News & Newsletters: Page 819

RedMoon hires talking Boston Terrier as official 'spokesdog'

RedMoon Custom Pet Food hired Rex, a talking Boston Terrier, to an exclusive multi-year services contract as the company's first official "spokesdog." The story of Rex became an Internet phenomenon earlier this year when a one and a half-minute video monologue on YouTube showed off the dog's talent for fast-paced human speech.

WellPet implements IFS Applications at Indiana facility

WellPet successfully implemented IFS Applications at its Indiana, USA, manufacturing plant, according to global enterprise applications company IFS. WellPet has been running IFS Applications at its corporate office since 2004, but the company's recent merger left the business running two separate ERP systems.

Menu Foods unit holders approve Simmons Pet Food takeover

Unit holders of Menu Foods Income Fund approved a US$239 million takeover offer from Arkansas USA-based Simmons Pet Food Inc. According to Menu Foods, 99.94% of its units and special trust units voted to approve the deal, which is expected to close in early November pending regulatory approvals.

Dasy to invest in new fishmeal production plant in Andalusia, Spain

Dasy Organización announced plans to invest more than €20 million (US$27.2 million) in building a new plant for production of fishmeal for animal feed in Osuna, Andalusia, Spain. The company, owned by PGG Group, also plans to invest an additional €20 million (US$27.2 million) in its rendering plant, bringing its total investment in facilities amount to €40 million (US$54.3 million).

VIN launches recall center for veterinarians, consumers

Veterinary Information Network (VIN) launched a recall center for veterinary medications and petfood. VIN Recall Center is a tool that tracks food and product recalls that impact petfood and veterinary medicine.

Free Range Eco Naturals changes name, implements many 'green' initiatives

Free Range Eco Naturals Dog Treats Inc. changed its name as one of several initiatives the company has undertaken to become more environmentally friendly. As a part of these initiatives, Free Range relocated from Brazil to pastures in Argentina, where use of additives like steroids and hormones is forbidden, according to the company.

NASC warns about quality assurance claims on animal health supplements

National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) issued a warning to consumers about purchasing animal health supplements with misleading quality assurance claims. This warning was issued in response to growing popularity in the animal supplement market and confusion over health supplement labels.

PetSmart stocks holding strong

PetSmart shares have jumped 31% thus far in 2010, according to TheStreet. The company has a solid track record of being recession-proof. Sales of pet products are on track to increase this year, with the potential for US$47.7 billion in 2010, especially with an increasing amount of premium and specialty petfood sales and more people owning pets.

FDA to proceed with new food, feed safety rules

A representative from the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) said the food and feed safety legislation currently working its way through Congress will, regardless, be acted upon by FDA, according to a news report. “Change is coming. Regardless if the legislation passes, FDA will move forward,” said Dr. Daniel McChesney of CVM, speaking at the Feed & Pet Food Joint Industries Conference Sept. 23.

New Venezuela petfood market report available

Consumer preference toward pets other than dogs and cats has considerably grown in the last years in Venezuela, according to a new report from Companies and Markets. An increasing number of Venezuelans are buying these pets as they become less expensive and more decorative.

All American Pet expands sales team to accommodate product rollout

All American Pet Co. Inc., makers of the brands Grrr-nola Natural Dog Food, Grrr-nola Natural Food Bar and Bow Wow Breakfast, has expanded its sales team with the addition of a five-member lead sales team to accommodate the company's establishment of a national product distribution network. "In today's challenging economy and ever changing retail environment, it is crucial to have personal relationships with accounts to successfully navigate the unique practices and procedures of each retailer -- this is especially true for new vendors offering first-to-market products like our Grrr-nola nutritional dog food bars," said Lisa Bershan, president and director of sales.

AFIA provides comments to commodity commission regarding definitions

AFIA recently submitted comments to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regarding definitions in the recently passed Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. “The definitions for key terms such as swap, swap dealer and major swap participant should provide the flexibility required by bona fide end users, and also protect the markets from undue influence of large speculative positions,” said Joel G. Newman, AFIA’s president and CEO.

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