Three new products launched on a busy first Sunday at PATS Harrogate impressed visiting retailers and won prestigious awards in the New Product Showcase.
Robbies Grain Free Mixer from Land of Holistic Pets, Mr Johnson’s Natural Forage Food for Rabbits, and Madra Mor Mobility Mud Treatment exhibited by Christies Global were unveiled at the two-day show and achieved instant success.
George Burns, owner of Land of Holistic Pets, said he was in “total shock” after his product took honours in the Dog Food and Treats category. “We were really excited about launching it at PATS but never in our wildest dreams did we believe it would win an award.”
Marion Stimpson, of Mr Johnson’s, admitted her team was delighted with an award in the Small Animal Product category, and it was satisfying to learn that the panel of retailing judges had identified the qualities of the Natural Forage Food.
For Christies Global, this is their third PATS show and each time they have won a New Product Award. Trade manager Cat Graham said: “PATS has been a fantastic launchpad for us, and we think it’s a fantastic place to speak to retailers. The Mud Treatment range has had an amazing response.”
Danish Design decided that PATS Harrogate was the ideal time to exhibit their Hi-Viz Ultimate 2-in-1 Four Seasons Performance Dog Coat, and the decision paid off with success in the Petcare Product category. “The interest shown on the first day has been remarkable,” said sales director Jonathan Till.
“I’m beyond thrilled,” was the response of Melanie Sharp, company director of Dogs Dogs Dogs, after her ‘Revive’ Pet Bed Refresher won the Dog Accessory New Product award, and Supa’s managing director Chris Goodlad commented: “Achieving success with our Gloucester Seed Feeder in the Bird Product category has driven lots of visitors to our stand.”
Beapher UK also won an award for their Kidney Support Easy Treat for Cats, and sales manager Roland Huggett said: “We work hard to bring new products to PATS so we feel overwhelmed when retailers show belief in them.”
Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:
CAT PRODUCT
Winner: Beaphar Kidney Support Easy Treat (entered by Beaphar UK)
Judges’ comments: This entry stood out because the judges hadn’t seen a product like this on the market before. It meets the customers’ needs, has a long shelf life and is well priced at £1.50.
Highly Commended: Whack-a-Mouse Interactive game (entered by 3P Enterprise)
DOG FOOD AND TREATS
Winner: Robbie’s Grain Free Mixer (entered by Land of Holistic Pets)
Judges’ comments: This was a clear winner and judges were unanimous in classing it Best in Show for innovation. There is nothing else like it on the market. It has quality packaging and customers can clearly see the product they’re buying. It’s adaptable, you can feed it to dogs alongside RAW foods and the price point is spot on.
Highly Commended: Canidae Grain Free Pure Formulas Dog Food (entered by Pedigree Wholesale/Canidae)
DOG ACCESSORY PRODUCT
Winner: ‘Revive’ Pet Bed Refresher (entered by Dogs Dogs Dogs)
Judges’ comments: This product is cleverly designed as it fits within the dog bed, ensuring the dog can’t destroy it. It lasts for 30 days making it good value for money, and it certainly meets a consumer need.
Highly commended: Artic Freeze Dog Toy from Hugs (entered by: 3P Enterprise)
BIRD PRODUCT
Winner: Gloucester Seed Feeder (entered by Supa)
Judges’ comments: This product stands out on the shelf and would make an ideal gift as it’s very colourful, quirky and appealing. It is also very well priced.
Highly Commended: Rainforest Cages Santa Monica (entered by Sky Pet Products)
SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCT
Winner: Mr Johnson’s Natural Forage Food for Rabbits (entered by: Mr Johnson’s)
Judges’ comments: As well being an outstanding product, which contains Verm-X, it is well packaged with clear nutritional advice for rabbits. It has a long shelf life, it can be stored easily and smells good.
Highly Commended: Wildlife Pond Mix (entered by Natures Grub)
PET CARE PRODUCT
Winner: Hi-Viz Ultimate 2-in-1 Four Seasons Performance Dog Coat (entered by Danish Design)
Judges’ comments: The 2-in-1 feature makes usage of this product multi-seasonal, and it fits round the whole dog, including its under-belly. It’s exceptional quality and great value for money.
Highly Commended: Pet Remedy Battery Operated Calming Atomiser (entered by Pet Remedy)
GROOMING PRODUCT
Winner: Madra Mor Mobility Mud Treatment (entered by Christies Global)
Judges’ comments: The whole range covers both the retail and professional market, making very versatile. It’s a unique product that smells nice, and has eye-catching packaging. It’s great value for money.
Highly Commended: Oatmeal Advance Shampoo (entered by: Dorwest Herbs)
