News & Newsletters: Page 831

Kemin announces plans for expansion of facilities, addition of jobs

Kemin announced its five year expansion plan to build six new manufacturing facilities, three new research facilities and a new corporate headquarters building in southeast Des Moines, Iowa, USA. In addition to the new facilities, the company’s expansion will create 98 new jobs in the areas of research, marketing, information technology and other support functions.

FDA issues letter clarifying GRAS labels on animal food substances

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter to clarify the marketing of a substance as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in animal food. A substance marketed as GRAS is not subject to premarket review or approval by FDA, the letter explains.

FTC approves Simmons takeover of Menu Foods Income Fund

US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the sale of Menu Foods Income Fund to Arkansas, USA-based competitor, Simmons Pet Food Inc. The US$239 million takeover offer from Simmons was already approved by shareholders and is expected to close in November.

Cricket virus leads to shortage in Canada

A virus that hit cricket breeding operations has caused a shortage of petfood for exotic animal owners across Canada, according to an article from CBC news. The Densovirus affecting the industry disrupts the neurological system of insects, leading to paralysis and death.

Petfood sales expected to rise, according to Euromonitor report

Global petfood sales are forecast to rise 2.5%, according to a Financial Times article citing a Euromonitor report. The trend of pet humanization has consumers purchasing higher-premium products for pets they view as children, reported industry leaders Mars and Nestle in the article.

New Petfood Industry App available

Petfood Industry’s new iPhone and iPad App gives a new definition to a digital magazine. The App, which can be downloaded free from Apple’s App Store, gives readers full access to the magazine, interactive features and news and product feeds from Petfood Industry.

Texas A&M hosts course on feeds and petfood extrusion

A Practical Short Course on Feeds & Pet Food Extrusion will be presented Jan. 30 through Feb. 4, 2011 at Texas A&M University. The program will cover information on designing new feed mills, and selecting conveying, drying, grinding, conditioning and feed mixing equipment.

Provimi Pet Food announces strong sales growth for beginning of 2010

Provimi Pet Food announced it saw increased sales growth in the first half of 2010 thanks to strong demand for premium quality petfoods. The company recorded EUR115 million (US$161.7 million) in sales from January to June, which was a 6% increase over the first half of 2009.

New iPhone app launched to monitor calorie intake, weight of pets

A new iPhone app was launched by Cornell University to help consumers monitor their pet's calorie intake. The US$3.99 app, called CUPetHealth, was developed by seven computer science students at Cornell as part of a class project and examined by university veterinary experts for accuracy.

An iPhone app from Cornell University is designed to keep pets from piling on the pounds. / Photo courtesy www.vet.cornell.edu

Pumpkin may be beneficial to pets, article claims

During the fall season, pumpkin is a popular flavor that may have many health benefits for pets too, according to an article from the Brandon Sun. Pumpkin alone is a very healthy food packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, the article claims.

Nestle Purina launches new Pro Plan petfood in Canada

Nestle Purina PetCare launched its Pro Plan Shredded Blend petfood in Canada. The company describes its Pro Plan Shredded Blend as a multi-textured combination of crunchy kibble and tender shredded pieces with real chicken or lamb.

Pricing strategies differ in developed Asian petfood markets

Pricing strategies vary among market leaders in the petfood segments of South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, according to a Euromonitor report. In South Korea, the premium dry dog food segment is highly competitive, with four main companies dominating the market share.

Page 831 of 905