Leading pet food firm Purina has hit back at claims that discredit one of its leading brands, Bakers, stating it is “committed to creating nutritious foods that will keep pets happy, healthy and content.”

The claims were made by Pooch & Mutt who said it had produced an exposé on Bakers pet food.

According to Pooch & Mutt its investigation had shown that Bakers pet food included: crushed insects, known carcinogens, the controversial antioxidants BHT and BHA (which McDonalds and General mills both stopped using due to public pressure) and potentially just 1% chicken in the ‘chicken’ recipe. None of these ingredients are said to be shown on the pack of food.

But Purina has responded by stating to Pet Trade Xtra: “As a responsible pet food manufacturer we are concerned the campaign will cause pet owners unnecessary worry about the quality of food they are feeding their pet.

“All Purina products comply with the strict UK and EU legislation for pet food to ensure they are safe to feed your pet and are nutritionally balanced.

 “The production of pet food is highly regulated to ensure that it is of the utmost quality. The colours and all other additives that we use are carefully regulated by a number of authorities and are permitted for use in cat, dog and human food in all EU member states.

 “Purina is committed to creating nutritious foods that will keep pets happy, healthy and content.”

In the UK, pet food manufacturers have the option of declaring individual ingredients in their food, or declaring them by categories. Independent pet food companies, like Pooch & Mutt, tend to declare individual ingredients, as they want customers to know about the high quality ingredients that they put in their foods. Multinational companies tend to list ingredients by category.

Guy Blaskey, founder of Pooch & Mutt, commented: “There was a of lot of criticism of Bakers’ old recipe online, and it was good to see that they responded to this with an updated recipe.

“We feel that Pooch & Mutt plays an important role in helping customers do what is right for their dogs and to better understand what they feed their pets, and therefore demand more of manufacturers at all ends of the spectrum. We first looked at the recipe out of curiosity, as we delved deeper we were pretty shocked.

The report that we have published is intentionally objective, simply linking the ingredients that we found out were in the food to independent information, commentaries and studies on those ingredients.

“However, on a personal level, I find it incredibly disappointing that a company would act this way whilst claiming to care about the health of customers’ pets.”

Pooch & Mutt’s report can be viewed at http://www.poochandmutt.com/bakers_dog_food/

Budget supermarket chain Aldi launched its biggest ever pet range in stores today (Thursday) with products ranging from toys and towels to crates and beds.

The new pet range includes a variety of pet beds and accessories,  and Aldi claims it offers savings of up to 67% compared to Pets At Home.

The company also states that Brits spend an average of £27k on their dogs during its lifetime – but could save up to £4,700 with Aldi.

One of the biggest savings owners can make is on Aldi’s Specialbuy Pet Beds, which will save owners 62%. Other savings that can be made by shopping at Aldi include:

• A 45% saving on pet crates
• 63% on carriers
• 60% on pet food
• 67% off poo bags (dog owners will get through a massive 13,140 poo bags in their dog’s lifetime!)

Julie Ashfield, from Aldi said: “At Aldi we know how important our furry family members are and we’re committed to providing only the best for pets and their owners.

"This dedicated pet range is available at unbeatable prices and will help UK families to lower the overall costs of owning a pet, yet maintaining a high standard of care and quality of life.”

Some of the products have been discounted as part of Aldi's SpecialBuys, which means the items are sold on a first come, first served basis and "once they're gone, they're gone." The full range was available to pre-order online from 18th February before being launched in stores today.

Here’s a selection of products in the range…

To see the full range visit https://www.aldi.co.uk/c/specialbuys/pets?q=%3Apopular&page=0

Pet food brand Vet’s Kitchen has increased its range with Sainsbury’s to include cat food and pet treats which have launched in over 200 stores. Its existing dry dog food range is already available across 550 Sainsbury's stores.

Vet’s Kitchen will see both its Little Star dog treats and Little Heart cat treats, as well as its dry dog food and fresh cat food selection on the shelves of the UK’s second largest supermarket chain.

Formulated by Vet’s Kitchen’s team of vets, veterinary nurses and nutritional advisors, alongside the latest research, the extensive range of pet food from Vet’s Kitchen has been designed to promote the long-term health and wellbeing of both cats and dogs.

Jenny Philp, Managing Director and practising vet at Vet’s Kitchen, comments: “We’re passionate about educating the nation on feeding the right food to our four legged companions and we couldn’t be more thrilled that our natural pet foods are going to be widely available to consumers as they go about their weekly shop.

“Our latest research revealed that over 80% of pet owners try to feed their pet as healthily as possible and that is the core element of our philosophy. If there is no sufficient proof that an ingredient has a positive impact on an animal’s health, then it doesn’t make it into our food –it’s as simple as that. As a brand, we’re committed to being clear and transparent about everything that goes into our food and we’re excited to be able to offer our unique products to shoppers nationwide.”

All Vet’s Kitchen products are, wherever possible, made using local, sustainable, and high quality ingredients, and manufactured and packed in the UK. 

For further information on Vet’s Kitchen, visit www.vetskitchen.co.uk.  

Products stocked in Sainsbury’s include:

• Chicken Little Stars Smart+ Dog Treats
• Salmon Little Stars Active+ Dog Treats
• Pork Little Stars Sensitive+ Dog Treats
• Crunchy Chicken & Duck Little Hearts Cat Treats
• Salmon & Trout Little Hearts Cat Treats
• Triple Little Hearts Cat Treats
• Chicken Ultra Fresh Cat Food (770g)
• Salmon Ultra Fresh Cat Food (770g)
• Dry Dog Food in Chicken & Brown Rice and Salmon & Brown Rice (1.3kg & 3kg)
• Dry Dog Food in Grain Free Pork & Potato (1.1kg & 2.2kg)

Seeing the latest pet products launched under one roof is one of the major attractions to PATS visitors, and next month’s show at Sandown Park in Surrey is set to unveil an impressive number of new items.

The high quality of entries to the popular New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, is a positive sign that PATS Sandown exhibitors are excited about their latest products and can’t wait to show them to visiting retailers and buyers.

Products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Tuesday, March 20) to decide the winners of the New Product Awards.

There are eight categories in the New Product Showcase and past winners admit that winning an award can certainly increase the profile of the items to the trade.

One of the biggest success stories of 2017 has been Woof & Brew’s Pawsecco Wine For Dogs and Cats, which won a New Product Award at PATS Sandown. Steve Tearle, national sales manager at Woof & Brew, said: “It has been a phenomenal year since we launched Pawsecco at PATS. The product has really caught people’s imagination.”

Unipet International won the Bird Product category at PATS Sandown last year with its innovative and distinctive Super Suet Starter Pack. Marketing manager Dawn Robinson said: “The success in the New Product Awards certainly gave this product a tremendous boost. It drove people to our stand at the show and created a lot of interest afterwards.”

SnuggleSafe was attending their first PATS Sandown in 2017 and were ecstatic to win a New Product Award with its ‘I’ll Eat My Hat’ product for small animals. Chris Kavallares said: “Picking up the award was beyond our wildest dreams. We definitely made the most of the accolade.”

The Showcase is designed to help visitors to find easily the latest and most exciting products to hit the pet trade, as they are gathered together in one, extensive display. There is an information card beside each product, giving details such as suggested retail price and where in the show you’ll find the item’s exhibitor.

The New Product Showcase entries will be displayed under the following eight award categories:

• Cat Product
• Dog Food Product
• Dog Treat Product
• Dog Accessory Product
• Bird Product
• Small Animal Product
• Pet Care Product
• Grooming Product

With so many new products on show and more than 150 exhibitors attending PATS Sandown this year, the exhibition is set to draw an equally impressive amount of visitors.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk together with information on how to reach the venue and regularly updated show news.

PATS Sandown takes place at Sandown Park in Surrey on Tuesday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 21,

Norfolk Industries, which manufactures small animal bedding products from recycled materials whilst employing people with disabilities, will be exhibiting at PATS Sandown for the first time.

Norfolk Industries is part of a Community Interest Company called Independence Matters, which provides care services to the people of Norfolk. The business also offers work experience placements to people looking to move closer to the jobs market.

“At PATS we will be formally launching our new branding and product packaging, as well as promoting our new animal houses,” said service manager Sharon Tooke.

“These houses are designed to engage small children with their small pet and are sold complete with bedding material, mineral block, lead free pencils and apple chew twigs, as well as instructions. The larger house is also provided with a bag of treats.

“At PATS we intend to try to gain feedback on the development of a new range of products which are plastic-free, and will actively be asking people for their views whilst they visit our stand.”

Norfolk Industries will be on stand T14 at PATS Sandown. For more information visit www.norfolkindustries.co.uk

Premium natural supplements company, Lintbells, will be at PATS Sandown on stand E7. As well as showcasing the whole portfolio of products, the company will also be offering a buy four get one free promotion to all trade customers.

Retail Business Development Executive, Emma Walker and Retail Channel Lead Terri-Ann Rowe, will be on the stand to answer any questions about YuMOVE, YuMEGA and all its other products, from customers old and new.

Terri-Ann says the supplements category is flourishing and Lintbells is looking forward to an exciting year: “We have more new products in the pipeline and I’d encourage retailers to make contact with us so that we can keep them in the loop.

"If retailers don’t already stock our range then they can come along and we can recommend a core portfolio that will allow them and their customers to experience the difference Lintbells makes. At our special promotion price, the investment is lower and retailers can make excellent returns.

"It will also ensure they are on our radar when the next innovation is ready to hit the shelves.”

She continued: “Those retailers who are already growing their supplements category with Lintbells, should also pop over for a chat. We’d love to hear their feedback.”

In recent years Lintbells has revitalised the brand with new packaging, continued to improve product quality by sourcing ingredients such as its unique ActivEase Green Lipped Mussel from specific bays as well as adding new lines such as YuCALM Dog.

Bauwow, the social media app for dogs, has announced an exclusive partnership with dog microchip record provider Petlog, to allow dog owners to manage their pet microchips in one place.

It’s estimated that only 33% of dog owners aged 25-45 in the UK have microchipped their dog, and a further 12% admitted their details were not up- to-date with their microchip service – meaning pet owners are putting their dogs at risk, should they go missing or be stolen. In 2015/16, over 8,600 pets were reunited as a direct result of their microchip details being correctly registered with their chip database provider.

When a dog is found, vet surgeries and dog rescue centres can scan microchips to find vital information that should lead to the reunification of any missing dog – so it’s vital to keep these records up to date with the Petlog system.

Commenting on this new partnership, Bauwow founder and dog owner Peter Curtis explained: “Pet loss can be a catastrophic and heart-wrenching experience. We all love our dogs like a family member, as evidenced by the dramatic growth and activity on Bauwow.

"In fact, we have over 20,000 members sharing content, their experiences with their special canine friends and more joining us every second of the day to experience this dog social world.”

He continued: “It has been well-documented that the grief individuals suffer when losing a pet is the same as losing a human family member. Our exclusive venture with Petlog through the Lost & Found feature allows users the best chance to be successfully reunited with their dogs as soon as possible.

"This registration combined with our ever-expanding dog network means that dogs are more likely found faster, safer and returned quickly to their family members and provides our members with another fantastic feature on Bauwow.”

The key to the benefits of Bauwow & Petlog being truly experienced is by having up-to-date records displaying contact details, addresses and phone numbers and building a network of dog friends using the app.

The partnership between Bauwow and Petlog has begun immediately and both services can be accessed by downloading the Bauwow app at the Apple app store or Google Play.

For more information on Bauwow, the Petlog services and how to update your details, contact peter@bauwowworld.com or 07494341077.

Retailers, responding to customer demand for healthier dog food, are now able to stock a new range of entirely grain free, natural products from leading manufacturer Town & Country Petfoods.

Following the success of HiLife ‘It’s only natural’ for cats, the firm has developed a brand new product range for dogs.

With a choice of six wholesome recipes, from Chicken Breast with Salmon and Potato to Chicken Breast with Sweet Potato and Kale, each dish is hand-prepared in jelly, sauce or broth.

Based in Melton Mowbray, family-run Town & Country Petfoods took inspiration for the range from the market town’s rich culinary heritage – and it is now on sale from wholesalers.

Each hand-prepared dish contains only natural ingredients and is completely free of grain, soya, fillers, genetically modified organisms, artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Gently-steamed to retain maximum flavour, the products are made from flaked chicken breast with vegetables and other tasty natural ingredients such as salmon or dolphin-safe tuna.

The products are available in single 100g pouches, as well as five or 18-pouch variety packs (RSPs are £1, £4.80 and £16 respectively).

Peter Parkinson, marketing director at Town & Country Petfoods, said: “Sales for our ‘It’s only natural’ cat food range are going well, and I’m confident we will continue this success in the dog food market.

“Retailers continue to tell us their customers want natural products, so I’m delighted that we are helping them keep up with this demand. In the same way that consumers are becoming more conscious about their own diets, they are increasingly aware of what they are feeding their pets.  

“Quality of ingredients has always been there from day one for Town & Country Petfoods and this range is truly exceptional. In fact, we found these kitchen table ingredients irresistible ourselves in taste tests!

“The new packaging is very eye-catching and features a new lovable HiLife dog, which gives it instant shelf appeal.

“As well as being completely natural, each pack is conveniently sized, making it is easy for consumers to measure out the right portion. The variety packs are also great for dogs who have something different to look forward to!”

For further information on Town & Country Petfoods, including its full range of HiLife products, visit www.hilifepet.co.uk

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Leading national pet product wholesaler Vital Pet Trade has appointed Jacqueline Sutcliffe to the new role of National Sales Manager for garden centres.

Director, Sunny Sharma says existing and prospective customers can benefit from this extra dedicated layer of support, which is additional to its current network of regional support.

Jacqui has had a long and successful career including 15 years working in the garden centre trade. She has worked across a range of products, from gifts to greeting cards and garden furniture, as well as Christmas products. Her passion for the trade is clear and she will be a well-known face to many.

Jacqui says she is excited to be taking on this new challenge, “I was impressed by the energy and dedication of the management team at Vital Pet Trade. It’s the leading pet products wholesaler in the UK but it’s by no means sitting back and resting on its laurels. With UK exclusive distribution of marketing leading products from the US, as well as its newly revitalised own-brand Mayfield range, there’s so much to offer. I feel confident I can recommend a great core range for anyone just getting started with a pet section, or identify some new lines for those looking to expand their offer or improve sales.”

The team at Vital is also able to merchandise a pet category to fit the available space, making it easy to establish fixtures that offer the benefit of incremental sales all year round.

Vital will also be at PATS Sandown this year on stand J7 and in the Vital Grandstand where the company is partnering with leading manufacturers to offer exclusive offers not available anywhere else at the event.

To discuss how Vital delivers great results, contact Jacqui by email at jacqui.sutcliffe@vitalpetproducts.co.uk. Visit Vital at PATS Sandown on 20th/ 21st tMarch, find out more at www.vitalpetproducts.co.uk, or telephone 01837 883000.

Plans to ban the sale of Channa and three aquatic plant species across the whole of the UK have had a reprieve following a challenge by OATA to the EU.

A proposal by Spain had put the whole Channa genus in jeopardy but the European Commission has announced that no animal or plant species will be listed for a ban in 2018 while they examine the process for implementing such bans.  

OATA’s Dr Tracey King put together a detailed rebuttal of the Spanish risk assessment for Channa, effectively pulling apart the reasons put forward for stopping the sale and keeping of the fish. OATA joined forces with the European Pet Organisation and Ornamental Fish International to help make its case for Channa.

“It’s highly unusual for a whole genus to be put forward for a ban and this is another example of a species that just would not flourish and breed in UK waters,” said OATA’s Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“One Channa species (Argus) is rightly banned in the UK because it has the potential to become invasive and licences are required in Scotland for other Channa species so there are already adequate restrictions in place within the UK.

“This was one of our main points to the EU. There are regional measures that Spain or other Southern European countries can take if certain Channa species are causing problems – although we have to say the risk assessment they put forward did not demonstrate a significant issue. There is no need to ban the genus across the whole of the EU, especially on such flimsy evidence.

“Risk assessments are there for a reason. They should provide robust evidence of an actual problem. So we are pleased that the European Commission has announced a review of the risk assessment process which we hope will ensure this kind of proposal cannot be put forward in future.”

The next round of proposals from EU member states for bans on selling or keeping certain invasive species are expected this month so Channa and the three plant species Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Senegal tea plant), Pistia stratiotes (Water lettuce) and Salvinia molesta (salvinia) may still return to the table for a ban in 2019, the year the UK will leave the EU.

“We will have to see what arguments Spain puts forward and will challenge its evidence if we do not think it is good enough. To that end we want to hear from businesses that sell Channa and people who keep them to find out the species that are kept and the conditions they need to flourish. We would also be interested in hearing more about how important the plant species are to the trade. We believe this information will help us to demonstrate they are not an invasive threat to the UK.”

The UK will leave the European Union in 2019 and it will depend on the transitional arrangements as to whether any further bans in that year will affect the UK.

Pooch & Mutt has won the Feefo Gold Service award, an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers.

Created by Feefo, Trusted Service is awarded only to businesses that use Feefo to collect genuine ratings and reviews. Those that meet the high standard, based on the number of reviews they have collected, and their average rating, are awarded.

This accreditation is unique, as it is based purely on the interactions with verified customers. As all reviews are verified as genuine, the accreditation is a true reflection of Pooch & Mutt's commitment to outstanding service.

The company's founder Guy Blaskey commented: “We work hard to ensure our customers receive the best service possible, so to be recognised for delivering exceptional experiences is a great achievement.

"Being able to listen, understand and respond to their needs has helped us improve our service throughout 2017, and we're looking forward to another successful year.”

WildWash has been awarded the Innovation and Excellence award for Best Pet Care Product of the Year for 2018 for the whole of Europe from Corporate Livewire.

The Corporate Livewire judging panel were particularly impressed by how WildWash utilised natural ingredients to remedy to remedy common afflictions.

Other winners of Innovation and Excellence were Nike and Netflix and so WildWash was in very good company...

Purple Pilchard, the one-stop marketing consultancy for ‘fantastic brands of tomorrow’ has been shortlisted for a prestigious Enterprise Nation award. 

The human food and drinks business, which has also worked with a number of the more vocal ‘shining stars’ within UK pet food, including Cotswold RAW, Doggy’s Cuppa and Nutriment, is a passionate advocate that ‘fleet-finned’ small brands with shoestring budgets are more than capable of outmanoeuvring their well-financed monolithic rivals if they pick the right causes, stories and initiatives to back. 

In a straight fight big brother brands will always triumph which is why Pilchard encourages disruptor brands to move fast and nimbly when thinking outside the tin.

According to founder, Ian Hills: "it’s a fantastic feat simply to be named in the same breath as some of the most inspirational small business champions in the UK."

Emma Jones (MBE) established the 75,000 small business collaborative ENTERPRISE NATION in 2006, was one of the 8 big fish who set up StartUp Britain in 2011and in 2015 was made by the PM a new Business Ambassador for expanding GB’s International Trade.

www.purplepilchard.co.uk

At the onset of the new year, IAMS asked the nation’s pet parents to make a resolution to enjoy a happier, healthier and more ‘paws-itive’ 2018 with their beloved companion. With hundreds of pledges submitted from pet parents across the country, IAMS can now reveal the results of the campaign, which truly reinforce the fact that Britain is a nation of animal lovers.

• Top notch nutrition was the number one pledge, with 55% of cat owners and 46% dog owners pledging a better diet for their pet
• Followed by exercise and activity, with a fifth promising more walkies for their dog and one third of cat owners committing to more playtime
• Spending quality time together was also ranked as a top priority – from giving more cuddles and ensuring our pets have a warm, comfy bed to daily teeth brushing and providing regular flea treatment

With over three quarters (76%) of owners viewing their pet as their own child, it’s no surprise that  the response from pet owners was overwhelmingly positive. The results highlight that spending more quality time together is a top priority for UK pet owners. In fact, almost a third (31%) pledged to treat their beloved pet to more cuddles, while over a fifth (22%) promised to treat their dog to more weekend walkies. Some even promised to take their pet on more family holidays, verifying that we truly are a nation of pet lovers.

Weight can be a serious concern for many pet owners, with an estimated 49% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK considered overweight or obese by vets³. IAMS can reveal that pet lovers across the country agree that time has finally come to take action. According to the pledges received, the most popular resolution for British pet parents is to provide our four-legged friends with a healthy diet, with over half (55%) of cat and 46% of dog owners making a promise to feed their pet with a 100% complete and balanced nutrition.

Commenting on the results, IAMS Nutritional Expert and Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli said, “The initial results of the IAMS Pet Pledge campaign highlight that the UK really is a nation of pet lovers. Taking care of a pet can bring us so much joy, and as a pet parent myself I understand how diffcult it can be to say no to puppy-dog eyes – especially when it comes to feeding them with human treats and titbits.

“However, to ensure our pets are truly happy, it’s important for us to spend quality time together and provide them with a 100% complete and balanced nutrition, so that our pets can enjoy a happy, healthy and active life. We hope that the new year pledges made by UK pet parents will become a life long commitment to improving their pets’ health – whether it’s through high quality nutrition, play, plenty of cuddle time and of course, adventurous muddy walks.”

Lily’s Kitchen has refuted claims by an independent pet shop that it puts ‘money before ethics’.

Posh Petz in Peterborough has removed all Lily’s Kitchen products from its shelves, telling customers it had taken the decision because the pet food company was selling its products through major supermarkets.   

In a statement on its Facebook page, Posh Petz said: “When we started our values were: all natural good food and to support brands who in turn supported independent businesses.

“We have maintained our core values throughout but unfortunately Lily’s Kitchen has taken the decision to put money before ethics, and is now selling its brand through all major supermarkets and pet food chains.

“We hope you understand this decision has not been taken lightly and look forward to filling the shelves with more great products.”

But Lily’s Kitchen quickly responded to the claims, pointing out it had been judged to be one of the UK’s top-rated ethical pet food companies.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Many people still like to do their weekly shop in a supermarket and given Lily’s Kitchen’s aim is to improve the lives of dogs and cats everywhere, it wants to also be able to offer its food in places which are dominated by mass market brands, so that customers can choose a healthier option for their pets.   

“To support this goal, Lily’s Kitchen continues to invest in all of its retail partners, big and small. The range Lily’s Kitchen provides for grocery retail is extremely limited compared to the choice it makes available for independent stockists.  

 “In response to Posh Petz questioning our ethics, Lily’s Kitchen has recently retained its leading position as one of the UK’s top rated ethical pet food companies for a ninth year running by ethical consumer comparison company The Good Shopping Guide.

”Lily’s Kitchen was also one of the founding members of B Corp in the UK in 2015 and was the first (and currently only) pet food company in the world to certify as a B Corporation. B Corp is a global movement that is redefining success in business.  Regular companies exist for the interests of their shareholders. B Corps are companies where the interests of employees, communities and the environment rank alongside those of shareholders.”

Ceva Santé Animale (Ceva) achieved growth of 20% in 2017 and broke the billion euro barrier for the first time with sales of €1.1 billion.

Performance was strong across all geographical regions. The global sales are split as follows Europe - 34%, Africa-Middle East-Eastern Europe-Turkey - 19%, North America-Pacific – 16%, Latin America – 15% and Asia – 13%.

In terms of product portfolios, the Swine business recorded the biggest increase (up 66%, representing 16% of sales) due mainly to the acquisition of 4 ex-Merial vaccines. Ruminants sales were up 40%, (20% of turnover) driven by the acquisition of Brazilian firms Hertape and Inova. Companion Animals sales grew 12%, (29% of turnover), with Poultry up 8%, (35% of turnover).

Ceva Chairman and CEO, Dr. Marc Prikazsky delighted with these latest results said: “Our strong growth can be explained largely through our most recent acquisitions, Hertape and Inova in Brazil, but equally the purchase of a number of ex-Merial products and the acquisitions of Ebvac, China, Polchem in India and Biovac, France.

"However, our organic growth was also a driver, achieving an historic 9% increase (at constant scope and exchange rates). This success is due to the hard work of all our teams, in particular those in Libourne, for the smooth integration of these new companies, as well as the R&D, industrial and logistics teams for the development of such innovative new products as Feliscratch by Feliway®, Zeleris® and Smartvac®.”

Dr. Prikazsky adds: “In these times of rapid global change, we need to make the most of our agility to quickly integrate, from today, the new orientations of research in areas such as artificial intelligence, connected agriculture, robotisation, digitalisation, big data, etc. The challenge for the future will be how to integrate these new technologies into our business model. This is a challenge for the agricultural community as a whole, both in France and around the world. In all these areas, once again, Ceva wants to become a first-line reference.”

Along the lines of its investment last year in Applifarm, a Big Data platform for the ruminants sector, Ceva is looking to develop new services, particularly in hatcheries around its vector-vaccine and in-ovo vaccination equipment developed by its French subsidiary, Ecat-iD.

2018 will also see the realisation of three major projects in France under the “Factory of the Future” banner:

• Construction in Laval, Mayenne of a global centre of expertise in companion animals. Between 2014 and 2020 Ceva will have invested €25 million in the Ceva Sogeval Campus (pictured above), with €7.5 million of that going towards the construction of an ultramodern 3600m² campus – including a 1000m² laboratory and Quality Control building (due to open in February 2018).
• Construction of a 2000m² building in Loudéac, Brittany. Ceva has invested €6.8 million in order to integrate a range of dermatological products for Companion animals. In addition to the Feliway® and Adaptil® ranges it will produce the Douxo® range for the European market, with the aim of becoming the world leader in topical dermatology products by 2020 (due to open in May 2018).
• Construction of a 2600m² industrial building in Libourne, Gironde. With an investment of €8.5 million the Group hopes to increase storage capacity for vaccines and, at the same time, improve its logistics (due to open in November 2018). This year, Ceva will also initiate a project to examine how to reorganise the entire Libourne site, which includes its head office, with the aim of improving the work environment and encouraging exchange between different services.

“To maintain its constant rhythm of growth, it is imperative that Ceva continues to invest in the future, in innovation, in new sectors like biotechnology and in R&D – particularly in relation to swine and poultry biology,” explains Marc Prikazsky.

Bring Your Dog To Work Day, founded and organised by multi-award winning ethical pet care brand HOWND, returns on Friday 22nd June.

Now in its fifth year, Bring Your Dog To Work Day is embraced by dog lovers and their employers throughout the UK with thousands of businesses and employees taking part.

The day is much loved by thousands of people in the UK, including high profile celebrities such as Ricky Gervais, the Top Gear team, ITV’s Loose Women, Tennis TV, Shrek the Musical, Coronation Street and many more, all showing their support last year by posting on social media.

There is no doubt that this annual event has captured the imagination of our dog loving nation and has become an highlight in the UK calendar - people really love taking their best friend to work with them.

Jo Amit, co-owner of HOWND and founder and organiser of Bring Your Dog To Work Day, says: “Just interacting with these wonderful animals can help reduce stress levels and blood pressure.

"Taking part in Bring Your Dog to Work Day sure is making bosses around the country more popular with their staff!  I’ve never seen an unhappy office dog, only unhappy employees who have to leave their beloveds at home.

"We love the response the event gets each year – it’s a real highlight for us to see so many happy dogs and owners at work together.”

Bring Your Dog to Work Day has a serious side, as well as being a great day out for our furry four-legged friends.  Every year, it donates the funds raised from business sponsorships and individual donations to animal welfare charities via the official Bring Your Dog To Work Day website.

Money raised in 2018 will go directly to All Dogs Matter, a charity that rescues and rehomes hundreds of dogs each year in the UK. This year, the organisers are also encouraging businesses to come on board as official sponsors and raise funds for their own animal welfare charities too. Bring Your Dog To Work Day’s social pages, as well as the official charity’s, will share all Bring Your Dog To Work Day official sponsors’ in-house fundraising events, competitions and activities in their social feeds.  

In return for a business making a minimum £100 donation, its company logo and website link will be displayed on the homepage, and they will receive a thank you shout out from All Dogs Matter on social media.

It’s a great opportunity to amplify your brand. Last year the hashtag #BringYourDogToWork trended again at number one on Twitter when it reached over 13 million users in one hour.

Sponsorship is open to any business. Previous sponsors have included a diverse range of businesses from across the UK and Europe, with high profile brands from the pet sector, white goods companies, law firms, hospitality, private jet companies, luxury sectors, TV shows, comedians, and more taking part.  HR guidelines and an Info Pack are available to download from the website to help make the day run as smoothly and enjoyably as possible.

A “pooch selfie” of a dog at work in the home or office, in the shop, in the cab of a lorry, or wherever it is safe to have a dog in the workplace, can be uploaded to the “Dog With A Job Hall of Fame” for a minimum £5 donation.  Anyone that donates more than £10 will be automatically be entered into our Bring Your Dog To Work Day annual prize draw with a chance to win £100s worth of goodies from our official business sponsors. See competition page.

Bring Your Dog To Work Day is now recognised as a fun fundraising day for dog lovers but having your dog at work has added mental health benefits too. Many studies have shown that the presence of pets can substantially reduce stress levels in the workplace. Increased job satisfaction and morale have all been reported by employers who have their pets with them at work.

www.bringyourdogtoworkday.co.uk

twitter: @BringDog2WorkUK

Visitors to PATS Sandown next month (March) can expect a busy and exciting show as all exhibitor stands at the two-day event have now been sold.

The Surrey and Esher Halls at Sandown Park in Surrey will be packed with stands showcasing new products. And with the ‘Show Sold Out’ signs being posted already, there will be lots to see and talk about with over 150 companies exhibiting.

As well as meeting up with a long list of PATS regulars, visitors will be greeted by a host of new faces when the show takes place on Tuesday, March 20, and Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

A total of 37 companies will be exhibiting at the Spring show for the first time as they see PATS as the perfect opportunity to showcase their products to retailers and overseas distributors.

Different Dog is launching its home cooked frozen dog food at PATS Sandown. Founder Charlie Thurstan, formerly Head of Food at Pets at Home, said: “We are excited to be making our debut appearance at PATS Sandown. We are bringing the first home cooked frozen dog food to the UK retail market. The food is inspired by the nutritional needs of my own beloved spaniel Crumble.”

Mud Daddy, a portable mud/dirt washing brush, is also new to PATS Sandown. The company’s Rez Gachacr said: “We are really looking forward to the show where we’ll be hoping to sign up wholesalers and retailers to stock our products. Mud Daddy has been well received by pet owners and we want to extend its reach.”

One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, and because of its importance it will be staged in a prominent position in the Surrey Hall’s Brasserie Bar.

The Showcase entries will be judged by a panel of retailer judges for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show, and the results will be announced and promoted throughout the halls for the rest of the exhibition.

There will also be a full programme of free seminars during both days of the show.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, a free catalogue and many special offers.

There will also be a wide range of food available from all the various outlets and visitors will receive a free cup of tea or coffee voucher, which will be redeemable all day.

To register for free entry to the show and to view the full list of exhibitors visit www.patshow.co.uk

Opening times

Tuesday 20th March: 9.30am-5.30pm

Wednesday 21st March: 9.30am-4.30pm