US pet food brand Freshpet on sale in 300 Tesco stores
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US chilled pet food brand Freshpet, one of the fastest growing pet food companies in North America, has reached a deal with Tesco to see its products in 300 of its UK stores.
The range of fresh, natural, less-processed pet food will be merchandised in unique Freshpet branded chiller cabinets for the pet aisle.
Freshpet claims its partnership with Tesco is evidence of a desire by the two companies to transform the way people feed their pets whilst growing the category through innovation.
Freshpet Co-Founder and Europe’s MD Cathal Walsh says: “Freshpet started ten years ago with a single-minded mission to bring the power of real, fresh food to dogs and cats.
"We are proud to have been able to make a difference to the lives of US pet parents and their beloved pets, at the same time as helping American retailers transform the pet category and drive incremental growth via shopper conversion and trade up.
“Our aim is to replicate this in the UK, bringing our passion for fresh, real food to Britain’s pets and their owners. We’re delighted to be partnering with Tesco who has clearly recognised that Freshpet meets a specific need amongst pet parents who are looking for high quality, fresh chilled food for their furry friends – with none of the nasties of more traditional brands.”
In 2016, Freshpet and Tesco undertook a pilot scheme of the fresh concept in 50 Tesco stores across Britain and Northern Ireland, which resulted in the retailer extending distribution to 300 of its stores nationwide.
Paul Jones, Pet Category Buying Manager at Tesco, comments: “Fresh is a completely new concept in the UK but from our initial trials we know that it’s the right thing for us to offer our customers and their pets at this time, who are increasingly looking for better quality, less processed, natural pet food choices which reflect their families’ changing lifestyles.
“Innovating in fresh demonstrates that Tesco is thinking differently about pets, as well as providing another reason for pet owners to shop more frequently in our stores and online. It allows us to deliver value through convenience for shoppers by offering a ‘one stop shop’ for innovative, quality pet food products. In addition, it’s an opportunity for us to really drive the category forward in a brand new direction for UK retail.”
In Tesco, the range includes meals for both dogs and cats across 12SKUs, including Chunky Chicken with Turkey & Garden Vegetables for dogs, and cat Tender Chicken Bites.
Freshpet believes in the benefits that fresh, wholesome food can provide and has created recipes that help promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for dogs and cats.
All Freshpet foods are:
- Fresh meat-based with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables
- 100% complete and balanced
- Refrigerated for freshness, just like fresh human foods
- All natural, with NO preservatives
- Free of corn, wheat, soy by-products or fillers
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