Exports of British pet products are set to increase again following the participation of over 50 UK suppliers at the Interzoo international pet trade show held in Nuremberg earlier this month.  The exhibitors were part of a PetQuip-organised group, and early reports from them confirm that export orders have been won, worldwide enquiries received and valuable overseas distributorships secured.

The positive outcome brought the following response from Amanda Sizer Barrett, the director general of PetQuip: “We are delighted the initial very positive outcome from our exhibiting firms’ stands.

Adding to these successes, the British pet industry information stand attracted unprecedented interest from nearly 100 overseas buyers.  As well as meeting European buyers, who included a number of participants from previous PetQuip-organised ‘Meet the Buyers’ events, we saw more Far Eastern, Middle Eastern and Latin American buyers than usual and also had interest in UK products from visitors from other markets around the globe.

“The organisers of Interzoo have disclosed that 74% of visitors to the show came from outside Germany, which is why it is such an important worldwide shop window for British firms, whether they are seasoned exporters or companies new to exporting.  Interzoo has always been a key event on PetQuip’s international calendar and this year’s success ensures it will remain so in the future.”

Early reactions from the British exhibitors are as follows:

Pets Choice Ltd

Exhibiting as both Meatiful and Tasty Bone, the Pets Choice team (pictured) had its best ever Interzoo.  The company received leads from several countries that it had not dealt with previously, including Brazil, Japan, India and Scandinavia.  Zoe Hardaker, product manager for Meatiful (pictured in the middle of the group) reported excellent interest for the new range which is 80 per cent premium meat mixed with brown rice and home grown vegetables.  The products are hypoallergenic, gluten-free and steam cooked and are presented in a wood effect box.

Forthglade

The Forthglade team saw existing distributors from Italy, Spain, Malta and Finland and gathered new business from Scandinavia and the Far East.  There was also considerable interest from the local German market in the company’s new cold pressed product.  Pictured from the left are Sara Tramontana, Jason Leighton and Bill Kimberling.

Benevo

Brothers Darrell (on the left in the picture) and Damian took their new Pawtato dog chews to Interzoo for the first time and received significant interest from as far afield as South Korea and Malaysia.  They also had a good mix of European leads from countries such as Greece and a successful meeting with their Israeli distributor.

Pet Bakery

Bernard Mackle, one of the partners at Pet Bakery, launched brand new packaging for the products at the show.  With a clear and colourful new look and five languages on every pack (and with more to come), he received a lot of interest.  His main aim was to seek new distributors and he felt he had achieved his goal.

Lintbells

Gintare White, international marketing assistant for the Lintbells brand, commented that the company had achieved all of its aims at the show.  Lintbells had found new distributors and met with existing ones as well as making excellent contacts in the German market.  She commented, “We have also been pleased to exhibit as part of the British Group; it was very well organised and I would like to express our thanks to the PetQuip team”.

Kennelpak

Launching Yakers Crunchy Bars, Chews and Strips at Interzoo, Ken Davies (pictured on the right) was particularly pleased with leads from both the Middle and Far East.  Many of the buyers visited the stand, having read the pre-show PR carried out by PetQuip, so he was pleased with the results and his participation at the event.  Pictured with Ken is sales manager, Daryl Bailey.

Trilanco

Exhibiting amongst other things Pet Therapy and its own brand cooling coat for dogs, Trilanco was surprised to take a large order for equestrian products that were added to the stand at the last minute.  “A Spanish lady from Madrid visited our stand and it was only with the help of the PetQuip interpreter that we realised she wanted to buy there and then” said Marylise Silk, head of international business development for Trilanco.  Pictured on the stand is colleague Danielle, showing another customer the equestrian range.

Vitalin

Sean Cox (pictured on the right talking to a customer) and Annabell Dennis felt that they had met with important buyers and this had resulted in a number of positive sales leads.  The company was showcasing a prototype pâté for dogs which will be available later this year.

Waterlife

Celebrating the firm’s 50th anniversary this year, the Waterlife team was pleased to report excellent leads and on-the-spot orders from Germany and Dubai. “We have had a good show and we were also pleased to sponsor the PetQuip drinks reception held on the Wednesday evening; the turnout was amazing” said Alex Cox, marketing director for the brand.

Inspired Pet Nutrition

Producers of Harrington’s and Nineteen 87, IPN was showcasing its new technique for a baked complete product.  The company had an eye-catching stand containing displays which invited visitors to touch the product.  Interest in the product was received from the Far East, India, France and the Netherlands.

British stands

Part of the British pavilion at Interzoo 2018, organised by PetQuip, where over 50 exhibitors displayed their latest innovations for the pet product sector.

PetQuip industry information stand at Interzoo 2018

PetQuip reception

At the close of the show on the second day, PetQuip organised a drinks reception on its stand which proved very popular with British exhibitors and the show organisers.  During the opening hours of the show, PetQuip organised and manned a British pet product information stand.

The next major international pet product trade show at which PetQuip will be organising a British pavilion will be CIPS International Pet Show, Guangzhou in China (27 to 30 September 2018), an international exhibition that is a more recent addition to the PetQuip list of events. 

In 2019, PetQuip has secured government cash funding and will be organising British groups at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida (20 to 22 March) and at Zoomark, Bologna, Italy (6 to 9 May).  Other shows where British pavilions are being considered for 2019 include a return to CIPS International Pet Show in China and PetQuip is planning more in its series of popular ‘Meet the International Buyers’ events.

Companies interested in learning more about the opportunities that these exhibitions and events offer to exporters, or about the comprehensive range of business advice, market research, sales leads, international publicity for your products and practical export support available exclusively to member companies of PetQuip, should contact any of the PetQuip team on:-

Telephone: tel: +44 (0) 1959 565995 or fax:  +44 (0) 1959 565885

e-mail:  info@petquip.com  or visit the PetQuip website on  www.petquip.com

With all the e-mails floating around regarding GDPR, at Pet Trade Xtra, we would like to assure you that our Data Processing policies remain the same in that we actively mange the security of data we hold and that we never share data with any third party unless prior permission has been granted.

Pet Trade Xtra sends useful information about the pet market to our reader database and the last thing we want to be doing is adding to the volume of e-mail's landing with people at the moment and also we do not want to get confused with SPAM, which is of course what the GDPR regulations are all about, plus data security too.

Instead of sending bulk e-mail requests, over the next few months we will contact each of our readers individually to check that the data we hold is correct and ask about communication preferences.

In the meantime, we hope you keep enjoying and benefitting from the e-mail newsletter service we deliver.

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Neil has been away on holiday for the past two weeks, hence the delay in sending this issue.  The normal excellent Pet Trade Xtra service will resume next week.  Thank you for your support.

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Natures Menu, has added a third training course to its educational portfolio with the launch of its True Instinct Advisor training for anyone wanting to give advice or sell raw pet foods.

The True Instinct range is a first of its kind to incorporate four different formats of feeding under one brand. The whole range specialises in premium nutrition, is free from grain and gluten, and is only made with natural raw and raw-inspired ingredients. True Instinct includes complete and balanced innovative nutrition with frozen Raw Bites, high meat Raw Boost dry food, high meat wet fillets and freeze-dried raw meat/fish treats.

The True Instinct Advisor course comes as the third training course from Natures Menu with the following now available:

Raw Advisor Training: Available to all Natures Menu trade customers and compiled by Natures Menu’s team of raw feeding specialists. Participants download the training pack and study at their own leisure.

Raw Expert Training: This course is available for stockists and specialists who have passed the Raw Advisor Training course and want to take their knowledge of nutrition to the next level.

True Instinct Training: The newest of the Natures Menu training, this course offers the chance to become a True Instinct Advisor, providing an overview of the ultra-premium True Instinct products and how they differ from other Natures Menu products.

All training programmes are specially designed by Natures Menu’s veterinary team to ensure stockists and professionals are equipped with the understanding and best practice on raw feeding, and to enable them to confidently advise on raw. Participants of each course also have the opportunity to gain a certification of their achievement by taking part in the relevant quiz after digesting the information pack provided.

Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Educational Manager at Natures Menu, said: “We’ve specifically designed our courses for those who are selling or advising on Natures Menu and True Instinct products. The training supports participants in becoming a natural and raw expert, helps develop their understanding of raw feeding and ensures they feel comfortable and confident to appropriately advise on nutrition whilst also gaining an in-depth knowledge of Natures Menu and True Instinct products.”

With over 35 years’ experience in feeding raw and endorsement from their own dedicated professional veterinary team, Natures Menu is proud to be a pioneer and innovator of Europe’s natural, raw and raw inspired pet food category. Natures Menu’s products are made with high quality meats and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates, and uses British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible.

For anyone interested in becoming a True Instinct or Raw Advisor, or to find out more, visit: www.naturesmenu.co.uk/trade-area/raw-advisor-training

Contact 0800 0183770 or email: trade@naturesmenu.co.uk

For veterinary staff, please contact melanie@naturesmenu.co.uk or call: 01603 973058

Natural pet food brands Barking Heads and Meowing Heads have undergone a major brand evolution, with new designs to be rolled out across their entire portfolios.

Pet Food UK, the company behind Barking Heads and Meowing Heads, has modernised and unified its packaging designs, moving to flavour-led ranges which communicate the nutritional benefits of the products while retaining the brands’ famed humour and irreverence.

A new flavour, Beef Waggington, has been introduced, while brand mascots Bailey the dog and Phoebe the cat have been promoted to Head of Happiness and Head of HR (Health & Recreation) respectively.

The company has also moved from tins to pouches on its wet ranges, which provide the food with a fuller flavour and reflect consumers’ increasing desire for simple, high quality packaging. All products are made with natural ingredients, completely free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and GM ingredients, approved by vets, and boasting up to 93% meat content.

Founded in 2008 by Paul Hunter, Dave O’Regan and Jim Moloney, Barking Heads and Meowing Heads were launched with the mission to help all dogs and cats to live happier, healthier lives by providing the foods they naturally deserve. In 2017, Pet Food UK received a £5m investment from Piper, the UK’s leading specialist investor in consumer brands, and food industry veteran Mark Escolme (Gü Puddings, Spillers, SC Johnson and Findus) joined as chairman. In February, Pet Food UK featured in the Sunday Times SME Export Track 100 after increasing international sales by 80% over two years.

Sarah Kaye, Managing Director of Pet Food UK, said: ‘As we approach our 10th anniversary, we’re excited to have given our sibling brands major makeovers which convey our message of absolute quality while retaining our inimitable personality. The natural premium sector is growing 27% YoY* as consumers rightly demand the very best food for their pets. We look forward to continuing to bring health, happiness and fun to dogs and cats everywhere.’

The new designs will be unveiled in Waitrose stores this month (May) and roll out to other stockists thereafter.

Tetra has responded to consumer demand with the launch of a new Micro food range. Designed specifically to suit smaller species of fish with small mouths, including young and adolescent fish, Tetra’s Micro food range is packed full of nutrients to help them thrive.

As the nation focuses on ways to relieve stress and with living spaces reducing in size, many people are now turning to smaller aquariums with smaller types of fish such as neons, guppies and zebrafish all becoming increasingly popular. Tetra’s new launch responds to these trends by providing small fish and even growing fish such as cichlids and marine fish with tailored levels of vitamins, minerals and high-quality proteins and fats in a nutritious bitesize formula.

With finely ground ingredients such as carotenoids for vibrant colours and plant ingredients for promoting good health and vitality, the range comes in a variety of forms including granules, sticks and crisps. With different floating and sinking properties fish can also be fed at their own water level. What’s more, thanks to being easily digestible, Tetra’s Micro food also helps to reduce water pollution.

Commenting on the launch, Ashleigh Foster, Aquatics Marketing Manager at Tetra said, “At Tetra, fish wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do and so we’re very excited about our new launch, which is specifically suited to smaller fish, allowing them to receive the nutrition they need to live a healthy life. It’s because of our passion to make fishkeeping as easy and enjoyable as ever why we’re continually reviewing trends alongside our product range to ensure we’re providing solutions to suit our consumer’s needs.”

Tetra’s Micro food comes in 100ml tins with a practical feeding spoon for precise dosing and is available from mid-March with an RRP of £5.20*.

Tetra’s Micro Food Range:

For more information please visit www.tetra-fish.co.uk or Tetra UK on Facebook.

Hitchin-based premium natural supplements company Lintbells received a visit this morning from ‘Fabulous Finn’. Now retired, police dog Finn rose to fame when he saved the life of his handler PC Dave Wardell and was stabbed in the process. Finn’s injuries were so severe he wasn’t expected to survive but he surprised everyone by pulling through. His exploits became the subject of a best-selling book, Fabulous Finn: The Brave Police Dog Who Came Back from the Brink. The visit was to say thank you to the Lintbells team who are delighted to be sponsoring his YuMOVE ADVANCE 360.

Finn is currently busy supporting his owner to bring about a change in the law. Finn’s Law will see police and service dogs like Finn protected by the law and those who attack them penalised accordingly. Despite the fact that Finn was stabbed with a ten inch blade in his chest into his lung and also through the top of his head, his assailant was only charged with ‘criminal damage’ for inflicting his injuries. This is because the law only considers animals as ‘property’. There’s more information about his campaign at www.finnslaw.com.

Sue Lewis, Commercial Lead, says that everyone was thrilled to have had the chance to meet Finn and very proud to be supporting his joint health by sponsoring his YuMOVE ADVANCE 360, “He’s a lovely dog and obviously highly trained. He held on to Dave’s attacker until help arrived despite his serious injuries. It’s hard to believe that the gentle dog we met did that and we are all a little bit in awe of his bravery. It really was a privilege to meet him and we can confirm that he is indeed well and truly fabulous.”

For Lintbells, every product starts with a pet in need. Based in Weston in Hertfordshire, Lintbells researches, formulates and manufacturers high quality, innovative natural supplements that aim to improve the lives of dogs, cats and horses. It’s a commitment the company takes very seriously and has resulted in products that support skin and coat condition, digestive health, joint care and behavioural support.

Established in 2006 by John Howie and John Davies, Lintbells has a strong focus on scientific validation of its products, working with experts such as the Royal Veterinary College and New Zealand’s Marlborough Research Centre. But it doesn’t stop with the science because helping pets is at the core of the business.

At all levels of the Lintbells’ organisation there’s a realisation that collectively, everyone has a responsibility to help keep pets healthy and happy by providing effective, high quality, pet supplements at affordable prices.

And it seems those efforts are increasingly appreciated by pets and their people. By the end of 2017, over 300 million YuMOVE tablets had been sold to pet owners in more than 15 countries.

Dog owners can update their four-legged friend’s walking kit and give to a good cause with a little help from premium dog equipment brand Ruffwear.

Participants in the Great North Dog Walk, which takes place in South Shields on June 3, are being invited to trade in their old dog harnesses, collars and leashes in exchange for a special offer on the latest Ruffwear range.

The used items will then be put to good use when they are donated to the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. Not only that, but experts from the brand will be on-hand to offer a free fitting service, to make sure Fido’s new kit is ready-to-go.

Rob Hughes, Managing Director of Accapi Group, the North-East based company that distributes Ruffwear in Europe, visited the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter to kick off the campaign with a donation from the brand.

He said: “We were keen to be involved in the Great North Dog Walk 2018 and wanted to bring something different to the event which would support a local charity. The idea of a kit exchange seemed like the perfect opportunity for owners to update their pets’ gear at a fantastic special event offer price, while at the same time giving something back. We’re hoping to be run off our feet on the day fitting harnesses on happy dogs.”

Leyla Rutter, Chief Executive from the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter said: “We are extremely grateful to Ruffwear for their generous donation of harnesses and leads for our dogs.

“Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter take in thousands of dogs every year of various shapes and sizes and being able to fit them with good quality harnesses and leads makes walkies more enjoyable for our dogs and helps our staff and volunteers to train them to walk under control, which in turn makes them more rehomable.

“We really appreciate all of the support we receive which makes life better for our animals until they can find loving new homes of their own.”

Great North Dog Walk founder Tony Carlisle said: “The Great North Dog Walk is now in its 28th consecutive year and I am incredibly proud that Ruffwear have joined me as a sponsor for this year’s event.

“It’s a delight to be associated with such a reputable company - their range of dog products such as harnesses and leashes is excellent - and their donation campaign to the Newcastle Dog & Cat shelter, a charity that is close to my heart, is fantastic.

“We are thrilled to have a business that has as much passion and love for animals as we do supporting our event this year.”

The Ruffwear stand will be accepting donations all day by anyone wishing to support the charity, whether it is to trade-in for new kit or not.

The Great North Dog Walk is a free event that sees over thirty thousand dogs and their owners walk the three mile distance around the South Shields coast, an area famous as the finish line for the Great North Run. Visit www.greatnorthdogwalk.co.uk for free registration to the event.

More than 13,400 Pets at Home, Groom Room and Vets4Pets colleagues in all 440 plus stores, including the support office and distribution centres, are to become Dementia Friends through Alzheimer’s Society’s programme.

Ahead of Dementia Action Week, 21-27 May 2018, the retailer has partnered with the UK’s leading dementia charity to improve the instore experience for customers living with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia, and aims to transform the way the nation thinks, acts and talks about this condition.

All Pets at Home, Groom Room, and Vets4Pets, colleagues will become Dementia Friends to help better assist customers who may be living with dementia, and will have the knowledge and confidence to approach and help customers who are shopping by themselves or with a loved one. All future Pets at Home employees will become Dementia Friends as standard during their induction programme, marking the retailer’s long-term commitment to supporting customers with the condition.

This has been rolled out nationwide following one employee’s personal experience with the condition. Mike Carey, 37, deputy manager at the Pets at Home store in Foss Island, York, recommended the initiative following his mother’s diagnosis at just 56 years old.

Mike became a Dementia Friend independently, aiming to raise awareness amongst his immediate colleagues and, if possible, further afield within Yorkshire’s Pets at Home stores. His regional manager recognised the importance of the initiative, and following approval from senior members of the business, the programme is now being implemented nationwide.

Mike said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the rollout of the Dementia Friends programme throughout the business, and I hope the scheme will make a big difference to our customers and colleagues.

“In becoming Dementia Friends, Pets at Home colleagues will be able to recognise when people may be struggling with dementia type symptoms so that they can make shopping an easier, more pleasurable and more importantly an accessible experience for customers who may have this condition.”

Claire Jenkins, Head of Community Engagement at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s fantastic that Pets at Home has committed to the action of supporting their colleagues to become Dementia Friends and it’s a perfect way to mark Dementia Action Week. We hope this encourages other retailers in the UK to do the same.

”In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes and almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected. Yet too many people face the condition alone, without adequate support. At Alzheimer’s Society we are determined to change this, as it is vital that people living with dementia feel included in their local community and able to live the lives they want.

“For Dementia Action Week, we consulted with hundreds of people affected by dementia and those working to support them to find out the simple actions people can take and those that would make the biggest difference. Something as simple as shop staff, as well as other customers, being a bit more patient will make a huge difference to the day to day lives of people living with dementia. II’s brilliant to have the support of Pets at Home and more Dementia Friends on board to help us in our mission create a dementia-friendly UK.“

Over 2.4million people in the UK have become Dementia Friends since the launch of the initiative. To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends and get involved in Dementia Action Week, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW

This Mental Health Awareness Week, Wiltshire-based raw pet food company, Poppy’s Picnic, invited the residents of Dauntsey House Care Home in Devizes to experience the therapeutic power of pets during a special picnic lunch at its HQ. The event was held to raise awareness of mental health issues, support Mental Health Awareness Week, and demonstrate the incredible role our four-legged friends can play in helping people to cope with conditions such as depression, stress and loneliness.

Residents of the care home were introduced to the company’s CED (Chief Exectuvie Dog), Poppy, the miniature schnauzer who stole the hearts of the Dragons on BBC’s Dragons’ Den (where founder Dylan Watkins and his business partner Louise Mackintosh were offered four investment opportunities). Poppy was joined by her two daughters, Katie and Slipper and new arrival Gaby. Also in attendance were two dogs, Krumble and Inky, and their handlers from Therapy Dogs Nationwide, a charity set up and run by volunteers who have a lot of expertise in many different aspects of therapy work with dogs.  They take their specially tested dogs to visit people in different kinds of establishments such as: schools, special needs schools, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, care centres and prisons helping people from all walks of life overcome their own special problems and challenges such as depression, ill health or loneliness. They also help adults and children overcome their fear of dogs.

On hand to give practical advice on all aspects of dealing with stress, anxiety and depression was leading Chartered Psychologist Kyle Davies, BSc MPhil CPsychol AFBPsS, author of ‘The Intelligent Body’ and creator of Energy-Flow Coaching. Kyle has been treating sufferers of conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety and stress for over 15 years with a new pioneering approach which helps sufferers to heal themselves from the inside out by reconceptualising the relationships among their bodies, minds, and emotions, embracing the full importance of the mind-body connection, and tapping their natural restorative capacities.

Mr Davies said: “We are seeing almost epidemic proportion of people struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression and other related health challenges, not only in the UK but further afield as well.

“Animals such as dogs are great facilitators; the connection they develop with their owners, coupled with exercise, getting outdoors and socialising with other pet owners, offer great benefit and can be a wonderful supplement to therapeutic interventions such as energy-flow coaching."

Commenting on the success of the Poppy’s Picnic lunch, Poppy’s Picnic founder and recent recipient of the Business Start-Up of the Year award at the Wiltshire Business Awards, Dylan Watkins said,

“When Poppy entered my life nearly ten years ago, she brought me such joy. Mental health is a cause that’s close to our hearts, and Poppy’s Picnic recognises the role that our four-legged friends can play in achieving wellbeing. After I’d seen how much my grandmother connected with Poppy on a recent visit, Mental Health Awareness Week seemed the perfect opportunity to share the experience with the elderly members of our community. To see the ladies of Dauntsey House take delight in our four-legged friends was fabulous, and we hope this marks the first of many visits.”

The Poppy’s Picnic Facebook page has also been filled by those unable to attend the event with heart-warming stories from followers on Facebook who have shared their experiences of how their pets have made a difference to their lives, helping them to overcome many life challenges.

Poppy’s Picnic will be making a donation to the Mental Health Foundation who campaign on many issues to do with mental health to bring about change and improvement in both the workplace and community.

For further information on Poppy’s Picnic visit: www.poppyspicnic.co.uk or contact laura@poppyspicnic.co.uk

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Pets at Home has announced it will no longer open a store at a new retail park in Skegness, Lincolnshire, this month despite recruiting and training staff.

According to the Lincolnshire Live website, the pet retail chain announced yesterday (Wednesday) it had abandoned plans to open the new store.

People had applied, been offered jobs and had training before being told they were no longer needed at the store.

Several confused people took to Facebook to ask the pet chain what was happening.

A Pets at Home spokesperson responded to say: “Just to keep you in the loop, at a recent review of our store opening plans we decided, with regret, not to progress with our plan to open a store in Skegness.

“We keep our opening plans under regular review as store openings can take some time to come to fruition and both the retail environment and the property market can be volatile.

“We appreciate that this will be disappointing to customers who were looking forward to a new store and apologise for the change in our plans.

“All colleagues recruited to work in Skegness will continue their training with us before taking up alternative positions in one of our nearby stores.

“Again, my apologies for the change of plans and for the disappointment this will cause. Please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.”

The full report can be read by clicking here.

The Southern Daily Echo has reported that Southampton is soon to have the region’s biggest pet-friendly apartment complex as the next phases of the development near completion.

Bow Square, a collection of apartments for renters in Queensway, is to be entirely pet-friendly, with every apartment able to house cats or dogs, with a resident dog walking club being set up.

The first phase of the development opened its doors to renters in October last year, with the last phases expected to be open from this summer, totalling 279 properties.

Read the full story at: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/16238071.Southampton_to_welcome_the_region__39_s_largest_pet-friendly_complex/

With Meghan Markle’s own beloved beagle-cross, Guy, making an extra special appearance at her wedding last weekend, the UK and Europe’s leading experts in raw pet food, Natures Menu, highlights six reasons our furry friends are a great addition to the big day.

It seems you don’t have to be royalty to include your pet in the wedding celebrations. Research commissioned* by Natures Menu has found almost half of pet lovers (40%) would have their four-legged friend play a part in their special day.

From being included in the photos to the all-important task of the ring bearer, it seems we’re a nation of pet lovers who can’t imagine their big day without our four-legged friends. But, what makes having your pet at your wedding so special? Natures Menu highlights below…

1. They’re part of the family

One of the first tasks of planning your big day is deciding who to invite; parents, siblings, aunties and best friends, but it’s important not to forget about your loyal canine companions. Always there to greet you home at the end of the day, our pets are a big part of our life and family!

2. They keep the guests happy
There aren’t many people who don’t love our furry four-legged friends. Having your pet on hand at your wedding helps keep guests happy and entertained!

3. They make the photos more interesting
Nothing catches your eye more than a pet in the wedding pictures. Not only will they add an extra ‘aww’ factor, they’ll also be treasured in your wedding photos fur-ever!

4. They help calm your nerves
Last minute nerves and stresses are completely natural, but nothing will help you keep your cool more than a cuddle from your favourite canine.

5. They make a great best man
Unsurprisingly, man’s best friend can also double up as a fantastic best man. Whilst they may not be able to help organise the stag do, or read a speech at the reception, they do prove to be a very loyal companion, sticking by your side every step of the way.

6. …And an even better ring bearer
Having your dog trot down the aisle with a small pillow attached to his collar is not only a great crowd pleaser, but also a true delight for you and your partner.

OSCAR Pet Foods is now a way of life for Brian Hulme as he celebrates his 15^th anniversary on 19^th May 2018.

As Brian recalls his memories with OSCAR he says, “OSCAR renewed my enthusiasm in working for my self from the start. Circumstances surrounding my previous experience destroyed my faith in self-employment, until I found OSCAR and its clear and honest approach to the procedures of setting up and running your own business. They promised and delivered and have never stopped!

“At the time, Molly, my pet Labrador and my regular companion, was a great advert for my business. Her presence attracted new customers while making a huge contribution towards new business, which gave me something more to believe in. My relationship with customers brings repeat business and recommendations which are always rewarded with a box of treats – it has worked wonders for me.

“I have always been realistic about my business, which has helped me to stay focused and also helped me to succeed and meet my targets. From the start I exceeded my expectations and OSCAR kept me in touch with changes, of which, in fifteen years, there have been more than a few.”

Brian says, “Being my own boss, working to suit myself and my customers, I am never wondering what to do next. There is always someone to talk to, from Head Office to fellow franchisees and of course my customers, who are always on the receiving end of everything good for their pets.

“Over the years I've built a repertoire of pet information and now with my official COAPE recognised qualification I am able to follow on from the days of Molly, and now Maisie, with much more knowledge gained from simply working with pets.

“I do enjoy my business. I have built my life around my work – I have fun exhibiting at shows and fetes and I love meeting new people knowing I have the backing and support from a very professional organisation … working for myself.”

Regional pet food, healthy snacks, aquariums that can be operated by app and orthopaedic dog beds are just some of the latest trends from around the globe that trade visitors discovered at Interzoo 2018, the world-leading exhibition for the pet supplies industry taking place this week.

The exhibition’s organiser, WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH), expects to welcome about 40,000 trade visitors from more than 100 countries to Nuremberg before the exhibition closes tomorrow (Friday).

About 2,000 exhibitors are displaying innovations, enhancements and tried-and-tested products, including innovative food, care products and accessories for four-legged friends, rodents, birds, horses and for animals living in aquariums and terrariums.

The vast majority of animal owners feed their cats and dogs preprocessed food. Manufacturers tailor their products’ recipes to the age of the cats and dogs and to their special health needs based on the latest scientific insights, ensuring that the animals receive optimal care. Producers are also focusing on using natural ingredients, so that fewer and fewer flavour enhancers, preservatives and dyes are ending up in the bowl.

Today, animal owners expect to have healthy pet food that offers functional benefits beyond pure nutritional value. This trend is especially evident for snacks: functional chewy twists, like dental snacks for dogs and special products to support healthy skin, coat, joints and digestion, will be on show at Interzoo 2018. Snacks are also available as treats for in-between meals and as rewards. Examples include vegetarian snacks and baking mixes for dog biscuits, which owners can prepare fresh when needed.

The bones and raw food (BARF) movement remains a trend. Pet food producers have long included this trend in their programmes and are offering ready-made BARF mixtures.

Since dietary supplements are extremely important with this method, producers have integrated ready-made supplements with plant-based protein sources and minerals, vitamins and trace elements into their product lines. For the first time, the BARF menu has also included raw insect larvae as a rich source of protein. Freeze-dried meat snacks are another highlight. Dry bones and raw food can be kept for long periods without refrigeration, are lightweight and ideal for on the go.

Sustainability and regional resources

At Interzoo, it is clear that manufacturers are taking the notion of resource conservation seriously and making products that are environmentally and socially responsible. Some companies have set a goal of becoming climate neutral. A few producers are embracing environmentally friendly packaging. Collars and dog beds are being produced in a way that conserves resources and are being made out of waste products, for instance.

A trend towards regional resources is also emerging. A few pet food producers are deciding not to use sources of exotic meat and are concentrating on regional ingredients, sometimes exclusively from organic farming. Producers are opting for gravel sources in Germany to create base gravel for aquaria.

Combining work, mobility and pets

Modern technology is also being deployed more and more when careers and mobility are combined with pet ownership. Gadgets like automatic feeders help to feed animals at programmable times. Another example is RFID technology, which supports pet keeping with automated pet doors, for instance, and allows cats to come and go without their owners having to open the door.

Energy-saving aquarium and terrarium technology

Owners can also monitor and attend to their aquariums flexibly from the road when they are not home. Aquarists can check and adjust the temperature, water level, oxygen and CO2 levels, light and food using an app with connected control devices. This technology allows for perfect fish care.

Modern applications are helping beginner and advanced aquarium enthusiasts alike: Anybody who is not tech or chemical-savvy will soon find simple but effective solutions on the shelf, such as toxin removers for aquariums and LED controllers to simulate natural biotopes without users having to know what colour spectrum they must use for which biotope.

LED technology helps pet owners to save energy since LED lightbulbs provide more light and use less power: These new lightbulbs help colours to appear much more vibrant in the underwater world and encourages the growth of aquatic plants and coral. LED is even used in dog jackets so dogs are visible when they are taken for a walk during the dark winter months.

Modern technology is also being adopted to take account of safety considerations: Innovations include tiny, light-weight GPS-based tracking devices for pets that work in more than 200 countries and are fitted to the collar.

Customised equipment for every taste

Stylish or functional? Hand-made dog collars, leashes and tags look like they have been individually ordered. Almost every wish can be fulfilled, even for furniture like scratching trees and dog beds. Animal lovers will soon be able to find magnificent Rococo-style dog and cat beds, such as hand-made beds with a solid oak frame, in shops. Styles are extremely varied and are offered to fit in with the animal owner’s home furnishings. Scratching furniture for cats is designed to have an elegant wood look.

A large number of elegant multi-functional carrying cases and classically designed hollow beds can be used to transport small dogs. On the other hand, functional furniture supports health, for instance beds for dogs with joint or spine problems.

Fitness is still an important issue

Animal fitness remains an important issue at Interzoo 2018. Suppliers will showcase many kinds of activity toys that challenge small mammals, birds, cats and dogs mentally and physically and enhance interaction between people and animals through play.

They include easy-to-use fetch toys for cats and dogs, stimulating water toys and chewing and pull toys.

More information: www.interzoo.com

International interest in UK pet products soared this week as scores of companies showcased their innovative ranges at Interzoo in Germany.

Almost all of the 50-plus exhibiting companies in the PetQuip-organised group have new and exciting products on display, covering many sectors of the pet industry.  

New food and treat varieties include gluten-free, grain-free, high meat content and festive treats. There are even dog chews that have their origin in the hills of the Himalayas. 

In the field of high tech there are the latest innovations in app-enabled dog behaviour monitors, food measures and cat flaps. 

Other product sectors to feature innovations include dog training aids, jackets that allow dogs to be seen in the dark, pet bedding, microfibre towels, mats, pet hair removers, feeding bowls, dog toilets, shampoos and cosmetics.

In addition to the UK product supplier exhibitors, PetQuip is organising and manning a British pet product information stand, which buyers can visit to source thousands of British pet products.

The Canny Company (Hall 9 – Stand 603b) is showing a dog collar that is designed to stop dogs pulling on the lead. Kind, safe, comfortable and effective, it helps owners to enjoy walking their dog. Voted ‘Best New Product’ by the UK Pet Product Retail Association when it was first launched, it has since sold almost a million units worldwide.  A range of colours and sizes to suit all dogs is available, as well as eye-catching point of sale material to help maximise sales.

Sean McElherron (above), of the Canny Company with his Canny Collar in the new colour purple.

A 41-year-old Salisbury man has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to stealing over £3,000 from a pet shop.

Douglas Jaques targeted the former Pampurred Pets shop on Fisherton Street overnight between November 14th and 15th 2016.

Approximately £3,000 was stolen from the store safe during the burglary.

Prosecuting at Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday, Tim Dracass said Jaques had knowledge of where the safe was as his partner was employed as the store supervisor.

The court was told that the day before the burglary, Jaques had entered the shop while his girlfriend and the store manager were cashing up, and that he had asked to use the toilet in the back part of the shop.

“The crown’s case is that the defendant must have become aware, perhaps through the conversation that was taking place in the store, or perhaps a subsequent conversation with his girlfriend, that there was a significant amount of cash that had been stored in the safe that night,” Mr Dracass said.

The next morning the store manager found the safe empty and a rear fire door open.

Police attending the scene found a chisel on the floor by the safe, and forensic tests on it later showed “a major DNA profile” belonging to Jaques.

And officers found footage of his girlfriend’s car, which Jaques was also insured to drive, travelling towards Salisbury along St Thomas’s Bridge at 4.21am, ten minutes before the pet shop alarm was triggered.

In a police interview Jaques said the chisel was one of a number of tools he had disposed of in a nearby skip, and that he had been driving his girlfriend’s car to buy cannabis.

Officers discovered that the couple had “significant debts” of about £3,000 - the amount stolen, which was never recovered. Jaques originally denied the charge but changed his plea on the day his trial was set to start in March.

Defending, David Jenkins said Jaques had a “mad moment” because he was in “financial desperation” and had an alcohol problem “which affected his decision making processes”.

He said Jaques was “suitable for rehabilitation in the community”, and that if he went to prison his girlfriend would “certainly” lose their home as they relied on his income from installing windows.

Judge Parkes said: “ It was not a moment of madness, it was plainly thought about and you went equipped with a chisel.”

But he said jailing Jaques would have a “harmful effect” on his partner, who suffers from mental health issues, adding: “All things being equal, nothing would give me more pleasure than sending you to prison, which you thoroughly deserve, I’m not going to.”

He sentenced Jaques to six months in prison, suspended for two years, with 150 hours of unpaid work.

Influential buyers from a German garden and pet product mail order company and online shop, a Polish importer and distributor of garden items as well as buyers from a leading wholesaler/distributor of garden and horticultural products across the Baltic States are to meet with British suppliers in the latest ‘Meet the International Buyers’ event organised by the Gardenex and PetQuip associations. 

The event will take place at the Federation’s head office in Brasted, Kent on 7 June 2018, and British suppliers who wish to present their product ranges in one-to-one meetings with buyers are invited to contact the Federation.

The German company taking part in the event usually sources from more than half the companies seen during the ’Meet the International Buyers’ events, so is an important contact for companies looking to market their garden innovations in Europe’s largest market for garden products.  

The two buyers from the company will be looking for innovative, practical and decorative garden products, particularly those not already available on the German market. 

Nature-friendly plants and products such as rabbit hutches, chicken-houses, wild bird products and items related to pets being outside in the garden will be of particular interest to the buyers. 

The company distributes thousands of comprehensive mail order catalogues each year, offering seeds and plants, practical garden accessories and garden decoration, and is happy to include UK companies that are new to exporting.

The Polish buyer is from an importer/distributor of hobby greenhouses sourced from the UK.  The company has over 20 years’ experience in greenhouse sales, supplying garden centre retailers.  It has also acted as an importer/distributor supplying farmers with plant protection, fertiliser, feed and tools.  In addition, the company operates three on-line shops selling to end-users. 

One of the shops offers a broad range of garden items from boots and gloves to watering equipment, pest control and bird food, while the others cover hobby greenhouses and plants. 

The company also operates six retail garden centres/shops and two wholesale outlets.  At the 7 June event, the owner/buyer is looking for new and interesting products for distribution to garden centres and for online sales.

The two buyers from the Baltic States are from a leading wholesaler/distributor of garden and horticultural products.  The company was founded originally in 1995 as a wholesaler of garden and horticultural products to the Estonian market and the owners attended the Federation’s ’Meet the International Buyers’ events in 2010 and 2012.  

In addition to acting as a wholesaler, the company has an e-shop which offers a wide range of practical accessories for gardens, balconies and indoor gardening. Its main customers are garden centres and garden shops, DIY stores, supermarkets, landscapers/garden designers as well as professional growers. 

The company offers a broad selection of garden and horticultural products and items of particular interest are:

• Products for landscapers (decorative containers and hanging baskets, flower towers).
• Roof-top gardening and related products
• Technical gardening tools
• Hobby greenhouses, greenhouse shelving and other greenhouse accessories
• Outdoor children’s playground items (climbing ladder, climbing rope etc)
• Apple collection baskets with shoulder belts/harness
• Beekeeping for hobby and professional market • Fruit-picking products

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 International Buyers’ events for both the garden and pet sectors, email Katie-Mai Smith on katie-mai@gardenex.com or telephone 01959 565995 as soon as possible as meeting slots fill up quickly.