U.S. and Canada: Page 74

Market Trends and Reports

Nestlé invests US$15.9 million in petfood production in Argentina

Petfood manufacturer Nestlé Purina has invested CHF15 million (US$15.9 million) in its factory in Santo Tomé, Argentina, increasing its petfood production capacity by 50 percent and creating 250 jobs overall. The petfood manufacturer's investment added a third production line for dry cat and dog food, as well as two new packaging lines.

AFIA comments on denial of Renewable Fuel Standard waiver petition

American Feed Industry Association president and CEO, Joel G. Newman, issued a statement regarding the US Environmental Protection Agency's denial of the Renewable Fuel Standard waiver petition filed by the Arkansas and North Carolina, USA, governors, calling it "extremely disappointing." According to Newman: “EPA’s action is extremely short-sighted.

PetSmart posts US$82 million in net income for third-quarter 2012

Petfood and supplies retailer PetSmart posted better-than-expected results in its recently released earnings report for third-quarter 2012 and raised its earnings outlook for the rest of the year. Net income totaled US$82 million in the third quarter of 2012, up from US$56 million in third-quarter 2011.

Global Pet Food Stores to expand into western Canada

Global Pet Food Stores Inc. is reportedly planning to expand its natural and organic petfood stores into the western Canadian market. The company, which currently operates two stores in the US and 155 stores in Canada, recently opened its latest store in Calgary, Canada.

Rachael Ray donates to ASPCA to aid Hurricane Sandy pets

Nutrish petfood brand's Rachael Ray is donating US$500,000 to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help pets who were displaced, hurt or lost during Hurricane Sandy in the northeast US. In addition, Nutrish is sending 4 tons of wet and dry dog food to help feed the animals affected by Sandy, the company's largest donation to date.

Animal welfare groups aid pets displaced by Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy left many pets homeless after the storm damaged houses and animal shelters in the northeast US. Although the exact number of displaced pets is still unknown, the American Human Association estimated that nearly 15 million dogs were in the storm's path.

AFIA to host Pet Food Conference at IPPE 2013 in January

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, the American Feed Industry Association and the USPOULTRY Poultry Protein and Fat Council will sponsor the sixth annual Pet Food Conference on the first day of the International Production & Processing Expo. The forum will feature a number of sessions addressing topics ranging from regulatory issues to the technical aspects of petfood production, food safety, marketing and use of ingredients.

Pet market worth US$49 billion in 2012, Mintel reports

According to the latest report by Mintel, the pet market is worth more than US$49 billion in 2012, up 15 percent since 2007, despite a turbulent economy. Spending on petfood and pet supplies continues to grow as pet ownership becomes more widespread, with 64 percent of Americans currently owning a pet.

Pet Food Market

US election outcomes could affect petfood safety, labeling

When I was in Shanghai, China, a few weeks ago for Petfood Forum China and Pet Fair Asia, I was somewhat surprised by the number of people who asked about the US presidential election on November 6. I suppose I underestimated how integrated China is becoming into the global economy and political scene, and how much news from outside the country reaches its citizens despite government censorship and blocking of certain media.

Mars sends animal rescue unit to Northeast US after Hurricane Sandy

Petfood manufacturer Mars Petcare has sent a mobile animal rescue unit toward the Northeast US coast to help with relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy makes landfall. The 82-foot-long truck named “Lucy” will help with efforts to rescue animals that are expected to be displaced due to the hurricane's damage.

Research and Markets offers 'Dog Food in the US' report

Research and Markets has added a "Dog Food in the US" report to its offerings. The report found improved performance in the US market for dog food in 2012, thanks to sales of premium petfood products.

Cesar donates to therapy dogs in new social media campaign

Cesar brand dog food has launched the "Share a Story and Share the Love" initiative, a social media campaign to help support and spotlight therapy dogs and therapy dog organizations. To support these exceptional therapy dogs, Cesar will donate US$100,000 to three therapy dog organizations whose services assist people in need around the US: American Humane Association's Animal Assisted Therapy programs, Intermountain Therapy Animals' Reading Education Assistance Dogs program and the Good Dog Foundation.

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