News & Newsletters: Page 815

Alabama Court awards Sunshine Mills US$61 million for malfunctioning software

In the second-largest jury verdict in Alabama since at least 2003, the Franklin County Circuit Court awarded US$61 million (including US$45 million of punitive damages) to Sunshine Mills against Ross Systems for malfunctioning software. The three-week trial, which took place in late 2010, brought claims that software sold by Ross Systems created phantom orders, overstated inventories by billions of dollars and created havoc in Sunshine Mills' manufacturing, accounting and shipping departments.

New food safety law impact on imports discussed at Global Food Safety Conference

US Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner for Foods Michael Taylor focused on the new food safety law's impact on imports at the Global Food Safety Conference in London. "All of you in this room acutely understand the major disruptions to our economies and to international trade that occur in the wake of major foodborne illness outbreaks and product recalls," said Taylor at the Global Food Safety Initiative-produced event.

New products out to promote pet weight loss

According to newly released data, more than half of the 171 million cats and dogs in the US are overweight or obese, resulting in an expansion in the market of pet weight-loss technology and products, says an article in the Wall Street Journal. Such products include software for veterinarians to track a pet's "Body Condition Score," a blood test that can determine animals' body-fat percentage, Weight Watchers-type pet diet plans and dog treadmills.

Owner of Hi-Standard Pet Food acquires Joy Pet Foods, Best Feeds

Wade Graskewicz, founder of Hi-Standard Pet Food, has acquired Joy Pet Foods and Best Feeds, adding 22 new products to the portfolio of the Ogden, Illinois, USA, American Nutrition plant where his products are produced. "The acquisition of Joy Pet Foods will strengthen our business platform and allow us to accelerate our growth plans for both brands," said Graskewicz.

DSM's acquisition of Martek cleared by Spain's National Competition Commission

Royal DSM received clearance from the Counsel of the National Competition Commission in Spain for the previously-announced takeover of Martek Biosciences Corp. This was the final clearance needed under applicable antitrust and competition laws, thus satisfying the takeover offer completely, according to the company.

Fressnapf reports 7.6% sales increase in pet products for 2010

Fressnapf increased its 2010 sales by 7.6% over the previous year, to €1.28 billion (US$1.75 billion) in 11 countries, according to the company. In Germany, the company reported sales of €874.7 million (US$1,198 million) equivalent to an increase of 5.2% compared with the previous year.

France’s ATM Pet Food to open plant in Serbia, Tanjug reports

France-based ATM Pet Food plans to open a 10 million Euro (US$13.6 million) factory in Hrtkovci in the northern Vojvodina province of Serbia, according to a report from Serbia's Tanjug news agency citing local officials and ATM President Eric Charles. The Hrtkovci, Serbia, plant is expected to be completed within one year.

Fast Market Research, Snapdata offer 'Snapshots Italy Pet Food' report

Fast Market Research published a new report from Snapdata, entitled "Snapshots Italy Pet Food 2010." The report provides 2009 year-end market size data, with five years of historical data and five-year market forecasts

Nestle sales increase attributed to strong petfood sales in 2010

Nestle SA reported strong petfood sales in North America and revenue growth in developing countries as reasons for the company's 6% sales increase to nearly US$116 billion in 2010, according to the Glendale News-Press. The company's biggest challenge remains in developed countries, where effects of the recession are still being felt with lower sales, said the company's CEO, Paul Bulcke.

Higher feed prices mean tough choices for consumers and their pets

Consumers may be forced to make choices regarding their companion animals' food as the prices for corn and grain rise, driving up feed prices, according to pntonline.com. In the last 12 months, the commodity values for corn and grain have nearly doubled, the US Department of Agriculture reported.

European Food Safety Authority issues guidance on petfood additives

The European Food Safety Authority Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed, FEEDAP, published a guidance for assessing additives in petfood. FEEDAP's opinion, "Guidance on the assessment of additives intended to be used in pets and other non food-producing animals," was published February 1 by EFSA Journal.

Fast Market Research, Euromonitor release Netherlands petfood market report

Fast Market Reasearch released a new Euromonitor International report, entitled "Other Pet Food in Netherlands," offering a guide to the country's petfood market at a national level. The report provides retail sales data from 2005 through 2009 and identifies leading companies and leading brands.

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