The former Del Monte Pet Products business has relaunched as Big Heart Pet Brands, the largest standalone pet products company in North America, according to the company. The launch follows on the heels of the company's sale of its consumer products division to Del Monte Pacific Ltd., which closed on February 18, 2014.

The new name reflects the company's singular focus on the pet products market and underscores the company's purpose, according to Big Heart: nurturing the bond between pets and the people who love them-making every day special. Big Heart Pet Brands will continue to include Milk-Bone, Meow Mix, Natural Balance, Kibbles 'n Bits, 9Lives, Milo's Kitchen, Pup-Peroni, Nature's Recipe, Canine Carry Outs, Gravy Train and other brand names.

"As a standalone pet products company, Big Heart Pet Brands will be singularly focused on capturing growth opportunities in the expanding $21 billion pet products category," said Dave West, president and CEO. "We are uniquely positioned with a powerful and broad pet portfolio, strong position in key pet food categories, robust business fundamentals and a commitment to creating a better future for pets by nurturing the bond between pets and the people who love them."

Big Heart Pet Brands will remain headquartered in San Francisco, Calif., and continue to have office presences in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Burbank, Calif. The company will also maintain its existing petfood and snack manufacturing plants and distribution centers, and sales offices.