add an important value for customers who are seeking to keep their products fresh, easy-to-access and most of all, contained," said Chris Lerra, senior business development manager of packaging business unit, Velcro Industries. "We're continuing to see adoption in the pet product market because the closure is ideal for the unique needs and requirements of pet owners and we're honored to be featured in WellPet's natural pet food line."
 Press-Lok was developed for the fast-growing flexible packaging market. It is an exclusive solution that allows consumers to fasten without the need for tedious and precise line-up. WellPet worked with manufacturer Peel Plastic Products Ltd. of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, to deliver superior packaging for Wellness TruFood.

Blue Buffalo responds to Purina statement on ingredients

Blue Buffalo has responded to a press release that Purina issued May 7, 2015, after Blue Buffalo told a court that that a “substantial” and “material” portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold to consumers contained poultry byproduct meal, despite advertising claims to the contrary.
The letter to Blue Buffalo’s customers, posted on its website, reads, in full:
“Dear Pet Parents:
“We fully understand your concern with this topic, but you should know that the recent press release by Nestle Purina is simply the latest attack in their year-long smear campaign against Blue Buffalo.
“In October of last year, we informed you that a supplier of ingredients to us and many other well-known brands of pet foods had sent chicken meal to some of their customers that contained poultry by-product meal. We said at the time that, as a result, some of our food could include this mislabeled ingredient, that we had stopped buying ingredients from this facility and that we had reached out to the FDA.
“Just recently, this former supplier made additional disclosures in legal proceedings that showed that a substantial proportion of its shipments to our contract manufacturing facilities prior to May 2014 were, in fact, mislabeled.
“In view of this new information, this past Wednesday, May 6, 2015, we informed the Court of our conclusion that a material amount of our dry foods manufactured with mislabeled ingredients shipped prior to May 2014 had been impacted, and requested permission to bring a claim against this former supplier and others involved for intentionally mislabeling ingredients and unjustly enriching themselves. The Court immediately granted our request.”
On May 6, 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising after testing revealed the presence of poultry byproduct meal in some of Blue Buffalo’s top-selling pet foods. Blue Buffalo’s CEO responded by immediately claiming the testing was “voodoo science” and assuring its customers that “Blue Buffalo does not use chicken byproduct meal or poultry byproduct meal in any of our products.”

SafetyChain Software, Wenger partner on reseller agreement

SafetyChain Software has entered into a reseller partnership agreement with Wenger.
SafetyChain is a maker of food safety chain management systems that automate, streamline and improve food safety and quality assurance (FSQA) for the food and beverage industry. Wenger manufactures extrusion, drying and process control systems for the food, pet food and aquatic feed industries.
Under the agreement, Wenger will offer the entire SafetyChain for Food suite – including stand-alone or integrated modules for FSQA Supplier Compliance, Food Safety Management, Food Quality Management, Regulatory and GFSI Compliance/Audit Readiness and SafetyChain Mobile Apps – to current and planned Wenger customers. The two companies will also deliver pre-built integration points between the SafetyChain and Wenger systems for a seamless experience for Wenger customers – leveraging SafetyChain for Food’s ability to integrate data from production equipment to become part of the entire FSQA process and record.
“We are very excited about entering into this agreement with SafetyChain, furthering our commitment in helping our customers be best-in-class when it comes to food safety and quality,” said Lafe Bailey, co-CEO of Wenger. “Our customers will benefit by having a back-end solution that leverages data from Wenger process control systems to make that data actionable within the larger SafetyChain suite. Customers will gain additional value by working with two industry leaders to deploy a comprehensive suite of leading FSQA automation solutions to support all of their safety and quality goals.”
“Wenger continues to redefine the extrusion industry standard, not just with their benchmark equipment and services, but also because they provide food safety plans and services to help their customers achieve FSQA excellence. By now offering a full automation suite to execute on food safety and quality initiatives at all points in a company’s supply chain, Wenger will further differentiate itself as a trusted partner to its customers,” said Barbara Levin, SafetyChain senior vice president and co-founder. “Additionally, due to its global reputation and reach, we’re also very excited to work with Wenger as we continue to expand our global marketing and distribution outside of North America.”
 Wenger will market the full SafetyChain suite, preliminarily named the Wenger APM Food Safety Chain Management System, powered by SafetyChain. The partnership became effective on April 27, 2015.

New Hill’s products address concurrent conditions in pets

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is introducing Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility Canine and Metabolic + Urinary Feline: nutritional solutions to help treat common concurrent health conditions.
Veterinarians have long noted the link between obesity and canine osteoarthritis and feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), with numerous studies showing that excess weight can exacerbate these conditions.  However, treating weight and canine mobility or weight and FLUTD together has often required complicated regimens that can be difficult for pet parents to follow.
“Concurrent conditions are difficult to manage successfully, often requiring multiple treatment options,” said Ellen Lowery, DVM, PhD, MBA and Hill’s Director of U.S. Professional & Veterinary Affairs. “Sometimes it creates the challenge of deciding which condition to focus on first, when really the only way to effectively treat both is to work together.”
Hill’s two new products are based upon the revolutionary nutrition of Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic. Hill’s scientists have taken this powerful technology and combined it with:

• Prescription Diet j/d’s ability to help dogs walk, run and jump more easily in just 21 days, to create Metabolic + Mobility Canine
• Prescription Diet c/d Multicare’s effect of dissolving struvite stones and reducing the recurrence of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) signs by 89 percent, to create Metabolic + Urinary Feline

 These formulas present a new approach for addressing a growing problem. The latest estimates suggest that more than 50 percent of dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics are overweight or obese. As that number increases, so do the number of dogs and cats with obesity-related concurrent conditions.

Blue Buffalo admits to byproduct meal, Purina responds

Purina has issued a response to Blue Buffalo’s admission in court on May 6, 2015, that a “substantial” and “material” portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold to consumers contained poultry byproduct meal, despite advertising claims to the contrary.
Blue Buffalo has asked the court for additional time to file an amended complaint in the litigation, naming its ingredient suppliers as defendants.
“Despite this admission, Blue Buffalo still has not informed consumers of the presence of poultry byproduct meal in Blue Buffalo pet food, refuses to accept responsibility for the product it sold and is instead blaming its suppliers,” said Keith Schopp, a spokesperson for Nestlé Purina Petcare.
On May 6, 2014, Purina filed a lawsuit against Blue Buffalo for false advertising after testing revealed the presence of poultry byproduct meal in some of Blue Buffalo’s top-selling pet foods. Blue Buffalo’s CEO responded by immediately claiming the testing was “voodoo science” and assuring its customers that “Blue Buffalo does not use chicken byproduct meal or poultry byproduct meal in any of our products.”
Blue Buffalo has called into question Purina’s independent testing by Windsor Laboratories, saying that the research “does not even come close to meeting the basic requirements of a scientific test, let alone being something to use as support to make their outrageous, malicious allegations.” The lab, said Blue Buffalo, is actually a single individual with “dubious scientific credentials” who works out of a home lab. The analysis was performed “with a rudimentary microscope under less than optimal conditions with questionable methods and record keeping.” The company has conducted a report on the research, via Vinayak P. Dravid, PhD.
According to Purina, “Windsor Laboratories is a well-recognized laboratory specializing in microscopic analysis for the agricultural and other related industries, including the pet food industry. Its owner, Dr. James V. Makowski, is the author and lead editor of Microscopic Analysis of Agricultural Products (4th Edition, 2010), a training resource on the subject of microscopic analysis of agricultural products used by the US Food and Drug Administration.”
According to Schopp, “Only when faced with undeniable evidence from the lawsuit has Blue Buffalo admitted the truth to the court: a ‘substantial’ and ‘material’ portion of Blue Buffalo pet food sold over the past several years contained poultry byproduct meal. It is unclear to us if or when this practice stopped, or whether any Blue Buffalo pet food containing byproduct meal is still on store shelves.”
According to petfoodindustry.com’s Top Pet Food Companies Database, Blue Buffalo made US$750 million in sales in 2013.
“Through a $50 million annual advertising campaign that flooded airwaves and pet food aisles alike, Blue Buffalo told consumers over and over, emphatically and without qualification, that its products never contain poultry byproduct meal,” said Schopp.
“Blue Buffalo now claims it had no way of knowing the bags contained byproduct meal. A manufacturer is responsible for knowing what’s in its product, and a simple audit of its supply chain would have revealed what we discovered after reviewing the documentation,” Schopp said. “Blue Buffalo owes consumers an apology for all the false statements, false labels and false advertising. More than this, it is time for Blue Buffalo to be transparent with the public and prove to their ‘pet parents’ that no mislabeled product remains on shelves.”

The benefits of omega-3s in pet food

In the video below, Dr. Signe Svinland, director of pet care for AkerBiomarine, discusses the processing and use of omega-3s in dog food. She covers the company's technique of harvesting and processing krill from Antarctica's waters for bioavilable omega-3s, as well as the use of those omega-3s to create healthful pet food for dogs. She also explains the simple test used to determine omega-3 levels in dogs, and how that test can be used to the benefit of other areas of the pet food industry.
Dr. Svinland spoke at Petfood Forum 2015, presenting "How well do dogs use the omega-3s in their pet food?"
The staff of Petfood Industry will be publishing daily video reports from Petfood Forum. Watch for interviews with speakers, attendees and exhibitors. With the move to Kansas City, Petfood Forum 2015 is shaping up to be the largest, most exciting event in its history.

Himalayan sets up website to help Nepal quake victims

Himalayan Corp., makers of Himalayan Dog Chew, has set up a website to help the victims of the recent devastating earthquake in Nepal.
The website collects donations and tracks the company’s CEO, Sujan Shrestha, and the Himalayan team as they provide supplies to those displaced by the earthquake.
“We’ve stopped production in Nepal for two weeks while we pay our workers their regular rate to deliver food, water and masks to the Kathmandu valley,” said Brando Barney, digital marketing and trade show specialist at Himalayan. “Our production facility is still standing, and we won’t have any supply issues.”
The website says all donations go directly to those in need.
“Nepal needs your support more than ever, today,” the website says. “Including providing tents, mask and tickets for victims to go to villages to their families and friends, we, Himalayan Dog Chew family, are trying our best to provide a meal and a bottle of water per person per day in local tent cities in small scale. $2 buys a meal and a bottle of water. Hence, every dollar you donate to help really does count.”

BRAIN AG, DIANA Pet Food partner in field of taste science

Biotechnology company BRAIN AG and DIANA Pet Food, a partner for performance solutions in the pet food industry, member of the Symrise Group, have formed a strategic partnership in the field of taste science.
Through this unique strategic collaboration established for 5 years, the partners will work on different programs to study the mechanisms related to taste perception in cats. The joint goal of the first program is to use proliferating cat taste cells (CTC) for screening new ingredients which shall improve the palatability of pet food.
Always striving for innovation, DIANA Pet Food intends to benefit from BRAIN CTC-technology to develop cutting-edge palatability enhancers for cat food. This CTC-technology is deduced from the recently patented and published BRAIN human taste cell (HTC) technology, which is used by BRAIN for screening purposes to improve human food formulations in order to reduce e.g. calorie and salt intake with the diet. Nonetheless, human taste cell lines cannot be used for screening purposes in order to improve pet food palatability, as it is well accepted that human taste and flavor perceptions is far different from that of cats and dogs.
"In the field of pet food, there is high demand for palatability, which depends first and foremost on the pet sensory equipment and individual preferences and on the pet food sensorial properties," says Isabelle Guiller, global R&D director at DIANA Pet Food. "Through the implementation of the program, DIANA Pet Food in partnership with BRAIN, will generate new access routes to palatability performance in order to help pet food manufacturers achieve high quality and tasty pet food products."
Dr. Michael Krohn, Unit Head BioActives and Performance Biologicals at BRAIN AG states: "The combination of the CTC cell lines together with the BioCompActive natural molecule library from our BioArchive as a screening resource will help us to identify compounds which will increase the palatability of cat food. We are proud to use our technology in order to help our strategic partner DIANA Pet Food to improve the formulations of various cat food products."
 The use of BRAIN innovative CTC-technology constitutes an additional way for DIANA Pet Food to support pet food manufacturers’ brands performance. While developing the scientific knowledge on cat taste mechanisms, DIANA Pet Food will be able to offer customers new efficient and targeted solutions bringing added value to pet food by satisfying cats, thus their owners.

Aller Petfood Danish division to become trader

Aller Petfood Group is converting its Danish division into a trading set-up, based on strategic partnerships with private label producers within the pet sector.
The decision of converting from own production in Denmark to becoming a trader is based on the high level of surplus dry pet food capacity in the Western European private label pet food market, as well as the lack of profitability of the Danish plant. As part of its strategy, Aller Petfood Group is going through a process of focusing its activities on the core business and “where they can make a difference.”
“The trading set-up allows us to work with strong production partners while offering our customers competitive conditions based on our collective purchasing power,” said CEO and owner Henriette Bylling. “Pet food is much more than just the food inside the bag. Based on our 36 years’ experience in pet food, we are able to work closely with our customers on developing full concepts, via for example matching or developing the food to obtain strong unique selling points, matching the market trends, and reaching the optimum shelf exposure via the packaging selection.”
The first strategic partner in Aller Petfood’s new trading set-up has already been found but its name cannot yet be published. Like Aller Petfood, it has many years of experience in the world of private label pet food production.
“We consider our new partner ideal for us as their mind-set is very similar to ours in relation to for example the high quality standard, flexibility and customer support,” Bylling said.
The new trading concept will run alongside Aller Petfood Group’s brand activities and the remaining production plants.

K-State Olathe Innovation Campus chosen for national Petfood Innovation Workshop

The Petfood Forum chose K-State Olathe as home to its new Petfood Innovation Workshop for 2015 — and possibly for the next three years. The workshop was sold out with more than 200 participants from across the country.
The workshop proceeded the April 28-29 forum in Kansas City on April 27. Special features at the Olathe workshop included hands-on pet treat product development with six different stations throughout the novel event.
"We were delighted that the workshop was sold out," said K-State Olathe CEO and Vice Provost Prema Arasu. "It was a great response for the Petfood Forum's inaugural innovation workshop."
At the workshop, students learned about upcoming trends and new product ideas, while the hands-on exercises included making new types of treats in the industry-grade facilities at the K-State Olathe Kitchen.
Sales of pet treats are growing 5 percent to 8 percent per year globally, with double-digit increases in some regions as pet owners around the world seek to pamper their pets yet still feed them wholesome, healthy snacks, according to Watt Global Media, the forum sponsor.
Greg Aldrich, research associate professor in grain science and industry and president of Pet Food Ingredients & Technology, led industry experts and suppliers through the creation of new baked and molded treats. "The energy and creativity of the group as they experimented on the next generation of pet treats, was really exciting."
"It was a complete immersion in the world of pet treats," said Bryan Severns, food programs and services manager at K-State Olathe. "We have a beautiful facility and everyone enjoyed using the space to learn, have fun and network.
The Petfood Forum provides the latest research and information on growth of the global pet food market, and pet food nutrition, safety, processing, packaging and much more-all from leading industry experts. Pet food manufacturers located within the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor represent 61 percent of the total pet food sold in the U.S. and 49 percent of global pet food sales, according to the K.C. Animal Health Corridor's 2014 Asset Survey.

Alltech acquires Ridley Inc.

Alltech will acquire 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Ridley Inc. for CAD$40.75 (US$33.57) per share. The total consideration payable to Ridley shareholders is approximately CAD$521 million (US$429.2 million).
The price of CAD$40.75 per share represents a premium of approximately 23 percent to the 20-day volume weighted average price of Ridley’s common shares on the TSX as of April 22, 2015. The closing price of the Ridley shares on the TSX on April 22, 2015, was CAD $33.94. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the merger.
“This transformative transaction that combines two industry leaders allows Alltech to deliver better performance and value to livestock and poultry producers across the globe,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech. “With Ridley’s leading animal nutrition supplements, block products, extensive livestock and poultry producer distribution network and on-farm presence, we will be able to bring our advanced nutrition technology to market faster and more effectively. This combination creates a new model to deliver superior animal nutrition and tailored feeding programs supported by robust scientific research and data analytics. This deal underscores our continued momentum in growing our business through strategic acquisitions of best-in-class companies with trusted technology and brand recognition.”
“Joining Ridley with Alltech is about bringing the best nutrition solutions to meat, milk and egg producers around the world,” said Steven J. VanRoekel, president and CEO of Ridley. “Alltech is the technological leader with a broad global footprint so by uniting forces we will create a scalable platform to grow and market solutions to enhance the profitability of producers. We are also joining a financially strong company that is committed to investing in science and innovation so that we can deliver the most advanced animal nutrition solutions.”
Ridley is one of the largest commercial animal nutrition businesses in North America. Ridley manufactures and markets a full range of animal nutrition solutions, including formulated complete feeds, premixes, feed supplements, block supplements, animal health products and feed ingredients. Ridley’s customers include livestock producers as well as equine and pet breeders. Ridley’s products are sold to producers by direct sales or through distributor and dealer channels.
Both companies are industry leaders committed to investing in sustainable nutrition solutions and advanced feeding programs that optimize physical and financial performance on farms, leading to increased efficiency and value. Alltech spends approximately 10 percent of its gross revenue on research and development, more than any other company in the industry. Ridley has a strong technical team with more than 40 advanced degree staff who have produced some of the industry’s best-selling and most widely recognized blocks and nutrition supplements and will now be working side by side with Alltech’s team of approximately 150 Ph.D.s. This deal will further enhance Alltech’s primacy in science and allow it to deliver this to a broader range of livestock and poultry producers in the US and bring more advanced animal nutrition solutions to countries across the globe.
Improved animal nutrition is a pressing need for the productivity of the world’s livestock and food chain. Feed costs comprise the majority of livestock production costs. By improving nutrition, livestock and poultry producers are able to realize a significant increase in efficiencies and return on investment. Alltech’s continued commitment to tailoring nutrition and health programs with a focus on natural, antibiotic-free ingredients allows livestock and poultry producers to raise healthier animals through a process that is better for animals, consumers and the environment.
The combined company will have a presence in more than 128 countries and 4,200 employees worldwide. Alltech has more than doubled its sales in the past three years and is on target to achieve US$4 billion in sales in the next few years.
The transaction is subject to approval by Ridley shareholders, regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter.
 Alltech has established a track record of successful acquisitions, having completed seven since 2011. 

Kemin’s spearmint line certified Sustainably Grown

The production of Hi-RA Mint, a proprietary line of spearmint developed by Kemin plant scientists using traditional plant breeding methods, has been certified Sustainably Grown.
The recognition of Kemin and its growing partner came after a rigorous third-party audit and assessment by SCS Global Services (SCS). Sustainably Grown is one of the most stringent certification standards, supporting long-term sustainable agricultural production by identifying crops grown in accordance with exceptional environmental and social responsibility as well as quality and safety requirements.
"Kemin Industries continues to demonstrate leadership in the food and personal care product sectors with plant ingredients that meet the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility," said Nathan Smith, SCS’ Managing Director of Food and Agriculture.  "We are pleased to be able to report that 100% of spearmint produced by Kemin meets the requirements of the Certified Sustainably Grown standard."
Hi-RA Mint, which takes its name from “high Rosmarinic Acid," is a proprietary line of spearmint developed by Kemin scientists. Spearmint plants are excellent producers of diverse phytochemicals for flavoring preservation and health benefits. That’s why Kemin has developed two clonal lines that are traditionally bred to naturally select for phytochemicals that are suitable for commercial production for food, personal care, health, and pet food applications.
“The timing of our Sustainably Grown certification couldn’t be better,” said Dr. John Greaves, Kemin vice president of specialty crops. “Market demand for plant-based antioxidants, preservatives, and flavorings is soaring and it’s even more important than ever to use long-term, sustainable techniques that are good for the land, show social responsibility and produce crops grown in accordance with quality and safety requirements. At Kemin we take a long view and have a growing number of customers who feel the same way.”
To produce Hi-RA Mint, Kemin co-farms with a five-generation, family-owned operation that has an unwavering commitment to excellence. The partner, strategically located in an area of Indiana with favorable mint-growing conditions, shares the company’s commitment to sustainability, safety and quality.

Three Dog Bakery food drive kicks off

Three Dog Bakery has launched its annual Feed a Dog Food Drive to help local dogs in need. Participating Three Dog Bakery stores across the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong are holding food drives to help feed dogs in their local communities.
Three Dog Bakery was founded out of love and the desire for all dogs to live long, healthy and happy lives. One of the goals of the Three Dog Bakery is to support dogs in need. In keeping with that mission, participating Three Dog Bakery stores around the world have partnered with local animal rescue organizations to feed shelter dogs. The dog food drive kicked off May 1, and will run for the entire month.
“This is a wonderful event that we are proud to support every year,” said Jamie Wiebrecht, executive vice president of franchise operations and client experience. “There are many phenomenal organizations that are dedicated to serving homeless and neglected animals. We are extremely happy that we can play a role in raising awareness about shelter dogs while helping to provide thousands of pounds of food. Our hope is that the Three Dog Bakery food will help these organizations continue to make a difference for animals in their area.”
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 6-8 million animals in the U.S. go into shelters each year. Consequently, there is always a need for more food. Every dollar raised will feed a shelter dog one meal. The Three Dog Bakery Feed a Dog Food Drive gives the community an easy way to support local dogs in need. All they have to do is make a donation at their local Three Dog Bakery, and the bakery will do the rest.
Since the inception of Three Dog Bakery’s Feed a Dog Food Drive in 2011, more than 50,000 pounds of dog food has been donated to dogs in need. In addition to the contributions collected in the bakeries, Three Dog Bakery Headquarters will donate up to 500 pounds of additional food and treats to the three bakeries with the most donations.

Humans, pets united under ‘one health’ concept

A large and growing majority of U.S. pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family, and this human-animal bond is one of the most important factors behind pet owners' willingness to spend generously on pet products and services, according to Packaged Facts, a market research publisher with a diverse catalog of reports on pet products and services.
Part of the reason pet owners are spending more on their companions is because not only do they increasingly view their pets as family, but research indicates that an investment in their pets is also in many ways an investment in themselves. It's a concept that some experts in the medical industry refer to as "one health," or the idea that human health is connected to animal health and the environment.
According to Packaged Facts' Pet Owner Survey data from January 2015, three out of four dogs owners report being healthier and happier because of their canine companions: 38% strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that their dogs have a positive impact on their physical health, and 44% strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that their dogs have a positive impact on their mental health. The ratings for cat ownership are nearly as high: 34% of cat owners strongly agree and 31% somewhat agree that their cats have a positive impact on their physical health, and 41% strongly agree and 33% somewhat agree that their cats have a positive impact on their mental health.
There are several examples over the past several years that point to the blurring lines between products designed for humans and those designed for pets. The shift extends not only to retail products such as human grade pet food, but also to the veterinary segment.
For example, highly regarded Johns Hopkins University recently opened the Center for Image-Guided Animal Therapy. The new center allows Johns Hopkins to provide pets with many of the same advanced equipment and procedures that benefit humans, including imaging tools to diagnose pets and services involving image-guided biopsies and minimally invasive procedures. John Hopkins, renowned for its contributions to human medicine and unaffiliated with any veterinary schools, can now assist various veterinarians from outside practices who need to bring dogs, cats, and more exotic pet patients to the university for advanced diagnostic scans and therapies. The cost for these imaging procedures is no small sum for pet owners, yet it's no surprise that so many pet owners are willing to foot the bill, especially considering that spending on veterinary services overall has been on the uptick.
In the soon-to-be-released report, “U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2015-2016,” Packaged Facts estimates that the veterinary services segment (including pet products sold through the channel) is the pet industry's second largest, with US$23 billion in revenue in 2014, up 5%. Solid growth is expected for the future, and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the veterinary services segment from 2014-19 is projected to be 5%.

Renew Biomass buys MFA Oil Biomass assets

Renew Biomass, a newly formed investor-owned company based in Springfield, Missouri, USA, has purchased MFA Oil Biomass assets effective April 15, 2015.
MFA Oil Biomass was formed in 2010 between MFA Oil and Aloterra Energy. The joint venture created a vertically integrated, renewable supply chain combining the knowledge of energy markets with the farming knowledge of MFA Oil members. The renewable crop chosen was Miscanthus giganteus, a perennial grass known for its hardiness.
Renew Biomass produces all-natural, high-fiber Miscanthus grass suited for the pet food market. Miscanthus grass has been tested and approved as an excellent replacement for fiber sources in pet foods. Miscanthus offers an alternative replacement for fiber sources such as cellulose, tomato pomace and others typically used in pet food. Based on recent nutritional data, Renew Biomass’ product is 83.5% dietary fiber.

Miscanthus grass has been tested and approved as an excellent replacement for fiber sources in pet foods.

In November 2014, MFA Oil successfully purchased Aloterra’s interest in MFA Oil Biomass, and has now sold all of the company’s assets to Renew Biomass.
“We are eager to move forward with Miscanthus production in the Midwest and are exploring new market potential that will add a lot of value to the biomass industry,” said Cal Boender, Renew Biomass president.
Renew Biomass will continue to work with local farmers to grow and harvest Miscanthus, processing the crop at their nearby conversion facility in Aurora, Missouri, USA. The Miscanthus project areas will be located in mid-Missouri, southwest Missouri and northeast Arkansas.
Currently, the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is capable of processing 9 tons per hour. “While we are capable of high-volume production, quality and consistency is key. Our proprietary processes and systematic screening allow us to produce a product with an incredible amount of consistency,” said Dustin Dover, Renew Biomass chief operating officer.