News

Accolade for Cranswick Cranswick Pet Products, the British manufacturer of food and accessories for the wild bird and small animal market, has been awarded an “A” grade rating by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). According to Cranswick, the company is the first and only wild bird food manufacturer to achieve this accolade, which places it in a strong position to supply all market channels. The award follows an audit by BRC inspectors of its manufacturing facilities in Driffield in East Yorkshire, which the company passed with flying colours on its very first attempt. Cranswick has a full product portfolio for the wild bird and small animal market, including lead-ing brands like “Nature’s Feast” and “Bucktons” as well as its customers’ own label ranges. Derek Black, chief executive at Cranswick Pet Products, regards the accolade as recognition of the company’s commitment to quality and its dedication to the continuous improvement of its business practices. Problems with unregistered pet food in South Africa The Pet Food Industry Association of Southern Africa (PFI) has decided for 2011 “to put all its forces and energy behind cleaning up any illegal practices in the pet food industry that harm the image of the industry and may possibly place pets at risk”. According to a PFI release, each pet food product must carry a “V” number followed by “Act 36 of 1947” on the packaging as proof of its registration. “It is absolutely critical for pet owners to ensure that the food they purchase is registered with the department, as this is the only way to ensure that the minimum nutritional standards are met and that the food has been examined to ensure this, and, further, that your pet is getting the best possible and safe food for them,” said PFI executive director Barry Hundley. New survey on pet supplements in the US The market survey company Packaged Facts has published the third edition of its report “Pet Supplements and Nutraceutical Treats in the US”. According to the company, total US retail sales of pet supplements and nutraceutical treats had a volume of more than $1 billion in 2010, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 4 per cent during the five-year period beginning in 2006. Sales growth stalled in 2009 and 2010 as the recession took hold and held on, a slow-down attributed almost entirely to a downturn on the equine side. Distri Zoo in Deauville Two months prior to Expozoo in Paris, another pet supplies show is to be staged in France: Distri Zoo…