News & Newsletters: Page 762

Petfood manufacturer Hill's to expand veterinary visits

Starting in April, petfood manufacturer Hill’s Pet Nutrition will make regular visits to more than 22,000 veterinary hospitals and clinics to help build support for and implement nutritional recommendations as the "5th Vital Assessment" in pet healthcare. To achieve this goal, Hill’s will use an expanded network of national and regional selling agents who will more frequently reach out to veterinarian healthcare teams across the country, and will also increase the number of direct representatives in both the pet specialty and veterinary channels.

Australian plums may extend petfood shelf life

Australian scientists conducted tests that found new anti-microbial substances in two common native Australian plums that could help prolong the shelf life of petfood, according to a report. Testing done by scientists from Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation and Queensland government revealed that when small amounts of the kakadu and Queensland Davidson plums are combined with organic acids, the plums develop promising new anti-microbial properties.

Global petfood market growth from product innovation, report says

The petfood industry has experienced much growth due to increased petfood market segmentation and pet product innovation, according to a new report on the global petfood industry from Global Industry Analysts Inc. The research report, "Pet Foods: A Global Outlook," includes a collection of statistics, market briefs and research findings to provide an analysis of global petfood market trends and petfood market issues.

Hill's, 'Biggest Loser' host kick off Million Pound Pledge

Hill's Pet Nutrition and NBC's "The Biggest Loser" host, Alison Sweeney, recently kicked-off the Million Pound Pledge, a program for pet owners to help their cats and dogs lose weight. Pet owners who participate in the Million Pound Pledge will have access to a support system that includes two live video chat sessions with Sweeney on the Science Diet Facebook page, cat and dog weight loss tips, interactive body condition scoring to show the proper body shape of a cat or dog, rebates for Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet weight management foods, and more.

More than 1,200 pet product manufacturers to exhibit at Interzoo 2012

The pet supplies exhibition Interzoo announced that more than 1,200 manufacturers are already registered to exhibit the latest petfood products and pet supplies at the 2012 show, which will take place May 17-20, in Nuremberg, Germany. The exhibition's growth comes mainly from Europe, Asia and Australia, show organizers say.

Pet insurance provider Trupanion now covers theraputic petfood

Pet insurance provider Trupanion is expanding coverage for a variety of previously excluded treatment options such as therapeutic petfood, pet supplements, mobility devices, alternative therapies, feline kidney transplants and special disorders associated with working pets. Trupanion expanded its coverage for these treatment options, once considered unconventional, because of veterinary advancements making the treatments more common.

FDA misses deadline for key Food Safety Modernization Act provisions

January 2012 marks the one-year anniversary of President Obama signing into law the Food Safety Modernization Act, which aims to prevent petfood recalls and ensure a safe petfood supply.One of the key implementation dates from the Act was January 4, after which date the following significant steps were to have been taken by the US Food and Drug Administration: guidance for very small business exemptions from HARPC requirements;guidance related to intentional adulteration of food and mitigation strategies; “National Agriculture and Food Defense Strategy” issued to Congress and public; study concerning unique identification numbers for food facilities and brokers; designation of “high-risk foods” for which additional recordkeeping would be required; designation of five “Food Safety Centers of Excellence” to respond to outbreaks; grocery store recall posting requirements; and regulations for a Foreign Supplier Verification Program.

Petfood Industry releases Android smartphone App

Android smartphone users can now receive one-touch mobile access to Petfood Industry with a full-featured App, which joins the iPhone and iPad Apps already offered. The Android App allows users to read current and past magazine issues, browse the latest news headlines, view petfood product information and more.

A new Android app joins Petfood Industry's already offered iPhone and iPad Apps, allowing users access to latest issues on the go.

Petfood maker Purina, Jenny Craig help pets, owners lose weight

Petfood manufacturer Nestle Purina is teaming up with Jenny Craig in a new online program that aims to help pet owners and their pets lose weight. The program, "Project: Pet Slim Down," lets pet owners that sign up obtain tips for exercising with their pet, record exercise performed, track weight loss and share photos with other users.

Petfood Forum China 2012 seeks abstract submissions

The Petfood Forum China 2012 content advisory board is seeking abstracts for its noncommercial oral and poster presentations at the petfood industry event. Potential speakers may submit abstracts on topics including, but not limited to, the petfood market in China, Asia and around the world; nutrition and ingredients; packaging; safety and regulatory issues specific to China or export countries; processing and production; company profiles and case studies; and new product development.

Market Trends and Reports

Pet chew maker Nylabone launches grain-free biscuits

Nylabone, pet chew maker, launched new grain-free biscuits that will be made available to consumers in select US states through Costco Warehouse. The grain-free biscuits are turkey-flavored and include ingredients such as peas, turkey meat, blueberries, cranberries and flaxseed, according to Nylabone.

Joint-venture petfood deal gives Unicharm stake in Hartz

Sumitomo Corp., Sumitomo Corp. of America and Japanese petfood manufacturer Unicharm closed a joint-venture deal on December 30, 2011. The deal gives Unicharm a significant stake in the common share of small animal food and pet treats manufacturer Hartz Mountain Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corp.

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