Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Month: August 2013

The Honest Kitchen Named One Of America’s “Best Places to Work”

The Honest Kitchen was ranked No. 30 out of 100 companies on Outside Magazine’s 6th annual “Best Places to Work” list.

Outside’s “Best Places to Work” project celebrates the innovative companies setting a new standard for a healthy work-life balance.

“I’m so thrilled that The Honest Kitchen has made the Best Places to Work list again this year,” Lucy Postins, founder and CEO of The Honest Kitchen, said. “We have a real commitment to the well being of our teams, both human and canine, and a strong focus on creating a working environment that fosters individuality and creativity, as we continue our face-paced growth.”

The list was compiled with the help of the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group. The year-long selection process began with an outreach effort that identified a wide range of non-profit and for-profit organizations with at least 15 employees working in an office in the United States.

Participating companies were sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives, and community outreach programs. Best Companies Group then analyzed the results and selected the companies that best enable employees to pursue active lifestyles while also supporting their social and environmental contributions.

“We’re proud to publicize the efforts of these 100 companies,” Outside Editor Christopher Keyes said. “They each show a real commitment to creating active, healthy work environments and put a premium on innovative benefits. Year after year, Outside’s Best Places to Work program demonstrates that America’s most successful companies are the ones that consistently promote true work-life balance for their employees.”

The Honest Kitchen’s San Diego office is dog friendly, which helps keep a fun office culture and promotes regular exercise breaks during the day. In-office perks include two company-owned bikes for employees’ personal use, monthly employee chair massages and reimbursement for fitness coverage such as yoga, gym fees, exercise classes or team membership fees (like kickball, marathon training).

In 2013 The Honest Kitchen introduced a ‘Contribution Teams’ program, which allows staff to contribute to the company’s cultural development and employee happiness, by participating in projects outside of their normal job responsibilities. The company also offers a flexible working schedule, so that each person can create the workplace/outside balance that they need.

Iams, Eukanuba Pet Food Recalled

Procter & Gamble voluntarily recalled specific lots of Iams and Eukanuba dry pet food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, the company said in a press release on their website.

The affected product was distributed to select retailers across the United States, and were made during a 10-day window at a single manufacturing site, according to the release.

P&G’s routine testing determined that some products made during this timeframe had the potential for Salmonella contamination. As a precautionary measure, they recalled the potentially impacted products made during the timeframe.

No other dry dog food, dry cat food, dog or cat canned wet food, biscuits/treats or supplements are affected by this announcement, the company said.

The lots were distributed in the United States and represent roughly one-tenth of one percent of annual production, the company said. No Salmonella-related illnesses have been reported to date in association with these product lots, according to the release.

More information, including the specific lots, can be found on their website.

Pet Food Experts Aqcuires Zeus & Company

Pet Food Experts, Inc., acquired the operating assets of Zeus & Company. Zeus & Company’s distribution business has been servicing independent pet retailers in the Midwest since 1997.

David Levy, president and owner of Zeus & Company, has agreed to join the Pet Food Experts family and will stay on as president of Zeus. Pet Food Experts plans to continue operations at the 62,000-square-foot Des Plaines Distribution Center.

Pet Food Experts will now service retailers located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana and Missouri in addition to its current footprint of New England, New York and Mid-Atlantic.

“We are excited about bringing our family-style personal relationships to Midwest retailers,” Michael Baker, president of Pet Food Experts, said.

SuperZoo Sets Another Record

The 2013 SuperZoo event held in Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, had more attendees and exhibitors than ever before in its history.

SuperZoo experienced unprecedented growth in attendance, exhibitors and square footage for the 4th consecutive year. The 2013 event attracted 9% more attendees than 2012 and 982 exhibitors, while covering an astounding 191,524 square feet of floor space.

“We work hard to add value to the show each year,” World Pet Association President Doug Poindexter said. “It’s so gratifying to see the pet industry respond with such enthusiasm.”

The record-number of exhibitors meant more new-product debuts than any event in the show’s history. SuperZoo’s innovative “neighborhood” floor plan and New Product Showcase made it simple for attendees to find these amazing new releases. From backyard chicken coops, one of the hottest trends sweeping in North America, by Precision Pet Products, to Pet Fly’s sleeper sofa, the first customized convertible sofa bed designed for furry friends, there were future best-sellers for every pet category. Also on tap were Yappy Hour Vineyard’s non-alcoholic gourmet dog wine, Barkworthies’ natural rawhide and antler chews, and Bio Bubble’s convertible pet habitats.

Select exhibitors were rewarded for their innovative efforts through the Best New Products of 2013 awards. Winners were chosen across nine categories, including Best in Show.

This year’s honorees include:

  • Overall Best in Show
    1. iFetch – iFetch
    2. PetChatz – PetChatz
    3. The Company of Animals – GREEN Interactive Feeder Puppy
  •  Aquatic
    1. BioBublle Pets, LLC – BioBubble Premium Generation 3
    2. RefinedKind Pet Products – Zooquariums
    3. Zoo Med Labs, Inc. – Aquasweep Filter Attachment
  • Bird
    1. Volkman See Factory – Petamine Song Food
    2. A&E Cage Company – Natural Java Wood Bird Toys
    3. Lafeber Company – Senior Nutri-Berries
  • Cat
    1. CatMan-Doo – CatMan-Doo Toilet Seat for Cat
    2. Rolf C. Hagen USA Corp. – Catit Design Senses
    3. The Company of Animals – GREEN Interactive Feeder Cat
  • Dog
    1. iFetch – iFetch
    2. PetChatz – PetChatz
    3. The Company of Animals – GREEN Interactive Feeder Puppy
  • Equine
    1. Spurr’s Big Fix – Spurr’s Big Fix
    2. Espree Animal Products, Inc. – Espree Equine Care
    3. Matrix Healthwerks Inc. – Equine Matrix
  • Grooming
    1. Espree Animal Products, Inc. – Bark Art Blow Pens
    2. Fetch… For Pets! – Burt’s Bees
    3. Doggone Cute, Inc. – Kerchiefs, Bowties, Hair Bows
  • Miscellaneous
    1. The Handy Camel – The Handy Camel Bag Clip
    2. Tightpac America, Inc. – PAWVACS
    3. Fetch…For Pets! – Shout for Pets/Arm & Hammer
  • Reptile
    1. BioBubble Pets, LLC – BioBubble Terrarium Riser
    2. Timberline Live Pet Foods – Vita-Bugs
    3. Zoo Med Labs, Inc. – ReptiHabitat Kits – 40 gal
  • Small Animals
    1. Critter Mazes – Critter Mazes
    2. Oxbow Animal Health – Harvest Stacks
    3. BioBubble Pets, LLC – WonderBubble Wonder Kits

Pinterest to Send Alert When Retail Item Is Available

If there were ever another reason you, the pet retailer, should be using Pinterest, this is it.

The social network recently announced that they will send Pinterest users notifications when products they have pinned go on sale, according to the website Mashable.

The move can create all types of benefits for pet retail owners.

Think of this scenario, you are at a trade show, you see a product you like and decide to order it for your store. You pin the product with the proper description. Many of your customers, who are already following you, will see it. They decide they like it and pin it to their board.

The problem is, that although they like it, and want to purchase it, they might forget about it by the time you get it in your store. This service will alert the customer when the product goes on sale in your store.

Retailers, although the company didn’t say how many, are already signing up for the program.

The best part, Pinterest says they are not taking a cut of the sale.

 

 

Planet Dog Partners With Sea Bags

Planet Dog and Sea Bags are partnering to offer unique and eco-friendly dog products.

The Maine companies joined forces to make Planet Dog/Sea Bags On the Go bowls, feedbags and snack sacks in the heart of Portland, Maine’s working waterfront.

Each Planet Dog/Sea Bags On the Go product features a unique and eye-catching design by using recycled sails that Sea Bags sources from all around the world.

The new Planet Dog/Sea Bags collection offers a convenient and stylish way to keep dogs fed, hydrated and supplied with treats. The extraordinarily light, collapsible, rollable, stuffable and very packable waterproof products were designed with easy transport and storage in mind.

“We are thrilled to partner with another like-minded Maine company to offer dog lovers unique, eco-friendly and socially responsible products that are made locally,” Kristen Smith, Planet Dog’s brand manager, said.  “We are both dedicated to making an impact locally and globally and the success of our useful, innovative and award-winning green products has enabled us both to give back.”

Modeled after a paddling dry bag, the Planet Dog/Sea Bags On the Go feedbag keeps up to 30 cups of kibble fresh, while the feather-light On the Go bowl pops open for easy access, sits flat for stability and is available in two sizes.

The Planet Dog/Sea Bags On the Go snack sack features a drawstring closure with a metal clip and belt loop that can be easily attached to the waist.

“The collaboration with Planet Dog is a great opportunity for us to partner with another woman-owned, Maine based company,” Beth Shissler, president of Sea Bags, said. “I admire Planet Dog’s commitment to source more products locally and couldn’t be happier to work with them.”

 

New Pet Care Leader at P&G

David S. Taylor, currently group president – global home care, was elected group president of global health and grooming at Proctor and Gamble.

This sector includes the following global categories: pet care, shave care, health care, Braun and Oral Care.

In addition to leading the sector, Taylor will assume additional responsibility for the pet care business, succeeding Jorge S. Mesquita, who left the company to pursue outside interests.

The change was part of P&G’s decision to group its global business units into four industry-based sectors, as part of the company’s ongoing plan to improve business performance.

Cavin Takes Position at Oxbow

Oxbow Animal Health has hired Michelle Cavin as a technical support specialist on the customer care team.

She will focus on the areas of rescue support, pet owner education and customer inquiries pertaining to product quality. Cavin goes to Oxbow with over 12 years of experience in the animal health industry.

Prior to joining Oxbow, Cavin worked at the Nebraska Animal Medical Center, where she served as client care representative from 2002 to 2013.

Oh to Lead New Division at W.F. Young

Kenneth Oh was named director, pet care division, of W. F. Young, Inc., makers of Absorbine horse care products.

He most recently served as the vice president of sales for Petmate.

In this position, Oh will be responsible for all activities related to the establishment and growth of W. F. Young’s newly created pet care division.

“We are very fortunate to have an individual of Ken’s caliber join us to head our new pet care division,” Adam Raczkowski, president and  COO of W. F. Young, said.

Oh is the current chairman of the board for the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, and serves on the newly established Pet Leadership Council

Worldwise Helps Tornado Victims

Worldwise donated 100 Pooch Planet crate mats to the Oklahoma City Humane Society, after a devastating tornado ripped through the area, leaving many pets lost, injured and homeless.

The company contacted the group to see how they could provide the most assistance, and as a result they requested comfortable crate mats that could help ease the stress and anxiety of a pet when being placed in a crate.

Three different sized PoochPlanet CrateComfort mats were sent, and were put to immediate use.