Steve Driver, one of the pet industry’s leading figures, has revealed that Wonderful World of Treats is the most exciting brand he’s ever launched.

Steve unveiled the new range of treats at Interzoo where there was huge international interest, and he will be showcasing the products again at PATS 2024 in late September.

“I’ve been in the pet trade all my life and launched brands like Kong, Furminator, Pet Corrector, Bamboodles and Smart Collar but this is by far the most exciting brand I’ve launched, and the initial reaction has been outstanding,” said Steve.

After he arrived back from Interzoo, Steve spoke to Pet Trade Xtra about he latest venture.

Where did the idea for Wonderful World of Treats come from? 

The concept of Wonderful World of Treats (WWOT) originated from customers always telling me at trade shows ‘There isn’t anything new’, so we wanted to make a brand that was truly new, unique, and magical. We approached this project in a new way by building the brand first rather than the usual way of having a product and then choosing the brand. Inspired by the imaginative worlds of Phileas Fogg and Willy Wonka, we envisioned a range that looked at the foods we love to eat ourselves and redesigned them so they are healthy and palatable for our pets.

Can you tell us how long and how much you’ve spent bringing this new range to market?  

Bringing this new range to market has been a labour of love spanning two years. Throughout this time, we've dedicated ourselves to collaborating with a top London design house and a premier bakery plus used the experience of our own talented Pet Trade Innovations team to ensure excellence in every aspect. To date, our investment in this endeavour totals around a quarter of a million pounds, which reflects our commitment to delivering a product we’re truly proud of as we move into the launch phase.

How different are these treats from others on the market – in other words, what makes them so special? 

Our treats stand out from others on the market due to their unique qualities and thoughtful design. Firstly, there’s nothing directly comparable in the treat category. We’ve ensured that each flavour is crafted using human-grade ingredients, and designed to be a pet version of the popular food we love. Additionally, we’ve developed special moulds for each Wonderful Land, giving every treat its own distinctive identity and adding to the whimsical experience. These treats represent the foods our pets often watch us enjoy but aren’t typically allowed to partake in.

Are pet owners becoming more aware of grain-free and natural products for their animals? 

There has indeed been a significant shift towards grain-free and natural options within the pet food category. It’s worth noting that while our Sushi range may include rice, reflecting authenticity, our other products are all grain-free. This decision aligns with the growing preference for grain-free options among pet owners, ensuring that our treats cater to the evolving needs and preferences of conscientious pet caregivers.

You’ve named the treats Burger Hills, Sushi Forest, Cake Mountains and Pizza Oasis, is that to connect food that humans like to something they can treat their pets with?

Yes, when you are eating a burger or a piece of cake and your pet is staring at you with those loving eyes as if to say please give me some of that delicious food! Well, now you can give them their own burger or cake flavour treats so you can share that experience.

Are they also more likely to choose a product that has sustainable packaging these days? 

pet owners are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the products they purchase, including the packaging. That’s why we went for kerbside recyclable packaging that’s made of paper but still maintains an 18-month shelf life for the product. This was a big decision for us as we knew the packaging would be more expensive but more in line with the trend towards saving our beautiful planet. We wanted to be truly environmentally conscious brand, ensuring that sustainability is integral to our ethos rather than an afterthought.

Tell us a bit of how you’ve come up with the branding – the Houdini mascot and the Wonderful World idea?

We wanted to design a brand that was magical and really out of this world. We wanted to make something stores and consumers could fall in love with and really get into the fun and excitement of the range. Most of the treats we saw on the market use similar packaging and we wanted to move away from this and make something that made people smile.

Houdini, with his endearing charm and sense of adventure, represents the fun-loving essence of our brand. His magical hot air balloon symbolizes the limitless possibilities and boundless imagination of our Wonderful World. With Houdini as our guide, we have the freedom to explore creative avenues and bring our vision to life in enchanting ways.

Why should retailers find space on their shelves for this range? 

Retailers should make space for this exciting new range because I believe it will stimulate their customers in many different ways – it’s not the sort of range and packing you would normally see in stores. It will make customers smile and engage them in light conversation, we hope the attract price points will stimulate buying more than one flavour and engague them in treating and spoiling their pet.  The dog treat category has long been in need of something fresh and imaginative.

How will you be helping retailers to market and display the products in store? 

Our wonderful displays stands have been designs to look fantastic in stores and can even make nice window displays driving traffic into the store or used at till points to increase basket spends. For smaller stores all the treats come in shelf ready boxes or can hang on euro hooks.  

Any other promotional plans for the launch that we should know about? 

In addition to providing free display stands with a very low minimum order quantity, we have promotional activity in place with the major wholesalers. We also plan to run a social media and marketing campaign for the launch to drive traffic into the stores. Finally, we will be engaging with influencers and bloggers to create a buzz about the range  

Are you keeping Wonderful World of Treats separate from your other Pet Trade Innovations’ brands? 

Wonderful World of Treats (WWOT) operates as a standalone company, distinct from other brands under the Pet Trade Innovations (PTI) umbrella. However, WWOT will be positioned under the PTI umbrella, allowing for seamless integration and collaboration between the two entities. Customers will have the flexibility to place orders through both Wonderful World of Treats and Pet Trade Innovations, depending on their preferences and needs. This ensures accessibility and convenience for retailers and consumers alike. We have already secured listing with most of the major wholesalers and started shipping stock.

You took part in a workshop for start-up companies at PATS last October – how important is it for someone experienced like yourself to guide, help and support newcomers to the pet industry? 

Participating in workshops for start-up companies in the pet industry, like the one at PATS last October, is incredibly important to me. It's always a pleasure to connect with newcomers to the industry and share insights and experiences that can help guide, support, and inspire them on their journey.

The pet industry is a vibrant and dynamic space, with new and innovative products constantly entering the market. As someone with experience in the industry, I'm continuously amazed by the creativity and passion of entrepreneurs who bring these ideas to life. Being able to offer guidance, advice, and mentorship to newcomers is not only an honour but also a responsibility that I take seriously.

To find out more about Wonderful World of Treats visit https://pettradeinnovations.com/brands/wonderful-world-of-treats

See gallery of pictures below...

The Pet Industry Federation has today announced 14 finalists for its Innovation of the Year Award, set to headline its Business of Pets conference in June. The Award welcomed entries from across the pet sector, spanning product, service, and technology innovations.

Sponsored by Worldpay and scheduled to take place from 5-6 June at the Cranfield Management Development Centre near Milton Keynes, the Business of Pets conference offers a prime platform for finalists to showcase their innovations and connect with potential investors. The winning innovation will be announced on 6 June.

The finalists are: 

• Boil and Broth Ltd - Dehydrated pork bone broth
• Doggi – Doggi Fly & Float
• DotDotPet - Conditioning Dog Shampoos
• EasyEat Feeder
• Hemp Heros Calming dental sticks
• MorePaws - A community platform for dog owners
• Muddy Paws Express Dog Wash & Grooming Service – QuickClawz
• PAWD DRINKS
• Pawer Water
• Pettle Pets - PettBrush3 Pro
• Poorly Paws – Dog First Aid Kit
• The Holistic Hound - Don’t Bug Me
• Wonderful World of Treats
• Xparkles Collars

Nigel Baker, CEO of PIF, said: “The response to our Innovation Award exceeded expectations in both quantity and quality. Our panel faced a challenging task in judging the submissions. We are looking forward to the finalists' presentations at our conference next month and hope this opportunity will open up new avenues for them."

The Business of Pets conference features a lineup of distinguished speakers and engaging sessions that will provide attendees with the tools and knowledge to excel in the competitive pet market. Speakers include Business Angels, Natwest Group, NielsenIQ and CACI, as well as a range of industry representatives, and topics will enable attendees to:

• Stay ahead of market trends
• Enhance their brand strategy
• Expand their client base
• Access valuable networking opportunities
• Gain key takeaways to use directly in their pet businesses

The Cranfield Management Development Centre provides an ideal setting for the event, offering onsite accommodation and state-of-the-art technical facilities for seamless remote work.

Tickets for the conference are now available for purchase. For more details, please visit https://petfederation.co.uk/the-business-of-pets-conference/

Pictured: Huskaloo was named the inaugural Innovation Award winner in 2023. Managing director Tracey Voss received the award from Nigel Baker.

Three leading figures in the UK pet market will be sharing their knowledge on building a pet brand in a competitive market at the Business of Pets Conference next month.

Claire Gavin (Innovations for Pets), Gemma Connolly (Scoff Paper) and Steve Driver (Pet Trade Innovations) are guest speakers at the conference organised by the Pet Industry Federation.

The event takes place at Cranfield University, Management Development Centre, near Milton Keynes, on Wednesday 5 June and Thursday 6 June.

PIF’s Business of Pets Conference is a premier event designed for professionals in the pet industry. This year’s conference promises to be an invaluable opportunity for growth, networking, and gaining industry insights from some of the most respected names in the field.

Other highlights include:

• Pitching to Win – Deliver an Effective Story to Secure Investment: Give your brand the best chance of success when pitching to investors with advice and tips from this session. 
• Navigating the Marketing Maze – Insights for Success: Gain valuable insights from top marketing professionals on how to effectively reach and engage a target audience, utilising data-driven strategies and innovative marketing techniques.
• Raising Money for Your Business: Hear from esteemed speakers including Business Angels, British Business Bank, NatWest Group, and other key financial experts. Learn about the various funding options available, how to attract investors, and strategies for successful fundraising.

This conference is not just about learning; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to network with peers, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.

Further information is available through the link below:

https://petfederation.co.uk/the-business-of-pets-conference/tickets/

Warrington-based Pets Pantry NW Limited, a newly formed company, has secured £150,000 in funding from River Capital’s Business Growth Loan Fund to acquire the trade and assets of Pets Pantry, a long-standing retail pet store in Stockton Heath.

The acquisition will be led by Georgina Egerton and Ellis Walker, two registered veterinary nurses with a passion for animal welfare and a combined experience of over 25 years in the veterinary industry. The deal will allow the new owners to take over the successful business while providing additional working capital for future growth.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to acquire Pets Pantry and build upon its strong legacy,” said Georgina Egerton. “Our mission is to empower pets and pet owners alike by providing exceptional products, expertise, and compassionate care for the well-being of animals everywhere.”

Established in 1980, Pets Pantry has been a staple in the Stockton Heath community, offering a wide range of pet products and services. Under Georgina and Ellis’ leadership, the business plans to enhance its customer experience through interactive product displays, digital integration, and expanded educational offerings.

“The UK pet industry is thriving, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this growing market,” said Ellis. “With our professional backgrounds and industry expertise, we are well-positioned to take Pets Pantry to new heights while maintaining the exceptional service our customers have come to expect.”

On the funding, River Capital Investment Manager Jim Moore said: “We are delighted to support Georgina and Ellis in their acquisition of Pets Pantry. Their combined expertise and passion for animal welfare make them ideal owners to take this well-established business to new heights. This investment aligns with our commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting local businesses’ growth aspirations.”

With the existing staff of five employees being retained, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of operations and with the acquisition now completed Georgina and Ellis are well positioned to elevate the business over the coming months.

Leading pet food and wellbeing company, Bella & Duke, is calling on the pet food industry to be clearer about what goes into pet food. The call comes after research found three quarters (74%) of pet owners don’t know what ingredients are in the food they feed their pets – equating to nearly 12 million households that have a pet.

Pet food products that display meat as an ingredient need to only contain just 4% of that animal protein. A third (33%) of people said this is not good enough and that they themselves would not eat a ‘meat meal’ if it only contained 4% of the meat it claims. With half (50%) of respondents agreeing that pet food should be of the same quality as human food, the need for clearer labelling is not just wanted but necessary.

Now, Bella & Duke is calling for clarity on what goes into pet food to help pet owners make informed decisions and do right by their pets. With increased interest and greater understanding on what we feed ourselves and the impact of ultra processed foods, Bella & Duke believe it is time our pets are treated the same.

Nearly two thirds (63%) of pet owners said they ensure they give their pet the best food and nutrition to give them the happiest and healthiest life, spending on average £45.16 per month. However, without clear information, pet owners risk being misinformed on what is right for their pet.

Every single Bella & Duke meal is filled with nutritious, nourishing and purposeful ingredients that are easy to understand. Similar to a healthy diet that is advised for ourselves,  meals contain  mighty meats packed full of protein from beef, duck and chicken, superfoods such as turmeric, ginger and black pepper, and purposeful vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and blueberries, every ingredient is there to help pets live long and healthy lives. As many look to avoid ultra-processed foods that have high levels of unhealthy fats, refined sugars, and salt, Bella & Duke want the same for our pets.

For years there have been poor regulations around pet food manufacturing, opening the door for consumer confusion over what is actually in their pets meals. Certifications such as RawSAFE and those from UK Pet Food now exist to create a set of robust standards  for raw meat-based diets for pets, focused on safety and quality , with the standards based on those in human food manufacturing.

Pet owners who choose a product with the RawSAFE label, like Bella & Duke, can be reassured that it has been manufactured to the highest standards of safety with with quality ingredients , and Bella & Duke is now calling for similar standards to be consistent across the entire pet food industry whether manufacturing raw meals, fresh or kibble.

As well as demanding greater transparency on pet food labels and higher standards across the industry, Bella & Duke is arming pet owners with the knowledge of what is best for their pet, and what foods to avoid after finding the percentage of pet owners that would feed their pets the below foods, which can in fact cause health issues:

• Gravy – 86%
• Lactose high cheese – 63%
• Onions – 50%
• Raisins – 49%
• Grapes – 49%

James Sturrock, CEO at Bella & Duke, said: “We only want what is best for our pets yet there are still many misconceptions around a raw food diet that we are campaigning to address. The reality is raw pet food is one of the most regulated in the pet food industry, with organisations such as RawSAFE and UK Pet Food ensuring only the highest standards of manufacturing are being met. We were also awarded Manufacturer of the year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards in 2023, coming out on top amongst a variety of different pet foods, highlighting our commitment to making safe, complete raw meals for our pets.

“We think it is time that the rest of the pet food industry follows these high standards with transparent labelling on what is going in their products, to allow pet owners to make informed decisions on what is best for their pet to live the happy and long lives they deserve.”

Last year, ​​Bella & Duke ran their annual Health & Happiness survey, speaking to 1,399 dog owners, 212 cat owners and 33 cat and dog owners to concretely understand the beneficial impact its customers have seen since switching to a raw diet for their pets, and the findings highlighted the health benefits of a raw diet:

• 81% agreed that feeding raw helped their pet maintain a healthy weight
• 87% saw positive poo changes from their pets
• 70% saw positive changes to their pet’s coat
• 69% saw an improvement in their pet’s allergies

You can find out more about the nutritional benefits and Bella & Duke’s product offering, as well as information on what you can and cannot feed your pet, visit: www.bellaandduke.com

HugglePets has launched Pick It Up Poop Bags engineered with 65% PCR (recycled) material, marking a step forward in the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The bags come in two fragrances – Baby Powder and Lavender – and are coreless in another move to reduce waste.             

Tom Gwilliam, sales and marketing director at HugglePets, said: “The Pick It Up Poop Bags are made from 65% recycled content (which is primarily water bottles). The reason we have gone with 65% is it allows us to control the quality of the finished product – if go for 100% then the material thickness can vary.

“Every bag is scanned on the production line to ensure it is fully sealed, allowing us to give our ‘Leak Proof Guarnatee’.

“We don’t have a card or plastic core in the middle, and every bag in the range has tie handles, making it easier to seal after use.

“We have a till point display which holds 54 rolls and each roll is individually barcoded.

“We are running a great launch promotion where customers will get a big discount if they take the range.”

For any trade enquiries email trade@hugglepets.co.uk or call 01902 494860.

There’s a new dog bed in town! Retailers at PATS 2024 should visit the DogDoov stand (P25) in Hall 3 to view the innovative new brand.

DogDoov beds are sold as a cover and internal net which the customer can take home and fill with old bedding and clothes which might otherwise have been sent to landfill. This has the added benefit that any dog with anxiety or separation issues will more readily take to their new bed as they can smell the owner and feel more comfortable.

Retailers wanting to stock DogDoov will be delighted with the custom in-store Point-of-Sale stand that comes with their first order. This enables them to display up to 30 DogDoov beds in a space that is less than 1m in width.

Supplied in Small, Medium and Large sizes and starting at a retail price of £39.99, there is a DogDoov bed for every dog! Made from organic cotton canvas, DogDoov beds are hard wearing and durable. Online retailers will love how easy and inexpensive DogDoov beds are to ship to customers.

Joe Denham, Director of DogDoov Limited, said: “We have timed our launch to coincide with PATS 2024 and we are delighted with the organisation and support we have been given. We are very excited to be finally launching our products after the hard work we have put in behind the scenes to design such a high quality, practical and eco-friendly dog bed. We look forward to welcoming retailers to our stand to be able to see DogDoov.”

Retailers ordering at PATS 2024 can take advantage of a special offer with the custom Point-of-Sale stand being offered free with their first minimum quantity order.

Supreme Petfoods has announced the latest addition to its much-loved Tiny Friends Farm Russel Rabbit treats range: Russel Rabbit Hoppies.

Joining the ranks of the popular new Loopies and Twiggies which were launched last year, Hoppies made their debut at Interzoo 2024.

Crafted with a blend of natural ingredients, Russel Rabbit Hoppies feature a mix of carrot and parsley in each crunchy baked bite.  Hoppies complement Russel Rabbit Loopies with carrot and mint and Twiggies with apple and blackberry, providing a new flavour variant in the successful range.

Designed to promote bonding between pet and pet parent, the treats are free from artificial flavours and colours and perfect for hand feeding. While pet ownership is linked to improved human health, research also indicates a correlation between the strength of the bond, better veterinary care and improved pet health and the treats are ideal for helping to foster these bonds. Hoppies, Loopies and Twiggies can also be hidden within a pet’s daily hay serving to encourage natural foraging behaviours.

Claire Hamblion, Marketing Director at Supreme Petfoods, said: “Russel Rabbit Loopies, Twiggies and now Hoppies are more than just treats – they’re designed to enhance well-being and provide enrichment for small pets. And with eye-catching packaging featuring our playful Russel Rabbit character, the treats not only captivate emotionally but also streamline the shopping experience for customers by shortening the shopper journey and simplifying brand choice. The trio look set to have both pets and their owners, hopping with joy."

In line with Supreme’s commitment to sustainability, all Russel Rabbit treats are packaged in fully recyclable materials. This reflects the growing awareness of the ecological impact of pet ownership and reinforces Supreme’s position as a trusted and environmentally responsible brand, while also ensuring a sustainable choice for conscientious pet owners.

The treats are not only suitable for rabbits, but also other small pets including guinea pigs and hamsters. Complementing the main diet, one or two treats per day are recommended depending on the size of the pet. For more information on the new treats or to connect with our team, visit www.supremepetfoods.com or email experts@supremepetfoods.com.

Leading dog accessory manufacturer, EzyDog, is urging pet owners to check the set-up of their vehicles to ensure that they are as dog safe as possible and avoid a costly fine for drivers. 

With startling statistics about dogs in vehicles, global market leader in the pet accessory industry, EzyDog, is encouraging drivers to consider how their dog is restrained in their vehicle. Research from Direct Line shows that more than a quarter (28%) of dog owners never restrain their dogs in the car and over a fifth (22%) of vets say dogs have died as a result of a road crash, when travelling inside the vehicle*.

Moreover, Highway Code Rule 57 states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.” If this is not abided by, it may result in a £5,000 fine for careless driving.

There are a host of solutions for travelling with a dog and EzyDog has meticulously designed its dog travel accessories, ensuring journeys are safer and easier, making driving with a dog a breeze. 

The 'CLICK' Dog Car Restraint, which is effectively a seat belt for dogs, attaches to a dog’s harness and then the buckle can click into the seat belt socket. Another option is the Seat Belt Restraint, which attaches to the D-Ring of a dog's harness to keep them secure whilst travelling in a vehicle and is fed through the seatbelt of a car to keep them in place, as well as to keep them safe. 

The Click ISOFIX Dog Seat Belt from EzyDog is an adjustable dog car restraint that clicks into the ISOFIX connection port of a car, the same connection that is used for attaching child restraints. Drivers can simply attach one end to the dog's harness and put the clip to the ISOFIX socket.

To give a dog the luxury treatment, there is the Drive™ Booster Seat, which is a comfortable car seat that provides adjustable elevation, to allow dogs a clear view of the road ahead, reducing their motion sickness.

Guy Ellis, Director for EzyDog UK, said: “Seeing the statistics from Direct Line about the number of dogs that unfortunately pass away due to a car crash is frightening, so we should be focusing on how we keep our dogs safe at all times, which is why we’re focusing on highlighting this car safety issue in the hopes of reducing this horrible statistic.

“While we specialise in the standard accessories for dogs, the leads, harnesses and collars etc, travelling accessories are also a huge sector for our business. There are many dog owners out there that are not aware of the Highway Code rules about restraining their dog, which may cost them thousands of pounds, but for as little as £7.50 from our range, they can ensure their dog stays safe while driving and without the risk of a fine.” 

Trimble Group, the veterinary-led creative communications company, has launched a new and expansive film studio to meet the growing need of the animal health industry in creating cutting-edge, engaging content to keep their audience engaged through the power of visual storytelling.

With the aim of making thought-provoking, educational content and campaign materials more like Netflix and less like PowerPoint, the 5,000 sq ft production studio is unique as it is solely dedicated to the animal health industry.  The versatile studio offers a controlled environment with professional, studio quality sound and lighting and has three clinically accurate sets – a consult room, surgical theatre and office/reception area.

Moreover, the new studio, which is located close to the Trimble Group’s head office and training centre, features a green screen for realistic digital replacement of backgrounds to enhance the immersive feel of content.  Animals with clinical signs of disease/conditions can also be sourced to further enhance the visual storytelling and add an edge of realism.

Toby Trimble, founder and CEO of Trimble Group and a European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, comments: “We asked our clients how we could enhance our offering and the result is the launch of Trimble Studios, which is the first and only studio dedicated to the animal health industry.

“The new studio enables our creative team of experts to transform a project from ordinary to fascinating, memorable and engaging, while providing a more streamlined approach to visual storytelling in a versatile and relaxed environment.  This ensures our clients are more focused and ‘in the moment’, while guaranteeing that projects are not only visually stimulating but clinically accurate and educationally progressive to meet commercial goals.”

Trimble Group was founded on a love for animal health and creative storytelling. Its unique team is a combination of veterinary specialists and creatives striving to advance the animal health industry through engaging educational experiences. The group provides a range of communication and content creation services to meet a company’s education or product goals, from online course creation and live or pre-recorded webinar production to presentation development and presenting for impact and storytelling CPD programmes.

For further information on the Trimble Group go to https://www.trimblegroup.io.

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An established pet store, which had a guide price of £70,000-£90,000, has failed to sell during an online auction.

All Pets in Lowestoft, Suffolk, was described by agent Auction House as “a freehold shop with deceptively large accommodation located in a prime retail area, with rear access to private enclosed parking.”

The agent added: “The ground floor shop has over 1500 sq/ft of space including rear garaging and parking. There is a dry basement and numerous storage areas. The shop has been a pet shop for many years but is to be sold with vacant possession. This high footfall location could be used for a variety of alternative uses or developments (subject to planning).  

“The property is being sold freehold subject to the sale of the first floor flat which has been sold on a long lease with a ground rent income of £150 pa.”

The shop went up for sale at an auction earlier this month by it went ‘unsold’. Any interested parties were asked to contact the auctioneer.

More details can be found by clicking here.

Royal Canin UK and Ireland has made three senior appointments to its leadership team with immediate effect. 

Greg Pitts has been appointed to the role of pet professional director, following nearly three years as pet speciality retail director within the Royal Canin leadership team. 

In his new role, Greg will lead the specialist function designed to support veterinarians, pet charities and breeders through its more than 750 tailored products and services. The Pet Professional team also oversees many of Royal Canin’s unique partnerships, including Guide Dogs UK, Medical Detection Dogs, and the Kennel Club UK. Greg offers cross functional expertise built from across the FMCG & Pharmaceutical sector across category, sales, and marketing leadership roles with companies such as Danone and Pfizer. 

Matt Mullen has been appointed as pet speciality retail director from Mars Petcare, where he held senior category and customer director roles. Prior to joining Mars, Matt spent nearly a decade at Nestlé in cross functional roles. Matt will lead the sales, marketing and category and insights teams within the Pet Speciality Retail function, furthering our vision to  make a better world for Pets by delivering best in class retail experiences for pet owners and unlocking exceptional mutual value in partnership with key retail partners.

Additionally, Andreia Cucu has been appointed as director of corporate affairs, taking over responsibility as Miriam Zabiega moves into a role within the global Mars Petcare business. 

Andreia has a wealth of experience in corporate affairs mostly in health care businesses, including GSK and Haleon, with the most recent role as Head of Corporate Affairs Northern Europe for Haleon. She will lead the UK and Ireland Corporate Affairs function across its internal, external and scientific communications functions, as well as regulatory affairs and consumer care, bringing her unique health affairs expertise into Royal Canin. 

Nick Foster, general manager of Royal Canin UK and Ireland, said: “Our purpose is to transform the health and wellbeing of cats and dogs, and I am confident that the appointments of Greg, Matt and Andreia will help us to deliver on the next stage in our growth story for not just the benefit of the cats and dogs we serve, but for our associates, partners, and the planet. 

“Greg is already a valued member of our leadership team, and I am excited to see how his cross functional experience will further shape our offering to pet professionals. During my time at Mars Pet Nutrition, I was lucky enough to witness Matt’s skillset and devotion to pets as a fellow member of the leadership team, and I have no doubt he will excel in building relationships with our key retailers and in creating mutual value. Andreia will offer a unique lens from her experience within the health sector and an impressive background across the full corporate affairs mix, which will help us shape the world we want tomorrow and support in our ambitious plans for pets, people, and planet.”

Already crowned ‘Best Pet Day Out in the UK’ award, New Forest dog festival Dogstival is now set to become one of the UK’s most sustainable festivals. Aiming to cut their CO2 emissions in half, Dogstival will employ a host of carbon pawprint reducing practices such as a single-use plastics ban on site – and for the first time ever, they are enlisting renewable technology to partially-power the event.

With protecting their much-loved New Forest National Park home and the wider planet very much in mind, Dogstival’s renewable technology will include a mix of solar and wind energy to charge large scale battery packs for a number of the arenas and stages. Back up generators will still be on site, but these will run on biofuel, which further reduce emissions by around 74%.

This environmentally exciting move adds to Dogstival’s targets to recycle 70% of all waste making this year’s event their most eco-friendly to date.

With their best efforts to deliver an event that's as sustainable as possible in hand and as the UK’s festival seasons goes into full swing, Dogstival will be focussed on delivering the time of their lives to the 10,000 plus dogs expected to attend, with their signature mad-cap fun, features, and food.

Staged in the beautiful Burley Park in the New Forest on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2ndJune, Dogstival 2024 leads the pack as having the most ‘have a go’ activities than any other doggy festival in the UK. From flyball, agility, a Scurry Village, Barkour and scent work, through to diving and splash pools, Dogstival will be bursting with all manner of dog sports for both newbies and seasoned veterans. From a spectator’s position, hounds and their humans will also be treated to displays of top canine tricks and games, as well as the ultimate challenge of scent work and agility from working dogs from the military, police, search and rescue, who will battle it out to be top dog.

Other highlights include the Dogfuriendly Muddy Paws Tavern, who will keep the good times flowing with dog beer, dog bingo, the Big Pup Quiz and a series of popular breed meets up. There’s also the Hound Dog Music Stage for live entertainment, the Canine MOT Centre for all the latest canine health and wellbeing know-how, and more than 130 stands bursting with goodies to treat a pooch. Food is also set to be a huge canine crowd-pleaser, with just some of the tempting canine goodies on offer including puppuccinos from Pop & Bark and meaty flavours at the Lickie Mat Café from the Raw Pet Food Pantry.

Dogstival Co-Founder Richard Nowell says: “With Dogstival held in the heart of the New Forest National Park and as residents, we are aware how important it is to deliver the festival as sustainably as possible. The events industry has been guilty of generating a lot of waste and inviting 10,000 people to a large field requires a lot of temporary power. So, we’ve put in place a range of initiatives to cut our carbon emissions and a robust process of recycling all waste, which goes through three layers of ‘sorting’ before any final non-recyclable waste goes to a ‘waste to energy’ plant. I believe this puts Dogstival towards the top bracket of the sustainable festivals in the UK.”

He adds: “As with every year, we hope to make this our most exciting, action-packed event to date, with heaps of canine-approved entertainment and of activities. This year our canine clientele can now have fun knowing they are also playing a key role in helping our environment for future human and dog generations.”

While the visiting dogs are the VIPs of the weekend, Dogstival also ensures that all the fun is paid-forward too, by helping showcase the work and raise funds for charities such as Pets As Therapy and Dogs Trust, who will have their Rehoming Village at the event.

Dogstival 2024 takes place on 1st and 2nd June 2023 a Burley Park, Burley, Hampshire, BH24 4BS. Tickets are priced from £18 adults, and from £10 for ages 6-16yrs, under 5’s go free. Weekend tickets also available. For more information and tickets, visit Dogstival.co.uk. Follow @dogstival on social for all the latest event updates.

Agility competitor Steven Richardson is already heading to Crufts 2025, stating: “Gamble went and won the Champ up at Woodside – couldn’t have asked more from her in the final!  Next up for her is WAO (World Agility Open).

Steven is a professional dog agility trainer based in Cumbria with over 20 years’ experience in agility and, over many years, CSJ has grown used to hearing about Steven’s legion of successes.

Crufts 2023 is just one example, with Steven winning the hotly contested Intermediate Agility Championships with Gamble - the same dog that has just qualified again for 2025 - his Border Collie Agility Champion Moel Gamble Demonic Risk.  

CSJ’s founder Ceri Rundle, herself a world-renowned sheepdog breeder, trainer and triallist, said: “I’m extremely proud to have bred Moel Gamble who is perfectly owned, trained and partnered with Steven Richardson”.

Follow the link to see a breath-taking reel showing how super-fit Gamble winged her way to win at the Intermediate Championship Final at the Woodside DAC Show.

On the evening of May 23rd at Hartpury Arena, 5* event rider Simon Grieve, together with his 3* horse, Autograf, will literally be turned inside out to show skeletal and muscular anatomy in jumping action as they take part in the Horses Inside Out Evening Extravaganza.

This is a unique opportunity for equestrians to learn more about applied anatomy and techniques and exercises for improving training, longevity, and performance.

The evening is set to be a truly world class event with Olympic Dressage rider, Laura Tomlinson, riding alongside Simon. It is presented by world leading equine anatomy educator Gillian Higgins who has revolutionised how we look at horses. Her dynamic, enthusiastic presentation style inspires while she has an incredible ability to make the often difficult subject of anatomy fun, applicable, and easy to understand.

“Having known Gillian for over 20 years and being a big fan of her work, I am thrilled to be taking part in this lecture demonstration,” said Simon. “A good understanding of anatomy and biomechanics is one of the largest foundations for good training, longevity, and performance. This is something I try to apply daily in my own riding, but you never stop learning. I'm really excited to help illustrate to everyone Gillian's ethos in the gymnastic jumping section of the evening.”

As a rider, Simon has competed regularly at the top level in eventing for the past 15 years. He has contested 18 5* events (Burghley, Badminton and Pau) as well as winning just shy of 100 national events too. In addition, he competes internationally in pure showjumping and is a consistent winner at 1.40m level nationally. Simon is also a busy BECC level 3 coach and enjoys helping riders of all levels from grassroots right up to Advanced level. In addition, he's a television presenter, working for Horse and Country TV. He has presented numerous programmes including the popular Cobs that Can, Swipe Up Kick On, and From Field to Fitness.

Tickets £35 in advance, £55 on the door https://www.horsesinsideout.com/lecture-demo/hartpury

The UK Pavilion organised by trade association PetQuip was very busy on the first two days of the biggest-ever interzoo in Nuremberg, Germany. A total of 47 companies exhibiting in the UK pavilion experienced high international interest in their products and services.

Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip, said: "It’s great to be at Interzoo on the PetQuip-organised UK pavilion with such a wide variety of excellent UK brands and innovations.

“Buyers from the UK and internationally are busy visiting our exhibitors and also our own industry information stand, where they are finding out more about our member companies and alerting us to their product sourcing requirements.

“UK suppliers visiting Interzoo are welcome to our stand 502a in Hall 9 to learn more about the association and how we can help you to increase your business in the UK and internationally.”

To view a selection of pictures from the UK pavilion see the gallery below...

PATS 2024 organiser Gordon Thomas has been exhibiting at Interzoo this week and has been answering lots of international queries about the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show.

“We are meeting lots of European distributors and retailers at Interzoo,” said Gordon. “We have also met international buyers from as far as the US and even Australia. Interest in UK market seems to be returning after a difficult couple of years.

PATS 2024 takes place at Telford International Centre over three days from Sunday, 29^th September to Tuesday, 1^st October 2024.

To register for free entry visit www.patshow.co.uk

An award-winning pet store is encouraging cat owners to get their pets microchipped ahead of new legislation coming into force next month, and has set up a fundraising campaign to offer a free service.

Redpaw Pet Supplies in Plympton, Devon, is offering owners heavily reduced priced microchipping drop-in clinics in conjunction with Devon K9 Clinic.

Owner Sammie Hunt said: “Many owners are still unaware that the law is changing this year and from June 10 all owners must have their cat microchipped or face a fine of up to £500.

“The government has introduced this new legislation to make it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home sagely. There are some 9 million pet cats in the UK and over 2.3 million are unchipped.”

Redpaw Pet Supplies and Devon K9 Clinic are charging £5 to microchip a cat compared to most establishments where the charge is between £10-£20. 

Sammie recognises some owners can’t even afford the £5 charge and would like to offer the microchipping for free, so she has set up a Just Giving crowdfunding page.

“We would like to appeal to people and businesses around the UK to donate what they can,” added Sammie. “Every donation would provide support for cat owners on low incomes to be able to have a free microchip implemented into the dearly loved cat. For every £5 donation we receive, we can microchip one cat.” 

The just giving crowdfunding page can be found by clicking here

Ther next drop-in clinic is on May 15.

Redpaw Products

E: redpawproducts@yahoo.co.uk  

W: www.redpawpets.co.uk

T: 07752230462

Agency 51, a leading UK BigCommerce development agency, has been named the winner of the coveted BigCommerce EMEA B2B Excellence Award following their work on the build and launch of Pedigree Wholesale’s new website in August last year. 

The Awards took place in April at the Leadenhall Building in Central London and celebrated the skills that EMEA’s leading BigCommerce partners bring to their clients when developing on the platform. 

The B2B Excellence Award recognises Agency51's focus on efficiently solving the complex needs of Pedigree Wholesale's new website and its work in utilising B2B product features such as multiple price lists, open APIs and customer groups. 

The portal offers real-time integration into Pedigree’s SAP ERP back-office system, support for tens of millions of customer-specific prices, restricted product catalogues, multi-location stock management and multi-user customer accounts.

Daniel Warren, Agency51’s Managing Director said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in these awards. As both a Preferred Partner and a B2B Specialized Partner this award cements Agency51’s reputation as the go-to agency for business-to-business BigCommerce implementations.”

The BigCommerce site supports Pedigree’s “Customer First” mission for 2024, providing a much-improved experience for users in terms of stability, speed, ease of ordering and real-time stock information.

Chris Simmons, Pedigree Wholesale’s Head of Ecommerce also commented: “The success of Pedigree Wholesale BigCommerce was based on our vision of what we wanted to achieve, delivered by a skilled development agency using a first-class ecommerce platform. Agency51 truly deserves this testament to their skills and hard work.”

Additionally, Agency51 was runner-up in both the Excellence of Delivery category (which recognised BigCommerce partners who launch client sites on time, on budget, and in a way that delights customers) and Partner of the Year (which celebrated shortlisted partners’ ability to maximise their clients’ revenues).

Alex Nolan, BigCommerce Partner Manager said: “I’m delighted Agency51 has won this award, and it is testament to their hard work, dedication and skill in delivering complex B2B BigCommerce ecommerce projects that they have done so.” 

The British Independent Retailers Association has said the low footfall for April shows worrying signs for the high street. 

The BRC-ShopperTrak Footfall Monitor report for April 2024 showed that footfall had decreased over the month.

Key findings from the BRC footfall monitor include:

• Total UK footfall decreased by 7.2% in April (YoY), down from -1.3% in March.
• High Street footfall decreased by 6.9% in April (YoY), down from -1.5% in March.
• Retail Park footfall decreased by 6.2% in April (YoY), down from -3.5% in March.
• Shopping Centre footfall decreased by 7.2% in April (YoY), down from 0.3% in March.

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, expressed concerns about the drop in footfall and its potential impact on smaller retailers.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira said: "The timing of Easter last year (April vs March this year) distorts the figures, but there are still some very worrying signs for the independent retailer. Consumer confidence is still low and fragile and we need economic growth to bring people back to the high streets. We also need the newly elected councillors and mayors to ensure that high streets are safe, attractive and accessible to everyone if we are to reverse the decline in footfall."

Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC Chief Executive, said: "While UK footfall was impacted by poor weather last month, this was artificially exacerbated by the comparison with 2023, when Easter was in April. All locations saw declines on the previous month, and nearly all major cities performed similarly poorly. However, there was good news in Edinburgh, where footfall was positive once again owing to the investment in local shopping locations in the Scottish capital over the past few years.

"It is now vital that elected councillors, mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners all play their part in designing the right planning, transport and neighbourhood safety policies to create thriving shopping destinations in communities across the country. These actions, locally and nationally, can contribute to boosting footfall and revitalising retail centres,” she added.

The Agria Dog Walk UK is set to make a splash with its inaugural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt, aiming to break the record for Largest Dachshund Dog Walk this May.

Taking place at Marble Hill House, London, the record attempt is a new element of Agria’s annual charitable Dog Walk and requires a minimum attendance of 250 Dachshunds to set the new record. 

Supporting the event and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title attempt, animal welfare activist and TV personality Jodie Kidd is calling for owners of Dachshund dogs to join her and her dog, Sausage, by bringing their precious pups along to help smash the record in the name of animal welfare.

But it’s not just a Dachshund affair! Occurring at three sites across the country, British dog owners and their canine companions of all breeds are invited to join thousands of dogs and their families across Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, in putting their best paw forward to raise vital funds for animal rescues, including Dachshund Rescue UK, Poodle Network and Beagle Welfare.

Those attending the event can take part in a leisurely walk on Saturday 18th May at their closest official Dog Walk site, choosing from Marble Hill House in Twickenham, Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland. In partnership with English Heritage’s Dog-Friendly Days Out and supported by The Kennel Club, the event is set to be a great day full of family-friendly fun. Dogs walking at the many other dog-friendly English Heritage locations across the country will also generate a donation for dog rescue. Find your nearest one here!

And for those who can’t make it to an English Heritage site at all – the Agria Dog Walk is also a virtual event. Those walking in their local areas will trigger a donation simply by posting a photo of their dog and tagging Agria Pet Insurance, with the hashtag #AgriaDogWalk2024.

Tom Gannagé-Stewart, Head of Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship, English Heritage, says: “English Heritage is thrilled to welcome the Agria Dog Walk for the second year in a row and deliver another fantastic event at three of our historic sites. Being part of such a significant effort to raise money for dog rescue means a lot to us as an organisation, and our partnership with Agria Pet Insurance helps us continue our vital work as an independent charity, and raise awareness of the 150+ dog-friendly historic sites in our care.”

Agria, one of the world’s leading animal insurers, is set to donate £5* for every dog that walks the walk around the beautiful British countryside, to help support dogs in need.

Vicki Wentworth, CEO at Agria Pet Insurance, says: “We’re so excited about this year’s event – especially as we attempt a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title! Through our close work in the rehoming sector, we see every day how increasingly tough it is for animal rescues, so raising money for them with the Agria Dog Walk means the world to us.

“Last year 1,500 dogs and their families took part, generating donations of over £18,500 to help care for animals abandoned due to no fault of their own. Every dog who participates makes a difference, and we can’t wait to see them all take part on 18 May!”

Entry to Marble Hill House is free. Visit agriapet.co.uk/agria-dog-walk for information on how to pre-book your tickets at Belsay or Kenilworth, and access exclusive discount codes for 25% off the entry fee. Taking part is free for existing English Heritage members – just turn up and join in!