The finalists in the fifth annual Pet Industry Awards were announced this week by the Pet Industry Federation.
The calibre of the nominations received from businesses looking to be head and shoulders above the rest has been the highest seen in the competition’s history, and judging panels now have the unenviable task of whittling these finalists down to winners.
The finalists:
Manufacturer of the Year - sponsored by PATS
- Dorwest Herbs
- Groomers Limited
- Group 55
- Hungry Hector
- Nature’s Menu
Retailer of the Year – sponsored by Beaphar UK
- Just Dogs, Edinburgh
- Not Just Pets, Bath
- Pet and Aquatics, Cadbury Garden & Leisure, Congresbury, Bristol
- Poole Farm Feed Centre, Great Yeldham, Essex
- The Trop Shop, Grays, Essex
Wholesaler of the Year
- Aquascape Fish Imports
- Pedigree Wholesale
- Peregrine Livefoods
- Pet Brands
- Trilanco
Boarding Establishment of the Year
- Cavalier Lodge Kennels, Norfolk
- Fairmile Cat Hotel, Devon
- Lea Wood Cattery, Lincoln
- Pets Country Manor, Liverpool
- Royvon Kennels, Surrey
By the time of going to press, judges were still deliberating the shortlist for grooming business of the year, which will be announced online very soon.
The Awards winners will be announced at the Hollywood themed Pet Industry Awards dinner to be held at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, on Thursday 17 October 2013 from 6.45pm, and will be presented by TV ‘dragon’ and Strictly Come Dancing star, Deborah Meaden.
Additionally, guests will also applaud the 2013 Lifetime Achievement recipient, and will discover which pet products have won the Pet Product of the Year, as voted for by readers of Your Dog/Cat magazine.
Tickets to the awards event are available from £75.00 per ticket – or book a table of 10 for a discount. Call the PIF team on 01234 273933 or visit www.piffa.co.uk
The Awards are presented in association with media partner PBW News and sponsors PATS, Burgess Pet Care, Pedigree Wholesale and Compton Hall and take place against the backdrop of the Pet Industry Forum – a conference and networking event, tackling cutting-edge issues and business topics.
The Pet Industry Federation Forum begins on Wednesday 16 October with a wine-tasting event and export seminar, before matters such as American trends in pet retailing, the future of wholesale, in-store marketing and how the RSPCA and the pet trade can work closer together, are discussed and debated. Lead sponsors of the Forum are: Crown Petfoods, Nestle Purina, Mars Petcare and Positive Petcare.
Further details about the event, including the current delegate list, can be found at www.piffa.co.uk. You can also telephone 01234 273933.
