News & Newsletters: Page 742

MOCON establishes permeation testing laboratory network

MOCON Inc. has established a global network of MOCON-certified permeation testing laboratories to provide independent material and package performance verification, regardless of location, for petfood products. Currently, the company has certified seven laboratories in North America, Europe and Asia, at which the company aims to offer affordable permeation testing services.

Interzoo draws visitors from 111 countries for new petfood, treats

Interzoo, a global exhibition for pet supplies drew 36,792 trade visitors from 111 countries to Nuremberg, Germany, in May to exhibit and learn about the latest petfood and pet products. At Interzoo 2012, 79 percent of the exhibitors came from abroad with a total of 1,539 companies from 53 countries.

Mexico Pet Expo to draw 120 exhibitors to Guadalajara in June

Mexico Pet Expo & Conference 2012 will draw more than 120 exhibitors from the Americas, Europe and Asia to Guadalajara, Mexico, from June 27-29. Nearly 2,000 square meters of exhibit space at the Expo Guadalajara Convention Center will be covered with companies exhibiting the latest pet products and services, including new petfood and treats, small animal food, veterinarian instruments and more.

Market Trends and Reports

Purina Mills launches new small animal food, treat line

Purina Mills LLC is launching a new line of small animal food, Purina Little Wonders Food and Purina Small Animals Treats, in select Walmart stores. These specially formulated diets for gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits provide small animals with wholesome ingredients, like seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits.

More than 400 exhibitors registered for Pet Fair Asia 2012

More than 400 exhibitors from 23 countries have already registered to attend Pet Fair Asia 2012, taking place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, October 11-14. Some 3,528 visitors from 18 countries have also registered to attend the pet industry event.

US private-equity firm acquires UK pet treat manufacturer

US private-equity firm Swander Pace Capital has acquired UK pet treat manufacturer Pointer Pet Products Limited. Pointer Pet Products Limited is a manufacturer of branded and private-label baked dog treats.

Kansas State names Greg Aldrich head of new petfood production program

Kansas State University is expanding its Feed Science and Management program to include petfood production. Greg Aldrich, PhD, was appointed research associate professor and petfood program coordinator by Dick Maier, head of the university's Grain Science and Industry department.

WellPet unveils US$20 million dog food processing plant expansion

Petfood manufacturer WellPet recently unveiled the US$20 million expansion of its dry dog food processing plant in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA, according to a report. When the petfood plant expansion is complete, the company will add 45 jobs, as well as green technology and automated petfood packaging.

Purina Dog Chow promotes benefits of dog ownership to families

Nestle Purina Dog Chow brand dog food commissioned a study of pet owners that revealed the many positive perceptions of pet ownership and its effects on families. Along with the survey, Purina Dog Chow brand is partnering with husband-and-wife country music duo, Thompson Square, to share the joys of pet ownership and donate funds to help a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for veterans.

Petfood maker Purina releases new application for veterinarians

Petfood maker Purina released a new Purina Guide for Veterinarians application for iPhone and iPad. The application provides technical information on both well-pet and therapeutic Purina products that allows veterinarians to determine the right nutritional petfood formulas for their patients.

PetSmart to increase quarterly dividend amount

PetSmart Inc., a pet product retailer, announced the board of directors' approval to increase its quarterly dividend by 18 percent from US$0.14 to US$0.165 per share beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. A new US$525 million share purchase was also authorized that expires in January 2014, and begins on July 30.

Cargill's Loyall dog food brand partners with sporting dog community

Cargill's Loyall dog food brand has formed two new partnerships with the sporting dog community to develop new performance petfood formulas. The first partnership is with J. Paul of Lone Oak Retrievers, a full-time professional retriever training operation in Tennessee, USA, offering comprehensive gun dog training programs for hunting and hunt test competitions.

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