In This Issue
Could this award-winning product take the market by storm?
ASA dismisses complaint against TV ad for Go-Cat
PATS Telford breaks 2,000-visitor mark…AGAIN!
Picture round-up from the pet extravaganza
Naturediet celebrates record sales of new range at PATS
Pictures from this week’s PetQuip Awards
HOWND wins double gold at PetQuip awards
Ceva ensures that ADAPTIL sales ‘rocket’ with TV advertising campaign
Beco Pets cleans up on East Sussex beach
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Town hit by shock pet shop closure
Lily's Kitchen appoints new CEO as founder steps into different role
Vital initiative offers new every day lower price across the entire KONG range
Icing on the cake at CSJ trials
Milo’s Dog Running joins the True Instinct pack
Senior executive quits Bank of America for pet retailer
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra
Lifetime Achievement Award for John James
PetQuip Award winners revealed at glitzy event
PATS Telford 2018 New Product Awards revealed
HayPigs! secures deal to stock over 150 Petbarn stores in Australia
BSB Products introduces Martin Seller Pet Accessories to UK
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Could this award-winning product take the market by storm?

 

The Lickimat from Sharples Pet won a New Product Award at PATS Telford this week, and already there is talk of this innovative item becoming the next bestseller in pet stores...


 

The Lickimat from Sharples Pet won a New Product Award at PATS Telford this week, and already there is talk of this innovative item becoming the next bestseller in pet stores.

 

Lickimat Boredom Busters are designed to enhance a pet’s environment as well as benefiting its health. 


Lickimats are designed as tasty boredom busters for a cat or dog. By spreading a pet's favourite soft treat over the surface, an owner can create a tasty fun game with them having to seek out every morsel with their tongue.

 

Owners can freeze treats in the summer for a refreshing, longer lasting entertainment. They also work well as a slow feeder for cats.


Here are some of the benefits of the Lickimat:

  • Repetitive licking is soothing for your pet, releasing calming the hormone cortisol into the body
  • Medical free way to promote calm behaviour in your pet while home alone or during stressful times, like storms or fireworks, also great for calming pets before a procedure/treatment at the vets or groomers
  • No over feeding because Lickimat makes a small tasty treat last longer
  • Licking enhances the sense of taste, allowing pet to enjoy just a small amount of food
  • Helps promote fresh breath by scraping off bacteria and undigested food particles from the tongue
  • Stimulates saliva production and helps clean tongue, teeth and gums
  • Saliva production can aid digestion as it contains enzymes like Amylase

 

For fun pet interaction three designs are available.

  • Lickimat Buddy, (the most popular design), with its cross maze design, is perfect for trapping chunky treats like mushy meat or fish. 
  • Lickimat Soother, with its raised bumpy design, is perfect for runny treats like yoghurt or gravy
  • Lickimat Playdate, with its square pocket design, is perfect for trapping chunky treats like mushy meat or fish.

The New Product Award judges commented: “We liked the versatility of this product, and the fact there wasn’t any unnecessary packaging.”

 

 
ASA dismisses complaint against TV ad for Go-Cat

The Advertising Standards Authority has dismissed a complaint against a TV ad from Nestle Purina for its Go-Cat brand. The complainant challenged whether the statement “healthy, happy cats” was misleading and could be substantiated but the ASA ruled that consumers would understand Purina’s claim that its range of 12 Go-Cat cat foods were all capable of helping to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for cats.


The Advertising Standards Authority has dismissed a complaint against a TV ad from Nestle Purina for its Go-Cat brand. The complainant challenged whether the statement “healthy, happy cats” was misleading and could be substantiated but the ASA ruled that consumers would understand Purina’s claim that its range of 12 Go-Cat cat foods were all capable of helping to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for cats.

 

A TV ad for the pet food brand Go-Cat was seen on 3 March 2018. A voiceover stated: “This is an announcement. Go-Cat now has no added artificial colours with the same great taste. Here's the proof …” A video then played and showed cats playing and jumping. The voiceover then said, “Healthy, happy cats. Go-Cat, for happy, healthy cats with no added artificial flavours, preservatives and now with no added artificial colours.”

 

In response to the complaint Nestlé Purina said Go-Cat delivered 100% complete and balanced nutrition and was carefully formulated to include a combination of proteins, vitamins and minerals that cats needed. They said their experience was in cat nutrition and with the support of specialist software they were able to calculate the correct nutrients for every product.

 

In its assessment the ASA stated:

“We were provided with reports that showed the nutritional profile of all of Go-Cat products against FEDIAF guidelines, which showed that the ingredients in the cat food met recommended FEDIAF standards, meaning that they contained the necessary nutrients under an EU Regulation for the sale of pet food to constitute a ‘complete pet food’. We were also provided with reports from two random batch tests of Go-Cat products, which showed those products also met those FEDIAF standards.

 

“We understood that the purpose of the FEDIAF guidelines was to contribute to the production of nutritionally balanced pet food, while complying with EU legislation and to help pet food manufacturers assess the nutritional values of practical pet foods for healthy animals.

 

“Because the evidence showed that the 12 Go-Cat products were capable of helping to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet in cats, we concluded the claim had been substantiated and was not misleading.

 

The full ruling can be read here https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/nestle-purina-petcare--uk--ltd-a18-444151.html

PATS Telford breaks 2,000-visitor mark…AGAIN!

 

The number of visitors attending the two-day PATS Telford show has broken the 2,000 mark for a fourth successive year. A total of 2,047 visitors went through the doors at the impressive Telford International Centre, making it the second highest PATS attendance figure ever.


 

The number of visitors attending the two-day PATS Telford show has broken the 2,000 mark for a fourth successive year.

 

A total of 2,047 visitors went through the doors at the impressive Telford International Centre, making it the second highest PATS attendance figure ever.

 

The successful show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a great success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations. 

 

Organiser Gordon Thomas said many of the companies exhibiting at PATS Telford were eager to point out the quality of people visiting their stands had been of the highest standard.

 

“Exhibitors told us they met with the key decision makers and buyers, and that was good to hear because we put in place measures that ensured the right people attended.

 

“Overall the response to PATS Telford 2018 has been excellent and positive, and proves that the pet industry is firmly behind this show.”

 

Mark Robinson, the Senior Business Development Manager at Smurfit Kappa, summed up the mood of the exhibitors, saying: “We thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was very well organised and we had some really good engagement with visitors and other exhibitors. This was our first time showing at PATS and we would certainly consider attending again.”

 

And Karen Scott, of Purely Fish, commented: “Thank you PATS Telford for another awesome show. It has been a jam-packed 48 hours but an excellent platform to meet and talk to pet trade wholesalers, retailers and independent stockists, both new and current.”

 

The number of visitors attending the show is clear evidence that PATS is the only pet trade exhibition where retailers and buyers can view all the latest launches under one roof.

 

Wendy Appleby, of Wentworth Pet Supplies in Surrey said: “This show is perfect because it showcases everything a pet store could possibly want,” and Robert Bell, of Gladwells Pet and Country Store, added: “The exhibition has a lovely layout, is very easy to navigate and I can find everything I want.”

 

Debby Knight, of The Bristles Dog Grooming, commented: “It was the best PATS I’ve attended. The ambiance of the whole event was excellent and as usual very well laid out. I stayed for both show days and it was well worth it.”

 

And Nikki Harris, Director of TFM Countrystore, Lincoln, said: “It was the best PATS show I’ve attended. The effort put into some of the displays was outstanding and very eye-catching, and we met so many enthusiastic and passionate suppliers.”

 

The focus now turns to PATS Sandown in Surrey, which is being held on Sunday and Monday, 10th-11th February 2019.

Picture round-up from the pet extravaganza

 

There was so much to see and do over the two days of PATS Telford exhibition. If you weren't lucky enough to make it, here's a picture round-up from Telford...


See our picture gallery from PATS Telford

There was so much to see and do over the two days of PATS Telford exhibition. If you weren't lucky enough to make it, here's a picture round-up from Telford...

 

 

Marriages injected a bit of fun to the show with their garden-party themed stand – pink party gear, cakes and lemonade. Lisa Osborne, Marketing Manager, said: “The garden party theme was an obvious one for us because we are delighted to be welcoming the RSPB to the Marriages party. They are a natural fit for us because they’re environmentally friendly and care about wildlife just like us.”

Naturediet celebrates record sales of new range at PATS

 

Naturediet is celebrating its most successful PATS to date following the launch of its Naturediet ‘Feel Good’ range...


 

Naturediet is celebrating its most successful PATS to date following the launch of its Naturediet ‘Feel Good’ range.

 

The independent British dog food manufacturer unveiled their innovative new Tetra Pak packaging which provides consumers with an environmentally friendly and recyclable alternative to pouches and single use plastics.

 

Head of Sales and Marketing, Emily Cannon, commented: “PATS Telford 2018 has been Naturediet’s most successful PATS to date. The reaction to our range relaunch from current and new customers was incredibly positive, we expected an increase in interest as the packaging refresh was much needed, but orders taken at the show have far exceeded our expectations."

 

Pre-orders of Naturediet’s new range are due to hit retailers’ shelves from the beginning of October and Naturediet will be providing promotional support to independent retail customers during the transition period of their range re-launch.

 

Available exclusively to pet specialist retailers, the new Naturediet Feel Good range is available to order direct or from Bestpets. Naturediet will be offering exclusive discounts of up to 20% off orders of their new ranges in October.

 

For further information on offers, availability and pet specialist retailer support contact your Naturediet Business Development Manager, email trade@naturediet.co.uk or call 01362 822321.

Pictures from this week’s PetQuip Awards

 

The PetQuip Awards held in the Ludlow Suite of Telford International Centre this week was a great night for celebrating success, networking with colleagues and friends, and having some fun after a busy day at PATS Telford. Here's our picture gallery from the evening.


See our picture gallery from the evening

 

The PetQuip Awards held in the Ludlow Suite of Telford International Centre this week was a great night for celebrating success, networking with colleagues and friends, and having some fun after a busy day at PATS Telford.

 

After the presentations were made, guests were invited to join in the fun of the casino...using 'fake' money, of course.

 

Here's our picture gallery from the evening.

 

HOWND wins double gold at PetQuip awards

 

HOWND has been awarded PetQuip Marketing Project of the Year as well as Pet Product of the Year (Food & Treats) at the annual PATS gala awards dinner. This is the second year running that the ethical pet care brand has been honoured to win two prestigious PetQuip Golds...


 

HOWND has been awarded PetQuip Marketing Project of the Year as well as Pet Product of the Year (Food & Treats) at the annual PATS gala awards dinner. This is the second year running that the ethical pet care brand has been honoured to win two prestigious PetQuip Golds.

 

This year HOWND won Marketing Project of the Year Award for its viral annual Bring Your Dog To Work Day campaign and Pet Product of the Year Award for its newly launched 100% natural Hemp Wellness Treats.

 

"It is an incredible honour to win two Golds, and a complete surprise to win again this year - we are completely chuffed," says Mark Hirschel, co-director of HOWND.

 

"Both awards are validation of all the hard work we've put into creating our first vegetarian dog treats, and our commitment of five years organising Bring Your Dog To Work day that raises thousands of pounds for animal welfare as well as an incredible marketing platform for the business sponsors.

 

"It is a bold step for us to enter the treat market, but we are great believers in the health benefits of hemp, and after the success of our vegan Hemp by HOWND skin balms, we decided to launch treats using the same wonder ingredient.

 

"The reaction has been incredibly positive and now to win a gold for them is fantastic."

 

HOWND is passionate about innovating ethical products for the pet care market and constantly strives to keep disrupting the industry with innovative new products. At PATS 2018 the team launched its new Miracle Hand Barrier Serum, a cruelty-free certified protective skin serum that is set to be a game changer for professional groomers.

 

Co-director Jo Amit adds: "We are so proud of our PetQuip win; the recognition from the industry is invaluable to us as a business.  Our Hemp Wellness Treats have been incredibly well received by the trade, as has the new Miracle Hand Serum which will be available online late October. Watch out for some exciting, innovative products for both trade and consumers coming soon."

 

www.dogsloveHOWND.com

 

 

Ceva ensures that ADAPTIL sales ‘rocket’ with TV advertising campaign

 

Ceva Animal Health has launched a month-long TV advertising campaign for its leading veterinary behaviour product, ADAPTIL, in the run up to the fireworks season...


 

Ceva Animal Health has launched a month-long TV advertising campaign for its leading veterinary behaviour product, ADAPTIL, in the run up to the fireworks season.

 

Running throughout October, the campaign will raise awareness among dog owners of how ADAPTIL Calm can help dogs cope during the fireworks and Christmas party season.

 

The advertisement will feature the real-life story of Finley, the Spaniel, and his owners.  Finley was really nervous and terrified of loud noises, particularly fireworks; so much so that he hyperventilated, shook and would hide away. 

 

The vet recommended an ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser.  Within a few days he seemed more relaxed and, over time, became a calmer dog able to develop a closer relationship with his owners.

 

The advertising campaign will target 3.3 million pet owners and it will air on over 60 top channels including C4 channels (Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, Drama, Good Food, Really, W and Home), Sky channels, ITV2 and ITVBe.

 

“The fireworks and party season can be an extremely upsetting time of the year for the nation’s pets,” comments Abigail King, behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health. “By highlighting the benefits of ADAPTIL at this key time of the year we hope to ensure that dogs are better prepared for the challenges of fireworks and loud noises.”

 

The TV advertising campaign will be supported by a digital campaign for both ADAPTIL and FELIWAY.

 

To view the ADAPTIL TV advertisement visit https://www.adaptil.com/uk/Success-Stories/Finley.

 

For further information on ADAPTIL or FELIWAY visit www.adaptil.com or www.feliway.com.

Beco Pets cleans up on East Sussex beach

 

Beco Pets has taken part in The Great British Beach Clean 2018. The London based team travelled to the coastline of Pett Level, neatly positioned between Hastings and Rye...


 

Beco Pets has taken part in The Great British Beach Clean 2018. The London based team travelled to the coastline of Pett Level, neatly positioned between Hastings and Rye.

 

While foraging on the beach, the litter pickers found items that had drifted from as far as the Amazon Rainforest, Barbados and America.

 

Toby Freeman, Beco's marketing manager, said: “It’s scary visiting a local beach that appears spotless at first glance, then looking closer we find plastic that has travelled across oceans without even partly braking down. Plastic in our ocean is a truly global issue that we all need to work together to rectify."

 

Waste plastic in our oceans has a terrifyingly long list of implications. To name a few, it is unsightly, unhygienic, often consumed by wildlife and can trap and harm marine animals.

 

In the past 5 years, over 300 new species arrived on UK shores carried by floating plastic where biodegradable materials would have broken down. It is only a matter of time before a foreign species arrives that has the potential to unbalance local ecosystems and threaten the species within them.

 

Beco Pets has created a range of soft toys for dogs made from 100% recycled plastic. Every toy is strong, tough and recycles 15 plastic bottles that would otherwise be entering our oceans.

 

Their Beco Bags range has expanded to include home compostable poop bags. They are big, strong and made from natural plant fibres that break down in under 60 days. There are over 8.5 million dogs in the UK alone, depositing 17 million poops a day. That is at least 17 million plastic bags going to landfill or our oceans, unless we buy responsibly.

 

For more information about Beco Pets visit www.becopets.com

 
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Town hit by shock pet shop closure

A pet shop in a North Norfolk town has shut down without warning, to the dismay of regular customers and its four staff members...


 

A pet shop in a North Norfolk town has shut down without warning, to the dismay of regular customers and its four staff members.

 

Claws and Paws, which has been trading in Station Road, Sheringham, for 20 years, was open for business as usual on September 18 but, when staff came to open up the shop the following morning, they found a notice on the door from a local lettings agents, saying the premises was now in possession of the landlords.

 

A report in the North Norfolk News said the owner of the shop had not been in touch with the two full-time and two part-time workers, leaving them worried about pay due to them  and their future employment prospects.

 

One long-standing staff member, who did not want to be named, told the newspaper: “All I can say is the shop was closed by the landlord and we didn’t know anything until we turned up to work on Wednesday morning to find we couldn’t get in as the locks were changed.”

 

A full report can be read by clicking here

 
Lily's Kitchen appoints new CEO as founder steps into different role

Henrietta Morrison, founder and CEO of Lily’s Kitchen, is stepping into a new role as Executive Chair and Global Brand Director. David Milner will become the new CEO...


 

 

Henrietta Morrison, founder and CEO of Lily’s Kitchen, is stepping into a new role as Executive Chair and Global Brand Director. David Milner will become the new CEO.

 

David has been a non-executive Director of the business and was the former CEO of Tyrrells crisps. He brings a wealth of experience of challenger brand growth. 

 

Henrietta started the business at her kitchen table ten years ago following the illness of her Border Terrier, Lily, now aged 15. Since its launch, Lily’s Kitchen has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Queen's Award for Enterprise and was also a founding member of BCorp UK.

 

“I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved so far,” said Henrietta Morrison.

 

“We have a brilliant team that has worked hard to bring proper food to our pets, create a new category and build a beloved brand in a market dominated by huge players.

 

"I’m excited by my new role and delighted to have David Milner lead the team as we continue to drive growth and innovation at Lily’s Kitchen.

 

"We work very well together and I’m thrilled that we can build an even stronger partnership with him joining the business full time as CEO.”

 

David will start his new role on October 2nd.

 
Vital initiative offers new every day lower price across the entire KONG range

Vital has confirmed its support for the KONG brand with its own initiative - a new everyday lower price across the KONG range...


Vital has confirmed its support for the KONG brand with its own initiative - a new everyday lower price across the KONG range.

 

The price change will be activated this week and will apply to all subsequent orders, including those taken at PATS Telford.

 

Senior Buying Manager at Vital, Sam Hearn says he believes this will be a hugely competitive price point, “We’re bringing in a significant price drop across the board on the KONG range, allowing retailers to improve both percentage and cash margins on every purchase. We know this is an important brand for our customers and we want to ensure that they are confident they can continue to source it at great value for money prices from Vital.”

 

KONG Handipod was one of the brands that joined Vital in its Gallery at PATS Telford this week. Also joining Vital were nearly 20 key suppliers, some of whom are new to the UK.

 
Icing on the cake at CSJ trials

CSJ’s founder Ceri Rundle had a huge surprise recently after filming the company's next 'A Way With Dog's series when she was presented with a birthday cake made of figures of all the individual competing handlers...


 

CSJ’s founder Ceri Rundle had a huge surprise recently after filming the company's next 'A Way With Dog's series when she was presented with a birthday cake made of figures of all the individual competing handlers. 

 

Ceri said: "The two day trial between the top sheepdog handlers in the world had a crazy level of competition and we enjoyed great trialling and great banter. 

 

"I was astonished to be given such a superb cake at the end as I hadn’t mentioned that it was my birthday. 

 

"The level of detail in the figures was amazing and we gave each handler their own image to eat."

 

The 24 runs and individual interviews with each competitor from as far afield as USA and are now being edited for release on YouTube towards the end of the year.

 

For more info on CSJ products visit www.csjk9.com or call 01745 710470.

Milo’s Dog Running joins the True Instinct pack

True Instinct has partnered with Milo’s Dog Running in a bid to promote the importance of a dog’s diet and exercise...


True Instinct has partnered with Milo’s Dog Running in a bid to promote the importance of a dog’s diet and exercise. 

 

The raw and raw-inspired pet food experts have teamed up with the London based dog running service, which provides city dogs with daily pack runs through Wimbledon Common and beyond. 

 

True Instinct, a brand by raw and natural experts Natures Menu, is partnering with Milo’s Dog Running in a variety of ways including on Milo’s social channels to promote the brand’s range of free from grain and gluten pet food that is only made with natural raw and raw-inspired ingredients, including those containing premium quality deboned meats and fish balanced with vegetables.

 

Founder of Milo’s Dog Running, Milo Royds, comments: “Dogs were born to run; run with the pack, run to hunt, run for fun, but most dogs are not getting enough exercise. I noticed that there were many dog walkers in London, but no ‘dog runner’ service. That’s why I launched Milo’s Dog Running with the aim of offering city dogs physical exercise, socialisation and mental stimulation.

 

“There’s no denying that modern-day dog owners are giving more attention to their dog’s diets with a growing interest in raw food. True Instinct is very much in keeping with our philosophy of satisfying a dog’s natural canine instincts, so we’re extremely pleased to have partnered with the brand.”

 

Craig Taylor, Managing Director of Natures Menu, said: “Dogs need a nutritious and balanced diet to keep them healthy; feeding your pooch raw food can help them to thrive and improve their overall wellbeing. It shouldn’t just stop at their diet however, dogs also need the necessary exercise and with many owners generally time poor, they often don’t get out as much as they hope with their canine companions.

 

“Milo’s Dog Running can help with this, offering a fantastic service to get dogs ‘outside with the pack’ and we look forward to working with the team in the future. We would encourage anyone struggling to give their dog daily exercise to visit Milo’s Dog Running to see how their dog can join the pack!”

 

True Instinct specialises in a complete and balanced range of grain and gluten free, natural raw and raw-inspired products. The brand-new range features highly nutritional, complete and balanced innovative frozen raw nuggets and freeze dried raw treats. The True Instinct Raw Boost range, in particular, is an exciting development for Natures Menu and the pet food industry. Combining a high meat bite with a freeze dried raw meat piece, the product offers all the benefits of raw with all the convenience of dry.

 
Senior executive quits Bank of America for pet retailer

Bank of America’s former Senior Vice President of global brand strategy and head of marketing for wealth management Tariq Hassan is swapping the world of accountancy for retail after moving to specialist retailer Petco...


Bank of America’s former Senior Vice President of global brand strategy and head of marketing for wealth management Tariq Hassan is swapping the world of accountancy for retail after moving to specialist retailer Petco.

 

Based at Petco’s national support centre in San Diego, Hassan will report directly to CEO Ron Coughlin.

 

Coughlin said: "Tariq is a talented and proven leader with an extensive and impressive background helping world-class global brands harness and leverage insights in order to build lasting relationships with their customers. I'm confident his vision, leadership, consumer understanding, incredible communication skills and experience will have an immediate impact on the organization as we continue to transform our business."

 
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra

The top-read stories from last week's Pet Trade Xtra can be seen below, if you missed them...


 
Lifetime Achievement Award for John James

John James, of James & Steel, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Petquip Awards...


 

John James, of James & Steel, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Petquip Awards.

 

Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of PetQuip, said: “The winner of this year’s PetQuip Lifetime Achievement Award is a trader par excellence, a man who loves the pet trade and the camaraderie of pet trade shows.

 

"He has been working in the pet trade since his mid twenties, promoting pet products throughout the world in the ‘80s as European Sales Director for a well known brand.

 

“In the nineties he decided to try his hand at running his own business, starting from his garden shed. It is now an established family business trading via distributors throughout the world.”

 

John said: "I had no idea this was going to happen. It's a very humbling experience and one I will treasure. It is wonderful to be recognised in this way."

 
PetQuip Award winners revealed at glitzy event

Group 55 and HOWND were crowned double winners at the PetQuip Awards in Telford last night. The awards were presented at a glitzy party after the first day of PATS Telford...


 

Group 55 and HOWND were crowned double winners at the PetQuip Awards in Telford last night. The awards were presented at a glitzy party after the first day of PATS Telford.

HOWND won two awards – Marketing Project of the Year for a second consecutive year and Pet Product of the Year (Food & Treats), and Mark Hirschel said: “We can’t believe we won double gold for a second year running. Our strategy from day one was to develop affordably premium products within the health wellness and hygiene category and these awards provide validation that we’re heading in the right direction. Innovation and a passion for creating great products is what drives us and we always look forward to bringing new developments into the market. Onwards and upwards as the saying goes.”

Group55 were voted Business of the Year and Exporter of the Year.

 

Stephen Turner, of Group55, said: "To win both of these prestigious awards – Business of the Year and Exporter of the Year – is amazing. It's the ultimate recognition for the work we do. It couldn't be achieved without a fantastic team."

 

Other winners included Danish Design and Sure Petcare.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John James, of James and Steel, who said: "I had no idea this was going to happen. It's a very humbling experience and one I will treasure. It is wonderful to be recognised in this way."

 

The UK Pet Retailer of the Year Award was won by Mutt & Co Pet Boutique, of Hartlepool, Teesside. Amy-Leigh Norris said: " We've only been open for a year so to win a national trade award is beyond our wildest dreams. Frankly, I'm shocked but in a good way."

 

PetQuip Awards 2018

 

WINNERS

 

 

Business of the Year

Gold - Group 55

Silver -Natures Menu

HC - Broadreach Nature +

 

 

Exporter of the Year

Gold - Group 55

Silver - Burgess Pet Care

 

 

Marketing Project of the Year

Gold - Hownd

Silver - Company of Animals

HC – Natures Menu/True Instinct

HC - Just for Pets

 

Pet Product of the Year

Three categories:

 

 

Food & Treats :

Gold - Hownd – Hemp Wellness Treats

Silver - Nutriment – Dinner for Cats

Highly commended - Poppy’s Picnic – Enhanced Pet Food/Complete Meatballs/Follow-on Paste

 

 

Accessories :

Gold - Danish Design – Dog Duvet

Silver - Collarways – Mookiemax grooming and massage tool

HC - K9 Organics – shampoos/paw balms 

 

 

Health & Technical:

Gold - Sure Petcare – Microchip Pet Door Connect/Cat Flap Connect

Silver - PetWeighter – Dog Feeding System

 

 

International Pet Retailer/Distributor/ Wholesaler of the Year

Gold - Whesco, Denmark

 

 

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

Gold - Mutt & Co Pet Boutique, Hartlepool, Teesside

Silver - Pack and Clowder, Hackney, London

HC - WaggleAntics, online retailer

 

 

Lifetime Achievement

John James

 

Some of the silver and highly commended winners are pictured in our gallery below...

 
PATS Telford 2018 New Product Awards revealed

The eight winners of the PATS Telford 2018 New Product Awards were presented at the PetQuip Awards after the first day of a hugely successful show. Pet Remedy won the Pet Care Product Award for its Party Season Survival Kit...


The winners of the PATS Telford 2018 New Product Awards were presented at the PetQuip Awards after the first day of a hugely successful show.

 

The awards were chosen out of an entry of more than 230 by a team of expert pet retailers on the first morning of the show. All the entries were displayed on the eye-catching New Produce Showcase, sponsored by PBW News.

 

The judges’ decisions took into account a number of guideline criteria, such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging and value for money.

 

The experts agreed that the New Product Showcase had produced a high calibre of entries with wide variety and choice available. They were pleased to see such a wide range of products, and felt the majority of items on display showed some great innovation.

 

Here is a full list of the winners together with the judges’ comments:

 

 

CAT PRODUCT

Winner

Fish4Dogs – Finest Wet Cat Range

 

The judges liked the choice of ingredients and thought the packaging was great. Available in a wide range of recipes, this product was described as “luxury for under £1”.

 

 

DOG FOOD PRODUCT

Winner

Forthglade Food Ltd – Turkey & Goose Gourmet Christmas Meal

 

The judges felt the winning product will be a big Christmas seller. The packaging is distinctive and the price point is excellent.

 

 

DOG TREAT PRODUCT

Winner

Four Legged Fancies – Santa Paws Lollipops

 

This product stands out because it will make a perfect gift. The judges loved the fact that these treats are hand-made and will also make a good counter display.

 

 

DOG ACCESSORY PRODUCT

Winner

Sharples Pet – LickiMat Buddy

 

The judges liked the versatility of this product, and the fact there wasn’t any unnecessary packaging. It’s available in three different varieties.

 

 

BIRD PRODUCT

Winner

Petlife International – Harkers 4 in 1 Soluble

 

This bird health product fulfills a need in the market, it is easy to administer and has clear instructions on usage. It will also have a long shelf life.

 

 

SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCT

Winner

Norfolk Industries – Recycled Paper Bedding

 

The environmentally-friendly nature of this product won over the judges. It is well packaged in a perfectly-sized item for the shelf. The judges liked the fact it was recyclable.

 

 

PET CARE PRODUCT

Winner

Pet Remedy – Party Season Survival Kit

 

This product to keep pets calm and relaxed during the party season has attractive packaging, and is well priced as there are three products in one box. It will make the perfect counter display.

 

 

GROOMING PRODUCT

Winner

Paw Naturel Ltd – Rub & Scrub Heart Shaped Cleansing Bar

 

The judges said this product would make a good gift, and like the fact it is long lasting, paraben and sulphate-free, and eco-friendly.

 
HayPigs! secures deal to stock over 150 Petbarn stores in Australia

Ahead of its second appearance at PATS Telford this weekend, small furry accessories brand, HayPigs! had some exciting news to share. With help from its 'pawtners' Guinea Pigs Australia, the award-winning company has just signed a deal to stock over 150 Petbarn stores in Australia...


 

Ahead of its second appearance at PATS Telford this weekend, small furry accessories brand, HayPigs! had some exciting news to share. With help from its 'pawtners' Guinea Pigs Australia, the award-winning company has just signed a deal to stock over 150 Petbarn stores in Australia.

 

HayPigs! MD and self-proclaimed Ringmaster, Rik Cridland is overjoyed with the news. "This is obviously really exciting news and we are delighted that our range has been so warmly welcomed over in Australia,” he said

 

“We can't thank Niomie, Steve and the team at Guinea Pigs Australia enough for their hard work and dedication in helping make this happen. It's humbling to think that we will be enriching the lives of so many small furries across the length and breadth of Australia."

 

Steven Ferrante of Guinea Pigs Australia had this to add,:"Guinea Pigs Australia is so excited to be officially launching HayPigs! into Petbarn, Australia. With Petbarn's fantastic reach across Australia it will give more guinea pig owners the opportunity to access high quality, fun and creative enclosure accessories. HayPigs! product range will be available on Petbarn online and at over 150 Petbarn stores by December 2018."

 

In a triple celebration, HayPigs! were also thrilled to have made it to the final of the PetQuip Awards for Marketing Project of the Year and also the Essex Business Awards for Best New Business. HayPigs! co-founder Helen said: "It's just lovely to have been recognised for all our hard work. As HayPigs! is a family business, there have been a lot of sacrifices over the last couple of years, so this is a great opportunity to give ourselves a pat on the back and let our hair down a bit!"

 

For more information, contact enquiries@haypigs.com or check out their website: www.haypigs.com

 
BSB Products introduces Martin Seller Pet Accessories to UK

Established European pet accessory brand, Martin Sellier, is now available to UK stores, thanks to UK importers and distributors, BSB Products Limited...


Established European pet accessory brand, Martin Sellier, is now available to UK stores, thanks to UK importers and distributors, BSB Products Limited.

 

Martin Sellier has been designing cat and dog accessories since 1969, producing high quality, natural, ecological and safe pet products to 46 countries worldwide. Their experience and expertise have grown the brand to become one of the leading global manufacturers of high-quality pet accessories.

 

Ludovic Deswarte, CEO at Martin Sellier, said: "We are pleased to be partnering with BSB Products to introduce these fantastic products into the UK. We believe BSB’s enthusiasm for high quality pet products works well with our passion for safety, innovation and ethical manufacturing."

 

Products now available in the UK include the Arka Haok range of leads, collars and harnesses; Rubb’n’Roll, a selection of 100% natural rubber toys; and Teo Jasmine pet accessories, which raise funds for people with developmental, learning and behaviour disorders. 

 

The Arka Haok range, designed with sport and safety in mind, includes leads, collars, harnesses, cani-cross lanyards and running belts. Offered in a bright, modern colour palette, the accessories feature details such as reflective stitching, neoprene lining for extra comfort and an innovative system which distributes pressure caused by the lead attachment.

 

Eco-friendly, durable and safe Rubb’n’Roll toys are made in Europe from 100% natural rubber. Created to reduce the risk of bowel obstruction, a common reason for surgery in dogs, they are non-toxic and biodegradable. Available in a wide selection of sizes and shapes, the toys are suitable for all breeds. 

 

 

The Teo Jasmin selection features a fun range of pet beds and cushions, based on a lovable French Bulldog character with many personalities, from fireman to pirate. The range will raise funds to support people with developmental, behavioural and learning disorders.

 

To find out more about these products and the other new Martin Sellier ranges visit stand G30 at PATS Telford.