U.S. and Canada: Page 85

Cargill granted US patent for petfood cooking process

Cargill was granted a US patent for the exclusive cooking process it developed for making its Loyall premium petfood. Cargill's Opti-Cook process, for which the patent was granted, works by using a combined steam and pressure cooking system and Near-Infrared Reflective Spectroscopy technology.

Canine Caviar petfood company to exhibit at America's Family Pet Expo

Holistic petfood maker Canine Caviar will exhibit at America's Family Pet Expo 2011, being held April 15-17, at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, USA. The company's alkaline-based petfood formulas for dogs and cats were specifically designed to help prevent cancer, Canine Caviar says.

US court rules on melamine-tainted petfood settlement claims payout

Four years after melamine-contaminated petfood sickened and killed thousands of pets in North America, a New Jersey, USA, court opinion was issued to clear the way for settlement claims payouts. The opinion by Judge Noel Hillman in the US District Court of New Jersey was the last piece of court action required to finalize the appeals of a US$24-million petfood settlement approved by Hillman in October 2008.

Mars' Mutt Census: German Shepherd mix most common in US

Mars Veterinary released findings from its first National Mutt Census, which launched in March 2010 to survey America's mixed-breed dog population and encourage proper pet care. Mars Veterinary collected DNA samples from around the country from more than 36,000 mixed-breed dogs.

Latin America petfood, pet product sales surge from 2005 to 2010

Sales of petfood and pet care products are surging in Latin America, led by the Brazilian market, according to the Latin Business Chronicle. Over the review period of 2005-2010, sales of petfood and pet care products rose from US$4.8 billion to US$8.3 billion, according to Euromonitor International data.

Alltech's 27th International Symposium approved for continuing education credits

Both the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists and the American Association of Veterinary State Boards have approved Alltech’s 27th International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium for Continuing Education Credits. ARPAS has determined a maximum of 12 hours will be earned for attending Alltech’s symposium, entitled "The Game Changers: Creative Concepts for Agribusiness to Respond to Relentless Commoditization and to Innovate for a Greener Future."

Petfood Forum, AMI form promotional partnership for 2011 events

American Meat Institute formed a promotional partnership between Petfood Forum 2011 and the 2011 AMI Expo. Petfood Forum will take place April 11-13, at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, USA.

AFIA files comments on FDA-proposed GRAS petfood rule

The American Feed Industry Association submitted comments to the US Food and Drug Administration regarding FDA’s final rule amending the procedures for substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS). FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine recently started to review GRAS submissions for new animal feed ingredients, while the human food industry has had hundreds reviewed and allowed on the market, according to AFIA.

Department of Agriculture proposes petfood manufacturer tax in Oregon, USA

An Oregon, USA, House committee made no decisions about passing a proposed registration fee of US$150 on manufacturers of various petfood products sold in that state, according to StatesmanJournal.com. The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee referred House Bill 2120, proposed by the Department of Agriculture, without recommendation to the joint budget committee after hearing testimony on both sides issue.

APPA releases 2010 Pet Industry Spending Figures, 2011 Pet Owners Survey

The American Pet Products Association released its 2010 Pet Industry Spending Figures, which showed growth of 6.2% from 2009 to US$48.35 billion in 2010. Petfood spending increased 6.8% to US$18.76 billion in 2010 while pet supplies and over-the-counter medications grew by 5.1% to US$10.94 billion in 2010, APPA found.

Packaged Facts offers US petfood market report

Packaged Facts offers "Pet Food in the US, 9th Edition," a report analyzing the acquisitions and capital investments affecting the petfood market. The report provides overall market size estimates and documents shifts in the competitive landscape, new product and retail developments, as well as trends in petfood purchaser demographics, brand preferences, cross-channel shopping and cross-product purchasing.

Canadian government to invest US$175,000 in Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council

The Government of Canada will invest US$175,000 in the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada to help develop global market opportunities for Canadian petfood products, according to an announcement by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. The federal investment will be provided through the US$88 million AgriMarketing program, under Growing Forward, which helps industry associations implement long-term international strategies.

Page 85 of 97