Mars Petcare UK plans to axe scores of jobs
Mars Petcare UK has told staff it plans to shed 64 positions on its Melton production line in Leicestershire. According to a report in the Leicester Mercury, a consultation with the workforce is now underway...
Mars Petcare UK has told staff it plans to shed 64 positions on its Melton production line in Leicestershire.
According to a report in the Leicester Mercury, a consultation with the workforce is now underway.
The business employs about 300 people at the plant in Mill Street, Melton, manufacturing well-known brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas and Chappie.
The redundancies are on the tinned pet food production line.
It is understood the changes are being made to manufacturing as consumers move away from traditional tins to more convenient pouches.
Chris Sackree, plant manager, told the Leicester Mercury: "We have proposed a restructure relating to our canning line, to ensure that our factory in Melton Mowbray remains fit for the future.
"Our priority at this time is supporting our associates who are aware of the proposal and are taking part in a consultation process.
"A final decision on the restructure will be made following this period of consultation."
The wider Mars company is one of the biggest private, family-owned businesses in the world, and has been operating in the UK for more than 80 years.
It employs more than 4,000 people across 12 sites nationwide.
As well as the factory in Melton, there is a pet nutrition research facility a couple of miles away in Waltham on the Wolds.
Latest accounts for Mars Petcare UK, posted at Companies House, show profits after tax for 2015 were £32.7 million, compared to £30.7 million a year earlier. Turnover was down slightly to £518 million.
The 2015 annual report said: "Sales declined, but the business is well placed due to investment into the products, brands, processes, and consumer relationships."
The accounts said the petcare business employed 1,052 people, including 437 in production, and had a wage and pensions bill of £100 million.
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Pet care industry expected to grow by 2% this year
The pet care industry is expected to achieve good growth, with a 2% rise expected in constant 2017 value terms, according to market analysts Euromonitor International. Pet owners are continuing to establish strong bonds with their pets, and although the humanisation phenomenon may not be new, it has been driving the industry, says the company's Head of Pet Care Research, Paula Flores...
The pet care industry is expected to achieve good growth, with a 2% rise expected in constant 2017 value terms, according to market analysts Euromonitor International.
Pet owners are continuing to establish strong bonds with their pets, with pets becoming companions, friends or ersatz children.
"This humanisation phenomenon may not be new, but it has been driving the industry," says Paula Flores, Euromonitor International’s Head of Pet Care Research.
"The many ways in which it has done so are continuing to change. A good example is the continuous growth of dog and cat treats – globally the categories with the highest growth. Cat treats, in particular, has seen exponential growth in most regions, albeit from a small base, making it the most dynamic category globally in 2017.
"Regional performance is varied. Unsurprisingly, the more mature regions of North America and Western Europe are posting slower growth, with Asia Pacific expected to post the highest growth (7%) in constant value terms in 2017.
"The picture changes dramatically if variable exchange rate and current prices are taken into consideration. Individual markets such as China and India are expected to post the highest growth rates in 2017 as consumers increasingly humanise their pets and many also shift to a commercially prepared diet.
"Globally, pets are increasingly becoming part of all aspects of humans’ lives, and the relationship between humans and their pets keeps evolving. The way pet owners shop for themselves is key to the choices they make for their pets.
"The choices they make for themselves will be mimicked when chosing their pets’ diets. Manufacturers are increasingly adding new elements, targeting the functional element of nutrition and highlighting the key benefits it can bring to pets’ health.
"Consumers are also increasingly aware and reminded of the importance of looking after their own health. Pet owners are also keeping better track of their pets’ health, constantly monitoring their activity levels – the rise of pet activity trackers, as well as gadgets that allow owners to interact with their pets even when not at home is testament to this."
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National Pet Show attracts nearly 24,000 visitors
The National Pet Show welcomed 23,878 visitors and over 200 of the UK’s biggest and best pet suppliers and experts to its London show held at the ExCeL Centre over the weekend of 6th and 7th May, creating the ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase the very latest in pet products, veterinary care and dietary information...
 The National Pet Show welcomed 23,878 visitors and over 200 of the UK’s biggest and best pet suppliers and experts to its London show held at the ExCeL Centre over the weekend of 6th and 7th May, creating the ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase the very latest in pet products, veterinary care and dietary information.
Established sponsors Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Burgess Pet Care, Fluval and Exo Terra all had a large presence at the show, alongside exciting new sponsors such as MORETH>N, who headlined the show, Pets at Home and Tetra, who sponsored the new Kids Zone.
Other new features at the London show included Dogs with Jobs which attracted brand new participants such as Hypo Hounds, Medical Detection Dogs and Smokey Paws, who were all on site to educate visitors on the life-changing work of dogs.
Key highlights of the show returned this year to engage and excite visitors with Noel Fitzpatrick Live and SuperDogs Live, hosted by celebrity Michaela Strachan, in the SuperTheatre; a host of performances in the School 4 Dogs and the Dog Activity Ring; as well as numerous educational talks and hands-on attractions across the different areas of the show, from reptiles and small furries to cats and ponies, creating an animal-focused experience for all to enjoy.
Danielle Stooke from MORETH>N commented: “At MORE TH>N we’re passionate about pets and are proud to sponsor the National Pet Show. The event at the ExCeL was not only a great showcase for our brand, it was also fantastic fun.
"From talking to owners about their insurance needs and providing practical pet care advice, to meeting all creatures great and small or simply having families come together to play games at our park themed stand - it was great to be a part of this celebration of all things pet. We’re already looking forward to the November show in Birmingham.”
Jenny Holmes, Marketing Manager for Pets at Home, commented: "Pets at Home were the proud sponsors of School 4 Dogs at the National Pet Show last weekend. The show was a great platform for us to engage with our existing customers as well as meeting new ones.
"Our colleagues interacted with many visitors throughout the weekend, educating them on nutrition as well as entertaining them with our photobooth and children's area."
The new Kids Zone was a particular highlight for families, offering children the opportunity to get up close to animals and listen to advice from experts on how best to care for their pets, as well as storytelling and the chance for animal-themed creativity with various arts and crafts.
Ashleigh Foster from Tetra commented: “Tetra have had a great weekend sponsoring the Kids Zone! We’ve had a fantastic time seeing the children and families enjoying our colouring competition, fish themed face painting and hearing all about the fascinating hobby of fish keeping. We are looking forward to the next event already."
A number of new companies such as Omlet, Vets Kitchen, Pet Savers (BVSA) and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons chose to exhibit at the National Pet Show for the first time this year.
Maria Vitale, Events Manager from new exhibitor Vets Kitchen, said: “We’re really delighted at how busy it’s been. There’s been a real interest in our products and it’s great that pet owners are realising the benefits of advance nutrition pet food.”
A number of celebrities and personalities appeared at this year’s show to further educate and excite visitors, including Supervet, ProfessorNoel Fitzpatrick, biologist and reptile expert Dr Mike Leahy, vet Julian Norton (star of Channel 5’s fly-on-the-wall documentary series The Yorkshire Vet), and television presenter Michaela Strachan who presented the SuperDogs Livetalent competition.
One visitor to the show remarked: “The talk from Noel Fitzpatrick was inspiring, moving and emotional. What a legend! Next year we will probably come for both days as we loved it so much. Well done, you certainly made our day!”. Another said: “We had an absolutely amazing day. Can’t wait to come again next year”.
Nicole Cooper, Managing Director at Fitz All Media, commented: “We are thrilled that the National Pet Show London has been such a huge success, proving itself once again to be the perfect forum for pet lovers and families to engage with experts across the industry, whether they are looking to find information about the best products on the market for their pets or just to enjoy the extensive talks and hands-on experiences.
"The popularity of the National Pet Show is testament to the enormous role that animals play in so many of our lives.”
The National Pet Show 2018 is open to application from new and exciting products looking to attract new customers. For more information on how you can get involved in 2018 or at the NEC Birmingham on 4 and 5 November 2017, contact pippa@fitzallmedia.com.
For more information about the National Pet Shows visit http://www.thenationalpetshow.com/
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Interzoo long-term plan applauded by PetQuip
The announcement by the organisers of Interzoo that the show will remain at its current venue in Nuremberg until at least 2036 has been applauded by the British-based PetQuip association. Stability will be good for British exhibitors, says director general Amanda Sizer Barrett (pictured)...
The announcement by the organisers of Interzoo that the show will remain at its current venue in Nuremberg until at least 2036 has been applauded by the British-based PetQuip association.
PetQuip chose the Interzoo event as its launch platform in 2006, and since then the association has organised and supported the British pavilion at every edition of the biennual event. The UK exhibitor presence reached a record 62 pet trade suppliers in 2016 and interest is already high for the next edition.
The association has secured a prime location for the British pavilion at the 2018 edition of the show and has already flagged up this event with government for the allocation of cash grants for eligible exhibitors. British companies that exhibit in other areas of the exhibition may also benefit from PetQuip’s services and the funding by joining the British group, provided they register interest at the same time as committing to exhibiting.
Commenting on the Interzoo announcement, the director general of PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett, said: “Over the past 10 years, the PetQuip association has forged a strong bond with the organisers of this major event for the world’s pet trade.
"The latest announcement will only serve to strengthen that position to the benefit of UK exhibitors. Businesses welcome stability, and the fact that we will be continuing to work over a long period with the organisers at a venue that we know well will be attractive to UK pet suppliers."
Knowledge of the venue and the way in which the show operates are vital when planning exhibition participation and this is where PetQuip’s experience of the show ensures that UK companies get the best return on their investment.
Past exhibitors in the British pavilion have experienced the value of Interzoo in terms of the quality of the export orders they have secured. For example, firms that exhibited at the show at our launch eleven years ago are still benefiting from repeat export orders and new international contacts.
New exporters will benefit from the research, promotion, export advice and sales leads offered by PetQuip's experienced and knowledgeable team, before, during and after the show.
As with all international trade exhibitions where PetQuip is involved, the association will be providing a comprehensive package to British companies exhibiting in the PetQuip-organised group at Interzoo 2018. The package will be designed to make every aspect of exhibiting simpler and to promote each firm’s message to an international audience.
Although floor plans will not be available on the Interzoo website until at least October, you can register your interest in exhibiting now and obtain further information on the show and PetQuip's exhibitor package by contacting either Theresa Swann theresa@petquip.com or Emma Lewis emma@petquip.com, tel+44 (0)1959 565 995.
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TastyBone, the UK’s No 1 manufacturer of nylon, edible and rubber chew and play toys, exhibited a host of new products at Zoomark along with added to its best-selling lines.
The brand has revitalised its edible bone by introducing a new shape to ensure that dogs get the full chewing potential from their TastyBone.
The TastyBone Gourmet range is an edible bone made for soft chewers with a more sophisticated palate. The new shape bone takes the form of a more natural looking bone, with more ridges and grooves to satisfy the need to chew.
Similar to a strong biscuit, the TastyBone Gourmet range is available in a variety of mouth-watering flavours.
 TastyBone also has a new addition to their Nylon Trio Bone range with the introduction of a ‘toy’ sized bone which is suitable for toy dog breeds. Toy breeds are becoming increasingly popular and these nylon products will help to keep your dog’s gums and teeth healthy.
The final addition to the TastyBone range are the spookily tough and tasty Halloween Nylon Bones. Two limited edition flavours have been created in Pumpkin and Toffee Apple flavours. Available in toy and small sizes, these nylon bones will be sure to go down a treat.
All TastyBone products are made with human grade flavours using herbs and spices with RRPs ranging from £4.25 to £13.99.
The latest additions are available to order now with the Pets Choice sales team by calling 01254 54545.
For more information visit www.tastybone.com, tweet @TastyBone_UK or contact TastyBone on Facebook via www.facebook.com/tastybonecompany/.
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Research backs up award-winning pet food brand
The team behind leading New Zealand premium petfood brand, Ziwi (formerly called ZiwiPeak), knows that a high meat diet is what dogs want and need for a healthy life. This has now been backed up by new independent research which shows that feeding dogs a high meat diet delivers unrivalled health benefits.
The team behind leading New Zealand premium petfood brand, Ziwi (formerly called ZiwiPeak), knows that a high meat diet is what dogs want and need for a healthy life.
This has now been backed up by new independent research which shows that feeding dogs a high meat diet delivers unrivalled health benefits.
The New Zealand study undertaken by AgResearch and Massey University - only the second study of its kind in the world - found a high meat diet is the optimum choice for dogs’ wellbeing as it is more easily digested with increased nutrient absorption.
High meat diets also deliver other multiple benefits according to the research , including supporting bone and joint health, dental health, the immune system and overall vitality.
Ziwi’s General Manager (Marketing) Michael Dance, welcomed the research which underpins the Ziwi philosophy.
“The study highlighted the many benefits of feeding a high meat diet. If we look to nature and the dog’s origins we can see they are not meant to be eating carbohydrates and grains.
"The study investigated the foods different bacteria digest in a dog’s gut. It clearly showed the majority of bacteria found are biologically designed for meat digestion. As a result a dog can more readily absorb the nutrients in meat than in carbohydrates and grains.
"While dogs on a high meat diet have better overall health, this particularly relates to fecal health, a bonus for owners is smaller stools as the body’s absorption rate is so much higher,” said Mr Dance.
To add to the Ziwi range of New Zealand meat products, two new flavours have just been launched - Blue Mackerel & Lamb for dogs and cats, and Tripe & Lamb for dogs. The Blue Mackerel and Lamb variety recently won the best new cat product at PATS Sandown for Ziwi and Natural Pet Products Ltd. who distribute the brand in the UK.
Blue Mackerel and Lamb for dogs and cats contains wild-caught New Zealand Blue Mackerel, high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are essential for a healthy skin and coat and supporting joint health. The second new variant, Tripe and Lamb for dogs, contains cold-washed green tripe, which is a natural source of probiotics and beneficial gut enzymes to help digestion and palatability.
Ziwi’s quality ingredients, sourced from New Zealand’s rich green pastures and pristine oceans, are gently air dried to naturally preserve the nutritious goodness of raw meat and seafood without artificial additives, providing the very best nutrition for pets.
Both of the new flavours are available in air-dried packs and can variants, and like all Ziwi products, are sourced from free range producers and are free of grains, rice, corn, soy, wheat, sugars, preservatives, GMOs, hormones, antibiotics and rendered meats. All products are carefully prepared in Ziwi’s boutique facility in Mount Maunganui under world-class quality standards.
The entire range has been rebranded to Ziwi and is sporting a refreshed new-look pack. All recipes have been enhanced to deliver higher meat content – 98% for air dried and more than 92% for the canned moist range. Being all natural and dense with nutrients, Ziwi’s recipes are easily digestible, meaning you feed less – which has benefits for pets and owners alike.
Ziwi is committed to sourcing ingredients from only humane, ethical and sustainably managed local farms.
For more information visit www.naturalpetproductsltd.com
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German mail order company seeks UK pet accessories
Seven leading product buyers from Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia and Russia have accepted invitations to participate in its next popular ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event, organised by Gardenex and PeQuip for June 7...
Previous 'Meet the Buyer' Days run by Gardenex and PetQuip have been highly successful.
Seven leading product buyers from Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia and Russia have accepted invitations to participate in its next popular ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event, organised by Gardenex and PeQuip for June 7.
The event is the latest in a series of highly successful ‘Meet the International Buyers’ initiatives that provide UK suppliers with the opportunity of meeting overseas buyers on a one-to-one basis.
During the planning of the events, Gardenex identifies the products being sought by the invited overseas buyers and then arranges meetings with UK suppliers of those products.
This format has proved to be highly successful, bringing praise from both suppliers and buyers and resulting in significant export orders over a number of years.
The international garden product buyers travelling to the UK to meet with British suppliers are:
Veseys Seeds, Canada's leading gardening mail order company that also sells online and through its retail store. The buyer is looking for practical gardening accessories to add to the company’s existing range. The company sells seeds, bulbs, plant trays/starting pots, greenhouse products, testing/measuring kits, fertilisers, biological controls, tools, clothing, bird feeders, baskets, watering products, containers, raised beds and many other practical gardening items and accessories. The company is currently working with some Gardenex member companies and has visited Glee. 1.7 million of the company’s catalogues are circulated annually. Luka Garden s.r.o., a Czech importer/distributor of gloves, boots, children’s garden items, lighting, garden fire-pits and grills and all types of practical and decorative accessories for garden and home. The buyer is looking to expand its range of UK suppliers, ideally with well-packaged British products which are not already on the Czech market. Customers include around 80 garden centres throughout the Czech Republic including Chládek, the leading independent garden centre in Prague. Three buyers from Germany. Two are from Gärtner Pötschke, a leading specialist garden mail order company and online shop. Its buyers are regular visitors to Glee and source products from many Gardenex members. The buyers are looking for innovative practical and decorative garden products, particularly those not already available on the German market. The company is a regular ’Meet the International Buyers’ attendee and usually sources from more than half the companies seen on the day, including firms new to exporting. The other German buyer is from Waschbär, a large mail order company and online sales business focussed on environmentally-friendly products in Germany. The buyer is looking for environmentally-friendly garden products to add to the range, as well as pet accessories such as dog leashes, toys and educational items. The company’s existing 7,000 items range from fashion, cosmetics and household goods to garden and free-time. It issues a twice-yearly mail order catalogue and also has four retail shops that sell exclusively the products featured in the catalogues. In addition, it supplies customers across Europe and has set up Swiss, Austrian and Dutch web-shops for its customers in those countries. It already imports from the UK. The Latvian company, Cerise Ltd, acts both as importer / distributor and retailer. Products handled include garden tools, garden clothing and footwear, garden furniture and decoration, landscaping products, florists' accessories, household products, lighting and gift items. It supplies garden centres, web-stores, other shops and chains in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, and also exports to its cooperation partner in Russia. It also has its own B2C online store and retail outlet. The company is already importing from several UK suppliers. The Russian buyer is from Consta Garden, an importer/distributor of goods for gardeners, landscape designers and florists. Products handled include garden clothing and footwear, gardening accessories, tools and gloves. The company supplies garden centres, plant nurseries, professional landscapers, florists and large online garden shops in Moscow and other regions of Russia, as well as having its own B2C online store. It sources products from several UK suppliers. To ensure that you don’t miss out on the opportunity to apply for 25 minute one-to-one meetings with any of the buyers on 7 June, or to find out more about future ‘Meet the Buyers’ events for both the garden and pet sectors, contact theresa@gardenex.com as soon as possible.
Pictured: Previous 'Meet the Buyer' Days run by Gardenex and PetQuip have been highly successful.
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Pet shop owner caught dealing drugs
Plymouth pet shop owner Nadine Clark was caught supplying amphetamine twice within a month, a court head. Clark, aged 32, has since lost her business and her trader's licence..
A pet shop owner was caught supplying amphetamine twice within a month, a court head.
Nadine Clark, aged 32, warehoused the drugs for dealers who took advantage of her own habit.
She has since lost her business and her trader's licence after police searched her shop in Plymouth City Market, Plymouth Crown Court heard.
But Clark avoided jail after a judge heard she had kicked the drugs and broken away from dealers linked to a previous partner.
She admitted she did not sell amphetamine on the street but held the drugs at her home in Ipswich Close, Whitleigh, for those who did.
Handing her a suspended prison sentence, Judge Paul Darlow said she had impressed a probation officer and he could take into account the steps she had taken to move away from crime.
Clark, who has since moved home, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply.
She also admitted simple possession of Valium and two counts of possession of cannabis.
Garth Richardson, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said police raided her home on August 1 last year.
He added officers found six grams of amphetamine and a list of names next to amounts of money – a dealer's list.
Mr Richardson said police searched her home on August 28 and this time found 120 grams of amphetamine worth £1,271, plus digital scales often used to measure deals.
The court heard that police had spotted known drug users coming and going from the home.
Ali Rafati, for Clark, said she had worked for 16 years and had opened her own pet shop in the former pannier market.
He added she had been asked to leave after police searched the shop and had lost her trader's licence.
The court heard she had started using amphetamine to cope after the death of her partner, the father of her child.
Mr Rafati said another partner had trashed her home.
He added: "Her life has been focussed on and to some degree run by men."
She was handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 25 days working intensively with probation to tackle the problems behind her offending.
Clark must also pay £140 victim surcharge.
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Following a forecast that we can expect an invasion of fleas, flies and other creepies this summer CSJ is advising pet owners to act now. The company is urging: “Don’t let your dog’s skin suffer this summer, our Skinny range of cream, shampoo, spray and herbs have been specially formulated to be extremely kind to skin. Skinny is great at dealing with fleas, ticks, mites, lice and files, as well as pesky midges. "It’s not just insects that can cause misery to pets….there’s pollen, heat and itchy grass, so defend your dog’s skin against nasty summertime irritations - meet our ‘Skinny’ range - with NEW Skinny herbs.” Find out more and read about all CSJ’s natural feeds, herbs and treats at www.csjk9.com
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 Traditional pet shops have been wrongly tarnished during the debate on puppy farming, and any ban on the sale of puppies would only make matters worse. That’s the view of Nigel Baker, chief executive of the Pet Industry Federation, who told Pet Trade Xtra: “The only way to stop the ‘puppy farm’ and ‘imports’ from Central Europe and Ireland is for the UK to have large scale, properly regulated, puppy breeders.
“The demand for puppies (circa 800,000 a year) won’t stop, and any ban will certainly drive the puppy traders underground as has been seen in the USA and Austria where bans have been trialed.
“In Austria, the ban on pet shops selling puppies was lifted after three years because the situation got so bad. More robust and better enforced regulations are needed, and these changes should be seen in the new licensing regulations.
“Anyone who sells a pet needs a pet shop licence (Pet Animals Act 1951). It does not follow that all traditional pet shops sell puppies! In fact less than 30 in the UK now do.
“However, there are over 80 pet vending licences issued for businesses that sell puppies. These are re-sellers of animals that are predominantly carrying on a business from their homes; they are not open and transparent for the public to visit, unlike traditional pet shops.
“Traditional pet shops have been tarnished with the ‘puppy brush’ for too long. Currently it is legal for a business (traditional pet shop or not) to obtain a pet shop licence to sell puppies. The new 2018 licensing regulations should tighten this up.”
In his interview with Pet Trade Xtra, Nigel also answered questions on the state of the pet industry and what he felt were the main challenges facing the trade.
How would you describe the state of the UK pet industry today?
We are seeing growth in the pet industry of circa 2% on pet foods, and a 13% growth over the last 5 years in accessories. Services such as grooming, dog walking etc continue to see very high growth rates.
What are the main challenges/threats facing the trade?
Brexit is probably the largest challenge as we import a lot of pet food ingredients and accessories and the pound has already significantly dropped against the Euro and Dollar. Expect to see more increases!
Where do the main opportunities for pet businesses lie?
Specialisation – pet shops should sell pets as a point of difference. Pet services are a large opportunity to add to retail or set up as standalone businesses. New products are the lifeblood of any business and visits to the trade shows both in the UK and oversees must be encouraged.
What would you like to see happen from the Brexit negotiations?
I think all manufacturers and retailers want to see some price stabilisation and no large barriers to trade across Europe. We already export a lot of pet products to the EU and these significantly help UK businesses amortise their overheads. Tariffs and custom barriers would be detrimental to UK businesses and there are no other western type markets in easy reach of the UK which UK suppliers could divert business too.
Do you think UK companies produce some of the best pet products in the world?
Yes we do, and we should do more, but we import many fad ingredients (rice, sweet potato etc) instead of using what we grow here. Most of the accessories we sell in the UK also come from the Far East. We are great inventors and traders but not so good at manufacturing (although there are some excellent manufacturers too)!
How much does European legislation currently effect the UK pet industry?
Our animal welfare legislation is similar to the EU and will continue post-Brexit to maintain parity with Europe – hopefully the big change will come on Pet Passports and better border controls to stop the illegal imports of puppies. Unfortunately, devolution has not helped as we are already seeing differences in legislation in Scotland, for example with Primary Authority partnerships, where most aren’t recognised in Scotland. The new 2018 Licensing Regulations will only be recognised in England and Wales which will cause issues for corporates with cross border outlets.
Do you think animal welfare standards are improving in this country?
We are a nation of animal lovers and on the whole we look after our pets very well. The majority of owners do not set out to be cruel to pets. It is estimated that under 1% of UK dogs actually need rehoming. The difficulty is extracting the true data from the welfare charities!
How are bodies like PIF influencing decision-making at Government level when it comes to animal-welfare and pet related matters?
PIF is actively involved with the new licensing regulations that come out next year and we sit on the DEFRA expert panel on this subject. We are also on the committee for writing Model Licence Conditions; PAAG (Pet Advertising Advisory Group) which looks at internet sales; Canine and Feline Sector Council (CFSG); the European Pet Organisation (EPO) – a collective of European Trade Association;, and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare (APGAW) as well as other committees. We represent the pet industry on these groups and set out to be the voice of reason amongst the welfare organisations.
Does the pet industry as a whole do enough to educate the public about responsible pet ownership?
The main issues about this are threefold. The wealthier charities could and should divert more funds to education; there should be better verbal information from trained staff when an animal is purchased (retail, breeder, rehoming centre) and there should be one central repository for animal care information which I am pleased to say that The Pet Charity is now undertaking through their pet portal (www.thepetcharity.org.uk). There should be more information pre-purchase about the cost, lifespan and welfare needs of acquiring an animal. Both PIF and The Pet Charity are very involved with education and information transfer to new pet owners.
Is there enough collaboration between the various trade bodies?
PIF already collaborates with OATA , REPTA and PFMA on a number of projects. The days of not working together to represent the pet industry are over and I believe we all have a much better understanding of the roles of each organisation and are working as one unified voice.
Have you achieved as much as you’d hoped since taking over at PIF?
Yes and no! I have been CEO for 4 years – membership has increased by 40% and members get more than ever before for their membership, we have increased our education offering with both the qualifications we offer as well as with our joint venture with Hadlow College dog grooming school which this year has seen over 160 students register for courses. We are opening another school with Hadlow in Greenwich in September; the annual PIF Forum and Awards has grown to over 250 people attending the Awards Dinner, and we represent the industry with government and local authorities to ensure that the pet industry is listened to. Whilst we have no doubt achieved much, there is always more to do!
Are you currently working on any exciting initiatives?
Up to now, PIF has largely been trade facing in the work it does. However, we recognise that as our members pay a membership fee, agree to our code of conduct and dispute resolution process, PIF should represent them as “stand out” businesses to the public. My Pet People (www.mypetpeople.co.uk) is our new public facing website which will launch in May where members can get a free listing on the site and the public can use it as the trusted place to go for pet businesses. We have received lots of support for this project and are looking forward to it coming to fruition. We are also working on the Greenwich Grooming School and working with The Pet Charity on the new “National Reptile Welfare Centre” which is a collaboration between industry, charity and education to rehome and discover how we can help prevent issues arising in this sector.
How will you celebrate PIF’s 70th anniversary this year?
We are planning some celebrations which will start over summer and culminate at the PIF Awards Dinner at Whittlebury Park, near Silverstone on November 29th.
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Pedigree Wholesale will be holding its annual Pet & Aquatic Trade Show on Wednesday, June 14, at Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground.
Packed with lots of fantastic business opportunities there will be over 80 trade stands representing all of the market leading brands in the pet industry.
Retailers who visit will be able to take advantage of the numerous extra special HOT DEALS that will be available across many products EXCLUSIVELY AT THE SHOW.
The event is the perfect opportunity to meet suppliers and make new contacts, see the latest new products as well as generate ideas and inspiration as to what to stock over the coming months, including the dedicated Christmas area where retailers will be able to start planning to ensure they make the most of the busiest season.
Furthermore two lucky visitors will bag £500 and £250 cash respectively – to be in with a chance of winning visitors just need to visit 30 or more supplier stands. FREE bottles of Prosecco will also be handed out to all those who enter.
To help keep energy levels up a complimentary buffet lunch and refreshments will be available for all visitors.
Peterborough Arena is a versatile, multi-purpose venue, conveniently located just a stone’s throw from Junction 17 of the A1.
The event is open to all Pet Retailers. If you would like to visit, simply register your interest beforehand at http://tradeshow.petproducts.co.uk/If you would like any more information about the show or Pedigree Wholesale call 0115 982 3900 or e. info@petproducts.co.uk.
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Luxury treat manufacturer, The Innocent Hound, is launching three new treats that are bursting with functional health benefits.
The superfood sausages contain targeted levels of natural active ingredients such as turmeric, spirulina and aloe vera. They give the products intense colours and flavours, but most importantly they can provide real health benefits.
Dog owners will know they are not only giving their dog a delicious treat, but one that is going to support their pet’s wellbeing.
The range targets three core areas of health support – dental, skin & coat and joints.
They are made with single proteins (70-80% ethically sourced, fresh, British meat or fish) and they are all air-dried, grain-free and hypoallergenic.
The Dental Support superfood sausage contains aniseed, (great for freshening breath), and citrus extract - a powerful antibacterial and antifungal remedy that helps prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
Chloe Heaton, of The Innocent Hound, explains: “I’ve lost track of the number of times I have been asked to produce a healthy alternative to mainstream dental chews. Our lamb sausages really could be the answer with these simple but effective ingredients.”
Skin and Coat Support sausages contain the soothing wonder plant, aloe vera, and a sprinkling of spirulina - a natural algae packed full of B vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is great for helping support a healthy immune system and overall wellbeing.
The Joint Support treat is made with turmeric and ground black pepper. Turmeric contains curcumin and has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are enhanced when mixed with ground black pepper. These sausages are an easy and delicious way of feeding a good dose of turmeric to dogs.
Chloe adds: “We have used exciting ingredients that are benefitting both humans and pets.
"What makes these treats different is that for our brand, it is much more than just a word on the packaging.
"We developed this range making sure the sausages contained the necessary quantities of active ingredients to really make a difference.”
These functional treats are available directly from The Innocent Hound woof@theinnocenthound.co.uk, tel: 01937 841175. The pouches contain 100g and RRP is £4.95.
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Take part in Bring Your Dog To Work Day
Ahead of this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day on Friday, June 23, the event’s founder HOWND has published guidance for HR departments of the companies who want to take part.
Ahead of this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day on Friday, June 23, the event’s founder HOWND has published guidance for HR departments of the companies who want to take part.
The natural pet product company has devised ‘7 HR Guidelines’ after being asked for advice from a number of office-based organisations:
- Written consent should be obtained from every office employee ahead of Bring Your Dog to Work Day.
- An accurate record of all dogs in the workplace should be kept.
- Each dog coming into the workplace should be kept on a leash while walking in the building, as well as outside, and should have an identity tag with the owner’s contact details.
- Dogs must be clean and well-groomed ahead of their day at work.
- Dogs should be well socialised i.e. good natured and comfortable around dogs and people.
- Each participating employee should bring a ‘Dog Packed Lunch’ - including treats, toys, a lead, water bowl, and food
- Each participating employee should also bring appropriate bedding for their dog, i.e. dog basket, mat or rug. Just so the working day is as comfortable as possible!
But isn’t this event just a novelty for workplaces? It might seem that way, but the benefits of allowing people to bring their pets to work have been studied in some depth by Virginia Commonwealth University The research showed an 11% reduction in the stress levels of employees which is significant enough to turn the heads of dog owners and team motivators in a range of companies.
“The presence of pets can substantially reduce a person’s stress level in the workplace. Increased job satisfaction, team cooperation and morale have all been reported in employees that spend the workday with their pets,” explains Jo Amit, co-founder of HOWND.
Raising Money for Charity
Raising money for animal welfare and promoting the benefits of bringing dogs into safe work environments are both aims of the event founder HOWND.
Businesses that wish to take part can do so as ‘Business Sponsors’. Previous years saw a wide range of businesses from across many industries getting involved and this is only set to increase. Companies such as Scottish & Southern Electric, Private Fly, Shore Capital, Henry Schein, as well as a host of UK pet businesses have all sponsored in the past.
The two official charities for 2017 are All Dogs Matter, which rescues and rehomes hundreds of dogs each year in the UK and Animals Asia, a charity foundation that saves dogs and cats from the corrupt meat trade in China and Vietnam.
“If you own or run a business, you can participate by making an online donation to become a business sponsor. In return for a minimum donation of £50, your company’s logo and website link will be displayed on the Bring Your Dog to Work Day website homepage. All the money raised will be split equally between All Dogs Matter and Animals Asia.”
Individuals can also make a donation whether they take their dogs to work or not. For a minimum online donation of £2, a picture of a person’s dog can be published in the ‘Dog With A Job Hall Of Fame’. Individuals that donate £5 or more online will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £100s of goodies from our business sponsors.
Past Success
Bring Your Dog To Work Day has become a recognised calendar event, taking the national press and social media by storm over the past three years.
This has led to the initiative claiming bronze and silver ‘Marketing Campaign of the Year’ accolades at the annual PetQuip Awards.
“We’ve enjoyed incredible results on a shoestring budget. The day has been featured on national television and been the focus of a number of radio talking points around the country,” adds Jo.
Celebrities have got involved too, with the likes of Ricky Gervais and ITV’s Loose Women tweeting their support. This has helped the #BringYourDogToWorkDay hashtag trend on Twitter in both 2015 and 2016.
Become a movie star
Participants in this year’s Bring Your Dog To Work Day will also have the opportunity to contribute to its first official movie.
Through an award-winning app called Seenit Capture, those who take part can join the BYD2017 project, before recording and uploading clips of their dogs at work. These clips will be used to create a short film.
For further information about Bring Your Dog To Work Day visit the official website, or email hello@bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk.
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Pet food brand Webbox has teamed up with local brewery, Bowland Brewery, to create a festival ale for a charity Beer Festival.
The Lancashire-based businesses created the Mutts Nuts ale especially for Blackburn Beer Festival, a fund-raising event held By Blackburn Youth Zone.
A registered charity, Blackburn Youth Zone opens its doors to 3,000 members aged 8-18, offering them a safe and exciting environment in which to spend their spare time.
Webbox parent company, Pets Choice, has been patrons of the Youth Zone for several years, often working on many fundraising projects for the charity and has been a headline sponsor of the Beer Festival for the past two years.
In total the 2017 Blackburn, Beer Festival raised a fantastic £26,000, which will go towards raising hopes, aspirations and opportunities for the town’s young people, by keeping Blackburn Youth Zone open seven days a week.
Blackburn Youth Zone provides young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to - for just 50p per visit.
Tony Raeburn, CEO of Webbox, commented: “We are glad to be involved in the Beer Festival for a second year as it’s such a great event for a great cause.
"We thought having a Webbox beer would be lots of fun and we held a competition for all of our employees asking them to name the beer and selected the best one.
"The competition created a buzz around the business and winners of the tickets enjoyed a fantastic day out at the Beer Festival.”
For further information on Webbox visit www.webbox.co.uk
Pictured: Bar & cellar manager Jason Menzies (left) with Tony Raeburn, CEO Pets Choice.
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Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of the leading range of veterinary supplements, has launched eye-catching new packaging for LOGIC EaseFlex for dogs, LOGIC EaseLife for dogs and LOGIC EaseBall.
The new packaging offers improved convenience for both retailers and pet owners; the packs provide greater clarity when they are on display and they are also easier to stack to help maximise on-shelf presence and storage in the home environment.
Abigail King, LOGIC product manager at Ceva Animal Health, comments: “The striking new packaging for LOGIC EaseFlex for dogs, LOGIC EaseLife for Dogs and LOGIC EaseBall is more convenient for both retailers and pet owners and will help further enhance LOGIC’s market leading status.”
The tasty ‘soft chew’ LOGIC supplements contain high quality active ingredients, which have been specifically developed to ensure the high standards that owners expect for their pets. The supplements allow owners to ‘treat’ their pets, knowing they are contributing to the health of their pet and reducing the desire to give unhealthy snacks.LOGIC EaseFlex is a high quality super tasty joint supplement specially formulated to help soothe active joints and support long-term mobility.
The high quality ingredients in LOGIC EaseFlex include glucosamine HCL, to support the formation of healthy joint cartilage; chondroitin, to help maintain the elasticity of the joint cartilage and slow down its destruction and green lipped mussel, a high quality source of omega-3 fatty acids known to support and maintain joint function.
LOGIC EaseFlex should be given daily as a treat and comes in packs of 28 beef flavour, highly palatable soft chews, which provide up to eight weeks’ supply for a dog weighing up to 25kg.
LOGIC EaseLife is a super tasty supplement for senior dogs that has been specifically developed with a combination of essential nutrients to help support mobility, coat condition, mind vitality and alertness in senior dogs.
The high quality ingredients include glucosamine HCL, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a source of naturally occurring sulphur required as a building block in cartilage; omega-3 (DHA and EPA), necessary components of cells which help to support the immune system and vitamin E, a natural antioxidant which helps minimise damage and neutralise free radicals.
LOGIC EaseLife should be given daily as a treat and comes in packs of 28 beef flavoured highly palatable soft chews, which provide up to eight weeks’ supply for a dog weighing up to 25kg.
LOGIC EaseBall contains natural fish oils to lubricate the digestive tract and enhance the passage of fur through the gut. This reduces the occurrence of hairballs and can contribute to a healthy, shiny coat.
For reduction of hairballs, feed one super tasty chew per day. To assist in removal of existing hairballs, feed up to four chews daily until resolved. LOGIC EaseBall is available in packs of 28 salmon flavoured soft chews. For further information visit www.logicforpets.co.uk.
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- Out of 54 million pets in the UK, 33 million are aquatic
- Over half of Brits believe keeping fish calms children whilst boosting cognitive development
- Children with pets are more likely to exceed teacher’s expectations
Fsh are the most popular pet in the UK with around 33 million fish making up some of the 54 million pet owning households across the country, according to research by leading aquatics company Tetra.
This isn’t surprising when you consider the positive impacts fish can have on children including creating a relaxing environment, boosting development at school and improving social skills.
The Tetra research has found that children with pets perform swimmingly in school, meeting or exceeding teacher’s expectations by almost 10% vs children without any pets. When it comes to interacting with others, those with pets are also more confident and friendly.
The type of pet also has an impact on children’s performance outside of school with over half of parents believing that keeping fish had a calming effect on their child, whilst teaching them responsibility, developing social skills and encouraging cognitive development.
With SATS season around the corner, fish can make a particularly great pet for providing a relaxing environment in the home. Especially when you consider that the most common age for stress in children is between nine and 11-years-old, coinciding with exams in year six.
7.5 years old is the average age that children in the UK are given the responsibility for the day-to-day care of pets, with one in ten children owning a fish. Fishkeeping has doubled in popularity from 10 years ago, where only one in twenty pet households had fish. Brits are most likely to take up fishkeeping as they believe aquariums look good in the home, require little maintenance and create a relaxing environment.
Ashleigh Foster, Aquatics Marketing Manager at Tetra, comments: “It’s great to see how fishkeeping has grown in popularity over the years, especially with young children.
"At Tetra we’re dedicated to developing easy-to-use care products and solutions to help make maintenance easier than ever to allow fish fans to spend more time enjoying their aquarium whilst encouraging others to learn more about the fascinating hobby.”
With the two main reasons for not owning a pet being lifestyle - such as long working hours - and living in rented accommodation, fish make great, low-maintenance companions. Tetra provides a range of affordable aquariums from Peppa Pig themed tanks to introductory starter kits which include everything families need to kick start their new hobby.
For more information about Tetra, visit http://www.tetra.net/en
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