In This Issue
Finalists for the PetQuip Awards 2016 revealed
Why PATS Telford is a ‘must-visit’ event
New recipe added to GA's Grain Free range
Breed-specific dog shampoo set to be launched at PATS
Vet-strength wormers launched by Beaphar
Pet shop boosts trade with birthday cakes for dogs
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster launches on to UK market
Great business opportunities to expand into grooming
Interpet relaunches market-leading aquarium range
Chuckit! winner donates to deserving dogs at Wood Green
No Bend Pet Bowl trials with major retail group
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
PDSA launches new pet products range
Jail for armed robber who targeted pet shop
Revealed: The unluckiest pet names in Britain
Lily’s Kitchen appoints new marketing director from Diageo
Retailer to play pet-friendly music instore
Tetra leads innovation in aquatics for 65 years
Benyfit Natural sponsored youngster triumphs in Europe
Henson Franklyn to sponsor 2017 trade fair exhibitor bags
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Finalists for the PetQuip Awards 2016 revealed
PetQuip has revealed the finalists for its 2016 Awards with the winners being announced at a special dinner taking place during PATS Telford next month...



Last year Beco Pets won the Marketing Campaign of the Year award. Can they win gold again this year?




PetQuip has revealed the finalists for its 2016 Awards with the winners being announced at a special dinner taking place during PATS Telford next month.

The presentations will take place at the PetQuip Awards Dinner & Party on September 25, the first night of PATS Telford.

The event is set to be even bigger and better than last year with the incorporation of a casino into the main dining room which has been enlarged to include the drinks reception, a bar and a networking area.

Tickets are on sale now so if you fancy a fun but inexpensive evening with good food and wine, don’t forget to book your places. It was a sell-out event last year and PetQuip expect even more of the industry, both manufacturers and retailers, to take part this year.

Guests who have attended previous PetQuip Awards will confirm that it is an excellent networking opportunity with lots of shared laughter. Email pat@petquip.com for a booking form or visit www.petquip.com/awards


Pictured: Last year Beco Pets won the Marketing Campaign of the Year award. Can they win gold again this year?


FINALISTS

Supplier of the Year:

  • Beco Pets
  • Danish Design
  • Dog Rocks
  • Forthglade
  • Protectapet
  • Scruffs
  • Sureflap

Wholesaler/Distrubutor of the Year:

  • Bestpets
  • Collarways
  • Pedigree Wholesale
  • Exporter of the Year
  • Beco Pets
  • Dog Rocks
  • Group 55
  • Howler & Scratch
  • Pet Rebellion
  • Protectapet
  • Scruffs
  • Symply Pet Foods

Marketing Campaign of the Year:

  • Beaphar
  • Beco Pets
  • Forthglade
  • Hownd
  • Petfood UK
  • Protectapet

Product of the Year:

Foods/Treats:

  • Barney’s Biscuit Boxes
  • Beco Pets
  • Burgess
  • Cotswold Raw
  • JR Pet Products
  • Petfood UK
  • Pet Munchies
  • The Dog Treat Co
  • Symply Pet Foods

Health/Technical:

  • Blumen International
  • Equidiet UK
  • Pet Technology Store
  • Poo Guard
  • Protectapet
  • Sureflap

Accessories:

  • Collarways
  • Dog Rocks
  • EezyEat4Pets
  • Howler & Scratch
  • Oggi’s Oven
  • Pet Rebellion

International Pet Retailer/Distributor of the Year

  • Commercial Dimac SA, Spain
  • Eye4Pets, The Netherlands
  • Faunatar, Finland
  • La Veterinaria Srl, Italy

UK Pet Retailer of the Year

  • Bodle Bros, West Sussex
  • Ingleby Pet Supplies, Cleveland
  • Paws and Claws, Cheshire
  • Poole Farm Feed Centre, Essex
  • Tails n’ Whiskers, Rutland
  • Wags & Whiskers, Teeside

Lifetime Achievement

  • To be announced on September 25 at the PetQuip Awards Dinner
Why PATS Telford is a ‘must-visit’ event


The biggest-ever PATS show being held at Telford International Centre on September 25-26 will be the only place this Autumn to see all the new pet products to be launched in the UK...



The biggest-ever PATS show being held at Telford International Centre on September 25-26 will be the only place this Autumn to see all the new pet products to be launched in the UK.

Britain’s No.1 pet trade exhibition is THE show where the whole of the industry gather under one roof with over 180 companies showcasing their products in one massive hall.

It’s the ideal event for pet retailers, vets, groomers, farm shops, and garden centres to decide what products to stock over the next year with hundreds of items being exhibited, many of which are new launches.

“There will be so much to see and do over the two days of the show,” said organiser Annie Foord. “It’s great to see the pet industry come together for this major event, and visitors can be sure of meeting representatives from all the leading names as well as many new ones.

“And there will be an international flavour to the show with companies from across mainland Europe choosing to book a stand and unveil their latest creations.”

Exhibitors from Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Norway and Denmark, will be joining their counterparts from the UK and Ireland to make PATS Telford a truly international show.



Pets Corner have nearly 120 retail stores throughout the UK and co-owner Steve Charman revealed why PATS is a ‘must-visit’ event. “Last year I flew straight in from China to make sure I got to see the Telford show. I always find a visit to PATS uplifting and the layout at Telford is fantastic, making it easy for visitors to get around. It makes me feel happy to be a part of an industry that produces so many good and innovative products.”

And Adam Green, of the Destination Pet in Higham Ferrers, Northants, said:“Without doubt PATS is the best trade event. You can really feel the buzz as you walk in the exhibition hall. It’s a brilliant place for meeting and networking with manufacturers and area managers, seeing new lines and getting great deals. Bring on Telford!"

A growing number of garden centres are also finding PATS to be the best place to buy products for their pet departments. Jason Osborne, of Webbs Garden Centre in Worcestershire, said: “Last year’s PATS Telford was a fabulous show, and I loved the layout and all the new products.”

The New Product Showcase is one the event’s most popular features and entries for PATS Telford are currently pouring in to the organisers’ office.

Products entered into the Showcase will be judged by a panel of independent pet retailers on the first day of the show (Sunday, September 25) to decide the winners of the New Products Awards.

“Speaking to visitors, we know that a lot of them head to the New Product Showcase first,” said Annie Foord. “They can view all the latest items in one place, and once they’ve seen what they like, they then head off to the stand of the manufacturer or supplier of that product to discuss it in more detail.”

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



For All Dogkind won the Grooming Product Award at PATS Sandown in March, and Laura Redstone said: "Since winning the award we have been overwhelmed by the trade enquiries we have received from both the UK and overseas. The accolade has given DogKind a superb launch platform into the pet and grooming industry.”

As well as seeing an unrivalled array of new pet products and speaking to top suppliers and manufacturers, visitors will also be able to witness demonstrations from the country’s leading dog groomers and listen to talks from prominent industry figures.

There will be Buyers’ Centre at Telford, run in association with PetQuip, where international visitors will be able to have meetings with clients. PetQuip will also be staging their prestigious Awards Party in the Ludlow Suite, part of the Telford International Centre, at 7.30pm on September 25.

Parking is free at the Telford International Centre, and everyone will receive free tea and coffee, and a free show catalogue. Those arriving before 10am will also receive a refreshment voucher, redeemable throughout the day (subject to availability).

With good catering facilities and plenty of seating areas taken care of, visitors can concentrate fully on the main business of the day – seeing top-class products from the biggest range of suppliers and manufacturers…all under one roof.

A full and up-to-date list of exhibitors is available on the website www.patshow.co.uk where you can also register for free entry to the show.
 
New recipe added to GA's Grain Free range
GA Pet Food Partners has announced the launch of a new recipe into its Grain Free range ready for the Autumn. The new Venison, Sweet Potato and Mulberry recipe will be launching at PATS Telford this September and is available to brand as your own. Visit GA’s stand at PATS (C55) to pick up your free sample...



GA Pet Food Partners has announced the launch of a new recipe into its Grain Free range ready for the Autumn. The new Venison, Sweet Potato and Mulberry recipe will be launching at PATS Telford this September and is available to brand as your own. Visit GA’s stand at PATS (C55) to pick up your free sample.

This traditional Game recipe is full of freshly prepared venison and made with natural ingredients produced to human grade food standards.

Grain Free Venison, Sweet Potato and Mulberry contains and amazing 50% Venison of which 28% is freshly prepared making it a very digestible and tasty protein source for dogs. Sweet potato (26%) is highly nutritious and the recipe contains absolutely no artificial colours or preservatives. 

As with all Grain Free products in GA’s own brand range, it is available in 2kg, 12kg and 15kg working dog bag sizes. Partners are able to design a bespoke label free of charge to ensure the products fits with branding.

To add this Venison, Sweet Potato and Mulberry recipe to your own branded range, contact your account manager, call GA Pet food Partners on 01257 633125 or email ga.mylabel@ga-petfoodpartners.co.uk

Breed-specific dog shampoo set to be launched at PATS


A breed-specific range of dog shampoo, covering six breeds, will be unveiled by Leicester-based Woodside AC Trading Ltd at PATS Telford on September 25-26...



A breed-specific range of dog shampoo, covering six breeds, will be unveiled by Leicester-based Woodside AC Trading Ltd at PATS Telford on September 25-26.

The range called Pooch is claimed to be the first dog breed specific shampoo to hit the UK

The products will cover six breeds that often suffer from skin complaints and allergic reactions to many generic products - Yorkie, Maltese, German Shepherd, Westie, Labrador and Shih-Tzu. With a balanced PH matching the breed of dog, Pooch will help prevent such problems arising.

Another product that will be showcased by the company at PATS is Aniderm, a range consisting of dry and wet shampoos for dogs and cats. Used as standalone products or a three-stage system, these help treat dry, irritable and sore skin complaints by targeting various coat types.



Visitors to the Woodside AC Trading Ltd stand will also be able to view Kernel Kat, an eco-friendly and flushable cat litter that was developed by animal care experts. In the future, the Natural range will be joined by two new fragrances.

 
Vet-strength wormers launched by Beaphar

Beaphar has launched a new product range called WORMclear. These vet-strength wormers, at attractive price points, kill roundworms and tapeworms in cats and dogs in one simple dose...


Beaphar has launched a new product range called WORMclear - vet-strength wormers at attractive price points.

Beaphar WORMclear kills roundworms and tapeworms in cats and dogs in one simple dose. It contains active ingredients of proven efficacy and popularity in the veterinary channel, and Beaphar are pleased to make such an effective wormer readily available to pet stores and pet owners.

Beaphar WORMclear for Cats kills all common types of roundworms and tapeworms, with one tablet, on one day – which is much easier for customers than traditional, multi-tablet treatments. Tablets are a delicious meaty flavour and they can be given to cats as young as 6 weeks old. Each tablet contains 230mg Pyrantel embonate and 20mg Praziquantel.

Two sizes of WORMclear for Dogs complete the vet strength worm control range. A wide spectrum wormer that has the advantage of easier administration than the established “one dose” wormers, since the liver-flavoured tablets are enthusiastically consumed by dogs and can be given at any time of day with no need for fasting or splitting meals.

Each tablet contains 50mg/tablet Praziquantel, 50mg/tablet Pyrantel (equivalent to 144mg Pyrantel embonate) and 150mg/tablet Febantel.



Beaphar prides itself on offering comprehensive support packages to retailers, including professional product training. The fresh, pharmaceutical yet friendly packaging with a complete range of point of sale materials, such as a counter display unit, consumer information leaflets, shelf wobblers and posters, will help the new range catch the customer’s eye and place it in their shopping basket.

Providing a simple, effective treatment in a total of just 3 SKU’s will help to grow this underdeveloped market in the pet trade channel.

If you would like to stock Beaphar WORMclear contact your local Sales Executive, call 0333 0066236 or email info@uk.beaphar.co.uk

Pet shop boosts trade with birthday cakes for dogs


The owner of a Welsh pet shop has created a bakery specialising in birthday cakes for dogs. The business, Doggy Desserts, is based at the back of Leesons Aquatics & Pet Supplies in Llanelli...




Lee Ewart, owner of Leesons Aquatics & Pet Supplies in Llanelli, Wales, has created a bakery specialising in birthday cakes for dogs.

The business, Doggy Desserts, is based at the back of the pet shop. Ewart is joined by his business partner Jason Williams, and bakery staff member Tamsin Goode.

Doggy Desserts has been in operation for a month and has received “rave reviews”.

Ewart said: "The cakes, in the space of a few weeks, have been really popular – we must have sold 35 or 38 already.

“People are going crazy for it. They have been calling in, saying ‘I have heard about the cakes’. They are really enthusiastic about it."

The canine-friendly cakes are made using organic flour, free-range eggs, and yoghurt-based carob powder topping (chocolate that is safe for dogs to consume).

Flavours include peanut butter and honey, and the range also includes peanut butter crispy treats, sesame seed & parsley biscuits, cookies & cream and blueberry flavoured treats.

 
Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster launches on to UK market
The new Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster is the latest addition to the Nerf Dog family and can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet, ensuring dogs get plenty of exercise while providing hours of entertaining playtime.



The new Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster is the latest addition to the Nerf Dog family and can launch tennis balls up to 50 feet, ensuring dogs get plenty of exercise while providing hours of entertaining playtime.

The tennis ball blaster is lightweight and features a convenient tennis ball carrier. Once you have picked up your tennis ball with the blaster’s hands free pick up, load your blaster and pull the trigger to launch your tennis ball for the ultimate game of fetch! Nerf Blaster Distance Balls are 30% lighter than standard tennis balls to guarantee maximum distance and safety.

The unique safety release mechanism ensures no external moving parts when firing and can be ‘dialled back’ for a shorter distance, ideal for smaller gardens.

The Nerf toy brand is one of the most recognised brands in the world so this really is the must have item of the Summer! Why not make your dog a Nerf Dog?

FEATURES

  • Can launch a tennis ball up to 50 feet
  • Lightweight to carry
  • Hands free pick up
  • Designed with a safety release mechanism with no moving external parts when firing.
  • NERF Distance and Hydrosport balls available separately 

The Nerf Dog Tennis Ball Blaster can take any standard tennis ball has been designed with a safety release mechanism recommended for ages 14+.

RRP

  • VP6870- NERF tennis ball blaster - £22.99
  • VP6871- NERF Blaster distance ball 4 pack - £5.99
  • VP6874- NERF Blaster Hydrosport Ball - £4.39

Watch the Nerf Dog tennis ball blaster in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtfheehMKSs&feature=youtu.be



For more information contact Rolf C. Hagen UK Ltd. on 01977 556622 or visit our website at www.nerfpet.com

Great business opportunities to expand into grooming


Pet retailers and manufacturers have a fantastic opportunity to diversify and access a thriving market of the pet sector by attending this year’s British Dog Grooming Championship, which will be held on Sunday, October 2, at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre near Leamington Spa...

Pet retailers and manufacturers have a fantastic opportunity to diversify and access a thriving market of the pet sector by attending this year’s British Dog Grooming Championship, which will be held on Sunday, October 2, at Warwickshire Exhibition Centre near Leamington Spa.

Organised by the British Dog Groomers’ Association (part of the Pet Industry Federation) the show is the biggest one-day pet grooming event in the UK, attracting hundreds of pet groomers every year, and has the largest number of trade stands offering a wide range of products and services to the pet grooming sector.

From pet shampoos, sprays and bows; to clippers, brushes, combs, food and treats – the British Dog Grooming Championship is the place to be for any businesses with an interest in pet grooming.



Retailers looking to unearth new products for their stores, or explore opportunities to introduce pet grooming into their stores will find everything they need under one roof. With many of the UK’s top groomers attending the competition or delivering seminars, retailers will find the event provides excellent prospects for breaking into this lucrative sector.

Manufacturers looking to expand in this ever growing area of the pet sector have plenty of opportunity to get their product under their noses of enthusiastic pet groomers. A variety of trade stand space is available to suit all budgets, and a range of sponsorship and brochure packages exist to enable businesses to gain exposure and publicity from this event.

To find out how you can attend the event either as a visitor or by booking a trade stand; or if you would like to find out about promotional opportunities at the show, call the Pet Industry Federation customer service team on 01234 273933 or email lisa.pawsey@petfederation.co.uk for more details.
 
Interpet relaunches market-leading aquarium range
 Interpet has announced a full relaunch of its market-leading aquarium treatment range, sharing over 60 years of aquatic expertise with the masses.


 Interpet has announced a full relaunch of its market-leading aquarium treatment range, sharing over 60 years of aquatic expertise with the masses.

The biggest change you will notice is that the treatments are no longer in a 1-15 range but instead grouped into four new categories: Water care; Clean Aquarium; Algae and Fish Aid to help consumers quickly find the product they need and aid instore merchandising.

The well-loved products remain but some have been renamed to fit the new and clear brand image. New easy dose bottle formats are available in a range of sizes to make sure consumers find the product that suits them.



Along with the striking new look graphics, Interpet has kept the market leading on-pack communication, added a whole layer of point of sale and launched a unique diagnostic website. This whole package gives consumers the support they need to resolve aquarium problems themselves and be successful fish keepers. Use it to train staff in store and have a whole shop of treatment experts in no time at all.

After three years of development and testing, the Fish Aid medications have new “Breakthrough formulas” which make them the most effective general sales treatments consumers can buy.

For more details, advice and availability talk to your account manager, call 01306 873818 or visit Interpet's new website: http://pondaquariumproblemsolver.co.uk/interpet/  
Chuckit! winner donates to deserving dogs at Wood Green


Pedigree Wholesale’s dog toy brand Chuckit! has been working with pet retailers to give a cash donation to Wood Green animal shelter...



Pedigree Wholesale’s dog toy brand Chuckit! has been working with pet retailers to set tails wagging at Wood Green, The Animals Charity, with a £250 donation.

Offering retailers the chance to win over £250 worth of stock for their store and a charitable donation on their behalf, Chuckit! hosted the Chuckit! Challenge at the Pedigree Trade Show. A host of retailers were invited to launch 10 balls at bone shaped targets worth varying amounts in an attempt to achieve the highest score.

Richard Perfitt, owner of Harleston Pet Stores in Norfolk, got his paws on a mini deal of Chuckit! stock for his store, as well as the opportunity to choose Wood Green, The Animal Charity, to benefit a £250 donation from the brand.

Richard said: “It’s been a great experience to not only win the challenge and a selection of great new stock for my own store, but to also now have the opportunity to donate to such a worthy animal Charity like Wood Green too.”

His store will benefit from a variety of new stock, including Chuckit!’s famous Launchers and Ultra Balls, increasing the offering for his customers and their furry friends, whilst the £250 donation will be put towards the welfare and care of the animals at the Wood Green centre - echoing the Chuckit! brand ethos of ensuring all dogs can lead healthy and happy lifestyles.

Katja Jones, Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager for Wood Green, Godmanchester, commented: “We’re incredibly grateful here at Wood Green for the generous donation from Harleston Pet Stores and for the support of a large national brand like Chuckit! – every penny makes a difference to the lives of the animals here and we just want to thank them for their contribution.”

For more information on Chuckit! toys, visit: http://chuckit-toys.co.uk. Retailers can also visit http://www.petproducts.co.uk to find out how to become a Chuckit! stockist.

Main picture: Richard Perfitt from Harleston Pet Store, left, with Katja Jones from Wood Green and Paul Stainsbury from Chuckit.

No Bend Pet Bowl trials with major retail group


The team behind No Bend Pet Bowl has confirmed a six-week store trial with retail group The Southern Co-operative, starting this September running into October...



The team behind No Bend Pet Bowl has confirmed a six-week store trial with retail group The Southern Co-operative, starting this September running into October.

The trial comes after the Northampton-based manufacturer and distributor of the innovative pet feeding product, recently announced a new listing with the Co-operative’s Independent Living online shopping service.
 
"The past 12 months have been fantastic for us online, with sales continuing to grow month on month for our existing distribution partners." said Pam Dobson, co-founder of No Bend Pet Bowl.

"Our plans for the remainder of the year are on track as we look to establish new relationships with High Street retail partners large and small, with our new point of sale materials helping to support this."
 
Since its UK launch last year, No Bend Pet Bowl has added a third colour to the range and is now available in Red, Light Grey and Black.

Its unique extendable handle allows owners to feed their pets both safely and without discomfort which can result from back pain, arthritis and a multitude of other conditions that make bending or kneeling difficult.

The NHS spends £1 billion a year on back pain related conditions with six million people in the UK (1 in 5 adults aged 50-59) suffering from osteoarthritis which causes pain, stiffness and weak joints. In addition, the NHS carries out more than 200,000 hip and knee operations each year, both of which result in periods of restricted movement both before and after.

No Bend Pet Bowl (www.nobendpetbowl.com) was launched in February 2015 and is manufactured and distributed by Northamptonshire-based partners Pam Dobson and Matt Oakley.
 
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PDSA launches new pet products range
A new range of pet wellbeing products from leading vet charity, PDSA, has been launched, and they'll be showcased at PATS Telford next month...


A new range of pet wellbeing products from leading vet charity, PDSA, has been launched.

Selected by PDSA vets, the range offers high quality and competitively-priced products.

The PDSA has chosen PATS Telford 2016 to showcase the new range for the first time.

PDSA Vet and developer of the PDSA Vet Carerange, Chris Wright, said: “At PDSA, the health and wellbeing of pets comes first. Selected using our veterinary expertise, PDSA Vet Care includes a variety of effective, easy-to-use products. Plus, as an added bonus for pet lovers, proceeds go towards supporting our vital veterinary service, which helps sick and injured pets nationwide every day.”

The range will be exhibited on stand D57. Visitors to PATS will also be able to enter a competition to win a Fit Bit and £100 of PDSA Vet Care.

For information, including stockists of the PDSA Vet Care range, contact us on 01952 797287 or email vetcare@pdsa.org.uk.
 
Jail for armed robber who targeted pet shop
A 20-year-old man who threatened a female pet shopkeeper with a knife has been jailed...
A 20-year-old man who threatened a female pet shopkeeper with a knife has been jailed.

Kieran Wait stormed into Central Pet Supplies at Chester Road market on Thursday, April 7, threatened Tina Simpson and demanded money.

Ms Simpson managed to fend off Wait, who fled the shop empty handed.

On Friday at Truro Crown Court, Wait, of Henver Road, Newquay, was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

Inspector Dave Meredith, of Newquay police, said: "Armed robbery is a very serious offence and Newquay is a safer place with Mr Wait behind bars.

"The custodial sentence imposed by the court reflects the gravity of the offence committed."

He added: "I would like to thank the public for their assistance in this investigation."

Wait pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery.
Revealed: The unluckiest pet names in Britain
A study by Co-op Insurance has compiled the most unlucky names for pets, according to how much they cost their owners in veterinary bills...
A study by Co-op Insurance has compiled the most unlucky names for pets, according to how much they cost their owners in veterinary bills.

Charlie and Oscar came out as the worst names to choose, with sickly canine Charlies costing their owners £510 in bills for things like stomach upsets, skin complaints and more serious ailments.

As for our feline friends, Oscars cost families £475 after using up their nine lives getting injured in road accidents.

Of course, Charlie and Oscar are probably fairly popular pet names, so that might also have something to do with it.

David Hampson, head of pet insurance at the Co-op says: ‘Any pet can come with its fair share of misfortune, landing you with unexpected trips to the vets or causing mischief around the house.

"However, based on our claims data, Charlie and Oscar certainly aren’t the luckiest names you can give your pet."

For canines, Bella, Max and Ruby were the next most unlucky names – while George, Charlie and Felix cost cat-owners the most.

And if you’re still wondering what to call your next pet, you might want to forget the name Alfie. It was the most dangerous name for both species.
 
Lily’s Kitchen appoints new marketing director from Diageo
Lily’s Kitchen has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Chris Lock as marketing director. Chris joins from Diageo, the multinational alcoholic beverages company...
Lily’s Kitchen has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Chris Lock as marketing director. He will lead the company's marketing strategy and support continued business development and growth.

Chris joins from Diageo mid-August, where he spent over nine years in a number of senior marketing roles, both in Europe and globally, working on brands such as Smirnoff, Baileys, Pimm’s, Gordon’s and Captain Morgan. 

Most recently, Chris has spent the past two years heading the Innovation team for Europe, responsible for new product development and launches across the portfolio.

Prior to Diageo he held a series of marketing roles at Camelot (UK national lottery) and Coco Cola, where he led the marketing for Fanta, Lilt, Sprite and Dr. Pepper in the UK, in addition to working on a number of NW Europe projects. 

The position of marketing director at Lily’s Kitchen is newly created, reporting into CEO and founder Henrietta Morrison.

Chris will oversee UK and International marketing with a brief to create marketing campaigns that drive awareness and conversion for the brand.

“Lily’s Kitchen is an innovative, challenger brand that has already made deep emotional connections with a loyal consumer base and has enormous scope for further development," said Chris.

“I’m looking forward to using my broad experience to develop disruptive marketing campaigns that truly resonate with all of our potential customers, and to leading the Lily’s Kitchen team to achieve their ambitious goals.”

Henrietta Morrison commented: “The appointment of a senior level marketer of Chris’ calibre is an exciting and directional move for Lily’s Kitchen.

"Chris will play a pivotal role in bringing a fresh approach to our customers, brand and communications. His customer insight and leadership skills will be crucial and a great asset as we take the business to the next level.”
 
Retailer to play pet-friendly music instore
US retailer Petsmart is to put in-store music to a new use, having appointed Mood Media to develop customised playlists to entertain animals as well as people...


US retailer Petsmart is to put in-store music to a new use, having appointed Mood Media to develop customised playlists to entertain animals as well as people.

The retailer is to roll out the new music solution to more than 1,450 locations, using different programmes for its main shopping area and for its ‘store-within-a-store’ PetsHotel facilties.

Music in the main store environment will feature an upbeat playlist to create a fun experience for ‘pet parents,’ their pets and employees. Pets who are staying at the PetHotel kennel facilities will will be treated to mellow tunes that create a calm atmosphere, helping them to enjoy their stay.

“As the trusted partner to pet parents and pets in every moment of their lives, we strive to have a very personal and engaging in-store experience,” says PetSmart vice president of store design and visual merchandise. “We listened to the feedback from our pet parents and associates and are excited to collaborate with Mood Media to bring music back into our stores.”

The music in the stores is delivered by Mood Media’s proprietary ProFusion iS Internet platform. This uses a web-based digital media manager that allows control of playlists at a local, regional or national level.
 
Tetra leads innovation in aquatics for 65 years
For over 65 years, Tetra has led innovation in the aquatics industry having created the first ever fish food, BioMin, and fish food flake, TetraMin, which opened up the world of fishkeeping allowing consumers to keep and feed fish more easily...

                                       

For over 65 years, Tetra has led innovation in the aquatics industry having created the first ever fish food, BioMin, and fish food flake, TetraMin, which opened up the world of fishkeeping allowing consumers to keep and feed fish more easily.

With the increase in fish species now available to buy, the industry has a large and very unique opportunity to ensure fish welfare by educating consumers on available product ranges while boosting incremental sales and profit. 

Tetra’s timeline of innovation

  • 1952 - Using his PhD Biology knowledge,Baensch developed the first staple fish food in paste form; Tetra BioMin, which became an overnight success.
  • 1955 - Baensch presented TetraMin the world’s first fish food for aquarium fish in a dry flake form. TetraMin is ideal for selective and varied feeding and provides consumers with increased choice of feed for their fish to suit specific needs and benefits.

  • 1973 – AquaSafe was launched to help make tap water safe for the use in aquariums by removing dangerous chlorine. chloramine, copper, zinc and lead after every water change.
  • JUNE 2006 – Tetra launched SafeStart which creates a biologically active environment to allow the safe and fast introduction of fish into a tank. It contains specially bred, living nitrifying bacteria that substantially reduces harmful ammonia and nitrate allowing fishkeepers to successfully set up their new aquarium for happy healthy fish.
  • MAY 2011 - TetraPro was developed to provide a biologically balanced staple diet to help keep fish’s immune systems healthy ensuring optimal nutrition for tropical ornamental fish, marine fish and goldfish.     

                                               

In addition to Tetra’s vast range of products, retailers are able to benefit from Tetra’s expert advice allowing them to gain a reputation for having the latest information on fishkeeping, leading to an increase in spending, footfall, and consumer trust.

Tetra has also recently produced the feeding wheel, enabling consumers to see what fish they have, where they come from, and their specific dietary requirements.

By ensuring the correct diets are being fed to each fish species the trade will continue to grow through incremental sales and premiumisation whilst ensuring fish welfare and happy engaged consumers.

For more information please visit www.tetra.net or to join the conversation with other retailers head over to Tetra UK on Facebook

 
Benyfit Natural sponsored youngster triumphs in Europe
Essex schoolgirl Belle Howlett, who is sponsored by Benyfit Natural, is the Belle of the dog agility world as she triumphed at the Junior European Championships...


Fourteen-year-old Essex schoolgirl and junior dog agility specialist, Belle Howlett is jumping for joy after she and her two Border Collies, Ami and Leia, returned home from the Junior European Championships with bronze, silver and gold medals, as part of Team GB. The medals were achieved in the team competitions.

Belle and her dog Ami were in Team GB white along with Katie Arnold, Amy Challis and Rory Tidmarsh where they were awarded silver in the jumping round. Belle and her other dog, Leia were in team GB red along with Daniel Croxford, Adam Stretton and Sammy Pegg where they were awarded gold in the agility round and bronze overall.

The Championships were held this year in Slovakia and they were the biggest ones yet with over 450 entries from countries all over Europe and also USA, Canada and Russia taking part. This is not the first time however that Belle has achieved great honours in the dog agility world.

These wins top off a year when she won the Jumping Dog of the Year at Crufts with her dog Ami, was awarded the YKC Sporting Talent of the Year Award and was nominated for the YKC Shaun McAlpine Young Person of the Year Award also at Crufts.

Belle from Rayleigh, Essex who attends Sweyne Park School said: “I am thrilled with the results from the championships and was honoured to be part of such a fantastic team.

"I would like to thank my mum Kate Howlett for her dedicated training at K9 K8 Dog Agility Training in Wickford and for her help and support throughout my agility career.

"I would also like to thank my sponsors Benyfit Natural for their continuing support and for fuelling my dogs with their outstanding raw food diets which keeps them in top health and condition."

Benyfit Natural’s founder, Ben Van Praagh, himself a leading gundog trainer who has competed across the UK with his dogs in gundog trials and as a qualified chef, developed a range of recipes to help the conditioning and vitality of his own dogs.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted with Belle’s achievements and we are very proud to have sponsored her and her dogs.

"She is an outstanding and talented young person and we are extremely pleased to see that dogs fed on the Benyfit Natural diet have performed so well once again. We wish her all the best for the continuing dog agility season.”

For further information visit the website: www.benyfitnatural.co.uk or Tel: 01892 770 188 or email: info@benyfitnatural.co.uk

For information on K9 K8 Dog Agility Training telephone: 0776 3404138.

 
Henson Franklyn to sponsor 2017 trade fair exhibitor bags
Exhibition stand design and build specialist Henson Franklyn is to make its BETA International début as sponsor of the 2017 show’s exhibitor bags...

Exhibition stand design and build specialist Henson Franklyn is to make its BETA International début as sponsor of the 2017 show’s exhibitor bags. The bags, which will sport the company's distinctive logo, are widely regarded as trade fair essentials and handed out to companies on arrival by members of the organising team.

“BETA International enjoys a certain amount of synergy with our own business,” said Tim Henson, of Henson Franklyn. “Many of our clients exhibit at the trade fair and sponsoring it in this way allows us to offer support to the equestrian industry, which makes perfect sense for us.”

Trade fair organiser Claire Thomas added: “We are extremely pleased that Henson Franklyn has agreed to sponsor the exhibitor bags. We have built up a fantastic relationship with the company over the years and are thrilled to welcome them aboard.”

Henson Franklyn joins fellow BETA International supporters Ekkia, Schockemöhle Sports, Shires Equestrian, Toggi and main sponsor Neue Schule.

BETA International is the world’s leading equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products trade exhibition. The 2017 show will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22 to 24 January.

For further information about exhibiting, contact James Palmer, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111 or email jamesp@beta-int.com, or visit www.beta-int.com.

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