The organisers of PATS have today announced that the exhibition will move to the NEC Birmingham in 2025. PATS 2025 – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – will take place in Hall 1 of the NEC from Sunday, 28th September to Tuesday, 30th September.
The organisers of PATS have today announced that the exhibition will move to the NEC Birmingham in 2025.
PATS 2025 – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show – will take place in Hall 1 of the NEC from Sunday, 28th September to Tuesday, 30th September.
News of the move was released during this year’s PATS, which has attracted a record number of more than 340 exhibitors to the Telford International Centre in Shropshire.
The continued growth and success of the exhibition – now in its 15th year – has meant that PATS has outgrown its present home.
“The Telford International Centre has been a brilliant venue for us,” said show director Gordon Thomas. “We have hosted highly successful PATS shows here since 2015 as the exhibition has continued to grow in size.”
“It will be sad to leave Telford but the demand for exhibitor stand space keeps growing. The decision to move to Hall 1 at the NEC Birmingham means we will be able to accommodate 500 UK and international exhibitors at PATS 2025 – all together in one hall and under one roof.”
The NEC Birmingham is the UK’s largest exhibition centre and its central location offers retailers and buyers superb transport links. As well as being located in the heart of the country’s motorway network close to junction 6 of the M42, it also has direct rail links to major cities plus Birmingham International Airport on its doorstep. There are over 16,500 onsite car parking spaces at the NEC, hotels to fit all budgets, and a wide range of purpose-built catering facilities to suit all tastes.
PATS has experienced tremendous growth since launching its first exhibition at Sandown Park in 2009, and the key to its success has been a willingness to develop as a result of listening to feedback from both exhibitors and visitors.
This year’s PATS has seen the introduction of an extra show day and the new Aquatics Zone, a dedicated hall for reptile, aquatics and watergardening exhibitors. The reaction to PATS 2024 has been fantastic, with packed halls buzzing with activity on the first two days.
“We’re really proud of the fact that PATS is held in such regard by the UK and international pet industries,” added Gordon. “This year’s show has been a huge success so far, and we’re confident the next step for PATS – the move to the NEC Birmingham – will continue that upward trend.”
You can find out what people are saying about this year's PATS by watching this video produced on the second day of the show...
You can find out what people are saying about this year's PATS by watching this video produced on the second day of the show. Click on the video below to watch...
The biggest-ever PATS closed on a high with exhibitors and visitors delighted by the huge volume of business being done across all three days of the show. The new three-day format proved a huge hit, with the final day continuing in the same busy vein as pet retailers and industry professionals arrived at Telford International Centre to see the array of innovations coming to market.
The biggest-ever PATS closed on a high with exhibitors and visitors delighted by the huge volume of business being done across all three days of the show.
The new three-day format proved a huge hit, with the final day continuing in the same busy vein as pet retailers and industry professionals arrived at Telford International Centre to see the array of innovations coming to market.
With more than 340 exhibitors showcasing hundreds of new products in all three halls of Telford International Centre, it proved to be a record-breaker.
There was also a lot of excitement around the news that PATS was moving to the NEC Birmingham in 2025.
Simon Lane, director of Ancol Pet Products, said: “It has been an excellent show and we’ve experienced three good days of meeting quality visitors, both current and new customers. I think the move to the NEC is a very positive step, especially for our customers, because of its central location and good transport links.”
This view was shared by Johnson’s Veterinary Products. Matthew Gwynn, sales & digital marketing manager, commented: “This has been the busiest-ever show for us with great quality visitors and lots of opportunity to network with key accounts. We also think it’s a terrific platform for next year, especially as we’re really excited about the move to the NEC. With the venue being so close to Birmingham International airport, we’re confident it will bring in even more international interest.”
Daniel Vander, managing director of We.pet, agreed it will also attract more international interest. “We’ve had an excellent show with key decision makers coming to the stand, and we look forward to the prospect of an increasing number of overseas buyers travelling to next year’s show.”
And Colin Rodger, director of Bern Pet Foods, added: “I think the NEC move will encourage even more visitors to the show.”
London-based retailer Guiseppe Bloom-Mangione, founder of Muthapuppa, welcomed the news of PATS moving to the NEC. He said: “Getting to the show in future will certainly be easier for me, and for many others, I expect. It’s important to attend an exhibition like PATS, and any initiative that makes the process less stressful is very welcome.”
This year’s extended PATS also got the thumbs-up from Greg Van Praagh, head of UK at RPFC Group, whose brands include Benyfit Natural and Billy + Margot. “I’m a big advocate of having three show days because it gives you more time to spend with clients. PATS keeps growing in a good way because it gives more companies – big and small, old and new – the platform to make their mark. I had a look at the New Starter Zone and loved the buzz that these new companies were creating. PATS is great for the UK pet industry.”
Visitor Toni Thornton, managing director ofFour Oaks Pet Supplies, Scarborough, agreed, stating: “We’ve come to PATS for the whole three days because you just can’t do it justice in only two. We deal with the whole spectrum of the pet industry, spending day one wandering through the halls to see what catches our eye and day two doing our buying – but we’ve found that by the end of the second day we haven’t always got round to everyone. So the third day is a real bonus. There is less of a rush to get it all done and we can spend more time building relationships and ensuring we’ve caught all the deals and found all the new products we might want to stock. PATS is an important highlight of the year and we wouldn’t want to miss any of it!”
This year’s PATS featured the new Aquatics Zone – a dedicated hall for the key aquatics, reptile and watergardening exhibitors showcasing their latest launches.
Cyril Geoffray, UK & Ireland national sales manager for Zoo Med, was busy on his stand throughout the exhibition. “We’ve been rushed off our feet on all three days. It has been an excellent show and I love the fact you can spend more time with visitors. I will definitely need a larger stand in 2025.”
And John Roberts, of Cloveleaf added: “The quality of customers visiting our stand has been excellent. Winning a New Product Award was an extra bonus because it will help to promote the product.”
Retailer Mark Warren, a partner at West Dorset Aquatics, welcomed the introduction of the Aquatics Zone, saying: “We’ve missed going to Aqua so we’re really happy to be visiting the dedicated aquatics hall at PATS. We’ve come to see the new products, find out about deals on offer and meet people face to face. It’s also a great opportunity for networking with other shops and companies and building new relationships – something we have missed out on during the Covid years.”
The pet industry now looks forward to the next PATS at the NEC Birmingham, taking place over three days from Sunday, 28th September, to Tuesday, 30th September 2025.
Pets Choice has announced a record financial year, surpassing the £100 million turnover milestone for 2023. The North-West based company, which is behind brands including Webbox, Bob Martin, Felight and TastyBone, reported a revenue increase from £95 million to £109.7 million for the year ending 31st December 2023.
Pets Choice has announced a record financial year, surpassing the £100 million turnover milestone for 2023.
The North-West based company, which is behind brands including Webbox, Bob Martin, Felight and TastyBone, reported a revenue increase from £95 million to £109.7 million for the year ending 31st December 2023.
This growth is largely attributed to Pets Choice’s strategic brand acquisitions, including the plant-based pet care brand HOWND and premium pet food brand Vet’s Kitchen, enhancing its presence in the premium pet care sector.
Additionally, new product development, innovation and improved distribution across its core brands has contributed significantly to the company’s performance.
With a strong emphasis on innovation and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of pet owners, Pets Choice remains well-positioned to further strengthen its market presence in the years ahead.
Tony Raeburn, CEO at Pets Choice, said: “We have come a long way in the last few years and to pass through £100m revenues is a milestone for the business.
“However, like any good privately owned business we are re-investing massively into both our brands and infrastructure so that we can continue to drive growth and job security, and we look forward to the future.”
The PetQuip Awards dinner saw awards presented across 15 categories at a buzzing evening with 300 guests representing suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and industry trade exhibition organisers...
Frozzys was a big winner, picking up two golds.
The PetQuip Awards dinner saw awards presented across 15 categories at a buzzing evening with 300 guests representing suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and industry trade exhibition organisers.
New awards for this year included two people-focused categories, Rising Star and Employee of the Year.
The Rising Star award, sponsored by Noble Futures, includes a bursary, courtesy of the sponsor, for the winner to use for personal development. The winner was Clara Hewson from The Muzzle Movement.
The judges found Employee of the Year so hard to judge that they awarded joint gold winners for two people who work in very different parts of the pet care sector. The awards went to Charmain Cane from We.pet Independent Wholesale and Michelle Williams from Associated Veterinary Services.
A delighted Charmain said: “I am over the moon. To hear myself described by my colleagues as ‘the glue that holds the team together’ was very special. I was shocked to be nominated, so you can imagine my delight at winning this award.”
An additional new award for best marketing campaign saw an excellent, high quality set of entries, which shone a light on the creativity and innovation from marketing teams across the sector. This category also resulted in joint gold awards, to Frozzys for its celebration pack campaign and Pawsome Pets Boutique for its Disney campaign.
Jackie Kirk, Marketing and Innovations at Frozzys commented: “The Frozzys team were delighted to pick up the gold award for Best Trade Marketing Campaign. The campaign was developed to mark our 10 year anniversary with the new Limited Edition Celebration Pack. Our small team achieved remarkable success in launching the pack nationwide, demonstrating the power of creativity, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
“We were so happy to see a marketing award added to the prestigious categories at the PetQuip awards, recognising the hard work that goes in to execute a successful, multi-channel campaign.”
The awards evening included trophies presented to multiple, independent and overseas retailers, with the gold winner for international retailer of the year represented by three of its senior directors, who were thrilled by this independent recognition of the high standards and expert personnel the company employs. Kölle Zoo has 24 experience stores, with welfare and animal friendly husbandry at its heart.
The UK multiple retailer gold award was won by Jollyes and UK independent retailer was won by Trusty Pet Supplies.
The final award of the evening, for Lifetime Achievement, was presented to Celia Hammond, whose original glamorous career focussed her attention on animal cruelties and who then used her high profile to change the views of the UK public on cruel animal practices. She then decided to devote her life to improving the care and lives of stray and feral animals in the UK.
With the move of PATS to the NEC in 2025, the PetQuip Awards dinner will take place alongside the exhibition as usual.
Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip, said: “Our whole team was delighted to celebrate so many successes in this innovative industry across product development, marketing, export, skilled team members and retailers. With a record-breaking attendance this year, we are looking forward to seeing even more of the industry gathering to celebrate and network at the 2025 PetQuip Awards!”
The PetQuip Awards 2024 were sponsored by: Leopard Co, Group55, Law Print and Packaging, Interzoo, Zoomark, SUPERZOO, Noble Futures, Petface, Pedigree Wholesale, PBW News, PPM, CIPS, PATS, James & Steel and the charity partner was Nature’s SAFE.
Supplier of the Year
Gold: TRIXIE Pet Products
Silver: Mutneys Professional Pet Care
Business Service of the Year
Gold: Millin Brook Luxury Dog Boarding
Silver: Four Paws Groom School
New Starter Award (sponsored by Interzoo)
Gold: The Muzzle Movement
Silver: Pawionics
Product of the Year – Food and Treats
Gold: XHAPPY GUT softbakes from Frozzys
Silver: Dougie’s Pure Veg Blocks
Highly Commended: Wonderful World of Treats
Product of the Year – Healthcare & Grooming
Gold:Serene calming ointment from VETIQ
Silver:Herbal blended tonic range from Woof and Brew
Highly Commended: Calming shampoo range for dogs from DotDotPet
Product of the Year – Accessories & Technical
Gold:Cat safety release collar from ROGZ
Silver: Eco Dog Towels from DotDotPet
Sustainability Award (sponsored by CIPS - China International Pet Show)
Gold: Benevo
Silver: Beco
UK Multiple Retailer of the Year (sponsored by PATS)
Gold: Jollyes
UK Independent Retailer of the Year (sponsored by Pet Product Marketing)
Gold: Trusty Pet Supplies
Silver: Marshalls Pet Food Store
International Retailer/Wholesaler or Distributor of the Year (sponsored by PATS)
Gold: Kolle Zoo
Best Trade Marketing Campaign (sponsored by PBW News)
Joint Gold: Disney campaign – Pawsome Paws Boutique
Dobbies Garden Centres has initiated a restructuring plan to address historically uneconomical rent costs and ensure a return to sustainable profitability. The plan includes the closure of 11 unprofitable sites plus six unprofitable little dobbies sites, and impacts 465 colleagues, of which 82 are full-time...
Dobbies Garden Centres has initiated a restructuring plan to address historically uneconomical rent costs and ensure a return to sustainable profitability.
The RP, and other strategic initiatives, are expected to return Dobbies to sustainable profitability through site rationalisations, rent reductions and other tangible cost savings – securing its long-term future and allowing access to future investment.
The RP includes the closure of 11 unprofitable sites plus six unprofitable little dobbies sites, and impacts 465 colleagues, of which 82 are full-time. Dobbies will also be working with landlords to seek temporary rent reductions at a further nine sites.
While the process is ongoing, all sites will continue to operate as normal.
There will be no impact to suppliers.
Subject to the RP being successfully approved, we expect the affected sites to cease trading by the end of the year. Thereafter, Dobbies will operate 60 stores and continue to play a key role in the market, working constructively with stakeholders and suppliers, and having an active and committed role in the communities in which it’s based.
Company of Animals has launched a new range of Coachi Natural Training Treatsacross the UK and Europe. Designed to provide a premium, healthy, and functional reward for puppies and dogs, these treats are formulated with high-quality natural ingredients, ensuring a nutritious and delicious training experience...
Company of Animals has launched a new range of Coachi Natural Training Treatsacross the UK and Europe. Designed to provide a premium, healthy, and functional reward for puppies and dogs, these treats are formulated with high-quality natural ingredients, ensuring a nutritious and delicious training experience.
These treats are the perfect complement to any training regimen, with additional health benefits that support dogs’ physical and emotional well-being.
The Coachi Natural Training Treats are available in three specialised variants, each tailored to the unique needs of puppies and dogs, from supporting growth and development to promoting calmness and joint health.
Three Unique Variants:
Puppy – Made with a delightful blend of chicken, sweet potato, pea and cheese, these treats are ideal for young pups. Enriched with prebiotics for digestive health, they support healthy growth and development, giving puppies the best start in life.
Dog – Specially crafted for adult dogs, these fish-based treats are packed with sweet potato, turmeric and ginger, ingredients known to promote joint care and mobility. Additionally, they are rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, essential for boosting immune health and overall vitality.
Calming – Perfect for dogs of all ages, these calming treats are made with turkey, sweet potato and pea, and infused with L-tryptophan, chamomile and lavender. Designed to help reduce stress and anxiety, they provide a natural solution for moments when your dog needs to relax.
“We are thrilled to introduce our Coachi Natural Training Treats to the market,” said Emily Mugford, CEO at Company of Animals. “Our goal has always been to create products that enrich the lives of pets and their owners, and this new range offers a functional, high-quality reward option that aligns with the growing demand for natural and health-focused pet products.”
We are proud to announce that the packaging for Coachi natural training treats is made from a mono-polymer polyethylene, which is classified as 100% recyclable across the UK and Europe. This commitment to sustainability is further validated by an exceptional rating from Interseroh in Germany, where the packaging achieved a perfect score of 20 out of 20 for recyclability. Our eco-conscious approach ensures that both pets and the planet benefit from every purchase.
The Coachi Natural Training Treats are available in stores and online across the UK and Europe from the 1st of October. To maximise retail efficiency, the treats are offered in Shelf Ready Packs (SRPs), making them easy to stock, display, and sell. Also, the packaging solution simplifies operations for retailers and enhances the presentation of the product in store aisles.
Each pack includes information in 8 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Polish, and Swedish, making the product accessible to consumers across Europe and beyond.
Pet owners can now choose treats that not only support their dog’s training needs but also contribute to their overall well-being.
Two specialist detection dogs, who spent over a decade searching for illegal cigarettes and tobacco and a military horse from The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who led Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession, have all been awarded a PDSA Order of Merit Medal, known as known as the animals’ OBE.
Two specialist detection dogs, who spent over a decade searching for illegal cigarettes and tobacco and a military horse from The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who led Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession, have all been awarded a PDSA Order of Merit Medal, known as known as the animals’ OBE.
Yoyo & Scamp’s story
Yoyo & Scamp have become the 53rd and 54th recipients of the PDSA Order of Merit following an impressive decade-long career.
Alongside their handler Stuart, Yoyo and Scamp conducted more than 1,000 searches a year, working with Trading Standards Officers and Police Services across the country to discover illegal cigarettes and tobacco.
The Spaniels uncovered:
40 million illegal cigarettes
18 tonnes of illicit hand-rolling tobacco with a joint approximate value of £31.2 million
As well as over £5 million of criminal cash
And searched:
More than 10 premises every single working day
visiting over 6,600 shops
210 storage sites
400 domestic dwellings, and
More than 1,000 vehicles
Speaking about the occasion, Stuart said: “I feel very emotional, in all honesty. It’s incredible to see the dogs getting recognised.
“I work a lot with the Trading Standards, Police and HMRC Customs units and what’s remarkable about Yoyo Scamp is their consistency.
“Both dogs came from unwanted families as rescues, and despite that, they put so much effort into their work, often in very challenging circumstances.”
Yogi’s story
Lord Firebrand, known affectionately as Yogi has become the 55th recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit.
Yogi has been a Military Working Horse for 10 years. Often praised for his calm and reliable nature, Yogi has participated in the full range of State Ceremonial and Public Duty (SCPD) activities throughout his career such as the State Opening of Parliament, State Visits and Trooping the Colour.
Due to his calm and steady nature, Yogi provided unique emotional support to his rider on two occasions in particular:
On 13 May 2022, Yogi was chosen to be the Parade Commander’s horse for the Platinum Jubilee Celebration. He was specially chosen for his poise and reliability in stressful situations as the parade is a particularly challenging role for any horse. The horses were required to stand still for up to two hours and remain so, despite large ranks of Foot Guards adorned in their imposing bearskins conducting massed foot and rifle drills in front of them.
In September 2022, Yogi was part of every element of Operation London Bridge - the codename given to all events leading up to the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Most significantly, Yogi led the procession conveying Her Majesty’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall for the period of Lying in State. There was only one full rehearsal for the event, in the middle of the night, during the hours of darkness and with minimal crowds.
Speaking about Yogi, his rider for this occasion, Captain Amy Cooper, said “Yogi is the only horse I would trust to deliver such a high-profile parade, under such scrutiny and pressure. Yogi is always the first choice for any parade commander.”
Yogi retired in December 2023 after a 10-year career with The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. He now lives with a former Officer of the King’s Troop and their family, and enjoys regular gentle exercise in the countryside.
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) launched a new membership tier for small businesses at PATS...
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) launched a new membership tier for small businesses at PATS.
PIF Privilege offers new members a range of personal benefits, including support for physical and mental health, access to a remote GP 24/7, expert financial guidance, online courses from the Open University and money back on everyday shopping purchases from retailers like Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s, plus many more.
Visitors to PATS can find out more about how to join PIF Privilege by talking to the PIF team on X2 or by visiting www.petfederation.co.uk
The British Independent Retailers Association has expressed deep concern over the recent announcements of significant store closures by major retailers Boots and Dobbies, highlighting the urgent need for government support for high streets and independent retailers..
The British Independent Retailers Association has expressed deep concern over the recent announcements of significant store closures by major retailers Boots and Dobbies, highlighting the urgent need for government support for high streets and independent retailers.
Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, points to these closures as evidence of the challenging retail environment.
Boots, a stalwart of British high streets since 1849, has revealed plans to close almost 300 UK stores, with more shuttering in the coming weeks. This is part of a larger plan by parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance to close 650 outlets, aiming to save £618 million.
Meanwhile, Dobbies Garden Centres has announced a restructuring plan that will see the closure of 17 unprofitable stores, impacting 465 of its 3,600 employees. The company cites "historically uneconomical rent costs" as a key factor in this decision.
These announcements come in the wake of a recent PwC high street report, which revealed that net closures for 2024 stand at 12 per day, resulting in 2,284 fewer outlets on high streets, shopping centres, and out-of-town locations in the first six months of the year.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "Further store closures have been confirmed by Boots and Dobbies. A recent high street report from PwC showed that there are 12 businesses closing on the UK's high streets daily. All these announcements show the stark reality of how difficult it is for retailers at the moment. There is also a strong message for the Chancellor as she prepares for the Autumn Statement on October 30 - high streets and independent retailers need support now."
Mr Goodacre added: "Consumer confidence and footfall are still low, and the impact on the retail sector, especially for smaller independents, is severe. Recent figures show deflation in the non-food sectors, a sure sign of large chains discounting more and for longer. All this means that the current retail, hospitality and leisure rates relief must be retained at 75%. Any increases in the cost of running these businesses will restrict growth, result in more closures and a loss of jobs."
Bira urges the government to consider these closures and the broader retail landscape as it prepares for the upcoming Autumn Statement, emphasisng the critical need for continued support for high streets and independent retailers across the UK.
CSJ’s Ceri Rundle says: “We’re always delighted to hear about the successes of dogs fuelled by our products, and Kat Copley-Holland’s Malamutes are winning again and again and again!"
CSJ’s Ceri Rundle says: “We’re always delighted to hear about the successes of dogs fuelled by our products, and Kat Copley-Holland’s Malamutes are winning again and again and again!
“Kat’s beautiful Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes are absolute showstoppers and she is brilliant at updating us on their wonderful wins.”
The latest exciting news was posted by Kat on 30th September …
The pictures from AMCUK Sept Champ Show 24 it’s still feels like a dream …
As Ceri says: “Large and heavily coated breeds can be especially difficult to keep in peak condition and it’s crucial to rear and nourish them well. Kat’s Katabatic Malamutes are an excellent testament to her choice of using CSJ.”
See more about the stunning Katabatic Alaskan Malamutes at:
Wilsons Pet Food has rolled out a full rebrand across its range of natural meals and treats for dogs. The Scottish manufacturer will fully unveil the brand new look at PATS, where it will also announce over 30 new products launching over the coming months...
Wilsons Pet Food has rolled out a full rebrand across its range of natural meals and treats for dogs. The Scottish manufacturer will fully unveil the brand new look at PATS, where it will also announce over 30 new products launching over the coming months.
“The team had been counting down for our big unveil, PATS provides the ideal platform to share big news with the trade. With the brand-new look and substantial expansion of current ranges, this marks a significant new chapter for Wilsons and our team – it’s a really exciting time for the business,” explained Craig Wallace, MD, Wilsons.
The rebrand and new product development have been a combined investment of over £300k for the brand. Aside from the development of Wilsons’ own factories, this is the pet food company’s most significant investment to date.
Time for a new look
“It felt like the right time for a change,” explained Wallace. “We are proud of our Scottish roots and feel lucky to live and work in the environment that we do; it’s a dog owner’s dream! But we are here to feed every type of dog a natural and nutritious meal, whether they hike up hills or get walked through a city; we’re here for each and every dog and the rebrand helps promote this,” explains Craig.
The rebrand features bold, bright colours for more standout between ranges. New packaging carries clear and concise product information to ensure pet owners see the ingredients and health benefits quickly and highlight the premium quality of the products and ranges as a whole.
There’s also a brand-new face for the brand, aptly named Wilson. “The cross-breed dog we chose to feature on-pack really resonated with us. We felt the expression perfectly captured the anticipation of feeding time and the bond between dog and owner at this time. Big eyes full of excitement and anticipation, patiently waiting for dinner to be served!” said Craig.
New product launches
With the focus remaining on both the quality of ingredients and gentle processing used to retain essential nutrients, Wilsons continues to lead the way in cold pressed manufacturing. Currently offering nine delicious cold pressed recipes in its Premium range, with a new salmon and chicken meal for puppies added. The Working Dog range has increased to five recipes with the addition of two new meals; a lamb and a fish option. Wilson's treats and supplements offer has also increased, with seventeen tasty new treats due to launch over the next few months and a range of new functional supplements to follow.
Wilsons’ website has also been revamped as part of the rebrand. It further highlights its commitment to using quality ingredients, gently processed, ensuring recipes retain essential nutrients and flavour. The website, just launched, features a new section for the trade, simplifying online ordering and offering exclusive discounts throughout the year.
The rebrand has also helped support Wilson’s commitment to sustainability by ensuring all treat bags produced are fully recyclable and that the amount of packaging used within its cold pressed range has been substantially reduced, now saving over eleven tonnes of cardboard a year.
Nutriment, a leader in the development of high-quality raw recipes and feeding solutions, has announced the launch of its latest portfolio – Gently Steamed – which looks to cater to a wider group of nutrition-conscious pet owners...
Nutriment, a leader in the development of high-quality raw recipes and feeding solutions, has announced the launch of its latest portfolio – Gently Steamed – which looks to cater to a wider group of nutrition-conscious pet owners.
Gently Steamed is the innovative new seven-product portfolio from Nutriment. Comprising of Beef, Lamb, Duck, Chicken, Puppy and Senior varieties for dogs, and a Turkey & Lamb option for Cats. The recipes are based on high-quality, high-protein ingredients in line with all Nutriment products. Each balanced product is created with natural ingredients, free from grain and filler, and for adult dogs, single-source proteins. This ambient product is shelf-stable, meaning there is no requirement for freezing, and is simply stored in a fridge once opened.
“As a business, we’ve always been proud to maintain constant insight into our customers’ needs, regularly carrying out surveys and feedback opportunities to ensure our portfolio is delivering exactly what our pets and their owners want and need,” comments Ryan Winwright, Head of Commercial at Nutriment.
“Gently Steamed is a response to the pain point of not always having access to freezer facilities to feed our traditional raw products. We want to cater for as many pets and their owners as possible, even when following a raw diet isn’t always achievable.
“We recognise that there may be circumstances, such as when travelling or staying away from home, where transporting and feeding frozen raw food isn’t manageable, and so our Gently Steamed products are the perfect solution. The products are also very handy if you occasionally forget to defrost a meal from time to time.”
Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving nutrients, including water-soluble vitamins, which are sensitive to heat and water. Researchers have found that steaming broccoli, spinach, and lettuce, for example, reduces their vitamin C content by only 9–15%. The steamed nature of the Gently Steamed products enables the most effective preservation of the nutrients within the high-quality ingredients, whilst meeting the needs of owners who aren’t able to store frozen raw food.
Nutriment stands firm in its position that raw is best – having spent over a decade committed to the benefits and positive impacts on health that feeding raw can provide. Nutriment also recognises the potential of Gently Steamed as a gateway product to help bridge the gap between kibble and raw, making for a smoother transition for both pets and their owners.
Gently Steamed joins other award-winning product lines from Nutriment, including Support, recipes specifically designed to provide nutritional support for ongoing health concerns; and Just – one ingredient, complementary meal solutions for supporting at-home meal preparations.
This exciting portfolio expansion follows Nutriment’s recent news of its rebranding. Earlier this year, Nutriment relaunched its brand to the marketplace following an intensive design and market research project. The result has been a fresh new look of branding, packaging and POS materials that truly embody the Nutriment ethos – simplicity, transparency and sophistication. Reflecting on what customers truly need and want from the pet food provider in 2024 and beyond, the new look enables customers can immediately ascertain the quality of each meal and its real ingredients, the ease of feeding, and the reliability of the well-established Nutriment brand, from the moment they first observe the pack on a shelf.
Discover Nutriment Gently Steamed at PATS (Stand E49) and explore Nutriment’s brand-new website and its award-winning portfolio of recipes.
New fresh pet food company, BOOST Pet, has enjoyed fast expansion since launching to market earlier this year. Since the company started selling online in May 2023, the brand has grown from claiming no freezer space in stores to having over 200 freezers in major retailers...
New fresh pet food company, BOOST Pet, has enjoyed fast expansion since launching to market earlier this year. Since the company started selling online in May 2023, the brand has grown from claiming no freezer space in stores to having over 200 freezers in major retailers including Sainsburys, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer.
The company attributes its speedy growth due to its unique selling point of delivering products within the fresh pet food category, a typically a premium segment, at affordable grocery prices. BOOST Pet has primarily been able to achieve this by bringing manufacturing in house in West London, something that is rare in the fresh pet food space.
According to the company’s calculations, the cat and dog food market is currently worth £37.47bn across Europe, with fresh pet food in the UK likely to follow other markets such as the US and Australia to become worth 20% of that by 2030.
Co-founders Liam Wylie and Patrick Nestel come from pet and retail management backgrounds respectively, the pair met in Australia where the fresh pet food category has existed for 20 years. In Australia, Wylie is somewhat of an industry pioneer. Initially working for a grocer managing the pet food category and overseeing much of the early days of the fresh pet food category, Liam then joined ‘The Real Pet Food Co’ which was at the time the world’s largest Fresh Pet Food manufacturer. After returning to the UK be closer to family, Wylie couldn’t believe the fresh pet food category didn’t exist in grocery yet and convinced Nestel to join in him ‘making fresh pet food accessible for all’.
The two pulled together their global expertise to create a range for all cats and dogs, which includes a diverse mix of human quality food, offers meals such as Tender Beef Meatballs 400g and Hearty Meat Feast with Superfoods 400g available at £4.00 and £3.50 respectively for dogs, and Salmon and Whitefish meals 170g at £2.30 for cats.
Puppies are also considered with a Succulent Chicken with Superfoods meal, priced at £3.50 for 400g, and a Succulent Chicken meal is available for kittens at £2.30 for 170g.
The range has 16 SKUs in total in cooked frozen pet food, and the BOOST Pet team also have a range of toppers with treats due to hit the market before Christmas.
Stocked in freezers across the UK and also available online for both one-time purchases and via a subscription model, BOOST Pet prides itself in making fresh pet food accessible in both affordability and diversity of availability.
Sainsburys is endorsed by the company as being a market leader in making fresh pet food available freely nationwide, with BOOST Pet’s other stockists Tesco, and Marks & Spencer, plus Waitrose and Co-Op, also working with BOOST Pet on the concept.
Consumers are increasingly growing more aware of the importance of the quality of the food they eat themselves. Tapping into this growing trend, BOOST Pet recognises the desire from customers to feed their cherished pets a healthy diet, as they would for themselves.
Patrick Nestel, director of BOOST Pet said: “Customers want to know what they are eating and that their food is not ultra processed, this applies to their pet’s food too. Pet food is traditionally plagued with ambiguous ingredient decks and highly processed foods. Canned food and kibble are often cooked to such a temperature that the natural goodness of the product deteriorates, and additives are required to increase the nutritional value of the product.
“This realisation from pet owners has led to a rapid growth in the fresh pet food sector. Fresh pet food is minimally processed, made from real ingredients, and typically free from preservatives to ensure higher nutritional value, taste, and quality for our pets. As there are no preservatives, it is delivered in a frozen or refrigerated format to preserve its shelf life.”
BOOST Pet is proud to be transparent with both nutritional value and ingredients, declaring 90% - 95% of all ingredients (with the other 5% - 10% being water which is required for product consistency).
Nestlé is investing more than £150 million to upgrade its Nestlé Purina PetCare factory in Wisbech...
Nestlé is investing more than £150 million to upgrade its Nestlé Purina PetCare factory in Wisbech.
The Cambridgeshire factory is home to some of the UK’s favourite pet food brands including Felix, Gourmet and Winalot and the multi-million-pound upgrade works are already underway with completion expected in early 2025.
The series of developments funded by the investment includes upgrading existing production lines with modern technology and machinery, a re-vamp of facilities for the factory’s 600 workers and initiatives to improve energy efficiency and to help reduce carbon emissions over the coming years.
The investment means the factory has been able to recruit 40 new skilled roles, focussed on optimising and maintaining the new technology being introduced as part of the upgrades. Nestlé Purina is also investing in skills training for existing employees as part of the programme.
Richard Watson, CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We are very proud of our British manufacturing network with around 3,500 people employed in factory-based roles across the UK.
“This investment reflects the great work being done by our teams to position the UK as a market with significant manufacturing expertise and capability and where targeted investment, like the upgrades at Wisbech, can contribute to the growth of our business here and around the world.”
Jez McInerney, Nestlé Purina’s Wisbech Factory Manager, said: “Purina is committed to creating top quality nutrition for the nation’s pets – but it’s certainly not all we do. We work tirelessly to do more of what matters beyond the bowl as well, for pets, for the people who love them and the planet. None of this would be possible without the fantastic work of the project team and everyone who’s based here in Wisbech.
“We’re delighted to have secured this large-scale investment, to ensure our site is best-in-class and fit for a bright future.”
Nestlé UK and Ireland has invested more than £650m in its UK factories over the past decade, including recent upgrades in York, Halifax and Buxton.
Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes opened its first York store on Friday and was greeted by hundreds of customers and their pets, including a therapy bunny...
Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes opened its first York store on Friday and was greeted by hundreds of customers and their pets, including a therapy bunny.
The store, at Monks Cross Shopping Park, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GX was officially opened by three special guests.
Performing the red ribbon cutting was Rt Hon Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells.
Alongside The Lord Mayor was detector dog Pablo and his handler Beverley Boynton who bit through a string of sausages to declare the store open.
Pablo, aged 7, served in the border force on the Yorkshire coast for a number of years but ruptured a disc in his back requiring surgery while running, leading to his early retirement last Christmas.
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.
Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores will be raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help NFRSA support retired service animals and their owners.
The store has created 12 new jobs for the area and the York store is a great example of the career development opportunities for colleagues as the pet superstore continues to open new stores at pace.
Joining the York team are Aquilla Fisher who’s been promoted from Supervisor to Deputy Manager after working for Jollyes for four years and Tom Hurley will transfer from Doncaster store after eight years with the business.
Jollyes new store will provide pet parents in York access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’.
Deputy manager Aquilla Fisher said:
“We’re delighted to have brought Jollyes to York. The team here at the store can’t wait to bring their pet expertise to the city alongside the kind of value that’s been making a real difference to pet parents right across the UK.”
Jollyes has grown its store estate by 50 per cent in three years and has had an remarkable start to 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for.
Frozzys Ltd, the naturally nutritious pet food brand renowned for its innovative range of Gut Goodness frozen and ambient treats, has announced that Vital Pet Group will now be distributing its full product range...
Frozzys Ltd, the naturally nutritious pet food brand renowned for its innovative range of Gut Goodness frozen and ambient treats, has announced that Vital Pet Group will now be distributing its full product range. This partnership represents a major step forward in Frozzys' mission to provide naturally nutritious, gut-boosting treats to dogs across the UK.
“We are excited to bring the full Frozzys range to our extensive network of pet trade customers,” said Peter Brame, Group Trading Director at Vital Pet Group. “Frozzys is a brand that truly understands the importance of natural nutrition for pets, and their innovative products are a perfect fit for our commitment to offering the best in pet care. We look forward to a successful partnership.”
Michael Hunt, Managing Director of Frozzys Ltd, shared: “Partnering with Vital Pet Group is a significant achievement for Frozzys. Their extensive distribution network and strong reputation within the pet trade industry will ensure that our products reach a wider audience of pet lovers. We’re confident that this collaboration will not only drive growth for both companies but also provide pets with the health benefits of our gut-boosting treats.”
For over 40 years, Vital Pet Group has been a trusted partner to the pet trade industry, supplying independent retailers, garden centres, groomers, pet superstores, vets, kennels and catteries, e-retailers, and agricultural merchants with everyday staples, new innovations, and exclusive products from the UK and beyond. The addition of the Frozzys range to Vital’s extensive portfolio will allow more pet owners to access these high-quality, nutritious treats.
This strategic partnership highlights Frozzys' dedication to expanding its reach in the pet trade industry, ensuring that more dogs can enjoy the benefits of naturally nutritious treats designed to support gut health.
For more information about Frozzys and its range of products visit frozzys.com.
The PATS New Product Award winners have been celebrating their success and Pet Trade Xtra got their reaction to their success...
The PATS New Product Award winners have been celebrating their success and Pet Trade Xtra got their reaction to their success.
PATS 2024
New Product Award Winners (sponsored by pbwnews)
Cat Accessories & Toys
LickiMat Kitty
LickiMat (stand A10)
Ramin Marzbani, director of LickiMat UK, said: “It’s exciting to win such a prestigious award. There are so many good products in the New Product Showcase, so to be judged a win is a tremendous honour.”
What the judges said: "It’s a fun product that will occupy cats for a long time, and is beneficial to pets in multiple ways. As well as having a great price point, it comes in clear and colourful packaging."
Cat Food Products
Cat: Happy Gut Yoghurt Squeeze
Frozzys (stand J40)
Michael Hunt, director of Frozzys, said: “We are really pleased to be recognised for producing an award-winning product. A lot of work has gone into its development, so this award means everything to us.”
What the judges said: "Cats will love this great product. It’s the first cat yoghurt in the Frozzys range and is bound to be a bestseller. It has an eye-catching design and is well priced."
Dog Food Products
Dougie’s Pure Veg Blocks
Dougie’s Pets (stand E35)
Jon Lee, of Dougie’s Pets, said: “Winning the award brought us a great sense of enjoyment! It was lovely to be recognised and to know that people voted for our product. We are just very grateful to everyone who thought so much if it.”
What the judges said: "An excellent product for boosting the diet of fussy dogs. It comes in good-sized portions and is well priced."
Dog Treat Products
Pick N Mix Training Treat Pots
K9 Chew Co (stand K35a)
Simon Lewis-Dale, head of business development at Donald Cooke Ltd, said: “I’m blown away to have won this award – absolutely over the moon. It’s our first year for this product so the award is such a great endorsement.”
What the judges said: "This product is a clever idea and is very reasonably priced. It comes in fun packaging and has a good price point."
Dog Accessories & Toys
Tall Tails Animated Dog Toy Range
Kennelpak (stand B20)
Nigel Wright, commercial director, of Kennelpak, said “It is a great honour to be recognised by retailers, particularly because, in toys, innovation is a key factor to ensuring that they continue to evolve.”
What the judges said: "An absolutely brilliant toy with lots of different features to keep a dog entertained. It’s different from anything else in the market."
Dog Harnesses, Leads & Dog Wear
Halti Anatomy Harness
Company of Animals (stand G42)
David Pytches, commercial director, of Company of Animals, said: “The award is fantastic recognition for all the hard work that has gone into making this product. It’s wonderful to know that retailers have seen and recognised this product as being a bit different in the sector.”
What the judges said: "Another superb product from an innovative company. It is well made, has a colourful design and is well priced."
Small Animal & Bird Products
Happy Bird Bark Butters
Unipet (stand F80)
Andrew Ball, managing director of Unipet International, said: “We launched this product and new brand at PATS so it was terrific to receive such a great endorsement from the retailers and recognition of what we believed – that it is unique in the sector and something that will really appeal to customers.”
What the judges said: "A fun and innovative product with a unique design that’s sure to fly off the shelves."
Pet Care Products
POOZ – Worm Egg Counts for Pets
ScientifEQ (stand Q5)
Diane Gilby, managing director of ScientifEQ: said “Pooz has been launched at PATS and to have an award on the very day we launched is just amazing. It cements that what we’re doing is going in the right direction and gives us that extra bit of recognition and credibility across the market.”
What the judges said: "A simple but very effective product that is much needed. It has clear instructions, making it easy to use."
Grooming Products
Tick Twister Clip Box 3 Piece
Tick Twister (stand K35b)
Stefan Dorobantu, sales manager of Tick Twister, said: “Fantastic to have won the award and especially to hear the judges’ comments – simple, effective and portable, sums it up beautifully.”
What the judges said: "This is a handy and essential tool. It’s easy to carry at all times."
New Starter Zone Award
Make-Your-Own Dog Treats: Cheese & Super Seaweed
Dog & Bond (stand Q26)
Avi Nagel, director of Dog Bond, said: “As a young business it’s so exciting to be recognised with an award. We’ve only been going for a year so it was unexpected but shows we are going in the right direction. PATS is such a great place to get our brand known and let retailers know what we are all about.”
What the judges said: "This is a novel treat kit with a good price point. It comes in recyclable packing and is hand-made in the UK. It has easy-to-follow instructions and comes with tempting flavours."
The winners of the first-ever Aquatics Zone New Product Awards at PATS were revealed on the first day of the show...
The winners of the first-ever Aquatics Zone New Product Awards at PATS were revealed on the first day of the show.
Acknowledging the importance of the Aquatics Zone, the dedicated area for reptile, aquatics and watergardening specialists had its own New Product Showcase in Hall 1A.
The New Product Awards for the Aquatics Zone were chosen by a team of retail experts in three categories – indoor, outdoor and reptile.
The Awards were presented to the winners at 3.30pm on Sunday by show organiser Gordon Thomas.
Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:
PATS 2024
Aquatics Zone New Product Award Winners
Indoor
AxoCure, Axo Safe & Axo Tonic
NT Labs (stand AZ51)
Judges said: There will be huge demand for this product. It’s well branded and is excellent value for money. It’s a great addition to the Axolotl range.
Outdoor
All Season Blanket Answer
Cloverleaf (stand AZ17)
Judges said: A much-needed product, especially with more people owning ponds.
Reptile
Exo Terra Terrasky UV LED Range
Rolf C Hagen (stand AZ49)
Judges said: This energy efficient UV LED terrarium lighting has a remote control, making it easily adjustable. It comes with clear instructions, is packaged nicely and has a good price point.
