U.S. and Canada: Page 86

Market Trends and Reports

US petfood sales up to US$18.4 billion in 2010, according to report

According to the report "Pet Food in the US, 9th Edition," released by Packaged Facts, US retail sales of petfood reached US$18.4 billion in 2010, up 2.8% over 2009 sales, but the growth was the slowest the market has seen since 1999. Mass-market outlets led in petfood sales: dog food, the largest petfood category, grew 1.5% in 2010 to reach $3.7 billion, according to the report.

NRG pet products forms US-based NRG USA to expand North American customer base

NRG pet products, a Canada-based dog food company, has formed a US-based branch, NRG USA, to bring NRG-brand dehydrated dog food to markets in the US. NRG has had a presence in Canada for 15 years, and recently decided to extend its reach to the US.

Alabama Court awards Sunshine Mills US$61 million for malfunctioning software

In the second-largest jury verdict in Alabama since at least 2003, the Franklin County Circuit Court awarded US$61 million (including US$45 million of punitive damages) to Sunshine Mills against Ross Systems for malfunctioning software. The three-week trial, which took place in late 2010, brought claims that software sold by Ross Systems created phantom orders, overstated inventories by billions of dollars and created havoc in Sunshine Mills' manufacturing, accounting and shipping departments.

Owner of Hi-Standard Pet Food acquires Joy Pet Foods, Best Feeds

Wade Graskewicz, founder of Hi-Standard Pet Food, has acquired Joy Pet Foods and Best Feeds, adding 22 new products to the portfolio of the Ogden, Illinois, USA, American Nutrition plant where his products are produced. "The acquisition of Joy Pet Foods will strengthen our business platform and allow us to accelerate our growth plans for both brands," said Graskewicz.

Nestle sales increase attributed to strong petfood sales in 2010

Nestle SA reported strong petfood sales in North America and revenue growth in developing countries as reasons for the company's 6% sales increase to nearly US$116 billion in 2010, according to the Glendale News-Press. The company's biggest challenge remains in developed countries, where effects of the recession are still being felt with lower sales, said the company's CEO, Paul Bulcke.

Kostas Kontopanos named president of Hill's Pet Nutrition

Kostas Kontopanos has been named president of Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. US, moving up from his previous position as vice president of marketing. Kontopanos succeeds Suzan Harrison, who was appointed president, commercial business analytics at Colgate-Palmolive in January.

New US food safety bill means changes for importers

The US Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, signed into law on Jan. 4, will have a significant impact on food importers, who will need to focus on things like foreign supplier verification programs, certifications and inspections to comply with the new rules. Regulations will require each importer to have a program to ensure that food produced outside the US is subject to procedures that provide the same level of public health protection as is required of producers in the US.

Market Trends and Reports

Nature's Logic donates over US$50,000 in petfood to animal non-profits

Nature’s Logic announced the company donated more than US$50,000 worth of free petfood to non-profit organizations dedicated to the health and welfare of animals in the past three years. “We believe that all pets deserve the best, including those not yet lucky enough to be in a forever home with a loving family,” said Scott Freeman, owner of Nature’s Logic.

Pet Food Regulations

US petfood labeling update

In the US, petfood labeling is stipulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials Model Regulations for Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food. The models are constantly evolving, with often at least an amendment or two every year.

AAFCOâ€™s Pet Food Committee passed final language on an amendment that would mandate all dog and cat food, treat and supplement labels to bear calorie content statements.

Nestle Purina North America president Terence Block retiring

Terence Block, president of Nestle Purina PetCare's North American petfood division, is retiring after 33 years with the company. His retirement will take effect at the end of 2011.

Pet Food Recalls

CNBC to air documentary examining regulation in the petfood industry

On Thursday, February 10, CNBC will air a documentary that goes inside the US$16 billion dollar petfood industry to determine what caused thousands of dogs and cats in North America to become seriously ill in 2007. "Pet Food: A Dog's Breakfast," will examine regulation in the petfood industry, trying to answer the question, is petfood safe?

Hill's Pet Nutrition launches Healthy Advantage line in US

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. has announced the US launch of Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Advantage, a new line of veterinary exclusive multi-benefit pet nutrition. Science Diet Healthy Advantage focuses on oral health, weight management and feline bladder health.

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