News & Newsletters: Page 689

Waltham nutrition symposium addresses health concerns shared by humans, pets

Attendees of the Waltham International Nutritional Sciences Symposium, held October 1-4 in Portland, Ore., learned about about the "link" between issues relating to what humans eat and concerns over what pets eat from Dr. Karyl Hurley, director of Global Scientific Affairs for Mars Petcare, which helped organize the event. The symposium drew food scientists from academia on both the human and animal side, veterinary nutritionists, representatives from petfood companies and leaders in veterinary medicine from 24 countries.

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Pack Expo 2013 sets attendance, exhibitor records

Preliminary data from the recent PACK EXPO, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, show an increase in attendance, number of exhibiting companies and net square footage for the packaging and processing technologies trade show, setting records for 2013. Attendance to the 2013 show, held September 23-25, increased 7.4 percent with 27,759 attendees; the number of exhibiting companies increased by 15.5 percent with 1,788; and net square footage went up 14.7 percent with 722,437 net square feet compared to the 2011 show.

Petco launches new marketing campaign driven by pet humanization trend

Petco recently launched a US$10 million marketing campaign, as part of which the company changed its slogan to “The Power of Together” from “Where the Healthy Pets Go,” in hopes of capitalizing on the trend of pet humanization. "As a company, we were at a place where we really wanted to continue to evolve our brand beyond just products and services, to connect emotionally with our customers and their pets,” said Elisabeth Charles, chief marketing officer for Petco Animal Supplies.

Confusion on petfood coverage in proposal to label genetically modified foods

Advertisements for a proposal to label genetically modified foods in Washington, USA, are causing confusion over whether or not the initiative would cover petfood and meats for human consumption. The fight over the wording of the proposal comes after a measure known as Proposition 37 was defeated in California, USA, in 2012, which had similar wording and major companies funding both sides of the proposal.

Market Trends and Reports

Watch cat videos to donate cat food to shelters in 9Lives brand, ASPCA promotion

9Lives cat food brand and its spokescat, Morris, are supporting the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to help cats most in need. The cat food brand will donate up to 1 million meals to shelters for the 9Lives Morris’ Rescue WatchSM campaign.

British Veterinary Association speaks out against new pet obesity research

New research recently reported in the Telegraph claims that many cats and dogs are becoming obese because of “comfort eating” to cope with “emotional distress.” However, the British Veterinary Association is speaking out against the research, claiming it reinforces the “mistaken view” that “giving extra food to your pets is a way of showing that you love them.”

New pet nutrition research shows overweight dogs have shorter lives

Being overweight shortens a dog’s life expectancy, according to new research by Mars Petcare and Banfield Pet Hospital's Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition. The new research shows the consequences for dogs being overweight and highlights the importance of pet owners maintaining their dog at a healthy weight.

US government shutdown delays release of FSMA Preventative Controls for Animal Food proposed rule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) furloughed 68 percent of its staff as a result of the US government shutdown, which impacts the monitoring of foodborne illnesses and contaminants and delays indefinitely the release of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls for Animal Food proposed rule.

Bil-Jac petfood company founder dies at age 95

Bil-Jac petfood creator Bill Kelly died at his home in Medina, Ohio, USA, at the age of 95. Kelly is the man whose research of pet nutrition led to his petfood brand's launch in 1947.

BIl-Jac petfood company founder, Bill Kelly.

PetSmart increases quarterly dividend by 18 percent

Petfood and supplies retailer PetSmart Inc. announced its board of directors approved an increase in its quarterly dividend by 18 percent from US$0.165 to US$0.195 per share beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The dividend of US$0.195 will be paid on November 15 to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 1. This is equivalent to an annual rate of US$0.78 per share.

Three Dog Bakery announces relaunch of We Pity the Kitties cat treats

Three Dog Bakery, which makes oven-baked treats and food for dogs, announced it is relaunching its all-natural cat treats, We Pity the Kitties. We Pity the Kitties treats are made with one ingredient and are available in two flavors: Wild Alaskan Salmon and Chicken Breast.

Three Dog Bakery is relaunching We Pity the Kitty treats for cats.

Pets Choice completes buyout deal with German petfood company

UK petfood manufacturer Pets Choice recently completed a buyout deal with German petfood company Tiernahrung Deuerer, which had was previously a supplier to Pets Choice. The deal between the petfood companies promises "significant investment," according to a report.

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