AQUA 2013 attracted two the biggest names in the industry for the first time. One was the Rolf C Hagen (UK), the British arm of the Canadian multinational booked the biggest stand at this year’s show. The other was Interpet who were supporting a dedicated trade show for the aquatics industry for the first time since 2008.

Explaining the reason to attend AQUA 2013, Paul Trott, Rolf C Hagen (UK)’s marketing manager, said: “Following the growing success of the show in recent years, we made the decision to support this important industry event in 2013; and we have done so in style! We have brought our latest aquatic, reptile and pond ranges and in true Hagen style we are exhibiting them on the largest stand at the show."

For Interpet’s commercial manager Jason Booker AQUA has become the prestige show for the aquatics industry. He added: “Interpet prides itself on market-leading aquatic innovation within its brands and AQUA is the perfect event to showcase this.”

The growing presence of international exhibitors highlights the importance of AQUA 2013 as a showcase for them meet UK buyers. Aquadip, the Dutch supplier of live and frozen fish foods and aquatic plants, continue to support the show as they have done since its inception in 2010. As their commercial director Joey Abrahams explained: “AQUA has been a great show for Aquadip . Previously we had exhibited at other shows in the UK but for us they were attracting the wrong audience as they were focusing too much on cats and dogs. We had been desperate for a quality aquatic trade show within the UK and AQUA has got all the categories we needed.

“We are exhibiting at AQUA 2013 because we currently serve many retail stores across the UK. A large number of those we supply receive their orders through a courier network, so we do not see them very often. The show is an ideal  opportunity to introduce to them newly-launched products and provide them with just that little extra information they need.”

Two American companies making their debut at AQUA 2013 are Brightwell Aquatics and OmegSeaLLC. The former are manufacturers of scientifically-formulated inorganic and organic supplements, as well as filtration media and synthetic sea salt, for use in aquaria by recreational and professional aquarists, while the latter are specialists in fish nutrition and care.

Chris Brightwell, the president of Brightwell Aquatics, said:  “The goal of attending AQUA 2013 is to establish contact with a greater number of retailers than those who are already aware of our product line, as well as speak to attendees about the company philosophy and the unparalleled quality of the products in our line, and how these aspects may be the crux of forming a mutually-beneficial business relationship between us and their retail operation.

“I am British by heritage and the UK market is particularly important to me.”

Certikin International are using AQUA 2013 to promote its own range of aquatics products and those of Heissner as they have recently signed an agreement to be the exclusive supplier of Heissner’s brand of pond, koi and decorative products to the UK aquatics market.

While the overseas companies made their mark at AQUA 2013, the cream of UK producers and suppliers have showed their continuing support for the event. Among them are ALF, Beaver Plants, Bermuda,Gordon Low,  NT Labs, Neil Hardy and  Peter Golding and FishScience make their debut with a range of high quality fish foods which are clearly labelled and focus on natural ingredients.

As well as researching products visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in an exciting seminar programme and they will also enjoy a free lunch, tea and coffee on both days.  They will also be able to sit back and relax at the Indian buffet dinner during the evening of October 9. Full details of how to book a place can be found online at www.aquatelford.co.uk.

Show organiser Annie Dyke said: “We are delighted that some many international companies are coming to AQUA 2013. It is proof that the show has established itself as the major showcase for the industry in the UK in such a short space of time. It is obviously meeting the needs of both the manufacturers and suppliers and the retail trade.

Speaking in his role as chairman of OATA Impact Exhibitions who run the show, Dr David Pool said: “I am very pleased to say we have the majority of the key companies in the UK aquatic trade exhibiting. The Aqua shows were set up by the aquatic trade for the aquatic trade. Once again we have made improvements to the exhibition based on feedback we received from both exhibitors and visitors.

The judging panel were faced with a record number entries when the judged the New Product Awards at AQUA 2013 this morning. With an entry list that embraced everything from huge sectional garden pond to  small pots of fish food, the judges debated the pros and cons of each of the entries in coming to a collective decision on the category winners

After a great deal of debate, the judges shortlisted six products for an award before deciding the three eventual winners.

Results

Category:  Aquaria Product or Service

Winner:  Arcadia Products Seatest Control System

Shortlisted:  Interpet LED Lighting Systems

Judges comment: The Seatest Control System is both unique and innovative. It opens a new market for retailers and comes with a free software download. Interpet’s lighting is a good range of affordable LEDs which offers an easy upgrade from the conventional tube lighting.

Category:  Water Gardening Product or Service

Winner: Atlantis WGP Ltd  Sectional Pond

Shortlisted: Mars Fishcare API Pond Range

Judges comment: The winner had a clear ‘Wow’ factor. The judges were impressed with such a bold move by the company into the top end of the pond and koi market.  This product will offer ‘off the shelf’ solutions to customers looking for a larger koi or swimming pond.  The judges felt keeping to the Atlantis green colour was well used with the product and expands the already-good range of ponds. API’s Pond Care range is well packaged with a clear identity of what each product does. All in all the range offers a consumer friendly approach to a wide variety of pond problems.

Category:  Shopfitting/EPOS Product or Service

Winner: CASCO Europe PetStack – Mix & Match Retail Pack

Shortlisted: Beaver Water Plant Tiered Aquatic Display System

Judges comment: The winning product looks great and it can be stacked to fit any shape in a retail environment. Made from high-quality materials, the units are very easy to install. This gives retailers the ability to adapt the layout as their business needs change. The system can be self-installed to save costs. Beaver’s tiered benching are a simple, good-looking and inexpensive way to display pond plants and they are easy to maintain.

The judges were: Len McGlashan of Water World, Neston, Jerry Arnold of Seapets, Richard Muggeridge of Richards Aquatics, Kevin Rose of Lynchford Aquatics and Simon Langdale of Maidenhead Aquatics. 

"We like to think big at King British," said marketing manager Amy Hepworth. "Come and visit us on stand E11 to see the world's largest fish flaken produced by our resident expert John Parker."

King British thought about getting the Guinness Book of Records to verify their claim but were unable to get the arrangements sorted in time for AQUA. But the fish flake will be carefully taken away from the show in its glass case and the company might still try to get verification."

The giant fish flake was just one of the talking points on the Kind British stand. The company explained to visitors it had taken out all artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from their fish flake, in a move to rid fish foods of synthetically manufactured ingredients, replacing them with naturally-sourced products. 

Synthetic colourings have become increasingly unpopular with the general public in recent years. Many synthetic colourings have already been banned or actively discouraged in human foods and some pet foods, so we, at King British, wanted to make the changes first and lead the way in the aquatics’ market.

Coupled with stylish new artwork for the food range, King British is demonstrating to its customers that it is the market leader when it comes to product development, whilst maintaining  the excellent nutrition that customers have come to expect through careful formulation and the use of the highest quality ingredients. 

Feeding trials have shown that natural colourings have absolutely no adverse effect on the palatability of the foods 

And you’ll still find the unique Immuno Health Booster in King British Flake, stimulating each fish’s natural immunity to fight off infection and disease. Could this be the world’s best, as well as biggest, fish flake?

For information on the King British product range, contact your local area sales executive, call the Customer Care Team on 01427 675663 or visit www.kingbritish.co.uk

Innovation has always been at the heart of the Interpet brand. With over 60 years of specialist experience in aquatics, Interpet is today unveiling over 50 new products at AQUA – all in a new look consumer friendly packaging.

Clear and consistent pack layout communication makes it easier for retailers to quickly and efficiently identify the best products off the shelf to meet their customer needs. Aquarium keepers themselves can also be confident in selecting their own products, as well as associated items to complement their selected purchase, effectively driving profit for retailers.

Utilising its UK manufacturing as well as research and development facilities, Interpet is demonstrating why it is the market leading innovator in aquatics. Interpet’s new range of products meet the needs of both novice and hobbyist fishkeepers, from complete aquarium kits and high performance LED lighting through to innovative filter technology.

Highlights of the new packaging include:

• Simplified product classification and explanatory copy to help consumers understand what the product does
• Clear communication of product benefits to help customers understand how it makes fishkeeping easier and more rewarding
• Friendly and modern brand identity to ensure the entire range stands out on the shelf

Mark Dalton, Interpet Brand Manager, comments: “Our priority has always been on offering the novice as well as the hobbyist a way to enjoy successful fishkeeping. Clear, concise packaging makes it easy to select which product best suits the individual needs of a fishkeeper and their aquarium with absolute confidence. Our new range reflects our considerable knowledge of aquatics as well as our focus on making indoor fishkeeping something for everyone to enjoy as a long-term hobby, which is good news for consumers and retailers alike.” 

Interpet is exhibiting at AQUA 2013, Stand F51.

PATS 2013 Harrogate from sirastudio on Vimeo.

Top chefs including Gino D’Acampo and Glynn Purnell have donated delicious biscuit recipes to support a national fundraising event in aid of poorly pets. They have pledged their support for PDSA’s ‘Big Biscuit Break’, taking place on 30 October, with people encouraged to gather for a ‘cuppa and a biscuit’ to raise thousands to help the UK’s leading veterinary charity treat even more sick and injured pets. 

Animal lovers are being urged to take part in the UK-wide event, gathering friends, family and colleagues together to have a biscuit break to raise funds for the pet charity. All proceeds from the Big Biscuit Break will support PDSA’s vital care for poorly pets. Demand for the charity’s services has rocketed by 50 per cent in the last few years as more pets and their owners have turned to PDSA for help.

PDSA Fundraising Manager, Brenda Smith, said: “In the time it takes to hold a 30 minute biscuit break PDSA hospitals across the country can see in the region of 500 pets, many in need of life-saving treatment. We know the UK is a nation of animal lovers, so we’re calling on everyone to show their support; people gather for a cuppa and a biscuit every day, so why not help PDSA at the same time? It’s really easy, just invite some friends over, bake or buy some biscuits and ask everyone who attends to make a donation.”

Glynn Purnell, who owns Michelin starred Purnell’s restaurant in Birmingham, has donated a new Lemon Shortbread* recipe, while TV chef Gino D’Acampo, who is currently appearing in Gino’s Italian Escape on ITV, has donated his recipe for Biscotti Semplici al Chioccolato** (simple chocolate macaroons).

Gino D’Acampo said: “This is a very satisfying way to help pets in need – making and then enjoying some delicious biscuits! My cats are a huge part of my life and I couldn’t bear to see them suffer, so I would urge all animal lovers to get together and hold a Big Biscuit Break for PDSA, who treat thousands of sick and injured pets every day.”

Glynn Purnell, who has appeared on numerous TV shows including the Great British Menu series, said: “PDSA does wonderful work treating sick and injured pets – their pet hospitals are a lifeline to pets and their owners. I’ve donated a delicious shortbread recipe to encourage people to hold their own Big Biscuit Break to help raise money for this vital service.” 

Other chefs who have donated recipes include Great British Bake Off 2012 finalist James Morton, vegetarian cookery writer Rose Elliot and Great British Bake Off 2010 finalist Miranda Gore Browne. All the recipes, along with further information on how to hold a Big Biscuit Break event, can be found on the charity’s website www.pdsa.org.uk/bigbiscuitbreak or by calling 0800 508 8323.

Case studies – how money raised helps pets

PDSA helps pets like black-and-white kitten Charlie, from Derby, who was hit by a seven-tonne bus and was left with life-threatening injuries. His diaphragm had ruptured leaving his abdominal organs in his chest cavity, his spleen was so badly damaged it had to be removed, and both his back legs were badly broken. He underwent three major operations , but after several days of intensive care the plucky puss was finally out of danger, and he went on to make a full recovery.

Another of PDSA’s patients is Devo, from Cardiff, who suffers from epilepsy and requires daily medication to keep his condition under control. Devo recently alerted his owner, Anna Roodhouse, to a house fire, giving her time to escape the blaze which completely gutted her home. Anna said “Devo needs constant veterinary care and I depend on PDSA for help, without them I couldn’t have kept Devo. They have kept him alive, and now he’s saved me; it’s amazing! I hope pet lovers everywhere will hold a Big Biscuit Break Event to raise money for PDSA – the work they do for pets in communities right across the UK is just incredible." 

Charlie and Devo are just two of the 400,000 pets in need that PDSA treats every year. With 51 pet hospitals working flat-out across the UK, the charity needs to raise around £59 million to run its vital service. This is all funded through generous public support as the charity receives no government or lottery funding.

Pictured above: Devo and Anna outside their former home with PDSA Vet Nurse Karen Jones.

* Lemon Shortbread recipe kindly donated by Glynn Purnell from his first cook book, which is out in spring 2014, published by Kyle Books.

** Biscotti Semplici al Chioccolato recipe kindly donated by Gino D’Acampo from his book Italian Home Baking, published by Kyle Books, £18.99.

Vet charity PDSA is in the running for a £50,000 boost to help it save more pets’ lives. The charity, which treats thousands of animals every day through its UK network of 51 pet hospitals, says it would use the winnings to fund an initiative focused on preventable diseases, which claim the lives of hundreds of dogs, cats and other pets every day.

PDSA is one of nine national charities shortlisted in the ‘Vote that Counts’ competition, run by People’s Postcode Trust, with a first prize of £50,000.

Nicola Martin, PDSA’s Head of Pet Health and Welfare, said: “Our vision is a healthy life for all our pets and we want to stop animals suffering and dying from diseases that are avoidable

“Research shows that millions of pets suffer needlessly from entirely preventable illnesses.

“We can’t ignore this and we are counting on the nation’s animal lovers to vote for PDSA, so we can do more to help stop this. It only takes a few clicks to cast your vote, which would make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of family pets across the country.”

Nicola added: “£50,000 will help us to deliver life-saving care packages including guidance on preventive treatments such as vaccinations and neutering, alongside full health ‘MOTs’ and action plans.”

The Vote that Counts takes place between 24 September and 21 October. Individuals can vote for PDSA by visiting www.votethatcounts.org/charity/pdsa Spreading the word through Facebook or Twitter gives animal lovers the opportunity to vote again. A further four runner up prizes of £10,000 are also available.

Vote that Counts is run by People’s Postcode Trust in partnership with The Daily Mirror and People’s Postcode Lottery. PDSA is competing against eight other charities in Great Britain for the chance to receive the £50,000 donation.

PDSA has been helping sick and injured pets and their owners since 1917. Today it runs over 50 pet hospitals in the UK and carries out more than 2.3 million free treatments every year at a cost of over £60million. The charity doesn’t receive any government funding and so relies on the generosity of animal lovers to fund its service and help it promote responsible pet ownership.  

This allowed them to map the normal behaviour of a healthy, happy dog, which means any changes can be monitored and could indicate an issue with their owner.

The team created a hi-tech, waterproof dog collar complete with accelerometer and collected data for a wide range of dog breeds that gives an indicator of the pet’s welfare.

The research is part of Newcastle University’s drive to help older people live independently in their own homes for longer, something it has developed a centre of expertise in.

The scientists wanted to develop a system that reassures family and carers is well without intruding on that person’s privacy.

Nils Hammerla, part of the university research team, said: “Humans and dogs have lived together in close proximity for thousands of years, which has led to strong emotional and social mutual bonds.

“A dog’s physical and emotional dependence on their owner means that their well-being is likely to reflect that of their owner.

“Any changes such as the dog being walked less often, perhaps not being fed regularly, or simply demonstrating ‘unhappy’ behaviour could be an early indicator for families that an older relative needs help.

“This is the first system of its kind which allows us to remotely monitor a dog’s behaviour in its natural setting.”

The team of academics, who presented their findings at the 2013 UbiComp conference in Zurich, created a hi-tech, waterproof dog collar for the study.

Dr Cas Ladha, who led the study, said: “A lot of our research is focused on developing intelligent systems that can help older people to live independently for longer.

“But developing a system that reassures family and carers that an older relative is well without intruding on that individual’s privacy is difficult.

“This is just the first step but the idea behind this research is that it would allow us to discretely support people without the need for cameras.”

A range of dogs was used for the study, as the team needed to map distinct behaviours that correlate between different breeds.

Mr Hammerla said: “This is the first system of its kind which allows us to remotely monitor a dog’s behaviour in its natural setting.

“But beyond this it also presents us with a real opportunity to use man’s best friend as a discreet health barometer.

“It’s already well known that pets are good for our health and this new technology means dogs are supporting their older owners to live independently in even more ways than they already do.”

Being overweight shortens a dog's life expectancy, according to new research by the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition.

Data on a range of popular dog breeds from across the USA showed that dogs that are overweight in middle age have a shorter life expectancy than ideal weight dogs.

Specifically, overweight dogs were found to suffer a reduction in life expectancy of up to ten months compared to ideal weight dogs. Being overweight in middle age can have potentially far-reaching consequences for a dog's life span, highlighting the importance of maintaining dogs at a healthy body weight throughout life.

The research examined the impact of body condition score on the life expectancy of a broad range of popular breeds.

"We saw that overweight dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy. This was particularly pronounced in five breeds - Labrador, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Beagle", commented lead scientist Carina Salt, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition.

"This is the first reported research of its kind looking specifically at a large number of pet dogs. The findings therefore provide important insights into the risks of being overweight for dogs in the general population", added Carina Salt. "Being overweight in middle age can have long-term consequences and, depending on breed, mean a reduction in life span of between one and ten months."

The research used data on the body condition of male and female neutered dogs aged between 6.5 and 8.5 years from 10 popular breeds.

There were on average 546 dogs per breed and data were collected by veterinarians during consultations across the network of Banfield Pet Hospital® locations in the USA.

TopLife Formula, the range of natural pet milks for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, has launched its new Milk for Cats, now made with highly digestible goats’ milk. It brings the cat product in line with the rest of the range.  

TopLife Milk for Cats was previously made from lactose reduced cows’ milk. In a move to create a stronger brand message and build on the popularity of goats’ milk as an easily digestible, healthy treat for pets, TopLife Milk for Cats, the first goats’ milk product for cats on the market, will be on shelf from October.

The pet brand, owned by speciality dairy, Delamere Dairy, overhauled the design and format of its 200ml cartons earlier this year. The introduction of a new screw cap format has made the product re-sealable and more convenient for consumers, especially for those with a single pet who use TopLife milks as a treat over a number of days.  

Simon Mayne, Brand Manager for TopLife Formula, comments: “Moving our Milk for Cats to 100% goats’ milk, in line with the rest of our products, gives the entire range a stronger USP and brand message.

"Goats’ milk for pets is continuing to grow in popularity as owners look for tasty and healthy products to treat their pets. TopLife milks give owners a treat for their pets with the peace of mind that they are also nutritionally beneficial.” 

FURst-Aid is now offering an exclusive offer of 25% off trade prices to all retailers who purchase FURst-Aid kits between 1st October and 15th December 2013.

Since the successful launch of FURst-Aid kits in April 2013, FURst-Aid kits are now being stocked nationwide in veterinary surgeries and pet retail businesses. 

Wounds have a 30% chance of becoming infected if left untreated for more than 4 hours. FURst-Aid cleans treats and protects any small wound minimising the risk of infection before you can get to the vets.

Small enough to wear on your belt out on a dog walk or kept in a car or caravan but comprehensive enough to treat and dress many different types of accidents or injuries.

FURst-Aid Kits are available in packs of 5 and with this offer are only £4.07 +VAT per kit (RRP £9.99)

To take advantage of this great offer email us trade@furstaid.co.uk or visit our website www.furstaid.co.uk

Tickets for the world’s greatest dog show are now on sale, and the Kennel Club has raised the age for children to go free.

Crufts 2014 will take place from March 6-9 at the NEC in Birmingham, with all children aged eleven and under benefitting from free entry. Advance tickets for the show are priced at £15 adults, £11 concessions for Thursday and Friday and £16 adults, £12 concessions for Saturday and Sunday.

The popular Best in Show tickets for Sunday evening are sold separately, with no change in ticket price for 2014, at £25.50, £20.50 and £17.50.

The price of tickets for the daily obedience competitions has also been frozen, with seats reservable for £10 on each day. To make things easier for fans of obedience, these will now be administered through the main Crufts box office so that they can be bought alongside general admission tickets and Best in Show tickets in one simple transaction.

Booking tickets for Crufts is quick and easy - you can do this online via the Ticket Factory, via http://www.crufts.org.uk/ticket-office or by calling 0844 444 9944.

Advance tickets are subject to administration and fulfilment fees.

For further information about Crufts, please visit www.crufts.org.uk.

Arden Grange, the naturally hypoallergenic, super premium pet food brand, has added to its range of complete dry dog foods with the introduction of Rich in Fresh Pork and Rice.

The new recipe, ideal for normally active adult dogs, contains high quality pork meat in a carefully balanced formulation, which is ideal for dogs requiring a delicious and highly digestible alternative protein source. In addition, the recipe is egg and maize free, making it a natural choice for consumers looking to exclude these ingredients from their pet’s diet.

Ness Bird RVN, Nutritional Advisor at Arden Grange says: “Pork is a great novel protein source for dogs as there are very few dry dog foods on the market which contain it as their main protein source.  It’s typically perceived as a less digestible, fatty meat. However within an extruded diet such as this, the fat can be strictly controlled. The cooking process enhances digestibility and our non-invasive feeding trials have reaped great results with all of the owners of participating dogs reporting empty food bowls and small, firm stools.”

Wendy Stephens, Director and co-founder Arden Grange continues: “In launching this product Arden Grange is once again demonstrating its commitment to optimum pet nutrition. Industry trends show a demand for novel protein sources and we believe that our ‘rich in fresh pork and rice’ recipe fulfils the demand for alternatives to fish, lamb and chicken diets.”

The new recipe includes a high inclusion of meat; 19% fresh pork and 24% pork meat meal. In addition, the new diet includes sweet potato which is a natural source of zinc, selenium and B vitamins.  As with all Arden Grange recipes, high quality ingredients are selected to create diets which do not include any artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

All foods contain a unique blend of nutrients and natural supplements to help promote the optimum health, vitality and condition of pets. These include: prebiotics to aid digestion; joint supplements; essential fatty acids to help promote a healthy skin and coat; cranberries for urinary tract health; powerful natural antioxidants, plus added vitamins and minerals to help support your pet’s immune system and dental health. 

All Arden Grange products are naturally hypoallergenic so you won’t find any wheat-gluten, beef, soya or dairy products in the recipes. This may reduce the risk of dietary intolerances and allergies that can cause digestive disorders and skin complaints. 

Arden Grange Adult rich in fresh pork and rice is available to order now in 2kg, 6kg and 12kg retail bags, as well as 15kg Breeder Bags for working dogs.

For more information visit www.ardengrange.com or call 01273 833390.

Groomers’ hands are exposed to a lot of strain through the regular contact with water whilst bathing and animal hair during the grooming process, just as other pet specialists may be in their work.

For these reasons it is important that hands are cleaned and moisturised regularly and thoroughly, though the very act of doing these things can cause stress if the products used in the process contain irritants such as perfume. Aesculap has developed the following to provide optimal comfort:

• Softaskin pure G is a soothing was lotion that contains no soap, perfume, alkali or colourants so is the ideal choice for sensitive and/or stressed skin
• Trixo-lind pure G is a moisturising lotion that contains skin-calming ingredients, has been dermatologically tested and provides intensive care

In addition Aesculap also offers Meliseptol foam pure G, a fast-acting alcoholic spray to disinfectant surfaces. It is perfume-free and therefore suitable for sensitive animal noses. All the products come with a strong efficacy as they all have been used successfully in hospitals for many years.

The range is available from Aesculap’s suppliers in the UK.

Caressing a cat may seem a good way to show affection but it can leave a pet stressed out, says a new report.

Constant stroking is disliked by all felines although some put up with it, the study shows.

"Cats who tolerate rather than enjoy or dislike being petted seem to be the most stressed," said Professor Daniel Mills, of Lincoln university.

He also found that, contrary to popular perception, cats are not solitary creatures.

Prof Mills added: "Many people keep groups of cats in their home and some people have argued that because this is an unnatural setup, it is not good for their welfare.

"Our research shows this is not necessarily the case.

"It seems even if they are not best friends, cats may be able to organise themselves to avoid each other without getting stressed."

The research, published in the journal Physiology & Behavior, said cat lovers should avoid constantly stroking their pets and should instead ensure "you give all individuals control over their environment."

The study into the behaviour and emotional state of cats involved teams from the University of Lincoln, the University of Sao Paulo and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Austria.