News & Newsletters: Page 785

German petfood, pet products market grew in 2010, IVH reports

The German pet market grew slightly in 2010, with total sales of petfood and pet care products rising 0.8% to nearly 3.71 billion euro (US$5.3 billion), according to the Industrial Association of Pet Care Producers, IVH. The prepared petfood segment also increased 0.8% in 2010, to nearly 2.78 billion euro (US$3.97 billion).

Sarkozy warns of rising commodity prices worldwide

French President Nicolas Sarkozy called on the world's group of 20 rich industrial nations and major emerging markets to set up a shared central database of food prices to help control market volatility and rising commodity prices. Speaking at a European Commission conference in Brussels, Belgium, Sarkozy said that rising commodity prices are driving up inflation in fast-growing emerging economies, which poses a threat to global feeding balances.

Wellness natural petfood introduces new canned cat food formulas

Wellness Natural Food for Pets introduced twelve new varieties of canned cat food. Wellness Cubed, Sliced and Minced cat cans are 100% grain-free and contain no added artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, according to the company.

Wellness offers its Cubed, Sliced and Minced cat cans in 12 varieties.

UK petfood manufacturer increases production after facility investment

UK-based petfood manufacturer Wagg Foods announced it increased production by 50%, following a £6m (US$9.83 million) in its factory. Wagg Foods recently invested £4m (US$6.55 million) on a third petfood extruder machine and £2m (US$3.28) on a factory extension to house the new equipment.

Pedigree donates petfood in 'Every Dog Deserves' campaign, launches new formula

Pedigree will donate more than 100,000 pounds of petfood to shelters across the country as part of its “Every Dog Deserves” campaign. Chelsea Kane, of "Dancing with the Stars" fame, helped kick off the “Every Dog Deserves” campaign on June 1, by delivering the first 10,000 pounds of petfood donation to the Amanda Foundation in Beverly Hills, California, USA.

Chelsea Kane of 'Dancing with the Stars' helped Pedigree kick off its 'Every Dog Deserves' campaign and the launch of its petfood formula, 4 Universal Needs.

Plastic packaging manufacturer relocates to larger Indiana,USA, facility

Plastic petfood packaging company Fibertech Inc. announced it completed a move from Huntington, Indiana, USA, after 20 years at that location, to a larger facility in Elberfeld, Indiana, USA. The 95,000-square-foot facility sits on 15 acres located at 11744 Blue Bell Road.

Fibertech completed relocation to this 95,000-square-foot facility in Elberfeld, Indiana.

PetSmart reports growth in first quarter 2011 financial earnings

PetSmart reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2011, announcing growth in total sales and net income over the first quarter of 2010. The company reported a net income of US$71 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to US$56 million in the first quarter of 2010.

Westminster Kennel Club names Purina as official petfood sponsor

Nestle Purina PetCare Co. and the Westminster Kennel Club announced a multi-year agreement that makes Purina the official petfood sponsor of the Annual Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show. The 136th Annual Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show will be held February 13-14, 2012, at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, USA, and will be televised live on USA Network.

Purina was selected as the official petfood sponsor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (photo courtesy of Tilly Grassa).

Petfood packaging manufacturer invests in new extrusion plant in Germany

Petfood packaging manufacturer Nordenia International is investing nearly €3 million (US$4.35 million) to construct a new factory building for extrusion at its Osterburken, Germany, site. The building, expected to be completed in mid-July, will be the site of the company's new three-layer coextruding facility.

Nordenia's new building will house its extrusion operations at the Osterburken, Germany, site.

The Honest Kitchen offers dog food Taster Kit for consumers

The Honest Kitchen launched a petfood Taster Kit that allows new consumers to sample several of the company's food and treat products for dogs in one purchase. The petfood kit contains three, 4-ounce trial size boxes of dog food, an 8-ounce box of Pecks Buffalo & Blueberry cookies, a sample of the Perfect Form digestive supplement, a free pet health and nutrition booklet and US$15.00 worth of coupons.

The Taster Kit provides several different foods and treats in one package for consumers to try.

Veterinarian blogs about switching dogs to raw petfood diet

Selecting the right petfood is important for maintaining a pet's health and with so many choices, it can be difficult to determine what type of petfood may be best, which is why one veterinarian is blogging about her experience switching her dogs to a raw petfood diet. Dr. Amy Nesselrodt is chronicling her experience in switching her dogs to Answers Pet Food raw diet for one year, monitoring the dogs' health and weight before, during and after the switch.

Victam, Petfood Forum Asia preparing for Thailand in February 2012

Exhibition area at Thailand's Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center for the co-located Victam, FIAAP and GRAPAS 2012 tradeshows is more than 50% sold, show organizers announced. The three tradeshows will take place February 15-17, 2012, and will have a similar format to the 2010 event with the three shows co-located in one exhibition hall along with a number of technical conferences, including Petfood Forum Asia 2012.

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