Revealed: Top 100 pet industry stories of 2024
It has been an amazing and eventful year for the UK pet industry with lots of companies making headline news (good and bad) as well as scores of exciting and innovative new products being launched. In this final Pet Trade Xtra bulletin of the year, what better way to look back on 2024 than through the Top 100 best-read stories?
The most read story in 2024 was the sale of the award-winning HOWND business, founded by Mark Hirschel and Jo Amit, to Pets Choice.
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Merry Christmas to all Pet Trade Xtra readers
This is the final issue of Pet Trade Xtra for 2024. We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for your continued interest in our weekly newsletter and just to let you know we'll be back on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
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Burns Pet Shop at Haverfordwest Showground in Pembrokeshire is to close its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve after a planning application was turned down by the local council.
Owners Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd announced the decision on the store’s Facebook page, stating:
“Dear customers, it is with great regret that Burns Retail & Hospitality Ltd has to announce the closure of our lovely pet shop at Haverfordwest Showground on Tuesday 24th December 2024.
“Despite significant time, cost and effort over many years, planning permission has repeatedly been denied by Pembrokeshire County Council and we have no other option but to close the shop.
“Considering our shop is surrounded by many other retail businesses immediately adjacent, this is a frustrating interpretation and unfortunately will mean valued employees losing their jobs and customers having to travel further afield for their Burns products.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our many wonderful customers who have supported us over the years. We would also like to thank our staff for their hard work and commitment to the shop, which has made it the success it is.”
The John Burns Foundation, which owsn and runs a nearby dog park, is actively seeking solutions to keep it open. It will be closed until further notice.
Another Burns Pet Shop, located in Narberth on Moorfield Road, is set to stay open.
Picture of Burns Pet Shop Haverfordwest taken from the store's Facebook page.
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Spending on pets set to hit £1bn this Christmas
New research from Pets at Home reveals that over two-thirds (68%) of pet owners are ready to treat their furry friends this festive season, with many planning to spend up to £50 each. Collectively, UK pet lovers are set to splash an incredible £1.1 billion on their pets this Christmas...
New research from Pets at Home reveals that over two-thirds (68%) of pet owners are ready to treat their furry friends this festive season, with many planning to spend up to £50 each. Collectively, UK pet lovers are set to splash an incredible £1.1 billion on their pets this Christmas.
Even grandparents are taking gift giving to a new level as 43% of ‘grandpets’ are due to receive presents from their owner’s parents.
While one in four (29%) of pet owners also expect friends and family to bring gifts for their pets – a heartwarming nod to the growing trend of treating pets like part of the family.
The research also reveals that almost a quarter (24%) plan to hang stockings filled with goodies, whilst 14% are prepping Christmas Eve boxes packed with treats and toys.
Additionally, one in ten (11%) are organising festive treasure hunts to keep their pups entertained on the big day. But worryingly, a quarter (23%) of pet owners will even wrap their pets’ gifts with wrapping paper, bows, ribbons and tape!
Dr Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS (Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home), comments: “Christmas is an exciting time for all the family, including our pets, but it’s important to keep them safe. Ribbons and tape can be hazardous for pets so instead, wrap their presents in blankets or sheets for them to uncover.
“If you are planning a Christmas treasure hunt, choose dog-friendly treats and be mindful of festive foods that are dangerous for your pets – to name a few, chocolate, macadamia nuts and raisins should all be saved for us humans.
“Create a safe environment by keeping tinsel and ornaments out of reach and remember that festivities can become overwhelming, so try to provide a quiet, stress-free space for pets to retreat to if they need a break.”
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Family-owned Pets & Friends, which currently operates with 19 outlets, has revamped its second store at Mapperley Plains, Nottingham.
The successful pet store and grooming salon in Mapperley next to Sainsburys local will continue to operate as Pets & Friends and Pets Parlour but has received investment in new décor, products and more, with the store complete on Saturday, just in time for Christmas.
Store manager Dan Corcoran said: “The response from customers has already been amazing. We’re pleased to be the second store to receive a revamp and can now offer customers much more in store.
“Our team are trained and happy to help with all your pet needs from grooming to personalised nutrition plans, free weight checks and harness fittings or just for general pet advice in store.”
The Mapperley store also features a Pets Parlour spa and grooming which provides grooming services for all pets from dogs to cats and small animals with customers now able to book both in store and online.
Pets are always welcome in store, with free samples often available.
Location: Pets & Friends, 333 Mapperley Plains, Nottingham NG3 5RG.
The location of all 19 stores can be found at www.petsandfriends.co.uk/pages/store-locator
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Jollyes has handed over £5,000 to the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals after beginning fundraising for the charity in October.
The NFRSA helps support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.
Retired service animals do not receive any additional funds to support their care and upkeep once they are retired, and with affordable insurance being largely unavailable due to their age and training, medical and vets bills can become a worrying challenge for owners.
The NFRSA’s mission is to fill this gap in funding and support, helping keep retired animals with the families that have cared for them throughout their lives, and who may not otherwise be able to afford the costs of their care, by assisting with those medical costs. Since the charity’s launch in 2022, it has already given grants in excess of £100,000.
As The Pet People, Jollyes began working to support the important work that the NFRSA is doing keeping these amazing animals with the families they love as their years advance.
Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores are raising money for NFRSA through collection boxes in their stores.
Customer donations are being matched by Jollyes to maximise the work that the NFRSA is able to do in supporting retired service animals and their owners and today’s first donation of £5,000 includes money donated by customers, and a Jollyes match.
Images of retired service animals supported by NFRSA across the UK are being added to community boards in each of Jollyes’ stores with local service animals helping open new Jollyes stores as guests of honour.
Jollyes’ most recent store openings at Leyland, Cardiff and East Kilbride all had special VIP appearances from members of the NFRSA family, with retired service animals biting through strings of sausages to declare each store open.
The NFRSA aims to use funds raised from its partnership with Jollyes to establish regional hubs across the UK to support with local support and fundraising efforts for retired service animals.
The first donation has also enabled the NFRSA to create and sell a 2025 calendar featuring some of the gorgeous animals the charity supports, which has raised £10,000.
NFRSA founder The Countess Bathurst said: “We are incredibly grateful to wonderful Jollyes for welcoming the NFRSA into their family. The ethos of Jollyes is the care and well-being of pets across the UK, and as a charity we share that same passion. The year ahead means we can work together to ensure our heroic retired service animals are guaranteed the happy, safe, and above all healthy retirement they deserve.”
Jollyes chief executive officer Joe Wykes said: “It’s been a great to start to our partnership with the Foundation. Our colleagues and customers understand the importance of the work they do for the animals who spend their working lives protecting us.”
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Leading raw pet food company Mersey Raw has introduced a trio of limited edition new recipes, which will delight any dog and allow them to join in with their own Christmas dinner in a healthy and nutritious way.
Whole Festive Pheasant Mince contains 80% pheasant mince, 10% Pheasant Bone and 10% Pheasant Offal and as the name suggests, contains the whole bird. Sourced from Mersey Raw’s trusted supplier, pheasant is a great source of lean protein and is rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamins B6, B12, phosphorous and iron. Lean meat such as pheasant is ideal for dogs that may require a lower-fat diet. RRP £2.85.
Reindeer, Duck & Apple Mince contains 70% Venison and Duck meat, 10% Venison Offal (5% Liver, 5% Heart & Lung), 5% Duck Bone and 5% Apple. Venison is once again a lean meat containing multiple vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of energy, a Novel Protein so ideal for dogs with intolerances or allergies and dogs enjoy the flavour. Duck is a good source amino and fatty acids, B vitamins and ideal for dogs that are picky eaters. RRP £3.00.
Finally, Mersey Raw’s Turkey, Pork and Cranberry Mince contains 70% Turkey and Pork Mince, 10% Turkey Offal (5% Liver, 5% Heart & Lung) and 10% Cranberries. The high-quality turkey meat is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy muscle growth, skin and coat health, and overall wellbeing. Turkey is an excellent source of essential amino acids, iron, and zinc, which help to support your dog's immune system and keep them healthy and happy. Additionally, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in turkey help to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and shiny. Turkey mince is easy to digest and perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. Pork is also a highly digestible source of protein. Cranberries are regarded as a superfood, they help to prevent urinary tract infections, support the heart, promote a healthy gut and immune system. RRP £3.00.
All recipes are available in 500g tubs. Mersey Raw also offers a limited edition bundle package which includes:
- 2 X Turkey minces
- 2 X Reindeer, Duck and Apple minces
- 2 X Turkey Pork and Cranberry minces
- 2 X Whole Festive Pheasant minces
- 1 X Antler Chew
- 1 X Turkey Cubes
- 1 X Axel Elixir Festive Turkey Happy Bones
RRP £40.00
Mersey Raw offers an impressive range of boneless, offal and complete mince recipes as well as Mersey natural treats using quality human grade meats such as chicken, pork, lamb, beef, venison, turkey, rabbit, duck, tripe, goose and even goat. All meat is DEFRA approved and with 20 recipes to choose from, there is something there for even the most sensitive of tummies.
With next day delivery seven days a week directly To Your Door and the convenience of resealable fridge safe, environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging in 500 g and 1 kg pack sizes, Mersey Raw takes all the hassle and worry out of feeding your dog a raw diet from quality products to quality service.
For further information visit: www.merseyraw.com
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Countrywide Bird Food, produced by Albert E James & Son, has launched some new eye-catching designs for its wild bird, aviary and pigeon ranges.
The new designs also include some exciting new small and medium bags of wild bird and aviary mixes and straights.
The new designs and smaller bags were showcased at PATS 2024, as well as Garden Centre Expo at Excel London.
Albert E James & Son has been proudly producing bird seed since 1962 and is renowned for its carefully-selected, high quality and dust-free mixes; and many of its mixes are used by top show breeders.
Managing Director Joe Mogg said: “It’s been fantastic to receive so much positive feedback from buyers and the industry. We feel that the new packs offer something fresh and engaging and should have a lot of shelf-appeal.”
The expanded range of wild bird food features eight wild bird mixes in 1.7kg and 3.5kg bags, as well as a selection of wild bird straights.
The range includes:
- Garden Wild Bird Mix
- High Energy Wild Bird Mix
- No Grow Wild Bird Mix
- No Mess Premium Wild Bird Mix
- Robin & Songbird Mix
- Superior Wild Bird Mix
- Summer Season Wild Bird Mix
- Four Seasons Wild Bird Mix
The new small and medium bag aviary mixes include many of their most popular product lines including:
- Best Budgie Mix (1.7kg)
- Special Budgie Mix (1.7kg)
- Premium Canary & Yellow Biscuit Mix (1.7kg)
- Foreign Finch Mix (1.7kg)
- Parakeet & Cockatiel Mix (1.7kg)
- Parrot Mix (2.5kg)
- Super Deluxe Parrot with Fruit Mix (2.5kg)
A selection of complementary straights are also available.
To open a new trade account or for more information, please email sales@aejames.com or call 01275 463496.
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New research reveals biggest risk factors for puppies
New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Dogs Trust, has identified experiences in a puppy’s early life that put them at the greatest risk of developing separation-related behaviours (SRBs) when left home alone...
New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Dogs Trust, has identified experiences in a puppy’s early life that put them at the greatest risk of developing separation-related behaviours (SRBs) when left home alone.
These include how much sleep a puppy receives and if they sleep in an enclosed space, the use of reward and aversive training techniques, the effectiveness of house training, the age of owners and how much owners fussed over their dog when reunited, in the first study of its kind.
Canine SRBs are of concern because they can be associated with poor animal welfare. SRBs often manifest when an owner is absent and include destructive behaviour such as chewing and scratching; vocal behaviours such as barking, howling and whining; defecation or urination in the home; and repetitive behaviours such as spinning or pacing.
Despite these behaviours being identified in approximately 50% of dogs, the factors that lead to SRBs in puppies are poorly understood, making them difficult to prevent. Therefore, this study set out to explore early life risk factors for the development of SRBs with a view to making recommendations for future research and prevention strategies to improve dog welfare.
The study was led by Dr Fiona Dale, when a PhD student at the RVC, alongside Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science at the RVC, and Dogs Trust’s Dr Rachel Casey, Director of Strategy and Transformation, and Dr Jane Murray, Deputy Head of Research (Generation Pup & Welfare Research).
The study was conducted using data from 145 owners living in the UK and the Republic of Ireland with puppies up to six months of age who were participating in the Dogs Trust-funded longitudinal study ‘Generation Pup’.
Researchers carried out an exploratory risk factor analysis to investigate and quantify associations between dog and owner factors and specific environmental experiences in early life, and their effect on owner-reported SRB occurrence in six-month-old puppies.
The key findings included that:
- 46.9% of puppies in this study displayed SRBs at six months of age.
- The most commonly reported SRB expressed only when left alone was pacing (14.5%), followed by whining (7.6%) and spinning (6.9%).
- Puppies whose owners used more punishment/aversive techniques, such as telling off, smacking, or ignoring the dog, when responding to ‘bad’ behaviour at 16 weeks of age had an increased risk of SRBs at six months.
- Puppies whose owners reported ‘fussing’ over their dogs at six months in response to ‘bad’ behaviour upon their return, versus those whose owners responded in other ways, were six times more likely to display SRBs at six months of age.
- Dogs were less likely to develop SRBs if owners reported that, at less than 16 weeks old, puppies were restricted to crates/rooms overnight, compared with puppies who were not restricted in this way (daytime or overnight).
- Dogs whose owners reported that they had 9 or more hours of sleep per night (when aged 16 weeks or less) were less likely to develop SRBs than dogs reported to have 6-8 hours of sleep at night.
- Puppies with poor house training at less than 16 weeks were more likely to show SRBs at six months of age.
- Puppies trained using kibble (other than their normal dog food) and/or dog treats were more likely to develop SRBs, compared to dogs trained without these types of reward.
- Dogs belonging to younger owners (aged 16 to 34 years) had an increased risk of developing SRBs compared to owners aged 35 years and older.
- Other factors that were explored, including dog breed and sex, showed no significant association with SRB occurrence.
The study concluded that SRB development in dogs could therefore potentially be prevented by refraining from aversive training of puppies, enabling puppies to sleep for 9 or more hours a night in a crate or restricted to a room, and avoiding fussing over puppies in response to unwanted behaviour following separation. However, further research is now required to determine to what extent these factors play a role in causing dogs to develop SRBs, compared to being a symptom of them or other alternative explanations for the findings.
If any owner is concerned about their dog’s behaviour, they should contact their veterinary surgeon and/or an accredited animal behaviourist. Dogs Trust also offers a free, behaviour support line for owners seeking advice or help with more details on their website (https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/ownership/behaviour-support-line).
Fiona Dale, PhD student at the RVC, said: “Separation-related behaviours are often viewed as being a normal part of having a dog. However, dogs becoming extremely distressed when left home alone and barking, howling, or destroying furniture every day is heartbreaking.
“There has been relatively little research to date into whether the early experiences of puppies influence if they develop SRBs later in their lives. Our findings suggested that how owners responded to their puppies’ behaviour across different contexts was associated with the development of SRBs. In particular, aversive techniques (e.g. shouting at the puppy) when responding to ‘bad’ behaviour and fussing during reunions may lead to an increased risk of SRBs when puppies are six months of age.
“These results require further research but are exciting and may contribute to improving dog welfare by bringing about positive change regarding how owners approach responding to puppy ‘problem behaviours’.”
Dr Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science at the RVC, said: “Dogs can become highly stressed when left alone, so any evidence suggesting how to help puppies learn to relax during separation is much needed. For me, the finding that stands out most is that punishing or ignoring puppies is associated with more separation-related behaviour when they are older. This ties in with other evidence showing that punishment seems to make dogs more anxious in general. Learning to use rewards and praise in consistent and thoughtful ways, might really help puppies to become calmer and more resilient to all sorts of challenges, including being left alone.”
Jane Murray, Deputy Head of Research (Generation Pup & Welfare Grants), at Dogs Trust, said: “Separation-related behaviour can have serious welfare implications for dogs and be very problematic for owners. Data from Dogs Trust’s Generation Pup study provides the ideal opportunity to increase our knowledge of factors that might increase the likelihood of these behaviours developing. Further work will enable us to work towards strategies and advice to reduce the likelihood of separation-related behaviours developing in dogs in the future.”
This research was funded by Dogs Trust.
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Leading vet charity PDSA is urging pet owners to make sure decorations are well out of paw’s reach this Christmas, after a dog ate an entire metre of tinsel.
Eight-year-old crossbreed, Shylah, had to have emergency surgery to remove the length of tinsel, which she ate when she became scared of fireworks going off nearby.
Her owner, who prefers to remain anonymous, recalled: “It was last Christmas Eve and I was going about my day as normal when some fireworks went off nearby. Shylah became very nervous and on edge, I comforted her a little and tried to keep her calm. I popped upstairs but when I came down just minutes later I noticed some tinsel was missing from the mantelpiece.
“I wondered if Shylah might’ve eaten it, but it wasn’t until a bit later when she went off her food and was sick that I got really worried. I immediately called Wolverhampton PDSA Pet Hospital and they told me to bring her straight down.”
PDSA provides free and low-cost vet care to people struggling with vet fees, and is appealing for donations to help save lives and keep people and pets together this festive season. “The emergencies don’t stop coming just because it’s Christmas,” said Jane Cutler, Senior Vet at Wolverhampton PDSA. “As we saw with Shylah, pets can get into all sorts of scrapes and mishaps, and you never know when they might need urgent help. Many of our teams work throughout the Christmas period to ensure we can always offer help to those that need it.”
PDSA expects to see around 23,000 pets over the Christmas period, with many needing urgent or emergency care. They’re appealing for support to help keep their doors open, as they rely on public donations to run their vital services. Visit www.pdsa.org.uk/saveastar to see how you can help.
Once at PDSA, vets examined Shylah and were worried she was showing signs of having some kind of obstruction, so she was taken straight in for x-rays.
Jane continued: “The x-ray revealed a large mass in her stomach, which we could only assume was the missing tinsel. She needed emergency surgery right away, as if it made its way into her intestines it could cause potentially fatal damage. The operation went ahead, and we were all pretty shocked when we pulled the entire length of tinsel out of her in one piece!”
Shylah’s owner added: “Shylah is my world and I was worried sick when they said she had to have surgery. But they said the fact I’d acted so fast meant I’d saved things from potentially getting much worse. It was difficult waiting for news from the surgery, but I knew she was in good hands at PDSA.”
Luckily the operation was a success and Shylah was able to go home later that day. Her owner continued: “When I heard Shylah would be home for Christmas it was the most wonderful moment. Within a few days she was getting back to her normal self and has since fully recovered. It’s safe to say that from that moment I keep all decorations well out of Shylah’s reach!”
Last year alone PDSA saw over 430,000 pets – that’s 11 pets every minute. Their veterinary teams save lives, fix broken limbs, treat chronic conditions, and relieve suffering and pain – all of which keep people and pets together. Help save a star like Shylah this Christmas – visit www.pdsa.org.uk/saveastar to support pets in need.
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Launching its annual Pet Advent Calendar, Petplan has shared some key tips on how to keep dogs safe this Christmas – from the foods to be wary of to the Christmas decorations that can pose a risk.
Top tips for dog owners this Christmas:
- Avoid leaving food anywhere withing your pet’s reach: Chocolate, onions, nuts, blue cheese, fruit cakes, puddings and mince pies can all be toxic to dogs. Turkey bones can also be harmful as they can become lodged in the throat. Instead buy dog treats to keep your dog safe.
- Don’t forget to walk your dog regularly: Sticking to your pet’s exercise routine can help avoid unhealthy weight gain and calm your pet, which may lead to less disruptions when they are back at home among all the excitement!
- Christmas tree hazards: Regularly sweep up needles and close the door where the tree is kept to avoid your pet ingesting them and the needles getting stuck in your dog’s paw or throat.
- How to keep your dog comfortable: With guests visiting, changes to their routine and new smells can be overwhelming for dogs. It's a good idea to provide them with a safe room to go for some quiet.
For further information on keeping dogs safe this Christmas, please visit: https://www.petplan.co.uk/pet-information/dog/advice/keeping-your-pet-safe-this-christmas/
With Christmas just around the corner, Petplan have launched their annual Pet Advent Calendar giveaway from today until Christmas - open to all UK residents.
From smaller to larger prizes, see https://www.petplan.co.uk/advent for more details on how you can have a chance to win! Just go on to their website and enter your details for a chance to win toys for your dog. With prizes up for grabs for dogs, cats, rabbits and their humans too, there’s a tail-wagging gift on offer for everyone this Christmas. Keep returning every day for a new prize to win – from tennis balls to holiday e-vouchers!
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The aquarium industry will be in the spotlight once more in the Aqua Project area at next year's Zoomark in Bologna from 5th to 7th May 2025.
Located in Hall 29, the Aqua Project area will feature the main Italian and international companies in the aquarium and terrarium sector, who will be presenting their most important innovations.
The exhibition's partnership with the Italian association AIPA (Associazione Italiana Piccoli Animali) has also been confirmed for 2025
 "Once again AIPA has renewed its partnership with Zoomark to manage the Aqua Project area, thus highlighting the importance of the sector in the pet industry," commented Giovanni Zanon, Chairman of AIPA.
"We are delighted to say that many major brands in our sector will be taking part in Zoomark 2025, presenting a host of exciting innovations. This partnership will also help shine a light on the aquarium industry at an event of international standing, one of the key dates on the calendar. I firmly believe that visiting the next edition of Zoomark is a must not only for pet shops but also all those involved in the aquarium industry."
In the Aqua Project space visitors will be able to admire next generation aquariums and get a preview of the very best the industry has to offer, from food products delivering complete, balanced formulas for fish nutrition, to high tech accessories that boost energy efficiency and channel a contemporary, engaging design aesthetic.
The prestigious Italian and international companies showcased in the Aqua Project area at Zoomark 2025 include international brands such as Amtra, Aquael, Aquarialand, Aquatlantis, Artemia Koral, Askoll, Dajana Pet, Ferplast, Funhobby, Newa, Prodac, Red Sea, Sanko, Sera, Teco, Tropical, Zoo Med and many more.
The Aqua Project area will also benefit from Zoomark's brand-new layout, based on themed routes highlighting the most interesting market trends, such as sustainability, quality and innovation, designed to optimise the visitor experience and ensure that exhibitors receive a constant, steady flow of foot traffic.
In a scenario in which those choosing aquariums for their living spaces are increasingly interested in solutions that combine aesthetics and sustainability, and new generations of potential hobbyists have more of an awareness of technology and environmental issues, proactively informing consumers is essential when it comes to attracting new kinds of clients to this fascinating sphere, thus helping guarantee a bright future for the market.
Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager of Zoomark, explained: "In the Aqua Project area we will be presenting the latest trends in the aquarium industry in terms of innovation and research, giving companies in the sector an important opportunity for international visibility, as well as numerous training and educational activities."
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The best of last edition of Pet Trade Xtra
The top-read stories from last week's Pet Trade Xtra can be seen below, if you missed them...
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Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, has published new research that reveals the sustainability of packaging is a key factor for European pet owners when deciding which pet food to purchase.
The study – which gathered insights from 1,693 shoppers in the UK, France, Germany and Italy – set out to understand the priorities and purchasing decisions of pet owners. These insights help brands to understand pet owners’ preferences and gain a competitive edge.
Respondents rate the product’s health benefits and trust in the brand as the most important purchasing factors. Pet parents prioritise the health of their pet above all else when selecting pet food products. In fact, 20% of pet owners report having bought healthier products for their cats in the last 12 months, and more than 1 in 5 pet owners purchase nutritional supplements for their pets.
Other key takeaways of the report include:
1. Sustainability is a growing priority
Sustainability is a key factor for pet owners when deciding which pet food to purchase. 76% of pet owners agree that product sustainability influences their purchase decisions.
The findings also reveal that many of these environmentally-conscious consumers look to a product’s packaging to help them differentiate between more sustainable and less sustainable options. Emphasising this point, 69% of consumers agree that the sustainability of the packaging is an important factor.
2. Recyclability claims are trusted most by pet food shoppers
European pet owners also have a preference when it comes to packaging sustainability claims, and which claims they trust and understand. The study reveals that recyclability claims resonate best with consumers, followed by ‘less plastic’ and ‘less packaging’ in order of preference. The results also highlight that only 15% of consumers are not impacted at all by packaging claims, underscoring the value that pet owners place on packaging, and the impact it can have on a brand’s position in the market. To communicate these claims, clear on-pack messaging is vital. In fact, on-pack messaging is ranked as more important than brand identity and reputation, emphasising that trust in a brand can be reinforced with more sustainable, recycle-ready packaging.
3. Shoppers are reluctant to compromise on quality and pay a premium to ensure the wellbeing of their pet
Despite current cost-of-living pressures, 1 in 3 consumers (32%) have not changed their budget for pet food, demonstrating their commitment to purchasing high-quality products that contribute to the health of their pet. Instead of switching to less expensive products, pet owners are opting for larger pet food packs to increase cost-efficiency. For pet food brands, these findings affirm the move to larger, more sustainable packaging, such as Amcor’s recycle-ready Single Lip Bag. By offering larger packs, pet food brands can align with consumer preferences as well as maintain shelf life and product quality.
Madalina Mitru, Amcor's Marketing Manager, said: “The insights from the research illustrate how influential packaging is for pet food brands. Simply put, it directly drives purchasing decisions. By embracing more sustainable packaging solutions, pet food brands can make a stronger connection with their consumers.”
“Amcor launched the first recycle-ready retort pouch available on the wet pet food market – the AmLite® HeatFlex Recycle-Readypouch, and we continue to innovate in dry pet food packaging with our AmPrima® portfolio. Offering recycle-ready solutions with uncompromised product protection and run speeds, Amcor is committed to developing solutions that align with consumer preferences for both quality and sustainability, helping pet food brands get closer to their sustainability goals and appeal to pet parents.”
You can learn more about Amcor’s recycle-ready pet food solutions here: www.amcor.com/sustainability/products/amprima/afla/pet-care
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WHM Pet Group has contributed its considerable nutrition expertise to an important new European guide on feeding pet rabbits.
The 2024 Nutritional Guidelines for Feeding Pet Rabbits has been produced by FEDIAF, the voice of the European Pet Food Industry, with contributions from Penny Ormsby, Technical Business Development Manager at WHM Pet Group.
FEDIAF is the spokesperson for approximately 375 companies, across 18 countries, largely with the European Union, but also Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. One of its main objectives is to maintain the wellbeing of pets through the provision of safe, well balanced and nutritionally sound pet food by its member companies.
The new guidelines provide the latest practical advice and scientifically backed recommendations for the optimal health and wellbeing of pet rabbits, considering both nutritionally ‘complete’ and ‘complementary’ diets, designed to be fed alongside forage and fresh foodstuffs.
Penny Ormsby was one of a team of experts who contributed to the Nutritional Guidelines for Feeding Pet Rabbits. The guidelines were originally drafted on behalf of FEDIAF by UK Pet Food and finalised with guidance from external experts within FEDIAF. The 2024 revised version was initiated by FEDIAF and with support from UK Pet Food has been updated but guest contributors and reviewed by external experts.
“As an active member of UK Pet Food we are delighted to have contributed to the guidelines to advance the overall health and wellbeing of Rabbits,” said Sam Marriage, Managing Director of WHM Pet Group. “The objectives of the Guidelines are a true reflection of what we aim to achieve across our portfolio of feeds: a comprehensive, high-quality feed range that’s healthy, nutritious and delicious.”
The 2024 Nutritional Guidelines for Feeding Pet Rabbits is now available at www.fediaf.org.
WHM Pet Group supplies retailers and farmers with premium quality wild bird, indoor bird, small animal, racing pigeon, pig, poultry and ruminant feeds.
For further information visit: https://www.marriages.co.uk/
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New directors join OATA Board
Two new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board. Jeremy Gay of Fishkeeping News and Mark Smith of Pets at Home join the 15 other voluntary Directors...
Two new directors were welcomed to the OATA Board at the trade association’s Annual General Meeting held on 4 December.
 
Jeremy Gay of Fishkeeping News and Mark Smith of Pets at Home join the 15 other voluntary Directors who make up the OATA Board.
EcoMarines’ Laura Carlin continues in the second year of her two-year stint at the helm before she hands over to Dr Donna Snellgrove, of Mars Petcare, who is current Vice Chair. OATA also said goodbye to Ben Bowles of Pets at Home and Ben Windeatt of Pets Choice who stepped down prior to the AGM.
OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee said: “We are very grateful to all those business people who volunteer their time to sit on our Board and offer their thoughts and expertise on our work programmes. The OATA team could not achieve what we do without their help and we look forward to hearing contributions from our two new Directors.”
OATA’s Board of Directors is currently made up of 17 people who represent the whole of the industry, from wholesalers and manufacturers to importers and retailers. The complete OATA Board of Directors is now made up of:
- Laura Carlin, EcoMarines
- Robert Edgecock, Independent Aquatic Imports Ltd
- Caroline Everett, Anglo Aquatic Plants Co Ltd
- Jeremy Gay, Fishkeeping News
- Neil Hardy, Neil Hardy Aquatica Ltd
- Paul Hughes, Advanced Aquarium Consulting
- Phil Jones, Kingston Koi Company
- Simon Langdale, Maidenhead Aquatics
- Philip Lawton, Kidsgrove Tropicals
- Rob Peck, The Coral Centre
- Max Pedley, Ornamental Aquatics Wholesale
- Brian Schaff, TMC
- Mark Smith, Pets at Home
- Pete Smith, Aquasense (UK) Ltd
- Dr Donna Snellgrove, Mars Petcare
- Matt Stevenson, Seneye
- Maurits van de Pol, Aquadistri UK Ltd
There is still one vacancy on the Board, which is usually made up of 18 people. If you are interested in finding out more about what it takes to join the OATA board then you can join as an observer under the New Blood scheme. To find out more about what this involves call the OATA office on 07946 167121.
Watch the AGM highlights video here on the OATA YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/Oaa_Rgt1e8U
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