Kelly & Co’s has been honored with the Silver Award for Innovation in Consumer Products & Services at the 11th Annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.
Awarded for the company's innovative freeze-dried technology, this milestone highlights Kelly & Co's commitment to revolutionizing pet nutrition and confirms its position at the forefront of the industry, said Wichitpon Assavachamnan, CEO of Kelly & Co's.
"This award marks a significant milestone as Kelly & Co's pet food is the only pet business to achieve this recognition in the innovative consumer goods category," Assavachamnan told Petfood Industry. "Our story is not just about an award; it's about a groundbreaking approach to pet nutrition."
This year, the competition saw more than 1,000 nominations from across the Asia-Pacific region. The winners were selected by a panel of over 150 judges. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, an international business awards competition, are open to organizations across 29 markets in the region. Its primary focus is to acknowledge and celebrate innovation in all its forms. Winning this award underscores Kelly & Co's dedication to providing top-tier, innovative products that enhance the lives of pets and their owners.
"We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Our team has worked tirelessly to develop and perfect our freeze-dried technology, and this award validates our efforts and commitment to innovation. We believe that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of pet owners who want the best for their furry companions."
Freeze-dried technology preserves nutritional integrity, flavor
Kelly & Co's freeze-dried technology stands out for its ability to preserve the nutritional integrity and flavor of pet food, offering an alternative to traditional methods. By eliminating the need for artificial preservatives and retaining the raw nutrients, Kelly & Co’s ensures that pets receive high-quality, natural nutrition.
In January, Kelly & Co's was named "Brand of the Year" for 2023-2024 at the World Branding Awards in Vienna. The company also won "Freeze Dried Product of the Year" at the Pet Innovation Awards in the U.S. in 2023.
This most recent accolade is expected to further strengthen Kelly & Co's position in the market, as the company continues to lead the way in pet nutrition innovation, noted Assavachamnan. As consumers increasingly seek natural and high-quality options for their pets, Kelly & Co's award-winning products are poised to meet this growing demand, he added.
Beyond its commercial achievements, Kelly & Co's is deeply dedicated to social responsibility, particularly in animal welfare. The company has forged a significant partnership with The Soi Dog Foundation, focusing on crucial issues like animal welfare, sterilization and vaccination of animals, rescuing dogs from the meat trade, and rehoming them internationally. This collaboration reflects Kelly & Co's commitment to making a positive impact in the global community, extending its influence beyond the pet food industry.
Freeze-dried or air-dried raw pet foods, treats and toppers predominated among new products in 2023 at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando last year.
Freeze-dried and air-dried pet consumables meet consumer demands for raw meat ingredients without the refrigeration needs, contamination risks and other aspects of fresh raw pet foods. Freeze-drying pet food ingredients makes them self-stable without using high temperatures that can degrade vitamins and other nutritional chemicals in pet foods. Air-drying pet food ingredients does involve heating, so it may serve as a dedicated kill step. Both freeze-drying and air-drying result in a pet food that can be easier to transport, store and handle for both retailers and pet owners.
