Big Heart Pet Brands net income down in third quarter

Big Heart Pet Brands’ third quarter net income was US$33 million, down from US$34.2 million the previous year.

The company’s operating income was up 26.8% to US$104.5 million, driven partially by new products sales. Net sales were up 2.5% to US$589.9 million, due to the success of Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, the relaunch of Milo's Kitchen, Meow Mix Tender Centers with Vitality Bursts, and Kibbles n' Bits American Grill.
“Big Heart Pet Brands delivered solid results as our investments in innovation continued to build momentum,” said Dave West, president and CEO of Big Heart Pet Brands. “Our snacks portfolio, particularly Milk-Bone and Milo’s Kitchen, once again delivered strong growth as we continue to expand our leadership in dog snacks.”
In February, the J.M. Smucker Company announced that it will acquire Big Heart Pet Brands for US$5.8 billion, including US$2.6 billion of net debt. The purchase marks Smucker's entrance into the petfood and snacks category and expands its overall presence in consumer packaged goods.
“We are looking forward to joining Smucker,” West said. “Given the strong alignment of the companies’ purpose and values, I’m confident that Smucker is a great fit. Our iconic petfood and snack brands have significant growth potential and Smucker will provide the resources as well as the scale to help our brands continue to grow.”

Dr. Tim, Dr. Tim's Pet Food, wins America's favorite vet award

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has named Dr. Tim Hunt of Bayshore Veterinary Clinic in Marquette, Michigan, as the 2014 winner of the "America's Favorite Veterinarian" contest. Hunt was nominated by Kris Mitchell, a client at Bayshore Veterinary Clinic (which Hunt established in 1993). Mitchell nominated Hunt because he willingly performed a cesarean section on her bulldog on Christmas morning.

The contest was inaugurated in 2013 via the AVMF’s Facebook page, and celebrates the relationship pet owners share with their veterinarians. In 2014 the contest grew to allow the public to vote to select the winner. The twenty finalists selected received over 86,000 votes from across the country. Hunt received over 12,000 votes to secure the title.
Hunt is a Detroit native. He earned his undergraduate degree and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. In addition to his work as a small animal veterinarian, Hunt serves as a volunteer veterinarian in Alaska for the Iditarod and has founded the Alaska Veterinary Rural Program, where he conducts spay/neuter clinics and provides veterinary care in impoverished villages.
"I am very proud and honored to have been voted the winner of the 2014 America's Favorite Veterinarian contest conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation," said Hunt. "I cannot say just how thankful I am for all that voted. I am so lucky to have such a great staff at Bayshore Veterinary Hospital and supportive family in that we all share a mutual love for animals and it really shows. Thank you Marquette, Michigan, a small town of 20,000 people and all those from various places around the USA. Honestly, I am speechless.

"To the 19 other finalists in the contest, thank you for being such great vets. Your great work has surely been noticed by many people and is appreciated more than you will ever realize."

Purina Pro Plan pet food brand hosts 'great dog' video contest

Purina Pro Plan petfood brand is asking pet owners across the country to put their dog's greatness on display in the "How is Your Dog Great?" video contest. The contest will select one grand-prize winner to be featured in an upcoming Pro Plan commercial that will be unveiled at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show, a trip to the dog show, and a free year's supply of Pro Plan brand dog food.
Now through August 27, pet owners can go to Purina Pro Plan's YouTube channel and upload a short video (two minutes or less) that demonstrates moments along their dog's journey toward greatness that inspire others to discover the greatness in their own dog.
An independent panel of judges will select 10 finalists, evaluating each entry based on the originality, creativity and composition of the video. Then, the top 10 finalists' videos will be up on the Purina Pro Plan YouTube channel for the public to vote on their favorite, starting on or around September 10 through October 8. The grand-prize winner will then be chosen by a combination of judges' scores and public votes. Contest rules and entry forms are available online.
"Premiering the winning video on the dog world's ultimate stage, the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, gives us the opportunity to recognize incredible dogs from all walks of life," said Robert Tochterman, senior brand manager of Purina Pro Plan. "We hope to inspire all dog owners to discover and celebrate the greatness that lies within their dogs." 

Eukanuba brand awarded 'Superbrand' status in three markets

Proctor & Gamble Pet Care's Eukanuba brand was recognized with “Superbrand” status in the three markets of Croatia, Hungary and South Africa.
The award honors a market’s strongest brands for exceptional achievements, excellence in branding and outstanding credibility.
“The 'Superbrand' status will help us to create an even more discerning brand identity in the three markets,” said Richard Pistori, P&G Pet Care commercial director for central and eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Top scoring petfood brands in eco-friendliness ranking

Just three of 30 popular petfood brands received top scores in a ranking of eco-friendliness by Greenopia.
Greenopia collected data from petfood manufacturers and independent sources about many product factors, such as ingredients, packaging, animal testing policies and green building design. The brands were rated on a green-leaf-system, with companies receiving extra points for the implementation of environmental initiatives.
Top scoring brands got a four-green-leaf award and included the Karma Organics line from Natura Pet Products, The Honest Kitchen and Raw Advantage. Nearly one-third of the brands evaluated got the lowest, zero-leaf rating, including Friskees, Iams and Purina.

What do you think about the new dog food from HSUS?

Did you hear the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is coming out with a line of dog food? It's called Humane Choice , and HSUS says it is cruelty free, all natural and certified organic. The main protein source is soy.
I’m not surprised by the type of product HSUS is launching nor its professed reasons: “to offer consumers a wholesome and nutritious dog food that does not contain animal-based proteins or support the factory farming industry,” according to a press release. “It’s an opportunity to support our work confronting animal cruelty,” a spokeswoman added.
But I have to confess surprise that an organization like HSUS would even enter this marketplace. ..Read the full blog on www.petfood-connection.com.

Pedigree re-launched in India

Pedigree, a dog food brand by Mars Inc., has been re-launched in India along with a new range of snacks and treats, according to a news report.
Nitin Kulkarni, director of corporate affairs, Mars International India, said the Indian market offers tremendous opportunity for the company.
The US-based Mars Inc. is looking to increase its retail presence in India with hopes of achieving a retail sales value of $US1 billion this year from the product.

Australia withdraws irradiation option for petfood treatment

Australia will not allow importers to irradiate imported cat food to reduce microbial hazards, according to a news report. The decision follows reports of possible links between irradiated food and neurological damage.
Though studies have found food irradiation safe, it can reduce vitamin content. In November 2008, University of Sydney’s Dr. Georgina Child reportedly found an association between irradiated cat food and neurological damage in cats, according to Sydney Morning Herald.
In June, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service stated it would withdraw the irradiation option for imported cat food but not imported dog food.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved irradiation for several types of food, including petfood, but the process is not widespread in the US.

ASA challenges MPM leading brand claim

MPM Products has been cited by the Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom) for an advertisement pitting its Applaws cat food brand against Town & Country's HiLife, according to a news report.
Town & Country challenged MPM’s charges and asked MPM to prove its claims of Applaws being the leading brand in most UK pet stores.
In its defense, MPM provided data showing sales of Applaws from May 2008 to April 2009 and sales growth in 2008 were greater than the combined sales of three other cat food brands including HiLife, in the second and third leading specialist pet stores in the country.
ASA has rejected the ad, saying the data could not substantiate MPM's "leading brand" claims.

People less likely to switch pet brands

A recent poll by ICOM found 59% of people surveyed switched from national brands to private labels for food and household products in the last six months.
However, only 23% of people surveyed switched from national brands to private labels for pet care products, suggesting there is still a lack of trust in private label goods for specific product categories, according to an article from The Retail Bulletin.
Pet owners cannot test the pet products themselves and therefore are uncertain of its quality and less likely to switch from a brand they trust, according to Aldi UK boss Paul Foley.