Nature’s Feast, one of the UK’s leading and most established brands in the wild bird care market, has unveiled a new look for the 2013/2014 season.

The brand has been replaced with a new stand-out design, which not only aims to clearly demonstrate and reflect the quality of Nature’s Feast, but also effectively engage with customers at point of purchase. 

Due to be rolled out across the UK & Ireland from August, the new identity, which is targeted at bird feeding enthusiasts, is underpinned with the revamped strapline, ‘Get to know the birds in your garden’. 

The Nature’s Feast’s range, includes award-winning seeds, treats and feeders to help consumers attract a wider variety of wild birds into their garden.

“Since the Nature’s Feast brand launched in 2005 it has continued to go from strength to strength with our customers recognising Nature’s Feast as a knowledgeable and leading brand in the wild bird care sector," said Westland Horticulture director Keith Nicholson. 

“Our decision to refresh the brand’s look and feel has been undertaken with a great deal of care following extensive consumer research. This insight is at the heart of the rebrand and new packaging which aims to not only grow the Nature’s Feast brand, but the wild bird food market as a whole.”

Westland’s continued investment in the Nature’s Feast brand has also seen the introduction of a new range of seed blends to help drive sales across the pet care market. The range follows a clear hierarchy of feed choices to make it as easy as possible to select the perfect blend and upgrade between mixes. 

The concise on-pack messaging clearly communicates that the higher the number of seeds in the blend, the more species it will attract. The packaging also includes different energy ratings, which increase depending on the number of oil seeds contained in each pack:

• Everyday 4 Seed Blend (Energy rate 5) – great value everyday bird food to keep garden birds fed all year round.
• Supreme 8 Seed Blend (Energy rate 6.5) – made from a broader range of seeds to attract a wider range of birds. 
• High Energy, No Mess 12 Seed Blend (Energy rate 8) – the ultimate wild bird food.  Includes more oil seeds and has husks removed.

As part of Nature’s Feast’s commitment to the responsible sourcing of ingredients, and to meet customers’ high expectations, the brand has pledged to support farmers operating in an environmentally friendly way. 

Where possible, Nature’s Feast sources as many raw ingredients from UK farmers who are signed up to the Environmental Stewardship (ES) Scheme, which is delivered by Natural England on behalf of the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra). 

To support the launch of Nature’s Feast, Westland has revamped its in-store merchandising to further optimise sales and drive growth. The brand will also benefit from an extensive PR and advertising campaign.

As Europe’s premier wild bird food manufacturer, Westland is also home to the Peckish brand, which, like Nature’s Feast, has been specifically designed for pet care retailers to achieve their maximum sales potential.  

With two distinct personalities, the Peckish and Nature’s Feast brands are clearly positioned at different consumer audiences. Peckish, which is set to benefit from a £1 million TV investment for the 2013/14 season, will continue to drive sector participation amongst those who are either entering the market or buying products sporadically. Nature’s Feast on the other hand, appeals to a narrower range of people who purchase a wider variety of the brand’s products more frequently. 

 “Whether your customer is an absolute novice, or a committed bird lover, Westland can help you deliver the perfect bird feeding solution every time, no matter what their requirements are,” added Keith.

An impressive array of first-time exhibitors is appearing at AQUA 2013 in October. They will be alongside established show regulars to showcase their products in the UK’s only dedicated trade show for the aquatics, water gardening and reptilian trades.

With four months to the opening of the two-day event at the Telford International Centre on October 9, the sold out signs are ready to be posted as over 97% of the available floor space has been taken, making it larger than 2011 when AQUA was last staged.

The most recent addition to the list of new exhibitors is Interpet, one of the most established names in the aquatics industry. They have selected AQUA 2013 as the first dedicated aquatics trade show for them to support since 2008. 

As experts in both indoor and outdoor aquatics with its Interpet and Blagdon ranges, the company is keen to demonstrate the on-going innovation taking place in the industry.

Jason Booker, commercial manager at Interpet, explains: “We recognise that AQUA has become the prestige trade show for the aquatics industry and we’re looking forward to being part of such a respected event. Interpet prides itself on market-leading aquatic innovation within its brands and AQUA is the perfect event to showcase this.

“We’ll be launching several new products and ranges across all our key aquatic and pond brands and we’ll have some special show offers for our customers. We encourage everyone in the trade to attend to show how strong our industry remains in these tough times. We look forward to seeing everybody there!”

Other new names at Telford include Beaver Plants, Black Knight, Certikin International, DD The Aquarium Solutions, Fish Sciences, Rolf C Hagen, Ocean Aquarium and Peregrine Live Foods. Two American companies Brightwell Aquatics and OmegaSeaLLC are crossing the Atlantic to make their first appearance at Telford.

Certikin International are using the show to promote its recently signed agreement as the exclusive supplier of Heissner’s brand of pond, koi and decorative products to the UK aquatics market.

Looking forward to October, Steve Nelson, Certikin’s commercial manager, says: "Certikin have been known for years in the aquatics market for their skimmer and maintenance equipment but AQUA2013 will give us the opportunity to showcase our extended range of products from our Cepex brand of PVC pipe and fittings to its white ABS range of pipe and fittings, as well as our UV systems, filters and pumps for the larger installations.  

“In addition, Certikin have recently signed a distribution agreement for the welcome return of Heissner as a major player in the UK with their range of pond and fountain pumps, pond filters, water features and its associated products, all of which come with excellent point of sale merchandise.  

"The stand will feature a typical display of the Heissner range of products in a showroom environment along with the smart new Black skimmer from Certikin, designed especially for the UK aquatics market and also samples of Certikin's extended range of products.  

Steve Nelson added: “It will be an excellent opportunity for the UK trade to come and meet with the Certikin aquatics team and find out how we can help them with developing and promoting their business by working with Certikin and Heissner."

Certain to make a big impact at AQUA 2103 are Rolf C Hagen who has booked the biggest stand at the exhibition. Paul Trott, marketing manager of Rolf C Hagen (UK), said: “Following the growing success of the AQUA show in recent years, we have made the decision to support this important industry event in 2013; and we will be doing so in style! We will be bringing our latest aquatic, reptile and pond ranges and in true Hagen style will be exhibiting them on the largest stand at the show. “

Peregrine Livefoods are looking forward to their first appearance at AQUA. “Having watched the show grow over the years, and acknowledging the close link between aquatics and reptiles, the time is right for Peregrine, the UK’s largest reptile specialist wholesaler to take a stand at AQUA 2013” says Tim Green, director.

“The timing is perfect for us,” adds director Dave Perry (right). “It will be a great follow up to our own Open Day in June, and will coincide with the launch of many new products currently in the pipeline. We expect to see many familiar faces and hopefully a few new ones too.”

For Brightwell Aquatics, the goal of crossing the Atlantic to attend AQUA 2013 is to establish contact with a greater number of retailers than those who are already aware of their aquarium water-care products. For company president Chris Brightwell, the exhibition also offers the opportunity to speak directly to visiting buyers. “We can tell them about our company’s philosophy and unparalleled quality of the products we offer, and how these aspects may be the crux of forming a mutually-beneficial business relationship between Brightwell Aquatics and their retail operation.

“I am British by heritage (my family hails from Kent), and the UK market is extremely important to me, so I hope to improve our market presence there through greater diligence and sales efforts.”

FishScience is a start-up enterprise by a well-known industry figure that plans to launch a range of aquarium and pond fish foods at the exhibition. The product line-up is currently under development and is being unveiled on the opening day of AQUA 2013.

D-D The Aquarium Solution Ltd - is fast becoming one of the most well known and respected suppliers of specialist equipment in the market place for use in salt water and fresh water aquariums. They will be showcasing new products in what they say will be a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

Visitors will be able to catch up with regular Aquatees like Aquadip, Aqua Pacific UK, Berry Ring, Casco Europe, Cloverleaf, Gordon Low, Hozelock Cyprio, JMC Aquatics, King British, Mars Fishcare, Neil Hardy Aquatics, OASE (UK), Oasis Atlantis Lotus, Pedigree Aquatics, Reef One, Sibo, Tetra UK, Tropical Marine Centre and Velda BV.

AQUA 2013 follows the successful pattern of previous years which have made it the ‘must-visit’ event for trade buyers. Popular features such as the New Products Showcase and Awards, a full programme of free seminars, free lunches for visitors and the free by invitation exhibition buffet dinner all contribute to the visitor experience.

Full details about AQUA 2103 can be found on the exhibition’s dedicated website, www.aquatelford.co.uk, including the free on-line registration and details of local hotels for visitors seeking overnight accommodation as well as a full list of exhibitors.

Hollings have launched two new dog treats  – Hollings Fish Bites and  Hollings Whitefish & Potato Biscuits...

Both treats can help with skin and coat condition, joint mobility and gut health, and they are 100% natural, made from fresh fish.

The fish is sourced responsibly from within EU waters, and the treats are manufactured in the UK ensuring that they are wheat, soya, dairy & gluten free. They are also free of artificial preservatives, colouring and additives.

Both products come in new packaging, with a resealable top and also have the option of a display box.

For more information visit www.hollings.uk.com    

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity Dogs Trust has teamed up with Keep Britain Tidy to launch the first-ever The Big Scoop on June 14, when all around the UK there will be events and activities promoting poop scooping.

Celebrities Ben Fogle and Kirstie Allsopp are supporting the campaign to encourage responsible ownership when it comes to cleaning up after a dog.

Up and down the country local authorities spend millions of pounds each year on cleaning up dog mess and many communities are suffering the consequences of the minority of those irresponsible dog owners.

Whether you’re a council or a community group, a vet or a school, or if you simply want to show your support as an individual, there are plenty of ways to get involved or even organise your own Big Scoop event.

The Big Scoop is an opportunity to remind every dog owner that they need to ‘Bag it and bin it’.

Top tips to create your own Big Scoop event

1. Put your thinking cap on - what kind of event would you like to organise? Are you envisaging something rather big with a marquee, tables, games and activities…or maybe more low key such as a couple of members of staff walking around key areas in your community, handing out poop bags and info on dog fouling? Both can be equally effective - so consider what you think would work best for your community as well as your budget, staffing and location.

2. Where could you hold your event? In a park, outside a community centre, on an estate? Have you already got events that are happening that day that you could piggy-back on?

3. Invite others to take action with you! Use the Big Scoop resources (posters and flyers) to help you build awareness and publicity for your event. Maybe organise support from school or community groups to come out on the event on the day.

4. Think of something to attract the public on the day - people wearing the eye-catching Super Scooper Capes and giving out badges and poop bags is a good start. Or how about running a competition in the local paper to get people to come along on the day?

You can order free Big Scoop materials by clicking here

A new practical scoop-system called Poo Poo Bags, which disposes of dog waste in an elegant and convenient way, is proving to be an instant hit for UK distributor Billy + Margot...

Humorous prints such as 'Doggy bag', 'Don’t blame me' and 'Size matters' make the walk to the next rubbish bin an easy and fun task.

Billy + Margot says the 16 humorous paper bags are the easiest, cleanest and most practical way to dispose of a dog's left overs. They are 100% bio-degradable.

"We have had some great orders for our new Poo Poo Bags already! They're selling like hot cakes," the company revealed this week.

For more information click here

Mars Petcare has launched a 15-week TV ad campaign for its dog brand Cesar and will support it with point of sale materials, new packaging and online activities.                     

Created by AMV BBDO, the new campaign will encourage dog owners to ‘love them back’, and it's the first Cesar TV advert for five years. 

Directed by Andy McLeod, from Rattling Stick, the advert is set in a European town, and portrays the loving relationship between an old man and his Westie. The main message is that feeding Cesar is one of the ways the old man can repay his faithful little companion for unconditional friendship and love.

Miranda Sambles, UK Marketing Director Mars Petcare, said: “The essence of the Cesar brand has always been rooted in a special understanding of the unique relationship between owners and their dogs.

"In our new campaign we wanted to refresh the brand by capturing this wonderful bond in a heart-warming, yet authentic way. We’re confident that, through real and authentic relationships, the campaign will generate a strong emotional connection with dog owners.”

Mark Fairbanks, Creative Partner AMV BBDO, said: “If you're a dog person you'll understand that he's not just a pet, he's a proper friend. You talk to him, confide in him, grieve with him. He gives you unconditional love. There's only one dog food you can give to a friend like that.”

The 60-minute TV ad ‘Journey’ will be supported by further 40-minute and 30-minute cut-down versions and will air nationally for 15 weeks.

SureFlap, the microchip-operated pet door company, has become an affiliate partner of animal rehoming charity Wood Green in a bid to promote the microchipping of pets.

And ahead of National Microchipping Month, SureFlap has donated 48 of its cat flaps to Wood Green.

Wood Green is keen to work with organisations, such as SureFlap, that promote microchipping as an animal welfare ‘best practice’ initiative.

Beverley Street, deputy manager of cat welfare at Wood Green, says: “We receive many cats that have evidently been loved and well cared for but come to us when it hasn’t been possible to identify their owners. All our cats and dogs are microchipped before leaving Wood Green. To operate SureFlap pet doors the animal needs to be microchipped, creating another prompt for owners to take action.”

SureFlap pet doors use a resident cat’s microchip to ensure only authorised pets can enter the house, keeping out intruder animals. Vets recommend microchip-operated cat flaps, as they don’t require the animal to wear a collar, which can become tangled in branches.

Additionally, recent research also reveals that secure pet doors are beneficial to a cat’s health. A survey of cat owners showed that cats can become stressed by feline intruders entering their homes through a traditional cat flap. As a result these cats are more likely to develop skin problems such as itchy skin and hair loss.

Judith Bank, of SureFlap, says: “Cats are very territorial and many problems, such as spraying in the house, can be avoided if they feel secure in their own homes. We are delighted to become a partner of Wood Green and support its important work on improving animal welfare.” 

Last year the charity received 2,313 cats – almost half of the lost and unwanted animals they cared for that year. 

To help the charity fundraise, SureFlap has agreed to donate £10 each time its cat flap is purchased via the Wood Green website, with customers receiving a £6 discount.

Wood Green is running a Microchipping day on Monday, June 17. For more information ring 0844 248 8181 or email info@woodgreen.org.uk

New reptile brand WhitePython has expanded its range of dried food, offering two new natural dried foods with medicinal purposes.

Chamomile promotes pain relief and acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic. This is ideal for Tortoises or Agamid Lizards with a cold or diarrhoea. It should be ideally mixed into an existing food source and fed daily.

Natural dried Nettle Leaves help detoxify and boost the metabolism of your reptile. Ideal for Tortoises or Agama Lizards coming out of hibernation to help get them moving again.

The new foods are distributed through Peregrine Livefoods and if you’re quick, you can take advantage of their initial launch offer of Buy 2 get 1 Free!

Product Details:

• Chamomile 50g - RRP: £5.99
• Nettle Leaves 20g - RRP: £5.99

For more information about the new range you can visit their website at www.whitepython.com.

One in four (25%) firms in the UK retail and distribution sector are considering cutting costs to cater for the rising prices of raw materials, according to research carried out by leading commercial insurer NIG.

The research, which surveyed businesses across the UK with annual turnovers from £50k to £20m+, found that nearly one in five (19%) firms in the retail and distribution sector – equivalent to 93,000 businesses – admit that they are considering changing business processes and/ or products to accommodate the high cost of raw materials.

Around one in ten (8%) firms in the sector said they were concerned they were underinsured against theft or damage given rises in the costs of raw materials.  Over one in ten (12%) reported they had suffered a theft of stock over the past 24 months while 3% – equivalent to 15,000 businesses – said they had been hit by a theft of raw materials.

Martin Hall, Director of Commercial Underwriting at NIG, said: "The UK retail and distribution sector is facing a number of challenges and the rising cost of raw materials has clearly become a key concern for many retailers and similar businesses.

“While many are taking steps to cater for these challenges, it is vital that businesses assess the risks they face and make sure they are not leaving themselves exposed to unnecessary risks and threats.  If companies have changed processes, products or moved property, for instance, they need to let their insurance broker knows as this could impact their cover.”

The research from NIG found that nearly a quarter (23%) of firms in the sector said they had never had a professional risk assessment carried out on their business.  Of those that had a risk assessment conducted, 18% said that they had not had one for more than 12 months.

Martin Hall at NIG said: “I would urge businesses to pro-actively contact their broker to discuss a risk assessment and their cover in general.  Insurance brokers can provide important advice and discuss practical steps that businesses can take to mitigate the risks they face.  The aim of a risk assessment is to determine what measures, if any, are required to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees and other third parties, who may be exposed to risks arising from businesses or business activities.  It should be seen as a fundamental part of standard business practice.”

Crufts Best in Show winner, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen called Jilly, and her owner Gavin Robertson, will begin their 130-mile charity walk next week (June10), having already raised £11,637.

They will be joined on Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt by previous Crufts champions; six Best in Group winners from this year’s Crufts; representatives from the High Profile Breeds and representatives from 23 breeds that are deemed by the Kennel Club to be vulnerable because their annual registrations are so low.

They will be greeted by local mayors and council chairmen on route. The walkers will finish at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, on June 14.

Amelia Siddle, who won the Junior Warrant competition at Crufts and who has completed a painting of Jilly and Gavin, which will be auctioned after the walk, will be completing the whole 130 miles with her dog Flo.

60% of the money raised from the walk will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital, 35% to DogLost organisation and 5% to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

Jilly and Gavin can be seen along the walk at the following points:

Monday, June 10

• Boat Inn, Catherine de Barnes B91 2TJ 9.45am
• Black Boy, Heronfield B93 0EB 10.55am
• Cape of Good Hope, Lower Cape CV34 5DP 3.00pm
• Blue Lias Inn, Stockton CV47 8LD 6.25pm

Tuesday, June 11

• Heart of England, Weedon NN7 4QD 1.10pm
• Wharf pub, Bugbrooke NN7 3QB 3.10pm
• Navigation, Stoke Bruerne NN12 7SY 4.45pm

Wednesday, June 12

• New Inn, New Bradwell MK13 0EN 9.45am
• Pear Tree Bridge Inn, Waterside MK6 3PE 11.45am
• Three Locks Inn, Stoke Hammond MK17 9DD 1.40pm
• Red Lion, Marsworth LU7 0QU 3.40pm

Thursday, June 13

• Ye Old Red Lion, Nash Mills HP4 2NB 9.35am
• Hunton Bridge, Bridge No 162 WD4 8RQ 10am
• Cassiobury Park, Bridge No 167, Watford WD17 3BD 11am
• Batchworth Lock, No 81, Rickmansworth WD3 1JJ 12pm
• Coy Carp, Harefield UB9 6HZ 1.15pm

Friday, June 14

• Paddington Basin 12pm
• Hyde Park Corner 1pm
• Kennel Club, Clarges Street 2pm
• House of Commons 3pm

Speaking about the training regime, Gavin Robertson said: “We have been training very hard, and of course Jilly has been in her element on all of these long walks. I have been overwhelmed so far by the support that pedigree dog lovers and owners have shown by getting involved or pledging money, the whole dog world has really got behind this initiative. The walk truly demonstrates how healthy pedigree dogs are, whilst raising money for fantastic causes.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Gavin and Jilly have done an amazing job in fundraising for the benefiting charities and we wish them luck for next week. I hope that dog lovers and owners that live in the areas that they are walking through will cheer them on and show their support.”

Full details of the route that Gavin and Jilly will be taking can be found on the dedicated website www.jillysjaunt.co.uk.

Petlog has partnered with Fetch Digital to create a new app for cat lovers featuring the Lost Cat Alert to help owners find their lost cats.

Using the new my cat app, Petlog Premium owners can send an alert to rescues, vets and voluntary organisations in a 30-mile radius of where their cat went missing, directly from their mobile phone.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Microchipping Month, the app is now available free on iPhone for a limited period.

New research reveals that many online shoppers feel left in the dark when it comes to the delivery of their purchases, with one in three saying that they often don't hear anything until their parcel arrives on their doorstep.

Forty three percent of online shoppers would like a more accurate estimate of when to expect their parcel, and the overwhelming majority (91%) said that they would be happy for e-tailers to email or text them with delivery details.

Over half (51%) of those surveyed said that they would like all their deliveries to be timed, enabling them to ensure that they were at home to receive them.

When waiting in for a parcel, the majority (75%) preferred a one hour time window for their delivery.

The survey of Britain's online shopping habits also found that:

• One in five think retailers could do more to keep customers informed about their delivery
• 38% of would like to be updated regularly on when to expect their parcel
• 46% have experienced a timed delivery

Commenting on the research, DPD's CEO Dwain McDonald said, "For many people, shopping on the i-street has become as mainstream as nipping down to the corner shop. In a few short years the range of products bought online has expanded, both in nature and value.

"Gone are the days when the internet was just a market place for lower value, commodity goods such as books, CDs and DVDs.

"But, with more expensive items such as smart phones and tablet computers now being bought online, it is increasingly important that customers feel confident about all aspects of their transactions.

"Delivery is an integral part of e-retailing, playing a crucial role in the overall customer experience. For some shoppers restricted or costly delivery options, or poor communication can make or break a sale, but, a good experience will enhance the e-tailer's reputation, build customer loyalty and in turn help drive more sales."

• Conna Powles, Buying Director, Haskins Garden centres
• Simon Moore, Head of Garden Buying, Wilkinson Stores
• Jo Wood, Garden, DIY and Security Buyer at QVC 
• Mike Wyatt, Editor, Garden Trade News
• Tim Rumbold, Editor, Amateur Gardening magazine
• Peter Burks, Chairman of the Garden Centre Association

• Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care
• Garden Care Products
• Growing and Planting Equipment and Sundries
• Outdoor Leisure, Garden Structures and Features
• Plants Seeds and Bulbs
• Tools, Machinery and Implements
• Garden Landscaping
• Garden Retail Related Products
• Point of Sale Material
• Consumer Product Packaging
• Marketing Communication