As the company celebrates 125 years in business, Donald Cooke looks forward to an exciting future with new product launches in the pipeline.
Managing director Andrew Cooke repeated the words once spoken by his grandfather: “The minute you stand still, you go backwards.”
Five generations of the Cooke family have been determined to drive the business forward to the success it is today.
Andrew Cooke declares that he will “strive to uphold the rich history of growth and innovation, working tirelessly to continue the legacy for many years to come.”
William John Cooke laid the foundations for the business in 1900. As orphan from Rutland he was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle in Woodhouse Sheffield, just two miles from the current head office, and started out as a carrier with a horse and cart.
Joined by Cyril Cooke after the First World War, then later by Cyril’s two sons Donald and Colin, they grew the business to manufacture breadcrumb and trade in their own shop. The brothers parted ways in 1967, but Donald did not rest on his laurels, moving the business to another site in Rotherham and began producing one of the first complete dog foods called NEG+.
In 1973 Bill Cooke joined full time. Two years later a fire gutted the main building and production unit, but with the dedication of their team they built the business back up, rebranding the NEG+ complete food to Lookydog, producing approximately 40 tonnes per week.
By 1987 they had developed EMP egg food for cage birds which became, and is still, a significant part of the business. In 2002 Andrew Cooke joined the company which had grown into the manufacture, packing and distribution of angling, aquaculture, pet and animal feed.
Over the past few years, the pet range has developed into a comprehensive selection of quality bulk and pre-packed natural dog treats under the K9 Chew Co brand, whilst being the sole distributor of No More Plaque, Tick Twister and Bamboo Stick to the pet trade.
“We are delighted to have won two product showcase awards at PATS last year – one for our K9 Chew Co Pick ‘n’ Mix training treat stand and one with Tick Twister,” said Andrew. “I am so proud that the business and team are committed to delivering excellence. We are looking forward to what the future may hold.”
The business has launched new fishing products, its own brand pond range ‘Suteki’ and expanded the natural pet range already this year. It is currently working on something new and exciting for the pet trade, to be launched this year – proof that the company is not about to stand still anytime soon.
For more information about any of the company’s products call 0114 2693901 or email office@donaldcooke.co.uk
