U.S. and Canada: Page 81

Market Trends and Reports

US pet owner buying trends

As 2011 comes to a close, the US economy continues to limp along, and shoppers continue to carefully weigh purchase decisions. Pet owner surveys conducted by Packaged Facts on a quarterly basis throughout the year highlight key trends, including the bright spots and weak spots likely to continue to shape the market in 2012.

In a September survey of US adults, Packaged Facts asked respondentsâ€™ agreement with this statement: â€œI like to indulge my pets with special food/chew treats.â€

Hill's Pet Nutrition gives away Smart Car to veterinary technician

Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s Drive Nutrition Sweepstakes selected Kelly Kline of Neffsville Veterinary Clinic in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, as one of three national winners of a new Smart Car. Three cars will be given away in the United States and one in Canada as part of the sweepstakes.

Kelly Kline was randomly selected as the winner of a new Smart Car from Hill's Pet Nutrition's Drive Nutrition Sweepstakes.

Market Trends and Reports

Graphic design firm awarded for Lincolnbark pet treat packaging

Bobbye Cochran, president of graphic design firm Bobbye Cochran + Associates, designed the logo and packaging for pet treat company Lincolnbark, earning two American Graphic Design awards from Graphic Design USA. The 2011 graphic design competition had nearly 9,000 entries, and Cochran's work was among roughly 1,000 pieces selected for special recognition.

Lincolnbark's pet treats won two American Graphic Design awards for its colorful packaging.

Pet Food Product Database

American Key Food Products petfood thickeners and texturizers

Market Trends and Reports

Charlee Bear Products, Dogbook, Guide Dogs of America team up for treat donations

Charlee Bear Products, a dog treat maker, has teamed up with Dogbook, a virtual and mobile social network for dog lovers, and Guide Dogs of America for the first Web-based “Dogs Helping Dogs” charity giveaway. Charlee Bear will donate 10 treats to Guide Dogs of America for every new user that joins Dogbook at https://apps.facebook.com/dogbook, with an ultimate goal of donating 100,000 treats.

Eukanuba opens canine, feline event center in Ohio, USA

Eukanuba, a P&G PetCare petfood brand, opened a canine and feline event venue in Wilmington, Ohio, USA, at the Roberts Centre. The facility has more than 80,000 square feet of unobstructed space and can be used to host both dog- and cat-related activities, such as canine agility, lure coursing, herding, conformation, tracking, flying disc, dock diving, seminars and symposiums, sporting events, grooming competitions and training seminars.

Pet Food Market

European petfood industry makes case for pets' benefits

While the American Pet Products Association and other organizations in the US pet industry are working to prove how pet ownership helps human health and well-being, the European Pet Food Industry Federation, or FEDIAF, is releasing data to show pets' contributions to the economy and society.

Colorado, USA natural petfood maker raises US$3.5 million

Only Natural Pet Store LLC, a Boulder, Colorado, USA natural petfood maker and distributor, raised US$3.5 million, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing made on September 16, the Boulder County Business Report said. Only Natural Pet Store CEO Martin Grosjean declined to comment at that time, saying the company will make a detailed announcement in the next few weeks.

Survey finds American dog care spending unaffected by economy

In honor of National Dog Week from September 19-25, CouponCabin.com conducted an online survey that found nearly seven in 10 (68%) of US adult dog owners said that economic challenges do not affect their dog care spending. CouponCabin.com’s survey found that more than one in five (21%) dog owners spend an average of US$100 or more per month on their dogs, for a total of more than US$1,200 per year.

Latin America pet care market grows

Pet care in emerging markets is booming as pet ownership rises among the middle class, an article in the Economist says. Specifically, Latin America’s spending on petfood and pet products increased 44% in the last five years to US$11 billion, according to Euromonitor.

AP finds US government food counter-terrorism programs have failed

An Associated Press analysis found that the government has spent more than US$3.4 billion on food counter-terrorism over the past decade, but key programs have been slowed in the government. A Senate subcommittee recently held a hearing to examine a congressional watchdog's new report that reveals federal setbacks in protecting cattle and crops since September 11, 2001.

Ingredients company expands formulation services for petfood industry

Roquette America, an ingredients processor that works with corn, wheat, potato and yellow pea, is expanding its petfood formulation services with the opening of its Innovation Center in Geneva, Ill., USA. The center gives customers access to a solutions-oriented development environment and the ability to create and enhance products through collaboration and innovation in sustainable ingredients.

Roquette America's new Innovation Center in Geneva, Ill., USA, offers a collaborative work environment for its customers.

Page 81 of 97