02/02/2024

Palatability: The importance of flavor in pet nutrition

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people adopted dogs and cats to fight loneliness and bring joy to their families. Abinpet data confirm this increase in the number of pets in households: the dog and cat population in Brazil increased 3.5% and 6% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, not only has the number of pets in homes increased, but the relationship between owners and their pets has also evolved. Owners have adopted a more humanized approach towards their pets, treating them like children. According to the Euromonitor survey, 68.6% of respondents globally say they consider their pets family member¹. Pet owners wish their pets to have their values and lifestyles. According to a Mintel survey, 65% of German pet owners agree that their pet's diet has a direct impact on their emotional well-being². This indicates that the pet owners' are more concerned with their pets' health and nutrition has changed, and are now considered essential expenses. Promoting pet well-being and improving their quality of life have become priorities. The humanization trend has led many 'pet parents' to seek pet foods that contain the same ingredients and meet the same claims when purchasing their own and their family's foods. For instance, Mintel data shows that 38% of pet owners in the US seek natural foods for their pets³. In the UK, 53% of pet food buyers agree that those made with sustainable ingredients, such as byproducts from other food production, are more attractive². As a result of this new pet humanization trend, pet food companies have changed their production practices. In addition to sustainability, health, and trends such as Upcycling Food considerations, the industry has also focused on palatability. Pet food companies have given more attention to the characteristics of their products, including texture, aroma, perception, and, of course, flavor.   WHAT IS PALATABILITY   Just like with humans, food appreciation plays a key role in pet diets, ensuring that they consume the required amount of nutrients. But what is the role of palatability? Food palatability involves a combination of factors, such as texture, shape, odor, flavor, and mouthfeel. It also plays a key role in improving the flavor of foods for special diets, balancing the composition of essential nutrients and vitamins with a pleasant flavor for animals. In other words, palatability is related to food savoriness and desirability. After all, dogs and cats have their own preferences and may reject foods that do not meet their individual taste. The primary factor that affect palatability are:
    In short, palatability plays an essential role in dog and cat nutrition. Even though the food contains all the required nutrients, it will not be effective if it does stimulate the animals' appetite.   THE ROLE OF YEAST EXTRACT IN PALATABILITY   Choosing the right ingredients and flavor enhancers in pet food production plays an essential role in market differentiation. It increases the chances of getting the palatability right and, consequently, being appreciated by pets. The most frequently used natural flavor enhancers are yeasts, essential oils, fats, vegetable oils, organic acids, spray-dried animal plasma, protein hydrolyzate, distillates, or food roasting and heating. Adding yeast extracts to food stimulates the palate of dogs and cats, as they have an attractive flavor. Yeast extracts provides Umami, sweet, and sour flavors, optimizing food consumption and the utilization of specific amino acids. Yeast extracts can be incorporated in the food mash or as coating, together with other flavor enhancers. allowing its utilization in a variety of pet food formulations, from extruded dry diets to nutraceutical compounds.   IMPROVING PET FOOD PALATABILITY   Since 2003, Biorigin has used biotechnology to enhance the flavor of a wide range of human foods and to offer yeast-based solutions to increase the attractiveness of pet foods The company has recently launched the innovative PalaUp product line, which applies all its know-how in pet food ingredient production. The PalaUp line is clean label and sustainable. It provides Umami flavor, and specific meat and roast chicken notes, bringing the taste buds of the owner and their pet closer together. It can be used in different applications, and combined with different arrays of ingredients to provide unique sensory experiences to pets. By applying Biorigin's extensive knowledge in human nutrition, PalaUp contributes to make pets' lives even more pleasant and humanized! For more information on the PalaUp line, CLICK HERE. By: Biorigin Sources: ¹ Premiumisation in Pet Care: Inflation and Beyond (Euromonitor, 2023)  ² Patent insights: innovations shaping pet food (Mintel, 2022)  ³ A year of innovation in pet food and products (Mintel, 2023)

18/10/2023

Palatability: the importance of producing palatable food

By María Candelaria Carbajo

In a study done by professionals from Australian and New Zealander universities, research analysis and compilation were carried out to gather information about the importance of palatability and its drivers in certain pet foods.   The pet food industry and growth does not stop The pet food industry is an important sector of the rapidly growing pet care market. However, while the number of new and innovative products keeps growing, research and development to assess their performance follow traditional palatability methodology. These focus on analyzing the amount of food consumed by using one and two-bowl tests. Nowadays, we know that, although foods are primarily formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition, palatability is a crucial factor in determining the success or failure of a product in the marketplace and its likelihood of repurchase.   Nutritional requirements of dogs and cats Cats and dogs are members of the carnivore order. While the name implies that both are specialized carnivores, each species originated from different branches: the domestic cat is part of the Felidae family, whereas the domestic dog is part of the Canidae family. Nutritional requirements, feeding behavior, and food selection choices vary considerably between the two species. Compared to their carnivorous wolf ancestors, today's domestic dogs can consume food of both animal and non-animal origin and are, therefore, classified as facultative carnivores. For their part, cats are one of the most recently domesticated mammal species. They are solitary hunters who often hunt prey much smaller than their body mass, requiring them to do it several times a day to meet their needs. They are classified as intermittent eaters who consume multiple small meals over a 24-hour period, and are generally much more picky, compared to dogs: they can detect small differences in the food composition offered to them. Unlike dogs, they are obligate carnivores in their methods of ingesting, digesting, and metabolizing meat-based diets, as without animal protein, cats can suffer from severe nutritional deficiencies.   How do they behave? Both cats and dogs tend to display neophilic behavior, defined as a tendency for new and unknown food, as opposed to neophobia, the avoidance of it. In some cases, already somewhat extreme, cats can show metaphilia, the demand to change a portion of food once it becomes familiar to their palates.   Preferences and palatability With the increasing number of pet foods available on the market, palatability has become the main criterion used to measure product performance. These foods' physical and chemical properties, linked to the promotion or suppression of eating behavior during the preabsorption period, are those that define, to a large extent, whether or not their owners will buy one food again or not, since they have a direct relationship with the perception of pleasure or taste during consumption.   Palatability tests The consumption test (how much food is consumed over time) is the most widely used technique to assess food palatability. It can be applied by seeking to analyze the palatability of a single product or by comparing more than one with another to determine group preferences. One-bowl test In this test, a single product is presented to a defined number of animals and repeated over several days to eliminate environmental influences. It is useful to reflect more accurately the different options provided at homes. Currently, the problem with this test is that it does not show a real preference for any specific food and, furthermore, it does not provide enough information to be able to certify an improvement in a product. Two-bowl test The two-bowl test is the other traditional method of palatability testing for research and involves presenting 2 foods simultaneously to an animal for a defined period, allowing the animal to choose and show its preference.   Behavior as a measure of palatability Pets can't speak about their preferences and tastes, so studies should focus on assessing their behavioral response to various foods to obtain an additional objective measure of palatability. Regarding this, in the case of cats, for example, in a study by Van den Bos, it was possible to identify certain physical responses that seemed to be related to liking or aversion to different foods, also known as taste reactivity tests. The taste for food was distinguished by licking and sniffing their feeder, licking their lips, and grooming their face. Food refusal was differentiated by licking and sniffing food and nose licking. Another defining aspect is the time cats spend sniffing food.   Biological aspects In addition to differences in feeding behavior and nutrient requirements, the main factors influencing cat and dog food preferences also vary. In dogs, preference for odor has been identified as the likely palatability driver in a study (Hall, 2017) in which dogs were presented with two bowls of 1 out of 4 chicken-flavored foods and, in 89 % of the tests, consumed more of the food they had initially selected. In another study carried out by Roberts in 2018, it was concluded that dogs could choose their preferred diet before trying it, and it is possible that the smell was a key factor in making this picking. In the case of cats, they use both smell and taste to detect and select food. Although not as highly developed as dogs, they use their smell sense to recognize both new and trusted scents. Food preference is often strongly influenced by their mothers' food choices and exposure to food during pregnancy via amniotic fluid, even in the first few years of life. This limited exposure to different foods in their first years can result in a preference for that taste, known as the primacy effect. However, it may not be seen in practice, as some cats show neophilia to various options. Additionally, when cats face two familiar and abundant types of food, they will eat a mix of both to obtain a wide variety of nutrients and maximize long-term nutritional benefits. Regarding food selection, several studies have proven that the most influential aspect of the decision is taste, smell, and color.   The future can't wait! Pet food palatability is a key aspect for both manufacturers and pet owners. Currently, traditional palatability testing methods are used to assess the acceptance and preference of balanced pet foods and snacks. However, there are gaps in our knowledge in this area, and more research is needed to determine the fundamental factors responsible for choosing one food over another. Modern techniques such as metabolomics can unlock this knowledge, but, we'll say it again: investment is needed for its successful development. Taking a collective approach that uses both traditional palatability testing methods and modern testing can be the fair and balanced way to determine the optimal level of ingredient inclusion, maximize palatability, recognize the nutrients responsible for driving preference, and more.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

18/09/2023

Pet Fair Asia 2023 Reflections

Pet Fair Asia is considered the benchmark exhibition for pet supply companies in Asia-Pacific. The event gives significant importance to Asian markets and presents a wide coverage of supply chain and sourcing needs. In this blog, Charlie Xie, Technical Service Manager for AFB China, reports on various market trends and products while at the event Compared with traditional baked kibble, some manufacturers have redesigned the shape and introduced multiple colors. It is relatively novel among many baked kibble brands. Some brands and manufacturers have also designed chips for pets, similar to potato chips eaten by people. The main component of chips for pets is meat. The chips are very crispy, meeting the cat's texture preference. Dogs also like to eat these chips. One company was displaying freeze-dried dietary fiber meat, which increases the intake of dietary fiber in cats, helping to promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent intestinal hairballs, reduce constipation, and reduce fecal odor. Multi-colored Kibble Looking at customized meals for pets, the daily nutritional needs are customized according to the physical condition of each pet. The corresponding nutritional plan is formulated according to age, weight, gender, and other information. The daily diet could include kibble, freeze-dried, wet pet food, snacks, etc. The diet will also be customized according to customer requirements, such as plans to help fur appear healthier and more beautiful, increase intestinal health, improve oral health, and support weight loss A new concept around wet food packaging is the mini can of cat food. Cats are often fed many times a day, leading to relatively small food intake at each meal. When using a can, there may be a surplus, resulting in leftover food that is not fresh. Therefore, a brand has designed a smaller package where each mini can is 35g. This can be consumed in full every time, and part of the package is transparent so you can see the contents. Another packaging product was the Tetra Pak Packaging Wet Pet Food. Using sealed filling Tetra Recart packaging technology, low-carbon paper, environmentally friendly, recyclable materials, to promote sustainable development. This packaging uses Tetra Pak's first 9-layer packaging technology, and the shelf life can reach 24 months without adding any preservatives 35g wet cat can food and Tetra Pak Packaging for wet food Other products that were displayed were around special needs, such as a pill used to wrap medicine. Often, pets refuse to take medicine due to poor palatability. In order to solve this problem, the brand has designed a medicine-feeding product, which wraps tablets so pets successfully take medicine. This pill has very good palatability, which can cover up the bad taste. Some brands make pet nutritional supplements into the shape of coffee capsules, mixed with water, and fed to pets for pet nutrition supplements. Pills used to wrap medicine.  Attending these types of shows is valuable to market research. At AFB, our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better. Seeing new products in person helps us support our customers using new technology. Please reach out to Charlie Xie at [email protected] if you want to learn more about AFB palatants and our services and solutions in China. We Make Pet Food Taste Great.TM by AFB International Source: All Pet Food 

01/09/2023

Market Trends and Highlights from SUPERZOO 2023

Dry pet food is being differentiated with broth or raw coatings and various inclusions such as jerky, baked or air dried ingredients to make the classic feeding occasion different for dogs and cats.  Functional ingredients continue to dominate coming out of the pandemic with calming claims, new dental designs for mechanical cleaning action, and combinations of historical health focused needs like urinary tract health and gut health in a single item.  Wet food continues to add health benefits to elevate above just a culinary experience with additions like prebiotic fiber in wet food, moisture rich for hydration claims, low phosphorous for kidney health, and probiotic inclusion in bone broth.  Several established brands with strong equity extended into different feeding occasions or species looking to use that equity to grow.   Specific examples are leading snacks brands into complete and balanced kibble and cat focused brands into dog offerings.  CBD offerings were available but not near as many as several years ago.  Sustainability can be seen in packaging and ingredient sourcing claims but is much less prevalent in NA than EU new items showcases.  Insect, which was really prominent at ZOOMARK in Italy, made its way into some diet offerings for NA. UV attractants in litter and flavored bubbles for dogs were interesting items that are signs of the category moving from its focus on supply chain assurance and back to bringing out novel offerings. We are looking forward to seeing the new market trends next year! by AFB International 

07/07/2023

FENAGRA 2023 Reflections

This year, more than 7,000 people attended the event with goals to find new suppliers, learn about innovative products and solutions, and discuss new trends in the industry. FENAGRA promoted its Technical Congresses that discussed important issues for the sector, which had the participation of more than 1,800 professionals. The result was 2 days of tradeshow, 3 days of Congresses and 145 exhibitors Marcelo Beraldo, LATAM Director at AFB remarked about the event: 'FENAGRA 2023 has taken an unprecedented proportion in terms of size, quality of visitors and presence of important companies. It was the first post-pandemic event, which enabled a lighter and happier energy. The distancing was replaced by the desire to talk and enjoy the typical Latin warmth of this event. We had excellent contact with our customers and suppliers too.' For Leeann Bo, AFB Global Product Manager, this was her first visit to Brazil and to FENAGRA:'I was impressed by the quantity and variety of information about pet food ingredients. It was a large event with companies bringing many employees from various functions and sectors, leading to valuable conversations and connections'. Carolina Junqueira, responsible for the R&D Department of AFB Brazil, attended the 3 days of congress and said: 'Always a very good time to see friends and learn a lot from professionals, not only from Brazil but also from other countries. Every year is a rich experience!' The day before its opening, AFB participated in a pre-event organized by the company Alltech. It was a day for informative lectures and great networking opportunities in the same complex in which FENAGRA is held. The lecture 'Conditions that affect the palatability of pet food' was presented by Cesar Garrasino, Technical Manager of AFB LATAM. The lecture delved into the various factors that influence the palatability of pet food, an interesting topic for the audience, which was composed mostly of professionals responsible for formulation in pet food companies. Our booth, the information we provided there, the good service and reception of the AFB team once again made a difference in FENAGRA 2023. Our place is guaranteed at FENAGRA 2024, which will be held in an even larger event space that will now be in the capital of the state São Paulo. We value the time spent with our dear customers, suppliers and AFB colleagues from other locations. See you next year! by AFB International Source: All Pet Food   

18/04/2023

A study analyzes the role of palatability in the pet nutrition industry

The pet food industry is an important sector of the growing pet care market. The industry's growth to date can be attributed to a number of trends that have resulted in a significant increase in the number of new and innovative products available to pet parents. Although pet foods are primarily formulated to provide a complete and balanced nutrition, palatability has been identified as a key factor to determining the success or failure of a product in the marketplace and the chances of repurchase. Therefore, a group of researchers from Massey University carried out a scientific review in which they analyze the methods used to assess the palatability of pet foods, along with a discussion of the palatability drivers . They also study the feeding behavior and nutritional requirements of both dogs and cats, the different pet food formats available, and the ingredients commonly included in pet foods. 'The research on pet food palatability focuses on the amount of food consumed using one-bowl and two-bowl tests, but the differences observed, particularly at the key ingredient level, is poorly understood,' they explain. According to the experts palatability is defined as the physical and chemical properties of the diet, which are linked to the promotion or suppression of eating behavior during the preabsorptive period. 'Instead of being associated with a desire or need, palatability is linked to the perception of pleasure or taste during consumption. In other words, the  palatable food is that considered easily accepted by an animal', researches highligted According to them  palatability in pet food, especially for cats, remains of great importance to both manufacturers and owners. Currently, traditional palatability testing methods are used to assess the acceptance and preference of complete and balanced pet foods and treats. However, until very recently, few studies have used these traditional methods to assess the palatability of individual dietary components, mainly meat and its derivatives, which are important to the carnivorous cat. 'Cats are known to show differences in the palatability of selected by-products; however, there are gaps of our knowledge in this area and more work is required to determine the main factors responsible for these differences'. For the authors, modern techniques such as metabolomics can unlock this knowledge, but pet food research is still underdeveloped. "In the future, a collective approach using traditional palatability testing methods and modern analytical tests may help determine not only the optimal level of ingredient inclusion to maximize palatability, but also the nutrients responsible for driving preference," they conclude. THE PET NUTRITION INDUSTRY AND ITS COMMITMENT TO PALATABILITY As highlighted in the study, the pet food industry takes palatability into account when developing its products. This is the case of the Canadian company Champion Petfoods, manufacturer of the Orijen and Acana brands, distributed in Spain by Masale. Thus, at Champion Petfoods they regularly carry out palatability tests on their diets, comparing them with their competitors in the same category in order to assess  the degree of acceptance by the animals. For instance, in one of the tests, they compared an Acana product to a diet from another brand, and more than half of the dogs were attracted by the known diet due to its scent, and 90% of the time dogs ate its diet first. In another test, Acana diet showed a 9:1 consumption ratio against its alternative. This means for every bowl of food from other brand, 9 bowls of Acana were consumed by the dogs. After performing a statistical analysis of the results collected from the palatability tests, they can conclude their diets outperform other alternatives. "We believe that our high-quality ingredients and high meat content make us leaders," they defend. By Francisco Ramón López

10/02/2023

Get Your Pet Food Palatable

The pet feed market shows high growth levels worldwide and, together with the trends that guide this market, such as humanization and segmentation of products, the development and launching of innovative products is essential for companies to stand out on the market. Biorigin understands this need and, for 15 years, it has been offering natural solutions to meet the market demands and increase the added value of its clients' products. Thinking about delivering more palatability to pet food, Biorigin brings to the market PalaUp, a new line of yeast-based products developed to enhance the taste of food naturally and add specific flavor notes, such as meat and chicken. For tasty foods, choose Biorigin! Learn more about the benefits of Biorigin's products to improve the health and well-being of pets. Improve the overall taste of pet food products in a natural way! Pet owners are becoming increasingly interested in more sustainable and natural claims, but for pets, the taste is everything. Combine both demands with PalaUp yeast extracts and deliver tasty and healthy products to the market. PalaUp add specific taste notes to your pet food: • Chicken
• Beef PalaUp - Coming soon…But you will know 1st! by Biorigin     

06/01/2023

AFB website – User experience improved!

A primary purpose of AFB's website is to share important information about pet food and palatants with pet professionals. To improve the visitor experience, AFB's digital website platform has recently been enhanced to be more user-friendly, especially when looking for specific information. Visitors can find various technical downloads on palatability-related topics. The papers are designed to be informative for all visitors, including those who are new to the industry as well as those with more experience.       AFB's regularly updated blog reports include technical white papers, global tradeshow presentation announcements, and AFB corporate news.  And now you can access both our technical downloads and read our blogs on our main website by doing a keyword search. We invite you to check out all the pages on the AFB website – there is more content and numerous improvements not mentioned here for visitors to enjoy. If you have questions or suggestions for digital content, please email AFB at [email protected]. ABOUT AFB INTERNATIONAL by AFB International  Source: All Pet Food

31/10/2022

Kemin introduces new palatant line for wet cat food formulas

DES MOINES, IOWA — Kemin Nutrisurance, the pet food and rendering segment of Kemin Industries, recently announced a new line of palatants for use in wet cat food: PALIVATE™. With increased consumer awareness of pet health, many have switched their pets to more appetizing meals, like wet formats, which are often considered to be highly palatable. According to data shared by Kemin and reported by Euromonitor, cat owners choose wet formulas almost as often as dry ones, with wet cat food comprising 44% of the global volume of cat food. Although wet cat food is believed to be highly palatable, many consumers and pet food processors have struggled to get a cat to consume wet food, according to Kemin. Kemin's new PALIVATE palatants are designed to increase palatability of wet formulas while minimizing negative effects to a formula's overall integrity. The PALIVATE line can withstand retort processing and can be used for formats with low inclusions, including loaves and chunks in gravy. According to testing conducted by Kemin, the addition of PALIVATE in chunks in gravy formats increased a cat's overall intake of the food. The dry palatants also significantly outperformed a competitive palatant when used in chicken- and salmon-based loaf formulas, according to the company. By Nicole Kerwin - Pet Food Processing 

25/10/2022

Kimberly Nelson named president of Kemin Nutrisurance

Kemin Industries has named Kimberly Nelson, a third-generation member of Kemin's founding family, as president of Kemin Nutrisurance, the company's pet food and rendering technologies business unit. Kemin, a family-owned-and-operated company, was founded by Nelson's grandparents, R.W. and Mary Nelson, 61 years ago. Nelson has been with Kemin for seven years, most recently serving as General Manager – North America for Kemin Nutrisurance. During her tenure, the global business unit saw double-digit sales growth despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its stress on the supply chain. 'I'm thrilled to lead Kemin Nutrisurance and immensely proud to continue the important work my family has built over the last six decades,' said Nelson. 'As a pet owner myself, I'm especially excited to be part of this business unit, and I am eager to continue our success and expand upon it to further cement our position as an industry leader.' Prior to joining Kemin Nutrisurance, Nelson served as President of Kemin Textile Auxiliaries, operating under the brand Garmon Chemicals, which provides total chemical solutions for the denim and apparel industry. Nelson helped lead the acquisition of Garmon Chemicals in early 2018 and served as Business Development Manager, then General Manager – India, for Kemin Textile Auxiliaries. 'I am very pleased to promote Kimberly Nelson to President of Kemin Nutrisurance, as she has demonstrated the people-focused leadership and business savvy needed to guide our pet food and rendering business,' said David Raveyre, Worldwide Group President, Kemin Industries. 'Kimberly has an excellent track record of driving innovation and has demonstrated her ability to effectively direct a global business unit. With the results she's already delivered, I'm confident she will continue the impressive legacy of the Nelson family and Kemin.' Nelson spent five years in marketing in Hong Kong before joining Kemin in 2017. She received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and her master's degree from Savannah College of Art and Design. Nelson will begin her new role in October 2022, and Alberto Muñoz, currently Marketing Director for Kemin Nutrisurance, will fill her previous position as General Manager – North America for the business unit. By Kemin Industries All Pet Food    

24/10/2022

Marcelo Beraldo Costa – Appointed as LATAM Director

When I started 17 years ago, I never would have imagined the growth of AFB in Latin America, let alone the pet food market growth this region has experienced. My journey with AFB has included the growth and expansion of facilities in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. So, in August of this year when I was approached to be the LATAM Director, it was with gratitude, joy, and reflection that I accepted this role. The political and economic issues of our region make the landscape even more challenging, but the access to raw materials helps balance things. At the end of the day, pet food is an exciting place to be right now. We continue to see changes in what pet parents want in their pets' food. Today, there is more focus on health and wellness, and it is our responsibility to ensure that pets enjoy the taste of their meals, but we also respect the trends our customers want to claim on their diets. Therefore, our innovation must focus on two things at the same time: meeting the palatability needs of our customers and honoring their brand philosophy. As the pet food market grows and changes, AFB must constantly innovate to meet the needs of pet food companies. For AFB, having centralized leadership for the Latin American region is of great importance. This is how the advances of this region will be enhanced, through coordinated actions. That means actions with the same direction and intensity. A global mindset helps us experience regional growth because we can adjust to changing industry and economic challenges. In a recent magazine interview, I talked about some of the latest pet food industry challenges around supply assurance. 'Between global supply chain problems and material shortages, pet food procurement and technical teams have been a very exciting experience. All these challenges make our industry stronger and improve our resilience, but we believe it's also caused a temporary dip in pet food innovation. Fortunately, our industry is coming out of it now, stronger than ever and excited to get back to the business of pet food innovation.' Speaking of local actions, I cannot forget to mention the successful return of in-person tradeshows in the region. In May, we had FENAGRA in Brazil, where we had the opportunity to present 'Palatability in Pet Food'. In June we exhibited at Foro de Mascotas in Mexico, where we met with many of our customers and industry professionals. Finally, in September, we exhibited at CIPAL in Argentina, where we also had a presentation on the topic of measuring food enjoyment in cats beyond consumption. All these events create great business opportunities, closer ties with our customers and an understanding of market challenges. It is with enthusiasm and optimism that I visualize our challenges to further expand AFB in Latin America and as a consequence, expand AFB globally. Feel free to reach out to discuss how AFB collaborates with our customers to develop tailored pet food palatants to meet specific needs. You can reach me at [email protected]. By: Marcelo Beraldo da Costa Source: All Pet Food

22/09/2022

Expanding our North American Footprint

Due to this industry growth, AFB International is excited to announce in a recent news release our third North American manufacturing site in Columbus, Georgia – investing more than $79 million in the new facility and creating more than 100 new jobs in the next five years. The construction of a new plant demonstrates the strength of our industry, our customers, and our company. Andy Zenor, Senior Director of North America said 'We received a lot of feedback from customers … all of it positive. Customers were really excited to see this investment by AFB to support their growing demand. It really shows our commitment to the industry.' Columbus, Georgia is a thriving community with rich backgrounds in food manufacturing and science and technology. The area is home to several technical colleges and post-educational establishments, along with Fort Benning, to provide a strong, diverse talent pool. 'AFB is excited to become part of the Columbus community. We are proud of the work we've done since 1986 to make pet food taste great, and pleased to continue our growth with the talented workforce in the Columbus region,' said Jared Lozo, President of AFB. Even though operations at the Columbus plant are not expected to fully begin until 2024, AFB's Human Resources team is starting the recruiting process early. A few positions will be hired to assist with the facility construction starting in 2023. Check out the Careers page and apply today. by AFB International All Pet Food

05/08/2022

AFB International to Create More than 100 New Jobs in Columbus

"Since taking office, I have been laser-focused on bringing opportunities to every corner of our state, and I am excited that a great company like AFB is answering that call and investing in the Columbus community," said Governor Kemp. "Near Fort Benning, AFB will find a highly capable workforce ready to meet their needs. I look forward to seeing this project's impact, including its impact on the many military and veteran residents who could fill these quality positions." AFB develops, manufactures, and sells palatant ingredients to pet food companies worldwide. Palatants are ingredients that make pet foods, treats, and supplements taste great, ensuring pets enjoy their feeding occasions and get the vital nutrients they need. "AFB is excited to become part of the Columbus community," said AFB International President Jared Lozo. "We are proud of the work we've done since 1986 to make pet food taste great, and pleased to continue our growth with the talented workforce in the Columbus region. For AFB, this plant is key to fulfilling our commitment to be the most responsive and reliable supplier of pet food palatant solutions in the world." AFB's new facility will be located at the Muscogee Technology Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Certified site in Muscogee County. Operations are expected to begin in 2024. The company will be hiring for management, engineering, operations, and administrative support positions. Interested individuals can learn more at //afbinternational.com/careers. "As a global science and technology leader, AFB will be a great partner for our community," said Heath Schondelmayer, Chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. "We are extremely excited about this announcement today because growing Columbus and creating jobs for this community is our top priority. Our local economic development team and our State of Georgia partners came together to turn this opportunity into a win, and we're confident that our top-notch quality of life and talented workforce will ultimately set up AFB to achieve business success for many years to come." Project Manager John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start. For more than 50 years, Quick Start, provided through the Technical College System of Georgia, has helped assess workers, train new employees on unique processes on projects, and develop customized job-specific training using the most current techniques and media. "AFB perfectly aligns with Georgia's spirit of collaboration and innovation, and we are excited for the jobs and opportunities their new facility will create for local communities," said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. "Urgency of customer demand has been a key challenge for many companies in the last year. We are grateful for our partners in Columbus for investing in speed-to-market solutions like the GRAD program, and we look forward to AFB's future success in Georgia!" In order to earn a GRAD program certification, a property must undergo due diligence and complete specific certification requirements before a prospective business visit. Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way for both community planners and landowners to help catalyze economic growth and industrial development for the regions they serve. Through this program, Georgia has more than 60 industrial certified sites ready for fast-track industrial projects. About Applied Food Biotechnology For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. The company's palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. Headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, USA, AFB has offices and production facilities strategically positioned around the globe in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, China, and Australia. AFB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., a privately-held, family-owned, professionally managed technical business that traces its roots back more than 175 years Source: AFB International by All Pet Food 

20/04/2022

Our Coworkers have Fur and Tails !! Welcome to AFB's Dog- Fiendly Worplace

'In 2017 AFB's global headquarters instituted a dog-friendly workplace, and the benefits have far exceeded expectations. Having dogs in the office complements AFB's positive culture and helps create a happier, healthier workplace,' says Morgan Clarkson, Global HR Director. And employees agree. 'I believe having Sasha here in the office with me helps lower my stress levels. When I'm having a hectic day of meetings and calls, taking her out for a short walk helps me take a mental break and re-energize. And I get the added benefit of a little exercise,' says Lynn Cruz, Quality Assurance. Dogs in the office also encourages a more collaborative culture. Many relationships started simply because one colleague stopped to say hi and pet another employee's dog. 'Sometimes I think my coworkers like seeing Phillip more than me,' jokes Greg Hibbard, Product Manager. Many more companies are also learning the benefits of a pet-friendly workplace. 'A study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), revealed that 90 percent of employees in pet friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company's mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims. Employees in pet friendly workplaces were also more likely to stay with their company in the future.' Additionally, a dog-friendly work environment helps attract talent. 'I was very excited when I learned AFB was a dog-friendly workplace and that really drew me to the company. Seeing dogs at work every day definitely makes work more fun! We just got a new puppy and I'm looking forward to when she's old enough to come to work with me,' says Emma Koziel, Customer Engagement Scientist. If you are looking for a company where dogs are welcome in the office, take a look at AFB International. Check out our open positions. A career at AFB offers exciting opportunities for development and growth while surrounded by our furry friends. by AFB International All Pet food  

04/03/2022

Beyond Taste

When it comes to functional treats—those providing benefits along with taste—pets have it all over people. Consider: It's well-documented that although people would like to eat healthier, their desire to do so is often at odds with their behavior. When we know a treat is good for us, it often makes it seem somehow less snackier and indulgent, resulting in a reach for that 'forbidden' sweet instead. But dogs and cats experience no such conflict. All they care about is eating something tasty, even if at the same time it promotes heart or joint health or cleans their teeth. Consequently, if people fall short of their own dietary goals, they can at least easily give their pets something healthier, bringing no small measure of satisfaction. Functional treats fit into people's desires to support pet wellness, a reflection of the humanization going on in the industry, says Sam Chen, sales director for pet treat manufacturer NPIC. 'This is why pet owners are paying more attention to the ingredients, nutrition and functional benefits of the treats fed to their pets,' he says. 'They want the treats to be beneficial, instead of just empty calories.'  These treats are also a reflective of the holistic approach some folks are taking towards their diets, says Ann Hudson, vice president of marketing for Whitebridge Pet Brands, LLC, makers of a range of minimally processed and natural dog and cat foods and treats., as well as supplements and science-based OTC solutions. Of course, many pet owners are attracted to these items because of their formulations, which help them address specific health concerns while at the same time 'pampering' their furry buddies with a treat, Hudson explains. 'Another practical benefit is that functional treats' palatability allows owners to administer health solutions while avoiding the struggle of getting their pet to consumer a pill or tablet,' she adds.  Along with delivering desirable benefits, functional treats are a good way to inject a dose of fun into the pets' daily routine, says Eric Abbey, president and founder of Loving Pets, which offers all-natural dog and cat treats along with feeding bowls and other related accessories. Among the products they offer are the Toothsticks Daily Dental Dog Treats, the Ora-Bone USA Dental Chew and ActivPetz. This latter treat contains 'significant levels' of vet-recommended supplements as well as real meat and fish.  Intentional & Purposeful In addition to functionality, pet owners are placing importance on ingredient quality and quantity, according to Basel 'Vasili' Nassar, founder of Boss Nation Brands, Inc., a company that provides functional treats, supplements and complete meal systems available under the Boss Dog and Boss Cat brands. They're also increasingly focused on product/ingredient origin, the ethical treatment of animals (for example, pasture-raised or free-range, grass-fed, etc.) and are avoidant of GMOs and 'added-statements,' he says.  Safety, meaning proper processing and testing of products before releasing them onto the market, are also big issues, Nassar adds. Chen is noticing the same. 'We've seen pet owners become more intentional and purposeful when it comes to their decision-making,' he says. 'They're now spending more time reading, not just the brand on the front of the bag but also the ingredients and the nutritional information on the back.' Safety and quality are huge with pet owners, Hudson confirms.  '[These concerns] are driving a demand for functional treats made in the U.S. and those with natural ingredients,' she explains. 'These characteristics are extra-important to the pet owners who buy functional treats because they have such a strong health focus to begin with.' The three biggest problems pet owners are hoping functional treats will help address are hip and joint, skin and coat, and digestive health, Hudson says. In response, Whitebridge offers Dogswell Jerky Treats, functional chews formulated to provide solutions for these and other issues. Included in the jerky range are the Dogswell Hip & Joint Jerky (beef, chicken breast and duck recipes, contains 2000 mg./kg. of glucosamine); and the Dogswell Gut Health Jerky (lamb with live probiotics like Bacillus and Lactobacillus). All the treats are made in the U.S. and contain real meat as the No. 1 ingredient. According to Chen, the functional treats category is innovative and competitive, with many entries in the soft-treat format. This has inspired them to develop various shapes through extrusion and injection, such as the Get Naked Functional Dental Sticks. Chen sees demand as just starting to bloom. 'I don't think as an industry we are quite there yet because the consumer trend—pet humanization—didn't really take off until about six months into the pandemic, after we got to spend more time than ever with our pets,' he explains. 'The emotional attachment we built over that period then became the driving force behind the change in perspective and behavior, which led to a strong focus on pets' health and wellness.' Hudson agrees there's room for more innovation, and 'tremendous opportunities' for growth, citing research showing functional treats currently comprise just a 17 percent share of the overall treat market.  '[But] additionally, the 2021 Packaged Facts Pet Treats and Chews in the US report reveals that a convincing majority (70%) of pet owners prefer to buy treats that address health concerns or provide extra nutrition and almost as many (67%) agree that functional treats play an important role in their pets' health care.' Engagement is Key In order to begin closing this gap between perception about the value of functional treats and their actual market share, consumer education is a must. This is where pet specialty retailers should take the lead.  'When it comes to marketing and education, our focus isn't only on the end consumer but also on our retail partners,' says Chen. 'It's even more important to a certain degree because we're counting on them to be our advocates in front of the customer. That's why we are heavily invested in trade communications and sales programs. We hope that through communication via multiple touchpoints we can drive the messages home.'  NPIC isn't the only pet product company making a concerted effort to support pet specialty retailers in the education and sales efforts. For example, Boss Nation has an 'at your service' team to assist retailers with POS materials, signage and couponing, among other support tactics. In addition to retailer education, Loving Pets also strives to build awareness through a variety of selling tools, such as special displays, clip-strips, floor displays and sampling programs.  Engaging with customers is also essential for positioning the store and its staff as a go-to resource for pet health, ensuring customer loyalty. Along with asking about the pet's age, breed, activity level and overall health, get specific. Does the pet have bad breath? Does the skin seem irritated, with the coat dull, dry and flaky? Is joint pain present? Is the pet under medical care and if so for what issue(s)? What kind of food is the owner feeding and why? Are there foods/proteins the pet seems sensitive to? Also inquire about the pet's weight, especially important in these COVID-19 times. 'Over the past year there's been a dramatic rise in overweight pets, which many experts attribute to increased treating by owners staying at home during the pandemic,' says Hudson. 'Functional treats allow owners to give treats that serve a purpose and can help cut down on empty calories.' In fact, Abbey says that one of the most common mistakes that pet owners make is over-treating their animals, or giving them calorie-laden treats, cautioning that retailers should be aware of this issue and take pains to inform their customers on how to promote health from the inside out. Store staff should also pay attention to what products pet owners are buying, since functional treats are a nice 'tie-in' with many of them, says Hudson. For example, if someone is purchasing a supplement for joint pain, suggesting a functional treat formulated to support joint health would be appropriate. As such, cross-merchandising options are abundant, like placing treats for gut health with foods supporting the same.  Retailers can also group products designed to promote healthy, shiny coats—shampoos, conditioners, supplements, functional treats, etc.—in one special display, suggests Hudson. 'Because they hold such a huge potential as add-ons to customers seeking health solutions, functional treats can create larger shopping carts,' she says. 'Not only are pet owners interested in functional treats, they're also willing to spend more on them. So functional treats can also boost retail bottom lines through higher-ticket sales.'  PB By Pamela Mills-Senn  - Pet Business

01/02/2022

Cat eating enjoyment informs preference of food components

Cat pet parents, for example, note their cats are inclined to lick the gravy and refuse the chunks in chunks and gravy meals, which suggests to pet parents the chunks are less enjoyable. Research at AFB International includes creative methods to measure palatability preference in cats and dogs for various food types, including those with multiple shapes and textures. Eating enjoyment is a dimension of palatability and can be interpreted by the pet's interaction with the food, and/or by what pet parents perceive as they watch their pet eat. In a recent study, we measured multiple responses during cats' interactions with food and summarized them as Initial Attraction (First Approached, First Tasted, Duration of First Eating Bout) and Sustained Interest (Consumption, Uptake, Food Focus) to evaluate how individual food components of a chunks and gravy meal influence eating enjoyment. We found that cats indeed preferred gravy to other components of the meal, which supports many pet parent perceptions. Additionally, chunks were avoided in favor of anything with gravy, and when chunks alone were offered versus the whole chunks and gravy meal cats primarily licked the gravy from the chunks and gravy meal.   STUDY 1 Hypotheses: a) gravy alone would be preferred over chunks and gravy and over chunks alone, and b) chunks and gravy would be preferred over chunks alone. Supported.   Figure 1. Components of a highly palatable commercial wet food presented in two-bowl trials.   Table 1. Results for the most enjoyed food component by cats in 2-bowl trials. Anything with gravy was preferred by cats.   Based on the outcome of this study, we again measured cats' interactions with foods (i.e., Initial Attraction and Sustained Interest) evaluating whether they prefer to lick rather than chew their meals. To do this we blended chunks and gravy meals in a food processor to achieve a homogenous, lick-able whole meal and offered it versus the original form of food. Specific responses within Sustained Interest indicated that the blended form of the meal was consumed more than the original form, likely because it was more efficient to consume. However, collectively, the additional measures suggested that cats enjoyed the original forms more than the blended forms.   STUDY 2 Hypothesis: Cats prefer to lick rather than chew their chunks and gravy meals. Not supported.     Figure 2. Blended and original (unblended) forms of four commercial products presented in two-bowl trials.     Table 2. Results for Eating Enjoyment in cats of blended and original forms of wet foods in two-bowl trials. In general, original forms were enjoyed more than blended forms.   Measures of eating enjoyment offer additional insight to the feeding experience of cats and dogs by describing how they are eating not just how much they eat. Here, Initial Attraction and Sustained Interest demonstrated that cats enjoy a specific component of a whole meal over other components. Unexpectedly these enjoyment measures also revealed more about our cats' eating experience: licking, although efficient, is not the primary driver of enjoyment of a wet meal. Finally, we continuously seek to gain a better understanding of eating enjoyment as a dimension of palatability that helps to guide product improvements that ultimately provide a more satisfying eating experience for cats and their people. These methods can be applied to investigate palatability of many food matrices, such as heterogenous wet and dry foods, as well as their corresponding size, form, and texture.   By: AFB International - Research and Development

31/01/2022

Finally, the Reason Why Your Cat Is a Picky Eater

Ever wondered why your senior cat turns their nose up at a perfectly good meal from time to time? You checked the expiration, inspected it for unwelcome bacteria, and still, your cat would rather turn their nose up than return to their regularly scheduled programing. Well, insights from a new Waltham Petcare Science Institute study may have uncovered the key to your cat's sudden aversion to mealtime, and it could be as simple as warming their food.  Just like we wouldn't regularly pick a gaspacho over a warm lentil soup in the winter, our cats may be craving the same comfort of hot — or at least warm — meals. My research team at Waltham wanted to find out if the temperature of wet food could make it more alluring to senior cats, and if so, understand why. As they age, the sensitivity of senses like taste and smell (among others) are thought to decline. Both senses are important drivers of appetite, which is why it can be challenging to encourage older cats to eat the food they need to help maintain their body weight.  Warm Cat Food for the Win Warming the food made a significant difference to the amount of food that the cats ate. In the study, published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, my team offered the cats (all over seven years old) the same wet food, but at different temperatures. The chilly option was 6⁰C (43⁰F), which is similar to the food that has been kept in a fridge. The second option was served at 21⁰C (70⁰F) to reflect room temperature and food that is usually served from a pouch stored in a cupboard. The final offering was at 37⁰C (98⁰F), like the body temperature of their prey. The cats' top preference was the food at 37⁰C. Their second preference was at room temperature, and they ate the least amount of food offered when at 6⁰C.   Complete and balanced cat food contains all the nutrients in the correct amounts to help maintain their health. That means ensuring that older cats tuck into and finish their dinner is an important part of supporting their needs as they age. You know what they say about senior citizens retiring to Florida for the balmy weather. Well, now you can help make mealtime easier for your older, fussy cat by offering them the same warmth they (sometimes) offer you. Tiny cocktail umbrella optional. Tips to Encourage Eating Avoid serving cat food straight from the fridge. Purchasing pet food in cans can offer the best value. However, when caring for a cat, each meal will only be a portion of the can, requiring the open tin to be stored in the fridge for freshness. To avoid plating-up a chilly offering, put the meal portion in a bowl and leave at room temperature until the food has warmed before giving to your cat.  Try warming the food above room temperature. For the tastiest meal, try warming the food. You can place the food container in a pan of warm water, or gently heat it up in a microwave using a microwave-safe container. Make sure the food is only warm to touch, and not hot, which could harm your cat.  Why Senior Cats Prefer Warm Food There are several factors influencing the amount of food that cats eat: aroma, taste, texture, appearance, and composition. We used the same product for the study, which means the food's appearance and composition didn't change. We also also measured the consistency of the gravy in the food and found no change to it when heated. So what could be driving the differences? There may be two different areas that could come together to drive the preference we found in the cats — evolution and food chemistry. Part of the study was to help understand what changes in the food and its aroma as it is heated. We found, for example, that more sulphur-containing compounds were released at 37⁰C. From our previous studies in food chemistry, and from the results published by other academics, we know that these compounds are extremely important in meat flavor — so they could make the difference to the pets. The other area that may be important links to cats' natural and wild predatory instincts. They may have evolved to prefer food at body temperature, which could be an indicator to them that the prey is fresh or has been recently caught. by SCOTT MCGRANE, DVM - The wildest   

16/11/2021

YummyRade Wins 2021 Pet Industry Federation Award for Product Innovation

YummyRade picked up the Product Innovation Award 2021 for Cat Products at the 2021 Pet Industry Federation Awards. This is the third prize that Tonisity has won for its new range of healthy, sustaining, nutritional treats and beverages for pets. KittyRade recently won The Cat Food Functional Diet Product of the Year Award at the Pet Innovation Awards and DoggyRadePro's won the Pet Care Products Award at the New Product Showcase at the PATS Telford tradeshow in Telford, England. YummyRade is a tasty meal enhancer for cats and dogs that improves the palatability of your pet's food. Dry foods and kibbles can sometimes be tasteless and unappealing, but YummyRade provides a rich and savory, low-calorie chicken flavored treat to add to your pet's food. The all natural, low caloric flavor encourages them to eat while also providing them with prebiotics to support good digestive health. YummyRade can enhance any food and is extremely low in calories and fat. It can be used to make your dog or cat's food tastier without worrying about any weight gain or creating digestive issues. Information about The 2021 Pet Industry Federation Awards and the award winners can be found here. YummyRade can be found for wholesale and retail purchase here. Retailers wishing to stock YummyRade, e-mail [email protected] by All Pet Food

01/10/2021

Cat and dog behaviors around the bowl: how pet owners decode the signs of food enjoyment

Beyond that food consumption measurement, surveys conducted in-home with pets and their people identify pertinent behaviors that reflect a pet's level of enjoyment.   'She meows after the meal…' 'I was just opening the bag and he was already running to his bowl!' 'Look at them, they finished their bowl and now they are sleeping!'   In your opinion, are these behaviors positive or negative? If you don't know, ask the owners! Enjoy the full article HERE

18/08/2021

Applying pet food palatants

Liquid palatants   Liquid palatants are delivered in bulk tankers or in an intermediate bulk container (IBC). Tankers are advised when large quantities are used; otherwise IBCs are recommended. IBC use also depends on the factory layout or use of multiple palatants. Commonly stored on site in agitated storage tanks, liquid palatants perform best when maintained between 70°F and 95°F. Due to natural physical characteristics, liquid products may exhibit some separation. The separation will not have an effect on palatability and can be controlled by agitation just before use. When a tank is used to store the bulk delivery, the tank must contain an agitator to blend the product before use to achieve homogeneity. Mix the product just enough to keep it moving and to avoid inclusion of air. Too much air inclusion can cause foam which could affect the product quality. Blending the product in the tank will also prevent potential formation of a water layer on top created by condensation when temperature differences occur. A watery layer will change the pH and preservative concentration causing a potential risk for mold and other bacteria to grow on top of the product. An agitator in the tank will also help prevent this watery layer. To apply liquid palatants, suitable coating systems include drum coaters, batch coaters, screw coaters, augers or spinning disks. Set up the system to add the fat first, then the palatant. (Figure 1). Once complete, blend kibbles properly to be sure a homogeneous coating is reached and to allow the fat and palatant to fully absorb. Blending time depends on factory layout, required throughput and coater type.   For optimal kibble performance when applying a liquid palatant: Keep air out of the palatant application process. Include baffles in mixing tanks and eliminate free-fall product return on recycle systems to help prevent fat from oxidizing, which can decrease palatability performance. Avoid over-application. Carefully synchronize the kibble feed rate and the palatant application rate to prevent excessive application, which could increase moisture and lead to mold growth if not properly monitored during production. Retention time. After the fat and digest dosing, a certain retention time allows flavors and moisture to distribute homogeneously over the kibbles. Choose the correct spray nozzle for your application. Two recommended nozzle types are flat spray pattern and full cone spray pattern. The right nozzle choice depends on coater type and setup. The size, or opening, of the nozzle depends on the amount of the liquid you want to apply. The nozzle should form very small droplets, not a mist or a pouring liquid. Prevent overspray. Aim spray nozzles to avoid excessive buildup on the augur or coating drum, which could compromise pet food quality over time as fines will stick to the liquid creating lumps composed of materials from multiple batches. Carefully position palatant and fat spray nozzles. Ensure no more than 10% overlap in palatant spray patterns to support consistent performance. Also strive for no overlap between the fat and palatant application. Dry palatants   Pet food palatants are packaged in standard dry bags or bulk bags. palatants are added after the fat or liquid palatant application. (Figure 2) The fat or liquid palatant acts as a tacking agent and is an integral part of the total palatability solution. Dry palatants are fed into the coating system using a loss-in-weight or a volumetric feeder. Pulse dosing should be avoided to obtain a homogeneous spreading of the powder. The hopper of the feeder should contain an agitator to avoid bridging of the powder which would disrupt an even powder supply. (Figure 3: Palatant Application Process)   For optimal kibble performance when applying a dry palatant: Coat kibbles evenly. Discharge kibble onto a plate or splitter to facilitate continuous flow of the desired kibble quantity which will secure accurate palatant dosing. Avoid impeded flow. The small size of the feeders often requires the use of vibrators or flow assist devices. Avoid palatant buildup on the coating system. Maintain the desired kibble level before applying dry palatant to avoid such buildup.   Source: AFB Intenational

30/06/2021

Palatability with less phosphorus is possible

Essential phosphorus Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for cats. It is a key component of skeletal health and is involved in several metabolic processes. This mineral is naturally occurring (organic) in many of the ingredients used in commercial pet food. Organic phosphorus is found in protein-rich sources like meat, fish or bone meal, and in plant ingredients like wheat or bran. Inorganic phosphorus is added to the diet to balance mineral content or for other technical properties such as pH stabilisation, processing, or palatability.   Safe upper limit? There is currently no established safe upper limit for dietary phosphorus. However, research has demonstrated that excess inorganic phosphorus can have a harmful effect on cats with existing renal disease. Recent studies suggest there may also be a link between high dietary inorganic phosphorus and renal function in healthy cats. In response, the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) has added a specific footnote regarding recommended nutrient levels for cats as it pertains to inorganic phosphorus: High intake of inorganic phosphorus compounds (such as NaH2 PO4) may affect indicators of renal function in cats (Alexander et al. 2019, Dobenecker et al. 2018a, Dobenecker et al. 2018b). More research is needed to clarify potential risk.   New palatants The Pet Food Industry recognises that palatants are a main contributor of inorganic phosphorus in finished cat food. It is also acknowledged that it is quite a challenge to lower the level of phosphorus while maintaining the palatability required to ensure cats receive the vital nutrients they need. Scientists at AFB succeeded in developing new feline palatant solutions to address the challenge. These products contain lower levels of inorganic phosphorus while also maintaining or increasing palatability. In addition to the health benefit of contributing less inorganic phosphorus, these palatants can provide other advantages to pet food manufacturers with formula flexibility that enables potential cost savings.   By: AFB International

10/06/2021

Beyond Consumpyion - Measuring Cat's Food Enjoyment - Research and development AFB Intenational

Typical cat food palatability assessments consist of either: Preference trials: A two-bowl trial measuring consumption when given two options. The first bowl approached, first food tasted, amount consumed, and intake ratio are used to measure preference. Acceptance trials: A one-bowl trial that generally only measures the amount consumed. While these common trial methods are valuable in assessing preference and palatability, AFB International sought to determine other ways to evaluate cat food enjoyment, as well as develop methods that would be representative of what pet parents might experience at home. Trials conducted at AFB's Palatability Assessment Resource Center (PARC) found behavior methods can augment consumption data in preference and acceptance trials to provide additional insight to a cat's feeding experience.   FOOD FOCUS - Nose in BowlSM (NIB) Trial Purpose: Measure cat's interest in food and help distinguish products with similar consumption Approach: Sixteen individual cats were fed four diets over four days in acceptance trials. Video- recordings aided in using food focus to distinguish preference between diets. Food focus, defined as the time spent eating, sniffing, and engaged with their food, was quantified versus time distracted. High food focus indicated palatable food and high enjoyment. Low food focus indicated the cat was distracted while eating, which could be related to palatability. Results: As shown in Chart 1, three diets had similar consumption, but diet A had significantly higher food focus. This indicates diet A was enjoyed more than C or D. And while diet B also had high focus, the proportion of food consumed was much less than the other diets. This could indicate the cat had difficulty biting or chewing the food, and may provide insight to pet food manufacturers on where to focus product improvements.   WORK EFFORT - Puzzle Trials Purpose: Measure effort cats are willing to exert for treats, as well as mimic the effort cats are expected to 'perform' for treats at home. Approach: Puzzles presented obstacles between the cat and treats. Sixteen individual cats were offered two puzzles, each with a different commercialized cat treat dispersed throughout. As the cat consumed treats from one puzzle (Treat A), it became more difficult to find and reach the remainder of Treat A, but easier to find and reach Treat B in the other puzzle. The trial completed when each cat consumed 50% of total treats offered. Treats consumed (Treat A vs. Treat B) were quantified and indicated preference. Results: This measure aids in distinguishing differences between cat treats. Chart 2 illustrates that despite the cats needing to exert less effort to obtain Treat B, the cats persisted in choosing Treat A - the more palatable option.   INTERACTION - Hand-Feeding Trials Purpose: Evaluate a food's ability to entice cats into the lap of their pet parent and prolong interaction after the food is gone. Approach: Sixteen individual cats were offered, by hand, commercialized paste treats encouraging close contact during feeding. Development of enticement and interaction scales intends to interpret treat preference and enjoyment in future trials. Preliminary Results: All treats enticed most cats to the greatest behavior measure – sitting in a technician's lap (Chart 3). The interaction scale (Chart 4) suggested the more a cat enjoyed the treat, the longer he allowed interaction (petting), even when no more food was offered. Brand C Tuna influenced cats to interact the longest, suggesting the interaction scale can differentiate products.     Conclusions Behavior trials with kibble, dry treats and paste treats demonstrated additional ways to assess palatability and food enjoyment beyond consumption to describe an additional dimension of the cat's feeding experience. Behavior and enjoyment data can augment consumption data to help pet food manufacturers develop products that provide more interaction between pet parents and their cats, and the assurance they are offering their cat a food they enjoy, not just eat. To learn more about Applied Behavior Research, contact Susan Jojola. By: AFB Intenational

08/06/2021

Is it possible to Control and Predetermine the Palatability in Pet Food?

Palatability is also a set of observations that pet parents make during feeding times and are mainly related to the speed of consumption, gestures of satisfaction and eating completely the offered ration. But also Palatability is a technical attribute of the product, which can be controlled through the correct calibration of the production system and the selection of ingredients. To better understand this, it is necessary to first define what palatability is in general terms and in technical terms. General definition of Palatability: it is the ability of a food to generate attractiveness in dogs or cats as a result of the activation of their senses and the stimulation of the impulse to feed, it is closely related to the smell and taste of the food, but also to its shape and texture.   Technical Palatability: is the result of a palatability test on a trained panel of pets. The panel must meet numerous size, training, and lifestyle requirements to be considered calibrated. The test must follow a pre-established and proven protocol that is robust for data generation. Finally, the test data must be processed by a suitable statistical method to obtain a numerical conclusion of the result. The two protocols most used today to measure palatability are the versus test and the monadic test. The versus test consists of offering two dishes simultaneously to the pet for a specified time, each with a different food and allowing the pet to freely choose which one they prefer. The monadic test is offered a single food for a certain time and the pet is allowed to consume it freely. The monodic test mainly indicates the level of consumption of a food, it is more related to the natural way of feeding pets in homes, but it has a relatively low discriminatory power between two specific foods, or in other words, to If there is a significant difference between two foods in a monadic test, their difference in palatability should be quite noticeable. The versus test, on the other hand, mainly indicates a preference, it has a very high discrimination power, allowing even very well-trained panels to detect very subtle differences between two foods, such as small changes in the formulation. While the monadic test is recommended to evaluate whether a food is consumed at adequate levels by a pet and meets certain nutritional requirements, the versus test is more appropriate when deciding whether between two options there is one that is better for pets In this way, it allows us to decide, for example, between two types of cereals, two types of fat or two different cooking temperatures. Now, back to the title of the article, we will answer each of the questions asked. First, if it is possible to control palatability, because there is a standardized and protocolized measurement tool, the versus test or a monadic test. Second, it is also possible to predetermine or preset palatability levels in a set of foods, this is achieved by evaluating the response of various production parameters, formulation and doses of certain key components in the product. An order or staggering of palatability can then be established in a portfolio of brands, thus, for example, more palatability can be granted to premium brands and moderate levels to economic ones. The response to specific products can also be differentiated, for example, by making a product for small breeds more palatable than its counterpart for large breeds.   But how is this achieved on a practical level? The first step is to measure palatability in a research center prepared for it. In general, the versus protocol is recommended to detect small differences between two options, which can be two competitors in the same market segment, two different formulas for the same product, or a prototype product in development versus an established one. This will establish the baseline on which to plan the levels and modifications. The second step is to guarantee a basal level of palatability as high as possible, working on the texture of the kibble, the quality and type of raw materials used in its formulation and a number of key parameters during the manufacturing process. This will not leave as an element of differentiation between various types of products, mainly the type of external application of fats and flavorings. An example of key parameters to control to maximize kibble attractiveness is as follows:     Once we have the main process points under control and we ensure an optimal kibble, we must define levels of external fat coverage and liquid and / or powder flavoring to differentiate the products in each market segment. The objective is always to adjust to the nutritional profile of the food, but to try to place the greatest amount of fat externally, which is where it can be most appreciated by the taste and olfactory senses of the pets. Regarding flavorings, higher doses should be chosen for products of greater relevance in the portfolio, the premium brands. It is also possible to select from the market a variety of flavoring options of different "strength" or different levels of palatability. The level of palatability of a flavoring is determined by its ingredients and its manufacturing process, and what finally gives the positioning is a palatability test, it is generally accepted that to consider a flavoring as belonging to a higher level than another determined, the most powerful one must obtain a statistically significant favorable result compared to another, applied in the same doses and in the same croquettes. Example table of doses of fats and flavorings:   The same concept applies to fats and to finished products in general. When defining the palatability level of two fats, a palatability test is performed between both ingredients, both applied in the same dose on the same batch of dry kibble and under the same conditions, with which the only different factor is fat. That ingredient that achieves a statistically significant result over the other can be considered as having a higher level of palatability. By applying this same experimental design to the test of two finished products, the palatability level of each can be established. To avoid sample selection biases, it is recommended to choose both products in the market by randomly choosing the point of purchase. It is not valid to compare a pilot prototype with a product on the market. Another key factor is the freshness of both products, where it is recommended that they do not differ in the 30 days of manufacture to consider the same age. In summary, although palatability is a complex concept that is fundamentally a sensory, biological response, therefore, to a food. There is accumulated even scientific evidence and practical experience that indicate ways to rationalize and model this concept at very specific points in the manufacture and formulation of a product with the aim of achieving predetermined effects.   Fuente: Juan Manuel Peralta

27/05/2021

Cat food: How to make the most palatable kibbles

Palatable, attractive, tasty, appetizing, pleasant, delightful… No matter the word you pick to describe the perfect cat food, what really counts is this: will Kitty eat it?! So if you want to make sure cats will feast on your kibbles, you need to consider some key factors such as type of palatants, kibble protein content, and moisture level.. Discover the golden rules to formulate a dry food that cats will love. Continue reading on appetizerblog.com

21/07/2020

Join AFB International at PetFood Forum Connect 2020

AFB International is excited to be part of the Petfood Forum CONNECT virtual event to be held September 9 – 10 and September 15 – 17. This new digital experience offers a unique way to interact, learn and share with key members of the pet food industry.  You will be able to visit our digital showroom for premium content, downloadable links to educational materials, and meet with our Sales teams for a 1:1 conversation.  We look forward to 'connecting' with you!  by All Extruded  

18/04/2020

Learning to Navigate a New Normal

As I look out my office window, it almost looks normal. Trucks are coming and going, and employees are busy. But if I look closer, it's easy to see signs that these are not normal times. Employees and truck drivers are social distancing, most offices are unoccupied, and there is little traffic on the roads. In these times, AFB is incredibly fortunate to be able to continue our operations, as our part of the pet food supply chain has been deemed an essential business by the government. It is great to be part of an industry that supports the health and well-being of our beloved pets. Our two top priorities are the health and safety of our employees and ensuring the continuity of operations for our customers. These are not so different from normal, but the crisis has challenged us to look at our priorities even more closely. The first priority is to create a safe working environment for our employees. In my role as General Manager, I am responsible for asking people to come to work, which is not easy in a crisis like this. We must be certain our employees return home in the same condition they arrived. We need to reassure them and show them that we do our utmost to keep them safe. To do so, we have strengthened our sanitary and hygiene measures, changed the routing in our facilities, and adjusted breaks and shift changes to prevent co-mingling at all times. We regularly update employees about company and governmental changes that affect them, and we implemented new employee communication tools to speed delivery of important updates. We also focused on making sure employees know just how much they are appreciated. Therefore, we are financially recognizing on-site employees who are considered essential workers in our vital business. While our on-site team is thankful for the gesture, they also say they would do it without extra compensation. Their enthusiastic, positive response really demonstrates the culture of AFB. Our employees are proud of what we do and realize that what we are doing is vital for our families and our customers. We want to reassure our customers that even in tough times, we do the right things the right way. Of course, achieving the first priority helps us achieve our second priority of continued operations for our customers. We are in regular communication with our customers, suppliers, and freight carriers to ensure continuity of supply. Our Supply Chain team is in frequent contact with suppliers, updating demand and checking availability. Our Customer Service and Sales teams are in contact with customers, monitoring and responding to changing requests, and learning how we can help. We are supported by our customers and freight haulers, who shared ways to make sure our palatants are easily accepted at the point of delivery and move quickly across borders. For example, we added lines of text to our shipping documents for products going to Spain in case truck drivers get stopped. We welcome more suggestions like this at any time! To support our priorities, I am part of three response teams: AFB European regional, AFB global, and our parent company, EBI (Ensign-Bickford Industries). These almost-daily conversations and meetings have increased interactions between regions and business units; we can support and learn from each other, propose initiatives, and implement them very quickly. Most of our daily meetings now occur via videoconference, especially with colleagues who normally work in the office. It is surprising how easy our work-from-home technology is to use and how fast people have adapted to it. In a sense, we are now welcomed into one another's homes. During a recent call, a colleague's kids and dogs were very busy in the background. It was amusing to see – we were all having a laugh – but we realize too, it may be part of a 'new normal'. Employees' cats are also joining our meetings – stepping on keyboards, trying to rest in inconvenient places. And this reminds me why we are working so hard in the first place: because our pets really are critical members of our family and they, too, must be fed. We are not out of this pandemic yet. We still have a long way to go and many difficult decisions ahead of us. But we know that with our employees and their families, as well as our amazing customers, suppliers, and freight haulers – not to mention the comfort and unconditional love of our dogs and cats – we will persevere and come out the other side even stronger.
  by John Vergeer

20/03/2020

Diana Pet Food appoints North America Segment Leader

 Diana Pet Food, a Symrise subsidiary, appointed Tim Lonc as general manager of the company's North American region. Lonc held various roles at Cargill for 18 years before joining Diana Pet Food, most recently serving as vice president of research and development. He also served as the commercial and research and development director for Cargill in Thailand, a manager for its business in Brazil, and as the director of technical affairs and business development for Cargill's protein business in Canada. Tim Lonc, general manager of North American for Diana Pet Food. Lonc joined Diana Pet Food on Jan. 21 in his new role. He will be based in Hodges, where Diana Pet Food is headquartered by All Extruded

11/03/2020

AFB International Receives Saint Louis Fundation Award

AFB International was honored to receive the 2019 Saint Louis Zoo Foundation award. Michelle Sandau, Director of Research and Development, accepted the award on AFB's behalf at the 28th Annual Marlin Perkins Society Celebration.  Accompanying Michelle at the event were AFB employees Sarah Anderson, Becca Calvin, Debbie Francis, Jamie Klein, Punya Mohapatra, David Ullrich and Chenglan Yan.  AFB appreciates the opportunity to contribute to philanthropic activities in our community.  In alignment with these efforts, AFB has maintained a relationship with the Saint Louis Zoo since 2007. Our partnership consists of monetary contributions as well as employee volunteerism.  AFB's contributions have sponsored children with special needs to participate in Camp KangaZoo and Camp Joey.  In addition, our employees have consistently worked with the Zoo to assist in its animal welfare and conservation education endeavors.  One popular employee volunteer opportunity is the Box Turtle Project to raise awareness of conservation in rural and urban areas. We are honored to be recognized and look forward to our continued relationship with the Saint Louis Zoo. by AFB International Source: All Extruded 

09/01/2020

Principles of Pet Food Palatabity

People expend a great deal of effort making food taste good. In pursuit of palatability, we sprinkle spices, use flavorful fats, and choose varying preparation methods. Appetizing foods take center stage at parties, holidays, and family gatherings. We applaud superstar chefs, and dedicate television channels, magazines, websites, and countless books to the subject of pleasurable flavors. Is it any wonder that our pets respond to food flavors, as well? Instead of food on your plate, consider the fare served in our pets' bowls. A celebration of flavor happens every time a pup bounds to his bowl, or a cat responds to the sound of a can opening. Not only do we want pets to enjoy meal time, we want to ensure they're getting proper nutrition to support a vibrant, healthy life. Just as most people probably won't eat a bowl of wheat germ each morning — no matter how healthy it is — a pet can't be forced to eat a healthy but unpalatable meal. WHAT ARE PALATANTS? Palatants are ingredient systems that are specially designed to make pet foods, treats, and supplements taste better, ensuring that pets receive the vital nutrients they need. Palatants entice a pet to consume a food, treat, or supplement that, while nutritious, may be inconsistent with their native diet. Pet food palatants are widely used in many regions of the world. In particular, large markets exist in regions that have high per household pet food consumption, such as the United States, Australia, France, Japan, and Chile. Dry foods make more frequent use of palatants, and use palatants at higher inclusion rates than wet foods. Wet foods tend to naturally be more palatable due to processing techniques and higher moisture content. Adopting palatants in emerging pet food markets are beneficial to both manuacturers' brands and the pet. As consumption of pre-packaged pet food grows, flavor requirements for the food become more important. Originally, pet food palatants were referred to as 'digests.' Digests are proteins that are enzymatically broken down and applied to dry foods to provide the sensory impact of meat. Palatants have grown significantly more sophisticated since the days of digest. Today, palatants are as varied as the pet food brands that rely on their use. PALATANT FORMS Palatants are available as dry powders and liquids, and as systems that use both dry and liquid components. Some palatants are designed to be applied topically, while others function best when mixed into the kibble or can. Typically, palatants are formulated for either dog or cat foods, but sometimes a palatant works well across diets. The interplay between the kibble or chunk that underpins the food and the palatant is important. Certain kinds of pet food work better with specific kinds of palatants. For instance, richer pet food formulations may utilize mild supporting flavors in lieu of a very strong palatant. The quality of the chunk or kibble is important as well. Even a premium palatant may not be able to significantly improve a very poor quality kibble. PALATANT SOURCES Palatants can be meat or vegetable based, and may be designed to meet a variety of claims (grain-free, limited ingredient, non-GMO, natural, low fat, etc.). Palatant components include proteins, yeasts, phosphates, antioxidants, antimicrobials, processing agents, and other ingredients. Palatant protein sources vary depending on desired performance targets, cost requirements, and brand claims. The protein can be vegetable or animal derived. Vegetable derived proteins come from many sources, including corn, soy, potato, and specialty grains. The desired vegetable protein source often depends on customer-specific needs. Common animal derived proteins are poultry, pork, and fish. A protein source that is available in one region — say kangaroo in Australia — may be considered uncommon in other regions of the world. Just as meat proteins can come from different animals, they can also come from different parts of the animal. Meatbased protein might come from skin and muscle tissue, or it might come from viscera. Viscera is a meat by-product that generally refers to the soft internal organs from the main cavity of a slaughtered mammal. PALATANT PERFORMANCE AND APPLICATION Palatant performances range from economy to mid-level to premium; price points are typically commensurate with performance. The upcharge per ton depends on the application rate, which generally ranges from 1% to 3% for liquid palatants, and 0.5% to 2% for dry palatants. Great results can be achieved by formulating with best-inclass palatants, particularly when the brand capitalizes on the positioning opportunity that comes with the use of a premium palatant At the pet food manufacturer, palatants are usually applied topically to kibble in liquid or dry form, or a combination.  Liquid and dry powder palatants are commonly applied using a drum coater, spinning disk coater, or a vacuum coater. Topical application methods depend on the chosen palatant system and equipment flexibility.  If both liquid and dry palatants are used, the process will often call for topical application of an oil or fat, followed by the liquid palatant, followed by the dry palatant. For a canned product, palatant may be added on top of the food just before the can is sealed, or it may be mixed directly with the paté, gravy or chunk before canning occurs. Not only have palatants become more sophisticated, the science of pets' tastes and preferences have grown too. MEASURING FLAVOR PREFERENCES Pets can't voice their opinions about particular flavor preferences, so it's necessary to discover their preferences in other ways. Pets 'vote' on flavor preference through their consumption of food. The gold standard of consumption testing is a paired comparison, also known as the 'twobowl' test. In this type of test, the animal is allowed to choose between two bowls of food for a pre-defined  amount of time. The animal is observed, and numerous measurements are recorded. Common measures include intake ratio, consumption ratio, first choice, preference, and first approach. Intake Ratio (IR) measures the amount of one ration consumed divided by the total consumption. The mathematical formula is: Ration A Consumed ÷ (Ration A Consumed + Ration B Consumed). For example, if a dog consumes a total of 400 grams of food, and Ration A comprises 240 grams of the total consumption, the IR for Ration A is 0.60. Consumption Ratio (CR) compares the consumption of one ration in terms of the other ration. The mathematical example of this formula is Ration A Consumed ÷ Ration B Consumed. If a dog panel ate 1500 grams of Ration A and 1000 grams of Ration B, the CR would be 1.5A.   Both IR and CR account for the fact that total intake may vary from day to day depending on external factors, such as weather or the animal's mood. While the total amount consumed from day to day may change, the IR and CR measures remain valid because external factors would be expected to impact consumption of both rations similarly. First Choice (FC) measures 'draw' to the bowl, or which ration first attracts the pet to eat. It is expressed as a fraction of animals that ate a particular ration first. For instance, if 15 cats on a 20-cat panel ate Ration A first, Ration A would have a FC of 0.75.
Preference provides insight into significant preferences by individual animals in a group of pet taste testers. If part of the panel has an extreme preference for Ration A, and the balance of the panel has an extreme preference for Ration B, the CR might appear as if the rations have parity palatability. However, taking a deeper look at Preference data will indicate that the data do not have a normal distribution. First Approach is an observational measure that indicates which bowl the pet first approaches, regardless of whether the pet consumed any of the ration. If a dog approaches Ration A in a two-bowl test, sniffs Ration A, then switches to the Ration B bowl and consumes it, Ration A would still win First Approach. TESTING PROTOCOLS Different brands and manufacturers rely on different consumption testing measures, depending on the desired outcome. Some brand teams place importance on the pet racing to the bowl. Others place importance on the bowl being emptied completely. It is important to clearly define the preferred outcome with the palatant provider so the proper palatant is selected. Though the two-bowl test is the industry standard, users of preference testing data should be aware that there are variations between testing protocols. Some variations include the number of pet participants, the environment, the feeding length, the 'normal' diet of pet participants, the breed of the pet participant, and even the region where the test is run. In addition, there are different ways to test and verify the pet participants' tasting talents.  Some common ways of evaluating an animal's ability to discriminate are to run a set of known tests and evaluate their choices. One such test is an Obvious Test: two products with a known large difference (such as unflavored kibble versus flavored kibble) are compared. The winner of this test should be 'obvious' to the pet. Another common test is an A/A Test, where the same product is placed in both bowls.  In this test, the animal should not show preference for either bowl. If they do, something other than flavor discrimination is driving consumption. Finally, an Application Test, in which different application levels of the same palatant are compared, will evaluate a pet's discrimination ability. This test helps the researcher understand which animals can discern slight differences, and which animals prefer higher or lower flavor applications. Regardless of the kind of tests used, it is important to understand the individual animal's feeding behaviors, and to make sure the pet participants are making consistent feeding choices. In addition to understanding testing variation, it is important that researchers establish the question they want answered before testing begins so tests can be structured appropriately. For example, a test to indicate whether a new flavor performs better than the existing flavor would be structured differently than a test between a new flavor and a benchmark (typically a primary competitor). The former test answers 'how does the new flavor compare to our current flavor?', which may allow for a 'new and improved' type claim. The latter answers 'how does the new flavor compare to my primary competitor?', which may support a selling strategy or defend a brand's positioning. EQUAL VS. IDENTICAL It's important to remember that, even if two products demonstrate palatability parity, it does not mean the two products are identical. It simply means the animal has the same preference for both foods. In fact, the foods could be quite different. For example, say you like pizza and burritos equally. Though you like them to the same degree, the meals are quite different in flavor. In the same way, if the intake ratio between a chicken-flavored diet and a fish-flavored diet is 0.5, it means the pet liked both diets equally, but not that the diets are the same. Much goes in to ensuring that the fare formulated for pets actually gets eaten by the cats and dogs for which it is created. While applause and rave reviews are not the typical pet responses, wagging tails and insistent mealtime meows are. Palatants make happy mealtimes possible, and help ensure that our beloved cats and dogs get the nutrition they need to be healthy, lifelong companions. by AFB Imternational  Source: All Extruded
 

11/11/2019

Symrise Successfully Closes Acquisition of ADF/IDF

Symrise AG today announced that it has successfully completed the acquisition of ADF/IDF, a leading U.S. meat and egg-based protein specialist and pioneer in all-natural nutrition ingredients. The acquisition has been cleared by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Symrise will now begin the process of integrating ADF/IDF. With its comprehensive portfolio of solutions for the food and pet food industries, ADF/IDF will complement the Nutrition portfolio with a highly diversified range of natural based solutions.  "We very much look forward to teaming up with ADF/IDF given our shared focus on innovation and meeting customer needs. Together, we will work to continue expanding our diverse solutions portfolio using the highest quality natural ingredients. Our combined reach will allow us to expand our footprint in the marketplace, particularly in the U.S., and to widen our range of meat and egg-based protein products to our growing customer base' said Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG.
 
The integration process will begin immediately and will follow a defined roadmap overseen by cross-divisional teams. Symrise expects the transaction to be fully earnings accretive in the first year after closing.  Symrise announced the acquisition of ADF/IDF which was valued at USD 900 million, on January 31, 2019. The transaction has been financed through a combination of debt and equity.     by Symrise

07/11/2019

Fat Quality: Impact of Fats on Palatability

Pet food palatability is the result of what we at AFB International call 'the triangle of palatability success ingredients, palatants and processing.  Fats can provide important functions on all three sides of the triangle. As research and development director at AFB's European headquarters in Oss, The Netherlands, it my job to understand the science behind palatability and to share technical insights for delivering palatability performance with customers and  colleagues. FATS IN INGREDIENTS  Fats may be naturally present in ingredients chosen for a pet food formulation. These fats can serve as a source of important Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, boosting nutritional value, as well as flavor for pets. Pet foods that include Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids in ratios between 10-to-1 and 5-to-1 have been shown to have health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, joint problems and other issues related to inflammation. FATS AS PALATANTS  Fats can be applied topically or internally to pet food.The most common topically applied fats are animal fats. Chicken fat provides high palatability but also greasiness, while pork offers a less-greasy but less palatable alternative. Both chicken and pork fat have a low melting point, keeping them liquid at lower temperatures.  Beef fat is used less often because of the need for a beef-free claim in many countries and because of its high melting point, causing it to become hard at temperatures from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. For total fat application, up to 8% may be used in a dry pet food formulation with a single-screw extruder. Fish and flaxseed oils are some examples of the most common fats used as internal sources. Fats generally aren't used internally at high application levels because of their negative effect on the expansion rate, which correlates to increased specific weight of the kibble. FATS IN PROCESSING  Choosing a high-quality fat and processing it to maintain its quality is critical. Adding antioxidants immediately during the rendering process and maintaining a proper storage temperature before and after application are keys to success. How fats are applied in pet food production is important, too. As noted, fat may be applied topically or internally, though topical application is used about 80% of the time. The most common processes for adding topical fats are drum coating, vacuum coating and spinning disk coating. A fat often is combined with liquid or dry palatants— or both. When used in combination, the fat is applied first, then the liquid palatant, then the dry palatant. This order helps ensure the dry palatant will adhere better, as well as keeps the fat from masking the effect of the dry and liquid palatants.  ENSURING FAT QUALITY  Pet food scientists know fat is an important ingredient in pet food. However, not all fats are quality fats and even high-quality fats need to be treated to ensure they maintain that quality. That's why it's crucial for all disciplines within pet food producers—from purchasing and sales to marketing and general management—to understand how the investment in good fat quality contributes to pet food palatability and, ultimately, the bottom line. Fresh fat will positively influence the total flavour of pet food, while rancid or oxidized fat can generate unpleasant off-notes that may impact a pet's interest in the food.  Generally, any level of rancidity negatively impacts cat palatability, while dogs can tolerate moderate levels. If the pet won't eat the food, the pet parent is unlikely to purchase it again. RANCIDITY AND OXIDATION Rancidity is the result of oxidation.  This is a chemical reaction in which the double bond of the lipid molecule reacts with oxygen to produce a variety of chemical products. The oxidation process can be influenced by moisture, temperature, light, trace metals, oxygen, and enzymes. METHODS OF VERIFYING STABILITY The presence of free fatty acids (FFA) indicates poor quality (freshness) of the raw material.  FFAs are sensitive to oxidation.  A high level of FFAs in animal fat can be a cause for concern with respect to rancidity. The colour may also provide an indication of the fat quality as impacted by the intensity of the process. High temperature and pressure create a darker colour, which typically has a negative impact on palatability. Peroxide value and hexanal are indicators of rancidity.  Peroxide value is the primary and hexanal is the secondary oxidation product.  Both of these in combination provide a true indication of rancidity. In the pet food industry, in general, levels below 3 indicate that the products are good or stable; levels 3 to 5 indicate products are going bad; and levels above 5 indicate that the products are bad and show off-flavours. Accelerated test methods to measure the stability of fat include OSI (Oxidation Stability Index), AOM (Active Oxygen Method), and oxygen bomb. HOW TO PREVENT OXIDATION So how does a pet food company prevent oxidation and verify that prevention is working to help deliver the desired palatability? Here are some important tips:  Know your fat supplier. Governments do not regulate fat oxidation levels, so it's up to you to ensure quality. Procure consistently good quality fats from a reputable source with whom you have an ongoing relationship. Choose fats low in FFAs. FFAs indicate a lack of freshness. If used as ingredients in foods, those foods can become rancid in a short time. Have antioxidants added to fats at the supplier before delivery for maximum effect. Once fats begin oxidizing, it's difficult to arrest the process—so stop it before it starts.  Antioxidants interfere with oxidation reactions in one of the following ways: Chain-breaking antioxidants intercept free radicals involved in the oxidation process. Oxygen scavengers react directly with oxygen and remove it from the system. Chelating agents or sequesters are effective inhibitors of oxidation by chelating metal ions that may catalyse oxidation. Protect fats through the production process by adopting pet food packaging processes that replace oxygen with inert gas or use adequate antioxidants. Monitor fats of raw materials and pet food products through the production process at a regular frequency by measuring both peroxide value and hexanal.  Don't be fooled by a peroxide value that climbs early in oxidation, then falls again as the secondary oxidation process takes over. Measure hexanal as well, which shows a linear increase across time, for a true and complete picture of rancidity, see Figure 1. Figure 1: For a true and complete picture of oxidation and potential rancidity,measure both peroxide value and hexanal. CONSISTENT PALATABILITY Monitoring fat quality, measuring oxidation, implementing best-in-class manufacturing processes and appropriately applying antioxidants (time and level) are crucial aspects to achieve consistent palatability for dogs and cats. by Han Laumen - AFB International  All Extruded

12/08/2019

Palatability: A Fundamental Concept for Pet Food Formulation

The food taste is one of the main characteristics that determine our choice of purchase. Often, we stop consuming extremely nutritious products because they do not have pleasant sensory characteristics. Just like us, animals also take into account characteristics such as flavor and aroma at the time of feeding. This is known as palatability. There are several ways to study this aspect during the development of a pet formulation. This type of analysis is a powerful tool that has the ability to help us reach the type of formula that most pleases our target audience. Like palatability, digestibility is also something the R&D formulator must be aware of when developing pet foods. In addition to being tasty, they must have bioavailable nutrients for a healthy development. Formulations that combine palatability and digestibility meet the current demand of the pet market, which in 2017 was responsible for an amount of 25 billion reals in Brazil, 7% more than in the previous year, showing the great potential of this segment. In this post, we will discuss how palatability affects the formulation of pet products, we will understand some of the tests used in companies to measure this characteristic and we will learn some ways to improve the palatable aspects of pet formulations. Palatability: concept and measurement Palatability can be defined as the acceptance of a feed by a pet related to odor, taste and texture aspects. This aspect will directly affect the type of relationship the animal will have with its food. In some cases, when the sensory characteristics are not approved by the pet, the pet may refuse to eat, affecting its weight and causing its owner to change brands of feed. With this example it has already been possible to see that palatability has a significant influence on pet food sales. The behavior of the animal related to the formulation will dictate the purchase or not of a certain product by its owner. There are several ways to measure this parameter and they usually involve studying how the animal will behave when in contact with the newly formulated product. The First Option measure is focused on the food's odor. The animals' nose, especially dogs, is extremely acute. Therefore, this parameter is the first one that attracts the pet to the food. In this test, different formulations are placed in the environment where the participating pets are and it is observed which formulation will be the first to attract the attention of the animal. The Ingestion Rate will measure the taste of the feed. In this method, the total volume of the formulation ingested by the animal will be divided by the general consumption. For example, if the pet ingested 600g of feed in total, of which 300g corresponded to the feed tested, the ingestion rate would be 50%. A third measurement is the Consumption Rate, which encompasses all palatability characteristics of the food: odor, taste and texture. In this method, the preference for one formula over another is analyzed. It is a widely used test when one wants to formulate a product that is superior to the leading brand in the market, which is called the control. To calculate the rate of consumption, the amount ingested by the animal is measured, both the brand and the control mark, and an index is calculated to determine how much the new formulation was preferred by the participating pets. It should be noted that the conditions of these tests may vary from company to company. Variables such as the number and breed of animals used and even the region from which they come from can affect the final outcome of the measures. The importance of digestibility together with palatability As important as the palatability of a pet food is its nutritional composition. The food destined to the pet must have all the nutrients essential for the healthy development of it. However, it is not enough that the food contains a high content of nutrients. They must also be capable of being absorbed by the animal's organism and be available in tissues and organs so that they are appropriately used for vital functions. The digestibility can be measured in laboratory tests. In these, the animal is fed with the formulation tested and the undigested matter, present in the feces, is analyzed. With this measurement, it is possible to know the content of nutrients that are not used by the body of the animal. Therefore, a smaller volume of feces demonstrates high digestibility of the food. Some factors affect the digestibility of a pet food. They are: Formula: the type and quantity of the different ingredients that make up the product, carry the most diverse nutrients. Each of these nutrients has a different characteristic of absorption and availability. Quality of the ingredients: those of better quality tend to be better digested. Low quality proteins, high ash content, certain types of dietary fiber and presence of phytate are factors that decrease the digestibility of the pet formulation. Processing: it should be adequate, since the treatment conditions as well as the form of storage affect the digestibility. Very high temperatures, for example, may make some nutrients unavailable for use by the pet's body. Thus, it is possible to understand that the choice of the ingredients of a formulation must take into account both sensory characteristics, to awaken the palate of the animal, as well as the quality and availability of the nutrients so that its health is not impaired. Palatants for pet food The palatability of pet foods is influenced both by the quality of raw materials and ingredients, and by the use of palatants. Palatants are a type of ingredient used with the specific function of improving the flavor, aroma and texture characteristics of the product. Dry foods, such as feeds, usually require a greater use of palatants, since liquids are naturally more palatable due to the presence of moisture. Palatants can be found in both powder form and liquid form and are most commonly used for dogs and cats food. The sources for obtaining the palatants can be both vegetal and animal and include proteins, yeasts, phosphates, antioxidants, antimicrobials, among other compounds. Proteins are one of the main components of palatants, and those extracted from animal sources can originate from chicken, pork or fish meat and those extracted from vegetable sources can be obtained from corn, soybeans, potatoes, among others. It is also necessary to mention that, based on quality, there are basically three levels of palatants: economic, mid-level and premium. As expected, premium palatants have a higher cost, however, this can be balanced by the development of a pet food with high palatability, having an increase in sales as a consequence. The chicken protein hydrolysate, already available in the market for pet nutrition ingredients, is an example of a premium natural ingredient that, among other functions, also has palatant properties. This ingredient is produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, which guarantees the presence of bioactive peptides. In addition, it has high crude protein content and high digestibility. In this way, it guarantees more energy and nutrients to the pet and decreases the volume of feces, since the nutrients are well used by the body. When formulating pet foods, it is of fundamental importance to choose carefully the suppliers of raw material and ingredients (mainly palatants, in this case). It is necessary to look for suppliers that have knowledge in the area of ​​pet food and that are aligned with the concepts of palatability and digestibility, thus guaranteeing the formulation of a successful product. Conclusion Palatability, combined with digestibility, are key parameters for the acceptance of a pet food. These characteristics can be incorporated into the formulations through the use of specific ingredients, of high quality and supplied by companies that have the necessary know-how on animal feed. The palatants of protein origin, produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, besides providing flavor and odor, contain a series of bioactive peptides that contribute for the health and well-being of the pet. The measurement of palatability and digestibility of a pet product are tools that make the work of R&D formulators easy, since they provide data with which it is possible to infer what should be adjusted in the formulations. by brf Ingredients Source: All Extruded

29/07/2019

Promoting Health habits to address Pet Obesity

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than half of U.S. pets are considered overweight or obese, and the number affected is expected to continue to rise. Weight concerns in pets are a significant issue for veterinarians, pet owners and society as a whole. Obesity is a big risk factor for many diseases and disorders in pets, including diabetes, cancer, kidney, liver, inflammatory bowel, respiratory compromise and others – impacting their quality of life and life expectancy. As a veterinarian for more than 30 years, pet obesity and related behavioral disorders and diseases are now the top patient concerns addressed in my practice. Despite its prevalence, I am often met with surprised reactions from pet owners when they are told their pet is obese or overweight. While there are many factors contributing to the issue, one of the most important is the lack of education on the ideal weight and lifestyle needs of different pet breeds. The pet food industry has long been a leading advocate for pets and their health, and I believe it can also play a significant role in tackling the pet obesity epidemic. The industry, along with pet retailers, veterinarians, and pet associations, can continue to help educate pet owners on the key tools for a healthy and active lifestyle for their animals, helping reduce pet obesity. Specifically, pet food companies can continue to help pet owners translate what's healthy for their pets in a few key ways: Encouraging active lifestyles and exercise for pets As U.S. lifestyles have changed, people today are less active and more sedentary, which has impacted the amount of exercise pets receive. The result: most pets don't get enough exercise. For example, dogs need, on average, approximately 30 – 45 minutes of activity twice a day. Depending on the breed of dog, they may need even more. Promoting the role exercise plays in a healthy lifestyle for pets is key. Creating consistencies in feeding recommendations Pet food companies work hard to ensure their nutrition labels not only meet regulations, but also provide helpful information to consumers. As the industry continues to grow and new brands enter the market, pet food companies have the opportunity to present pet food portion and feeding guidance in consistent, easy-to-interpret terms related to pets' ideal weight – This can help minimize pet owner confusion and misinterpretation on how much to feed their pet. Promoting Healthy Portion Control in Overweight Pets When pets need to slim down, it's important for pet owners to consult their veterinarian for proper instructions on how to slowly decrease the amount of food their pet receives until achieving the amount of food required to meet their nutritional needs. Animals that have their food cut back too quickly can be prone to behavioral problems, and are likely to go looking for food in other places, like the kitchen counter. Encouraging regular veterinary care Too frequently pets come to our office after there is a serious weight-related issue, which often could have been prevented. The highest expression of love pet owners can provide their pets is a commitment to their health and wellness. Routine veterinary care is essential. by Dr. Amy Wolff  Email: [email protected].
 

07/06/2019

Fat Type and Amount: It’s Impact on Palatability

Research reveals preference differences in Dogs and Cats for Kibble Fat Sources and Concentrations Overview: Fat plays an important role in dog and cat food, providing nutritional, functional and palatability benefits. The type and amount of fat used varies by the diet, the finished product specifications and the manufacturer. There has been limited research evaluating the correlation between palatability and topical fat sources and their applied amounts, leaving many pet food manufacturers questioning the potential impact various combinations may have on dog and cat preference. To evaluate, AFB International conducted research at the company's Palatability Assessment Resource Center (PARC) facility on the effect both external fat sources and levels have on palatability preference in dogs and cats. The research found differences in fat sources and levels preferred by dogs and cats, demonstrating that diets can be tailored based on animal preferences. These insights help pet food manufacturers determine potential fat source and concentration adjustments to increase palatability of their dog and cat food brands.  Experimental Design and Trial Protocol: The study design consisted of 5 sources of fat (canola oil, chicken fat, beef tallow, bacon fat, and herring oil) applied topically at two levels (3% and 9%). The different sources of fat represented a variety of flavors and aromas, while the two application levels simulated the low and high levels applied in a topical coating. To control variability, the same kibble, equipment, measurements and palatants were used on both rations in each species. All combinations were topically coated on an economy grain-based dog and cat kibble along with a non-meat palatant. The fat and palatant were applied sequentially on the kibble. Each fat source and application level combination was tested versus each other in a round robin process and the data analyzed in a Bradley-Terry model. This took the data from each pairing and formed a ranking of the fats from most preferred to least. Feeding trials were conducted with mixed breed animal panels at PARC. Paired preference feeding trials were conducted with two exposures (20 animal x 2 days) and bowl placement was alternated each day. Data was collected on grams consumed and the firstchoice bowl for both animal species. Results: Dogs and cats have different preferences when it comes to the source and concentration of fat source. Dog and Cat Panel Trial Results: Fat source and applied percentage in order of preference For dogs, the results showed a greater overall response to higher fat concentrations / percentage levels (9% vs. 3%). The results also demonstrated a preference for fat sources with more flavor and aroma. Additionally, there was a significant difference in palatability between the two highest-ranked variables compared to all others. Cat trial results were very different compared to the dog trial results. For cats, there was less preference differentiation between the top ranked fat sources and concentrations vs. the bottom ranked, which statistically did not provide a stand-alone favorite as in the dog trials. Cats, overall, preferred the lower fat concentration level (3%). Fat sources with more flavor, such as bacon, also ranked well. Conclusions: The research showed differences in kibble fat sources and concentration preferences in dogs and cats. For dogs, a nine percent fat concentration on a kibble will be generally preferred over the lower application of three percent. Bacon and beef tallow fat sources were the most preferred by dogs in the trials. For cats, a three percent fat concentration will generally perform better than the nine percent for majority of the fat sources. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, AFB INTERNATIONAL

02/05/2019

Developing Tomorrow’s Workforce – University Relation and Recruiting Program

Attracting and developing top talent is a priority at AFB International. As the pet food industry continues to grow and advance, our workforce needs are expanding and evolving too, requiring new knowledge, techniques and leading talent to help meet our clients' needs and industry challenges. In collaboration with our parent company, Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI), AFB actively participates in EBI's University Relations and Recruiting program, designed to recruit and hire top student talent, to build a pipeline for tomorrow's workforce. Our program takes a team-based approach to promote all EBI companies and the intern and employment opportunities available to students. We collaborate with five key universities: Purdue University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, University of Connecticut and University of Southern California.  All were selected based on their academic excellence, curriculum, programs and diverse student populations in the STEM field.  For students, AFB internships provide a unique opportunity to be a key team member on large, cross-functional teams tackling complex projects that have a direct impact on our business. They have opportunities to work and learn from senior company employees, as well as participate in professional development activities. AFB's collaborative and team-focused culture creates a structure that delivers a positive and rewarding experience for each student.  In 2019 you will find EBI companies participating at partner university career fairs. We will also continue to support students' education and career development through campus lectures, industry roundtables, mock interviews and resume reviews, or student days at AFB's headquarters in St. Charles, Missouri.  Special thanks to AFB's senior leadership team for their active involvement and continued support of the University Relations and Recruiting program. We also want to recognize all AFB and EBI employees whose dedication and passion for this initiative is guiding both the students' aspirations and future of AFB. For more information on AFB's University Relations and Recruiting program, contact Preetha Banerjee ([email protected]) or Joseph McVey ([email protected]) by Preetha Banerjee & Joseph McVey - AFB International Source: All Extruded

25/04/2019

Importance of Aroma in Petfood Palatability

If a pet won't eat its food, that's the end of the story. It doesn't matter if the nutrition is balanced, the price is right, or the packaging and marketing claims are attractive enough to secure a first purchase.  Unlike humans, pets do not talk. They cannot 'describe' why they like food A but not food B, or vice versa. Therefore, pet owners look for pets' behavioral signals of accepting or rejecting the foods. First Choice observation In pets, olfaction (sense of smell) is believed to play a key role in sensory experience and petfood preference.  To monitor how pets respond to food aroma specifically, 'first choice' is observed: The food first approached and consumed by the animal.  First choice is a direct assessment of how much an animal is attracted by one aroma over another by smelling both rations of foods.1 As first choice measurements are typically averaged as proportion of total choices, statistical analysis can be used to assess the correlations between first choice and intake ratio. Figure 1 demonstrates a strong correlation of first choice and mean intake ratio from over 300 palatability trials (both canine and feline) conducted by Kemin through third-party kennel facilities. 2 This indicates that if pets find the food aroma enticing, they are very likely to eat more of that food. In other words, a winning palatant should be designed to improve the aroma profile of pet foods, as a start. Developing aroma profiles The Maillard reaction, as a type of non-enzymatic browning, plays a major role in developing characteristic aromas of many food products under high temperatures, such as roasted meat, toasted marshmallow, baked bread, chocolate, etc. Domesticated pets, particularly dogs, have engaged their olfactory senses to seek those types of aromas since they joined humans around campfires. Nowadays, the influence of the Maillard reaction is ubiquitous in pet food matrix flavor development. It is also the key mechanism to develop the savory, meaty, robust aroma profiles of palatants. The aroma portion of palatants or pet foods typically consist of hundreds of volatile compounds, with many potent odorants present in extremely low concentrations. Even the modern chromatographic methods such as gas chromatography (GC) coupled with non-specific detectors (e.g. FID), or fast GC-based electronic nose technology are challenged by the limited separation resolution and lack of identification specificity when applied to the analysis of complex flavor matrices like palatants or pet food. Understanding the chemistry of Maillard technology is vital, as is the ability to translate this knowledge into new formulations. The Palatant R&D team of Nutrisurance investigates palatability at the molecular level and develops proprietary Maillard techniques to obtain desirable reaction flavor profiles that are more appealing to cats and dogs.  By understanding palatability as aroma chemists, we are continuously seeking more sustainable, versatile and effective ways to deliver high-performance PALASURANCE® palatability enhancers for pet food manufacturers. By Kemin

23/03/2019

Animal Technicians Find Passion and Purpose at AFB’ s Parc

We were excited for the opportunity when we were hired as animal technicians at AFB International. We understood that our love for pets, past experience and education would allow us to play an important role in the development of pet food palatants. What we didn't anticipate is everything we'd gain from the job – a rewarding career and much more. As animal care and health technicians, we have the pleasure of caring for the animals that reside at the company's Palatability Assessment Resource Center (PARC). This facility is where we study palatability and behavior with cats and dogs. PARC provides a loving and playful environment that creates special bonds between its resident animals and the technicians that look after them. Those relationships are just one of the reasons we feel so passionate about our jobs. Being able to love and care for these animals is a great feeling. While spending time with the animals is incredibly rewarding, working as an animal care or animal health technician is also a great responsibility. PARC is home to more than 200 dogs and cats of varying sizes and breeds, and features more than 25,000 square feet of pet-focused indoor and outdoor areas. Animal care technicians are charged not only with watching over and feeding resident animals, but continuously cleaning up after them to help ensure the facility maintains the highest standards to support their health and well-being. Animal health technicians play a critical role too, and contribute to the Center's animal health program. In addition to completing daily tasks, animal health technicians assist PARC veterinarians in providing care for any sick resident animals, maintaining records, and enhancing the Center's health services.  Another rewarding aspect of our jobs is the role we play in supporting our customers. The purpose of PARC is to help our customers better understand companion animal food preferences through palatability testing and behavior studies. We enjoy when customers visit PARC, and we get to witness their enthusiasm and excitement for the Center. It reflects our feelings and passion about our work, and is affirmation of the importance of the work we are doing to help our customers develop nutritious food pets want to eat Working at PARC has not only helped us find rewarding careers, but also discover a greater life purpose of supporting and advancing the quality of life for the cats and dogs that make their homes here. For more information on AFB's PARC resource center or career opportunities as an animal care or animal health technician, contact Stacey Schlanker at [email protected]. by: Erica Nichols & Amanda Huenefeld – AFB International All Extruded

04/02/2019

Symrise Strengthens Pet Food activities and Expands US footprint with Acquisition of ADF/IDF

Symrise has signed a purchase agreement with the owners of ADF/IDF, a leading natural nutrition ingredient provider for pet food, regarding the acquisition of their business. ADF/IDF a pioneer in clean label meat and egg-based taste and nutrition ingredients. With the acquisition, Symrise aims to broaden its activities in the fast growing pet food business and to expand its position in the attractive food nutrition market. The purchase price amounting to $ 900 million will be financed by debt and equity. The acquisition is expected to be fully EPS accretive from the first year after closing. With its approximately 470 employees, ADF/IDF generated sales of $ 220 million and an EBITDA margin of 23 %. The transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. "The strategic acquisition of ADF/IDF perfectly delivers on our strategy to expand in fast growing, high margin business areas. The complementary offering will further diversify our Diana portfolio in pet food and nutrition. The acquisition of the leading provider of natural pet food nutrition ingredients is a further breakthrough for Symrise into the pet food nutrition market. With our expertise in pet food palatability and competence in nutrition solutions, we will create an integrated partner for our pet food clients," said Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, CEO of Symrise AG. "Through this acquisition, we will also broaden our global presence especially in the USA – a strategically important growth market for us – and strength our customer base." ADF/IDF (American Dehydrated Foods/International Dehydrated Foods) was founded in 1978 and is specialized producer of sustainable meat and egg-based nutrition ingredients. Headquartered in Springfield, MO, the Company is a partner of choice for clients in the pet food, food and nutrition industries, offering a wide range of natural and clean label product solutions. In pet food applications, the Company has become a leading natural ingredient provider, offering taste and nutrition solutions as well as functional ingredients. With its highly recognized customer orientation, ADF/IDF has established a diverse client base consisting of many long-term, close relationships with global and regional pet food and food companies. The combination of ADF/IDF and the Symrise Nutrition division Diana will create a leading global player in meat and egg-based protein specialties with focus on all natural and sustainable solutions. Highly complementary acquisition offers cross-selling potential With the acquisition, Symrise leverages its leadership position in pet food, extending its palatability know-how towards the Premium Nutrition segment. The ADF/IDF"s brand IsoNova offers pet food solutions using egg protein specialties. It develops animal health, functional, and nutritional products. Thereby, Symrise becomes a unique player for pet food and nutrition. With ADF/IDF`s expertise in clean label chicken and egg-based nutrition ingredients Symrise will form a fully integrated supplier of protein specialty ingredients. Customers will benefit from a highly efficient supply chain and natural quality products. The combination of ADF/IDF and Symrise will furthermore result in an enhanced customer platform and strengthened international footprint. Symrise will reinforce partnerships with key multinational players as well as fast-growing regional brands in the United States, one of its key growth markets. In return, ADF/IDF will benefit from Symrise"s resources and expertise outside the American market. The acquisition offers also cross-selling potential to accelerate long-term profitable growth, especially in the attractive application area of pet food. Symrise and ADF/IDF will benefit from joint R&D capabilities and competences. Both companies share a strong reputation for investing in process and product innovation and the dedication to provide exceptional customer value.  William Darr, founder of ADF/IDF, added: "We are delighted to have found in Symrise a new strong owner for our Company, they share the same values and the same mindset on the further development of the business. In the starting phase of our company, we already worked very closely with Diana, which is today leading Symrise"s nutrition activities. ADF/IDF and Symrise have many things in common. We are both committed to high-quality natural products derived from sustainable resources. And we both drive innovation to develop solutions that best serve our customers" needs. Our company will benefit from Symrise"s scientific know-how to further improve our products. Also, Symrise"s wide global presence and broad customer base will allow ADF/IDF to expand its business faster." BNP Paribas is acting as sole financial advisor to Symrise. Clifford Chance is acting as legal advisor to Symrise. BNP Paribas and UniCredit will provide a bridge financing, which will be refinanced by a combination of equity and debt.  Houlihan Lokey is acting as sole financial advisor to ADF/IDF.  The transaction is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. ADF/IDF is a leading meat and egg-based protein specialist and pioneer in all natural nutrition ingredients generating annual sales of $ 220 million The nutrition and taste solutions to the pet food and food segments are highly complementary to Symrise offerings A perfect fit in terms of culture and philosophy The investment amounts to $ 900 million Fully EPS accretive from first year after closing About Symrise: Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, food and cosmetic ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food. Its sales of € 3 billion in the 2017 fiscal year make Symrise a leading global provider in the flavor, nutrition and fragrance markets. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented by around 100 sites in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Latin America. Symrise works with its clients to develop new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked as part of this process. Symrise – always inspiring more … www.symrise.com About ADF/IDF: ADF/IDF are industry leading suppliers of real, natural poultry ingredients for pet food and food applications. The companies produce a wide range of ingredients across three core pillars: flavor, nutrition and function. Customers of ADF/IDF include pet food, food and beverage, supplement and nutritional manufacturers. Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri USA, ADF/IDF operates 11 manufacturing sites and 2 technical centers throughout North America. In 2018, the companies had sales of $220m. By: Symrise Contact: Bernhard Kott - Contacto de prensa de Symrise Email: [email protected] Source: All Extruded