It was a chance encounter with Suzanne Brock (Nutriment) back in 2012 that first alerted Ian to the bold, meticulously researched ambitions of various fleet-footed disruptor brands seeking to offer nutritionally-dense pet food alternatives to the over-processed corporate fodder that still dominates so many pet food shelves.  

Nutriment wanted a vocal, no-nonsense range that talked with conviction and authority whilst enjoying itself every step of the way. 

According to Ian, "Suzanne’s enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new ideas was infectious and in no time Nutriment’s marketing was punching well above its weight.’"

It was actually a selfless Suzanne who put Ian in touch with fellow ‘raw’ pioneers Cotswold RAW (Chris Brierley) who had their own intriguing rural take on how to improve raw feeding convenience and appetite appeal and have also been a joy to work alongside this last year.

Last but by no means least is Joe and the Dog Treat Company, who Ian also got talking to at a PATS show (albeit Sandown 2015). 

According to Ian, "Joe wanted to establish top quality dog treats (free range eggs, chicken livers and beneficial herbs) that married stunning art deco packaging designs with an addictive sense of humour and a generous smattering of associated health benefits," a vision that has recently spread far beyond these shores to markets as diverse as South Korea, Italy, Germany and the United States.

As a once-upon-a time outsider Ian wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate PATS as the perfect showcase for aspiring British born brands looking to showcase their bold new visions for more meaningful, forward-thinking pet foods.

www.purplepilchard.co.uk