13/12/2024

Canadian biotech company opens insect production plant in Halifax

The Nova Scotia-based biotech firm has launched a new commercial black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) farm on the outskirts of Halifax. Full operations are anticipated by Q4 of 2025.   The 108,000-square-foot facility will be capable of converting 36,000 tons of food by-products and waste into high-quality protein for animal nutrition.   The new factory will leverage artificial intelligence, robotics and predictive analysis to elevate the potential of BSF and meet the growing demand for sustainable protein sources.   Pet food applications   The new farm can produce over 9,000 tons of wet BSFL protein or approximately 3,000 tons of dry protein annually, which will also be available to the pet food industry.   Oberland Agriscience confirmed to GlobalPETS that it is already actively engaged in 'productive' discussions with pet food players.   This project emphasizes a circular economy model, with BSFL production supporting animal health and environmental sustainability by offering a low-carbon protein alternative.   Furthermore, BSFL frass, a nutrient-rich co-product, will be used as a natural soil amendment because it enhances the soil microbiome.   By: Muskaan Gupta   Source: GlobalPETS

11/12/2024

Fermented Foods: The Missing Link in Your Dog’s Gut Health

The Science Behind Fermentation   During fermentation, beneficial bacteria break down complex compounds, making nutrients more bioavailable. This process creates natural probiotics, enzymes, and short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health. These compounds are particularly valuable for dogs, whose ancestral diet included partially fermented digestive contents from prey animals.   Benefits Beyond Basic Nutrition   Fermented vegetables offer more than just vitamins and minerals. They enhance immune function, improve nutrient absorption, and help maintain healthy gut flora. The fermentation process also reduces anti-nutrients and creates natural preservatives, making nutrients more accessible to your dog's digestive system.   Safe Introduction and Portion Control   Begin with tiny amounts — just 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight. Common safe options include fermented carrots, cabbage (sauerkraut), and green beans. Always start with one variety and observe your dog's response before introducing others. Ensure vegetables are finely chopped to prevent choking.   Preparation and Storage of Fermented Vegetables for Dogs   Choose organic vegetables and ferment them separately from human batches to avoid seasonings. Use filtered water and high-quality sea salt. Store ferments in glass containers in the refrigerator, and always use clean utensils. Properly fermented vegetables can last several months when refrigerated.   Common Concerns and Solutions   While fermented foods are generally safe, some dogs may experience initial digestive adjustments. Start slowly and increase gradually. If your dog has a history of histamine sensitivity or specific health conditions, consult your veterinarian before introducing fermented foods.   Creating a Balanced Approach   Incorporate fermented vegetables as a supplement to a balanced diet, not as a primary food source. They work synergistically with other whole foods to support optimal health. Consider them as functional foods that enhance rather than replace regular nutrition.   Conclusion: Moving Towards Optimal Health   By incorporating carefully prepared fermented vegetables into your dog's diet, you're tapping into an ancient wisdom that modern science continues to validate. This small dietary addition can lead to significant improvements in your dog's digestive health and overall vitality.   Source: Animal Wellness

10/12/2024

Reliable packaging & palletizing of bulk materials with STATEC BINDER machines

The history of STATEC BINDER goes back to 1978, when the first packaging system of the parent company Binder+Co AG was realized —in 2008 the joint venture was founded under the name STATEC BINDER. Thanks to the continuous optimization and further development of the proven technology since then, the company is now one of the leading suppliers in the high-performance packaging industry.   Packaging systems from STATEC BINDER   The Austrian packaging and palletizing specialist focuses primarily on flexibility and innovation. All packaging systems are characterized by high quality and precision. The product portfolio ranges from packaging systems for open-mouth bags, FFS packaging machines, BIG-BAG filling stations, bag closing systems and scales to palletizing systems for free-flowing bulk goods. Products from a wide range of industries can be processed, such as the petrochemical, chemical, agricultural, food, animal feed, minerals and fuel industries. The proven packaging systems impress with their high efficiency and performance and contribute to greater value retention, cost-effectiveness and optimization of the customer's packaging process. The systems are also of high quality and reliable; the use of high-quality materials and the possibility of modernizing all machines means that they have a very long service life. The Austrian company therefore focuses on the implementation of high-tech, individual and high-quality all-in-one concepts, which are tailored to the individual product requirements and plant conditions of the various customers.   Packaging machines for open-mouth bags   The PRINCIPAC, CERTOPAC, ACROPAC and CIRCUPAC packaging machines for open-mouth bags are suitable for polyethylene (PE), woven polypropylene (PP) and paper bags with a filling weight of 5 kg to 80 kg. Up to 2400 bags can be filled every hour. The packaging machines for open-mouth bags are suitable for all types of free-flowing bulk goods. With additional equipment, powdery products such as flour can also be bagged.   Depending on customer requirements, the packaging machines for open-mouth bags are designed for low, medium and high production capacities. The durable systems enable a high level of product protection, improved shelf life and filling to precise dimensions.   Form-Fill-Seal packaging machines   The product portfolio also includes the SYSTEM-T FFS (Form-Fill-Seal) machine for bag processing from tubular film and the SYSTEM-F vertical FFS machine for bag processing from flat film. Both packaging systems are suitable for bagging all types of free-flowing bulk goods. The SYSTEM-F is particularly suitable for packaging moderately free-flowing or powdery products. The FFS machines can fill up to 2800 bags per hour with a filling weight of 5 - 50 kg.   BIG BAG filling station   The BIG BAG filling station from STATEC BINDER enables the safe filling of bags with a filling weight of 500 - 1500 kg. Up to 150 bags can be filled every hour. The machines are adapted to customer requirements depending on the desired filling capacity and degree of automation. In addition, the systems enable maximum weighing accuracy and precision and are also sturdily built.   Palletizers   The palletizers from STATEC BINDER impress with their top performance as an ideal addition to the packaging systems or as stand-alone machines. With the high-level, gantry and robotic palletizer, the perfect solution is found for every customer to enable the best possible and most efficient palletizing of bags or cartons. As with packaging machines, the various palletizers are suitable for a wide range of industries. The focus is on bringing together complex systems so that the respective product can be placed on load carriers or pallets as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. The palletizing systems are also individually adapted to the customer's requirements. Both the gentle handling of the packages and the optimal and stable appearance of the palletized load units are the basis of STATEC BINDER's palletizing technology.   Customer Service   In addition to the high-quality and efficient high-performance machines, the packaging specialist is also characterized by its unique, worldwide customer service after the purchase of a system. Complete customer satisfaction is the top priority here. Customers should be able to rely on being well looked after not only before and during the purchase, but also after delivery of a machine, and therefore receive sound advice, a high level of service expertise and support in all areas. STATEC BINDER's global Customer Service team supports customers with the highest level of expertise and impresses with many different services, such as spare parts delivery, modernization & optimization of machines, customer training and much more.   'STATEC BINDER's philosophy is clear. Even though we primarily deal with packaging and palletizing systems, our aim is to provide our customers with the best possible advice, to find the perfect solution for them and to provide them with the best possible support even after they have purchased the system. This is the only way we can be a strong and reliable partner,' Josef Lorger, Managing Director.   For more information visit our website at: www.statec-binder.com/en   By: STATEC BINDER   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

09/12/2024

How To Handle And Store Pet Food

PFI members take many steps to support making products that are safe for both pets and the family members who handle pet food. When preparing pet food and treats at home, pet lovers can continue the culture of safety by following standard kitchen hygiene practices in pet food handling and storage to help keep all members of the household safe. Some steps include:   As with making any meal in the kitchen, clean counter surfaces after preparing a bowl of food. Wash your hands after handling food, treats and toys. Keep food bowls dry and clean and provide fresh water daily.   Where and how pet food is stored can make a big difference in keeping food safe. Here are some tips for proper pet food handling and storage: Check the package: Examine packaging before purchasing to ensure it is clean and hasn't been damaged with a rip or hole. Store securely: Remember, pet food is food. It should be stored in ways that are similar to how human food is stored. Store unopened wet and dry pet food in a cool, dry location. It is not recommended to leave the bag on the floor in the garage or outside. Clean containers: Wash and dry the storage container between each bag of food and check for damage and insect activity. Keep it fresh: When possible, store dry food in the original bag and within a plastic or metal bin with lid. Wet or fresh food can be covered and stored in the refrigerator according to label guidelines. If you have questions about a specific product, please make sure to contact the manufacturer.                  Source: PetFood Institute 

06/12/2024

The History of Pet Food

A Long-Standing Relationship   Research suggests that dogs were domesticated 16,000 years ago, and possibly were keeping company with humans for more than 30,000 years. By 2000 BCE, humans were giving consideration into what to feed their dogs. Roman poet and philosopher Marcus Terentius Varro wrote a manual on farming, 'Farm Topics,' that advised providing dogs with meat and bones, and barley soaked in milk.   Near the end of the 14th century, Gaston III, the eleventh Count of Foix Count in Southwestern France and an avid hunter, wrote a book in which he described how his beloved greyhounds were to be cared for. This included reference to what they were to be fed: bran bread, some of the meat from the hunt, and if the dog was sick, goat's milk, bean broth, chopped meat or buttered eggs.   In common households during the middle ages and through the mid-19th centuries however, little consideration was given to feeding dogs, as a dog's diet was much like that of its owners, consisting of whatever owners could spare, such as knuckles of bone, cabbage, potatoes, onions and crusts of bread. In the mid-1800's, a dog or cat's diet may have been more slightly more varied in cities where it was common for people to purchase horse meat for their pets, as working horses would die in the city streets.   Since then, dogs and cats have become an integral part of our households, and the scientific understanding of pet nutrition and food safety has advanced to help better protect the health of four-legged family members.   Pets as Companion Animals   With the Industrial Revolution and rise of the middle class in the 19th century, families with disposable income began to keep domesticated dogs and cats as companion animals – rather than just as working animals.   Businessman James Spratt introduced the first commercially-prepared pet food in England in approximately 1860. After seeing dogs being fed leftover biscuits from a ship, Spratt formulated the first dog biscuit: a mix of wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot and beef blood. Spratt's business venture was a success, meeting a new market demand and selling to English country gentlemen for sporting dogs.   A British public company took over Spratt's formula and production began at a U.S. operation in about 1890. Additional companies began to develop their own recipes for biscuits and dry kibble, using the current nutritional knowledge of the time period. Canned dog food, 'Ken-L Ration,' was introduced in 1922. Its main ingredient was horsemeat, which was considered an acceptable ingredient source at the time. Our understanding of and relationship with horses has since evolved, and as they have become pets, there is no longer a market for horse meat.   An Evolving Understanding of Pets and Nutrition   The desire for prepared dog food resulted from a combination of dogs being viewed as luxury items with a need to protect the owners' investments, the increasing availability of such food (dog biscuits, dog bread, canned food, etc.) and marketing. The science of veterinary nutrition emerged in the late 1800s. Our understanding of animal science and nutrition also continued to evolve throughout the 20th century—the first pet food specifically formulated for the unique nutritional needs of puppies was introduced in the early 1960s—as more people came to view their dogs and cats part of the family.   In the mid-1980s, the U.S. National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council published nutritional requirements for dogs and cats, and released updated profiles in 2006 that reflected the evolving science and understanding of animal nutrition. Most commercially-prepared U.S. pet food is now formulated to be 'complete and balanced,' meaning that it is provides all of a pet's nutritional requirements at the correct levels.   Meeting Safety Requirements   Currently, both federal and state officials inspect pet food manufacturing facilities and test products on retail shelves for compliance with safety and/or nutritional requirements.   The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an organization of state and federal regulatory officials, develops model legislation for pet food safety regulations, that can then be adopted by states. First known as the Association of Feed Control Officials, AAFCO was founded more than 100 years ago in 1909. AAFCO first included language for pet food in their model bills in 1917. The regulation of pet food continued to advance over the years. Examples include in the 1933 decision to prohibit the word 'pure' from a brand name in 1933, or establishing a definition for 'complete and balanced' pet food in 1969.   The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), signed into law in 2011, is a more recent regulatory evolution. FSMA represents one of the most comprehensive changes to U.S. food safety regulation in more than 70 years, and requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food producers (for both food for humans and animals) to focus on preventing foodborne illness.   Source: Pet Food Institute

05/12/2024

LALPROBIOME, the Lallemand Animal Nutrition’s platform for Pet well-being

BLAGNAC, FRANCE – December, 2024 – Lallemand Animal Nutrition is proud to introduce you to LALPROBIOME, its platform of innovative microbial solutions tailored for pets. The brand offers a broad range of yeast and bacteria-based solutions including prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics and antioxidative solutions. From digestive care to immune support, antioxidant optimization to cognitive function, LALPROBIOME offers a broad range of specific solutions allowing for petfood, treat, and supplement customization and differentiation.   Dr. Francesca Susca, Global Pet Category Manager, explains: 'Our company is a global leader in the selection and application of microbial strains to address nutrition and well-being of human and animals. We've capitalized on this legacy to bring LALPROBIOME to the petfood market. LALPROBIOME leverages the natural power of yeast and bacteria with cutting edge science to support pet health and well-being.'   She added: 'We understand that every business is unique, which is why we're thrilled to offer LALPROBIOME. This gives our customers the ability to elevate and differentiate their brands with novel ingredients that support unique and specific benefits. LALPROBIOME products have been exhaustively tested for safety and efficacy, providing customers with proven, healthy products.'   Lallemand's LALPROBIOME solutions can bring benefits such as: Digestive care Immune support Antioxidant optimization Nutritional optimization Palatability Well-being (gut-brain axis)   About Lallemand Animal Nutrition
Partnering in microbial solutions for a changing world   We are Lallemand Animal Nutrition – a global leader in the science of fermentation – and a primary producer of yeast and bacteria. Our passion is harnessing microorganisms to optimize animal well-being and performance, forage management, and the animal environment. We remain unwavering in our commitment to helping our industry partners and farmers sustainably feed a growing global population through improved animal performance – and enhancing the well-being of livestock & companion animals.   We provide the broadest range of innovative microbial products, services and solutions for customers around the world.
We deliver tailor-made services according to your specific needs and offer expert technical support to ensure the optimal application and efficacy of our solutions.
Leveraging the natural power of yeast and bacteria, we develop, produce and market highly technical products including probiotics, silage inoculants, and microbial derivatives. Using sound science, proven results and knowledge from experience, we apply the right strains for the right applications.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition is Specific for your Success!
For more information, please visit https://lalprobiome.lallemandanimalnutrition.com Connect with us at [email protected] Not all products are available in all markets nor associated claims allowed in all regions.

Source: Lallemand Animal Nutrition

03/12/2024

Spray-dried plasma included in the formulation allows for higher meat inclusion in diets

  Several initial tests were completed to prove the concept. The dry blend feed rate was established, and adjustments in fresh meat and SDP feed rates to the dry blend feed rate were evaluated initially with a twin-screw extruder. Limits were determined by the extruder inability to continue the production of kibble. Feed rate ranges from 2.5 to 20% SDP and 25-50% fresh meat were evaluated. With initial concept testing, SDP feed rates from 2.5 to 20% allowed for increased fresh meat feed rates to 45-50% depending on the feed rate of SDP and formulation type.     Follow-up evaluation tests were completed formulating SDP into the dry blend with the least cost formulation. These formulas were evaluated on both single and twin-screw extruders. Targets of 2.5 and 5.0% SDP in the final kibble were formulated into the dry blend in both grain-free and grain formulas. Ranges of meat feed rates from 25 to 45% were again evaluated. Overall, the addition of plasma in the dry blend formula allows formulators to increase meat levels while improving kibble durability and palatability, all while increasing meat inclusion levels.   REVIEWING KEY RESULTS   INCLUSION RATES & DURABILITY / SINGLE SCREW EXTRUSION WITH GRAIN-FREE FORMULA   35% MEAT CONTROL VS. 2.5% AP 920/35% MEAT     CONCLUSIONS   • Plasma included in the formulation allows higher meat inclusion in diets. • Cook and Durability are maintained or improved. • Palatability was improved in both cat and dog kibbles.     By: Dr. Joy Campbell, Senior Director of Global Pet Food Technical Service, APC   Source: All Pet Food Magazine  

02/12/2024

The pet industry in Spain

Spain is known for its love of pets, and the country has seen a remarkable increase in pet ownership in the past couple of years.  According to recent data from the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (ANFAAC), more households in the country have pets than children under the age of 15.

This highlights the growing significance of pets in Spanish homes, with the pet population now expected to exceed 20,45 million in 2024.     Spending habits of Spanish pet owners   Nearly half of people in Spain share their homes with a pet, according to a survey of 700 respondents by AEDPAC. Moreover, 8 in 10 pet owners consider their pets part of the family. This insight points to an estimated 39% of Spanish households that nurture pets as if they were kids. Dogs andcats remain the most popular pets, contributing to increased demand for pet services and supplies. In many cases premium, or even custom-made.    A study from the Spanish pet association, AEDPAC, also shows how much different generations in Spain spend on their pets on average:      Where do Spanish pet parents shop?   A recent study on Spain's pet owners showed that more than half of them mostly shop in brick-and-mortar stores, however, there are some differences in this behavior between different types of pet parents.  Whether it's bought online or offline, dry and wet pet foods dominate the market. Accounting for 71.54% of the total market share in 2022, it is projected to grow from an estimated$2.63 billion (€2.43B) in 2024 to $3.24 (€2,99B) billion by 2029.  Premium customized pet foods, health trackers, and interactive toys designed to meet cognitive needsexemplify the industry's adaptation to consumer demands. E-commerce platforms enhance the market by providing convenient access to these products.   Spanish pet food inflation and economic impact   The pet food inflation in Spain surged by 4.5% in January 2024, but the rate nearly halved by February and stood at 1.9% in May, showing a significant decline in inflationary pressures on pet products.  Spanish consumers have adapted to the lower prices, by increasing their shopping frequency, with an average of 181 trips to supermarkets last year, up from 162 in previous years. In 2023, Spain's pet food imports were mostly from Germany, totaling approximately $49.6 million (€45,8M).  The primary export destinations for Spanish industrial production continue to be the European Union, the rest of Europe, the Middle East, the Maghreb, the rest of Africa, America, and Southeast Asia.   Key market investments and sustainability   Spain has become a prime choice for many manufacturing companies in the pet industry looking to expand.  Pet food manufacturer Picart has opened a new 12,000-square-metre production plant in Llinars del Vallès, Barcelona, following a $12.9 million (€12M) investment in 2023.  Similarly, Eviosys, the largest metal food can manufacturer in the EMEA region, has invested $8.5 million (€8M) to expand production at two Spanish facilities. This move aims to meet the rising demand in the pet food and fish markets. Spain is also playing a key role in the EU-backed ZEST project, which repurposes food waste, such as mushrooms, into nutrient-rich pet food ingredients, helping to promote a more sustainable pet industry.   From pet care to pet travel   Numerous scientific studies highlight the emotional, health, and economic benefits of having pets. Recognizing these advantages, the Spanish public train operator Renfe has, since 2023, permitted the transport of pets on all high-speed routes.  This policy includes dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits under 10 kilograms. Pet owners can now enjoy the company of their furry friends during their travels for a fee of $10.8 (€10), per trip, making it more convenient to keep their beloved animals close.   To meet the growing demand from passengers traveling with pets, Barcelona-based low-cost airline Vueling has partnered with Belgian pet food company Edgard & Cooper to offer 'buy-on-board' pet treats, making it the first airline in Europe to do so.

In 2023, Vueling also increased the number of in-cabin pets allowed per flight from 3 to 5, accommodating dogs, cats, birds (excluding birds of prey), and turtles/tortoises weighing 8 kg or less in specific carriers.   Spain's growing pet industry reflects the nation's strong connection to animals and the increasing role pets play in Spanish households. The country is making strides in pet care innovation and support, highlighting the important place pets hold in modern society.   Source: GlobalPETS

29/11/2024

Mars Wodonga to be Australia’s first large-scale steam-based manufacturing site to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution by 2026 with new solar thermal plant

Craig Sargeant, General Manager of Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand, was joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a tour of the Wodonga site while sharing his enthusiasm for the ground-breaking initiative, which aligns with the company's broader global net zero by 2050 ambitions.   'We are incredibly proud to announce that Mars will be the first manufacturing facility of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years,' said Sargeant. 'Decarbonizing site-based process heat, coupled with Mars Australia's 100% renewable electricity use, is a significant achievement that not only reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability but also positions our Wodonga facility as a leader in green process heat manufacturing on a national scale.'   The $39.3 million Mars Wodonga Solar Thermal Plant will spearhead this transition, including the installation of an 18-megawatt Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) plant that will provide up to 10 hours of thermal energy storage for cooking pet food. The project, which includes a $17.2 million grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), marks the first commercial deployment of parabolic trough CST technology in Australia.   'Investing in renewable energy technologies like CST is critical to decarbonizing industrial processes, particularly in sectors that heavily rely on gas for steam-based manufacturing,' Sargeant continued. 'CST offers a powerful solution by capturing and storing solar energy in the form of high temperature heat, for use at any time, making it an ideal fit for our steam-based manufacturing needs.'   The project also builds on Mars' implementation of Electric Thermal Energy Storage (eTES) technology, which allows the facility to utilize low-cost, grid-connected renewable electricity during off-peak times to generate and store heat that can produce steam at any time of day or night. This eTEs system, supported by CSIRO, provides a cost-effective, renewable alternative to gas.   In addition, Mars recently announced another joint initiative whereby the company is working together with Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) to purchase Renewable Gas Guarantee of Origin certificates at Hydrogen Park Murray Valley. This arrangement will displace over 10% of Mars Australia's total gas consumption, which includes Mars Petcare Wodonga.   For Mars, the CST and eTES systems are complementary renewable heat technologies. With the addition of the AGIG hydrogen purchase, and Mars Australia's existing 100% renewable electricity agreement, the Wodonga facility will deploy a 100% renewable energy solution within two years, as part of our global commitment to 100% renewable energy for site-based operations by 2040.   'Earlier this year, Mars globally announced that since 2015, GHG emissions in the company's value chain have been reduced by 16% or 5.7 million metric tons. This project further contributes to Mars Net Zero Roadmap target to reduce emissions globally by 50% by the end of 2030, which we're on track to achieve," said Sargeant.   Mars is also working with other local companies and government entities as part of a broader effort to help create a renewable energy hub in northeast Victoria for generations to come.   'Mars is incredibly proud of the fact we have been manufacturing in the Wodonga area for more than 50 years,' Sargeant said. 'We are part of the fabric of the local community, supporting jobs and investment in regional Victoria. Wodonga is at the heart of that journey, and today's announcement is a major step forward in supporting both regional investment and Australia's clean energy future.'
    About Mars, Incorporated   Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M's®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles—Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom—inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.     Source: Mars

27/11/2024

Understanding Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Their Benefits for Dogs and Cats

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids   Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): Alpha-linolenic acid is a precursor to the longer chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA and DHA, respectively) and requires enzymatic conversion into these beneficial fatty acids. This fatty acid is primarily a plant-based omega-3 fatty acids found in sources like flaxseed, canola oil, and chia seeds.1   Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids primarily found in marine sources such as fish oil, krill oil, and algae.2,6 They are considered essential because pets cannot synthesize them in sufficient quantities from shorter-chain omega-3 fatty acids, such as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).7 Both EPA and DHA play significant roles in reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, modulating the immune system, aiding in cognitive function, and promoting healthy skin and coat .8 Essential for proper neurological development and function, DHA is essential for growing puppies and kittens and an important nutrient for aging pets.10 It is also a critical structural component of the brain, retina, and nervous system.9   Why EPA and DHA Specifically Take the Spotlight   While ALA is beneficial, dogs and cats have limited abilities to convert it efficiently into EPA and DHA, the biologically active forms of omega-3 fatty acids.3 This is due to the low activation of an enzyme delta-6 (Δ-6) desaturase in dogs that is almost nonexistent in cats.4-5 Therefore, providing EPA and DHA directly through their diet is crucial for optimal health in puppies and kittens and can beneficial for adult animals as well.   Health Benefits of EPA and DHA   Anti-Inflammatory Effects Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor that can be created by stress, diet, obesity, intestinal dysbiosis, arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease, which in turn can be caused by stress, diet, obesity, and/or intestinal dysbiosis.12,11 By incorporating EPA and DHA into the diet, dogs and cats may experience reduced inflammation, leading to decreased pain and better overall health.13   Joint Health Osteoarthritis is estimated to affect up to 20% of dogs over the age of one, and in cats, it's estimated that 61% over the age of six will be affected.14-15 Although osteoarthritis commonly develops in older, overweight cats and dogs, it can affect cats and dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Supplementation with EPA and DHA can help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that break down cartilage.16-17 Supplementing with EPA and DHA may alleviate symptoms of arthritis, improve joint function, and enhance the quality of life for older dogs and cats or those with joint problems.   Cardiovascular Health In canine and feline models, DHA and EPA have been shown to reduce the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias, a common issue in various cardiac diseases.18 Their benefit is the stabilization of heart muscle cell membranes, this stabilization helps to prevent irregular heartbeats. Additionally, these omega-3 fatty acids reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory molecules, which can promote irregular hearbeats.19 They also help by maintaining smooth blood flow and preventing the formation of blood clots (thrombosis). In addition, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, enhance the production of nitric oxide in humans.20 This molecule promotes the widening of blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow.   Skin and Coat Health Dogs and cats with skin conditions, allergies, or dry, flaky skin can benefit significantly from EPA and DHA. Omega-3s help reduce the production of inflammatory molecules in the body, potentially improving skin conditions like allergies, dermatitis, or other inflammatory skin conditions.21 Inflammation can damage the skin barrier, leading to increased water loss and dry skin. The skin also produces natural oils that coat the hair, providing shine and protection. Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the production of these oils, resulting in a shiny, healthy coat.22 Regular supplementation can lead to visible improvements in the skin and coat condition.   Cognitive Function In puppies and kittens, adequate DHA levels are needed for proper brain development by promoting the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the formation of synapses (synaptogenesis), both of which are necessary for learning and memory.23,24,25 For adult pets undergoing training or engaging in new activities, omega-3 fatty acids can enhance their capacity to retain and learn new information.26   As pets age, they may experience cognitive decline, akin to the cognitive changes seen in humans. This condition in pets is known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects older dogs and cats. This disease is marked by a gradual decline in memory, learning, and awareness.27 Omega-3 fatty acids can help slow the progression of age-related cognitive disorders and regular intake of EPA and DHA may alleviate symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, in these pets, potentially improving their quality of life.28   Vision Health As a major component of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for capturing light and sending visual signals to the brain, DHA aids in the development of vision.29 Proper visual acuity is essential for a young animal's ability to interact with its environment and to learn from visual cues. Supplementation of EPA and DHA help preserve vision by supporting the health of the nervous system and reducing inflammation, ensuring your pets remain alert and engaged with their environment.   Dosage and Considerations   While EPA and DHA offer numerous health benefits for dogs and cats, it is important to ensure proper dosage and consider individual needs. Here are some key points to keep in mind: Consult with a Veterinarian: Before adding any additional omega-3 fatty acids to a pet's diet, consult with an animal nutritionists or veterinarian. They can assess a pet's specific needs, recommend appropriate dosages, and monitor for any potential side effects. Quality and Purity: When choosing supplements, opt for high-quality products that undergo rigorous testing for purity and potency. Look for supplements that are free from contaminants such as heavy metals and toxins. Reach out to brands and request that they provide third-party testing results to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products. Dosage Guidelines and Adjustments: The appropriate dosage of EPA and DHA varies based on factors such as a pet's size, age, and health condition. Since these guidelines can vary, it is essential to follow a veterinarian's or nutritionist's recommendations. After starting a pet on EPA and DHA supplements, monitor their response and adjust as needed. Some pets may require higher or lower dosages depending on their individual needs. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure a pet is receiving the optimal amount of these essential fatty acids.     Conclusion   EPA and DHA are vital components of a balanced diet for dogs and cats, young and old alike. These essential omega-3 fatty acids offer a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, improved joint health, cardiovascular support, and enhanced cognitive function. Ensuring an adequate intake of EPA and DHA can lead to improved health outcomes, supporting both the physical and mental well-being of dogs and cats at all life stages.   By: Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, PCQI, PAS   Source: BSM Partners   References Lenox, CE. 2016. Role of dietary fatty acids in dogs & cats. Today Vet. Pract. 6(5):83-90. Kleiner, AC, Cladis, DP, Santerre, CR. 2015. A comparison of actual versus stated label amounts of EPA and DHA in commercial omega‐3 dietary supplements in the United States. J. Sci. Food Agr. 95(6):1260-1267. Doi:1002/jsfa.6816 Bauer, JJE. 2008. Essential fatty acid metabolism in dogs and cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. 37:20-27. Doi:10.1590/S1516-35982008001300004 Bauer JE. 2006. Metabolic basis for the essential nature of fatty acids and the unique dietary fatty acid requirements of cats. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 229:1729–1732. Doi:10.2460/javma.229.11.1729 Filburn CR, Griffin D. 2005. Canine plasma and erythrocyte response to a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched supplement: Characterization and potential benefits. Vet Ther. 6:29-42. Ryckebosch, E, Bruneel, C, Muylaert, K, Foubert, I. 2012. Microalgae as an alternative source of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Lipid Technol. 24(6):128-130. Doi:10.1002/lite.201200197 Lenox, CE. 2015. Timely topics in nutrition: an overview of fatty acids in companion animal medicine. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 246(11):1198-1202. Doi:10.2460/javma.246.11.1198 Magalhaes, TR, Lourenco, AL, Gregorio, H, Queiroga, FL. 2021. Therapeutic effect of EPA/DHA supplementation in neoplastic and non-neoplastic companion animal diseases: A systematic review. In Vivo. 35(3):1419-1436. Doi:10.21873/invivo.12394 Salem Jr, N, Litman, B, Kim, HY, Gawrisch, K. 2001. Mechanisms of action of docosahexaenoic acid in the nervous system. Lipids. 36(9):945-959. Doi:10.1007/s11745-001-0805-6 Waldron, MK, Spencer, AL, Bauer, JE. 1998. Role of long-chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids in the development of the nervous system of dogs and cats. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 213(5):619-622. Doi:10.2460/javma.1998.213.05.619 Furman, D, Campisi, J, Verdin, E, Carrera-Bastos, P, Targ, S, Franceschi, C, Ferrucci, L, Gilroy, DW, Fasano, A, Miller, GW, Miller, AH, Mantovani, A, Weyand, CM, Barzilai, N, Goronzy, JJ, Rando, TA, Effros, RB, Lucia, A, Kleinstreuer, N, & Slavich, GM. 2019. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nature Med. 25(12):1822-1832. Doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0 Bauer, JE. 2011. Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 239(11):1441-1451. Doi:10.2460/javma.239.11.1441 Kaur, Haneet, Singla, A, Singh, S, Shilwant, S, & and Kaur, R. 2020. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in canine health: A review. Intern. J. Current Microbiol. Appl. Sci. 9(3):2283-2293 Doi:10.20546.ijcmas.2020.903.259 Johnston SA. 1997. Osteoarthritis. Joint anatomy, physiology, and pathobiology. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Small Anim. Pract. 27:699–723. Doi:10.1016/S0195-5616(97)50076-3 Bennett, David, Siti Mariam bt Zainal Ariffin, and Pamela Johnston. 2012. Osteoarthritis in the cat: 1. How common is it and how easy to recognise? J. Feline Med. Surg. 14(1):65-75. Doi:10.1177/1098612X11432828 Adler, N, Schoeniger, A, Fuhrmann, H. 2018. Polyunsaturated fatty acids influence inflammatory markers in a cellular model for canine osteoarthritis. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 102(2):e623-e632. Doi:10.1111/jpn.12804 Curtis CL, Hughes CE, Flannery CR, Little, CB, Harwood, JL, & Caterson, B. 2000. n-3 fatty acids specifically modulate catabolic factors involved in articular cartilage degradation. J. Biol. Chem. 275:721–724. Doi:10.1074/jbc.275.2.721 Smith, CE, Freeman, LM, Rush, JE, Cunningham, SM, & Biourge, V. 2007. Omega‐3 fatty acids in Boxer dogs with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. J. Vet. Intern. Med. 21(2):265-273. Doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb02959.x Goel, A, Pothineni, NV, Singhal, M, Paydak, H, Saldeen, T, & Mehta, JL. 2018. Fish, fish oils and cardioprotection: Promise or fish tale? Internat. J. Mol. Sci. 19(12):3703. Doi:10.3390/ijms19123703 Freeman, LM, Rush, JE, Markwell, PJ. 2006. Effects of dietary modification in dogs with early chronic valvular disease. J. Vet. Intern. Med. 20(5):1116-1126. Doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb00709.x Burron, S, Richards, T, Krebs, G, Trevizan, L, Rankovic, A, Hartwig, S, Pearson, W, Ma, DWL, & Shoveller, AK. 2024. The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid. J. Anim. Sci. Doi:10.1093/jas/skae143 Combarros, D, Castilla-Castaño, E, Lecru, LA, Pressanti, C, Amalric, N, Cadiergues, MC. 2020. A prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the effects of an n-3 essential fatty acids supplement (Agepi® ω3) on clinical signs, and fatty acid concentrations in the erythrocyte membrane, hair shafts and skin surface of dogs with poor quality coats. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 159:102140. Doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102140 Cao, D, Kevala, K, Kim, J, Moon, HS, Jun, SB, Lovinger, D, Kim, HY. 2009. Docosahexaenoic acid promotes hippocampal neuronal development and synaptic function. J. Neurochem. 111(2):510-521. Doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06335.x Zicker, SC, Jewell, DE, Yamka, RM, Milgram, NW. 2012. Evaluation of cognitive learning, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions in healthy puppies fed foods fortified with docosahexaenoic acid–rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 241(5):583-594. Doi:10.2460/javma.241.5.583 Wu, G. 2024. Roles of nutrients in the brain development, cognitive function, and mood of dogs and cats. In Nutrition and Metabolism of Dogs and Cats (pp. 177-202). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. Doi:10.1007/978-3-031-54192-6_8 Hadley, KB, Bauer, J, Milgram, NW. 2017. The oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary source of docosahexaenoic acid improves shape discrimination learning associated with visual processing in a canine model of senescence. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 118:10-18. Doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2017.01.011 Sordo, L, Gunn‐Moore, DA. 2021. Cognitive dysfunction in cats: update on neuropathological and behavioural changes plus clinical management. Vet. Rec. 188(1):e3. Doi:10.1002/vetr.3 Cupp, CJ, Jean-Philippe, C, Kerr, WW, Patil, AR, Perez-Camargo, G. 2006. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. Intern. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 5(3):133-149. Uauy, R, Hoffman, DR, Peirano, P, Birch, DG, Birch, EE. 2001. Essential fatty acids in visual and brain development. Lipids. 36(9):885-895. Doi:10.1007/s11745-001-0798-1

26/11/2024

High-level nutrition: The revolution in pet health

In this context, science and technology have played a fundamental role in developing pet food that not only meets basic nutritional needs, but also promotes long-term health. The evolution of pet food processing and formulation technologies has enabled the creation of increasingly personalized diets for pets, meeting the specific demands of different breeds, ages, and health conditions. Through specialized proteins, probiotics, and functional ingredients, Kemin ensures that its products provide enhanced nutrition and immune support, which not only contributes to the animal's current health but also helps prevent potential issues in the years to come.   One of Kemin's goals is to bring innovations and drive the market to constantly evolve. Our Research & Development team focuses on creating practical and effective solutions for the pet food industry. We offer a wide range of products that, carefully formulated, contribute to the success and quality of the food. Each solution is developed to add value, ensuring that our partners are always a step ahead in an increasingly competitive market.   Thus, technological innovation becomes the main driver behind the continuous development of our solutions and services. It is not just about offering high-quality items; Kemin is constantly refining processes to ensure that our clients receive the most advanced products. This commitment to delivery and customer satisfaction is made possible through the services we provide: the Kemin Application Service (KAS), for example, is designed to integrate the latest technologies, enabling efficient implementation. Our specialists in pet food and rendering are constantly monitoring and updating application methods to ensure precise execution, guaranteeing maximum performance. Each strategy and plan are meticulously crafted to meet the specific needs of each client, making it possible to offer the highest quality equipment and service.   Additionally, our Customer Laboratory Services (CLS) are constantly evolving, incorporating advancements that ensure faster and more accurate analyses. This allows clients to obtain reliable and personalized results, essential for safe and informed decision-making. With the expertise of the Technical Service Managers (TSMs), we ensure that cutting-edge technical knowledge is always available to assist with any challenge, offering support that goes beyond the conventional.   Kemin's Research and Exploratory Services (RES) marks a significant advancement in our ability to innovate. Utilizing the latest research tools and techniques, we are exploring new frontiers and developing solutions that anticipate market needs. This proactive approach allows us not only to keep up with trends but to lead the way, ensuring we are always ahead in delivering products and services that exceed expectations.   The future of pet food is directly tied to the ability to innovate and adapt to new scientific discoveries and emerging technologies. With its customer-centric approach, Kemin is ready to lead this path, offering solutions that promote pet health and well-being in a sustainable and efficient manner. In doing so, Kemin not only strengthens its commitment to excellence but also reaffirms its role as an indispensable partner for all those seeking the best in animal nutrition.   By: Kemin Nutrisurance   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

22/11/2024

Chews and treats for dogs

  Top Tips on Treating   Avoid human scraps or treats. Many owners want to 'treat' their pet and commercial pet treats are the sensible option. Human scraps or treats are inappropriate for pets as they can be too high in fat, salt, sugar and energy content or may contain ingredients that are toxic to pets. Some human foods can also be toxic to pets (see FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines).
  Use pet treats alongside a complete and balanced diet. Pets require a complete and balanced diet containing the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins and amino acids in the right amounts for their specific life stage. Chews and treats are typically classified as complementary products which are not designed to be nutritionally complete or contribute to the essential nutrient requirement of the pet. The term 'complete' or 'complementary' will be labelled on the pet food pack so please check before feeding.
  Feed treats in moderation. It is recommended that no more than 10% of a pet's caloric average intake over a week or day come from treats. Please refer to the feeding guidelines on the packaging or contact the manufacturers helpline for more detailed information. Monitor your pet's weight regularly to keep them fit and healthy.
  Keep it safe. Choose a chew that is the appropriate size and shape for your dog. Ensuring that any treat offered to your dog is the right size for his body weight is important in reducing the risk of choking. With all chews and treats there is always the potential for large pieces to be swallowed whole, causing trauma or choking. FEDIAF therefore advises that dogs are always supervised with chews and treats, or other items they might want to chew or play with. 
  Avoid excessively hard chews and treats. It has been shown that chewing on excessively hard objects, e.g. chews and treats that are not bendy and malleable, or don't soften very quickly and easily when chewed, could cause a painful tooth fracture, posing a risk to your dog's well-being. There isn't currently a specific legal standard for hardness for dog chews, but there are many products available that are really chewy and long-lasting, without being super hard.
  If you need additional advice and guidance to find out if a chew or treat is suitable for your dog consult the manufacturer, a pet care professional or your vet.   Further Readings and Scientific Studies   A 2018 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science demonstrated the risk of tooth fractures with chews or toys that are too hard. The full study can be accessed here: Fracture Limits of Maxillary Fourth Premolar Teeth in Domestic Dogs Under Applied Forces.   A 2005 study published in Yamaguchi Journal of Veterinary Medicine (Japan) showed that half of owners of dogs with fractured teeth do not notice the tooth fractures in their dogs and highlighted the importance of owner education about living environment and regular veterinary check-ups. Study abstract can be found here: A survey of the fractured teeth of sixty canines and their treatment.   In a 2019 study they assessed 349 clinical cases in which foreign bodies (objects) were removed from dogs' oesophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). The results showed that the majority (77%) of foreign bodies causing the obstruction/injury in those cases were bones. Read more here: Complications following removal of oesophageal foreign bodies: a retrospective review of 349 cases.   A 2017 retrospective study of 222 deaths in dogs, which were treated for esophageal foreign body obstruction, showed that osseous (bone material) were the foreign body in 81% of the cases. Read more here: Risk Factors for Death in Dogs Treated for Esophageal Foreign Body Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 222 Cases (1998-2017).   Download the factsheet or click here for more factsheets.   Source: FEDIAF

20/11/2024

Inspired Pet Nutrition completes acquisition of Butcher’s Pet Care

British pet food manufacturer Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) has completed the acquisition of Northampton-based Butcher's Pet Care, which was announced earlier in August.   IPN's CEO Arthur van Benthem expresses his team is 'thrilled' to welcome the new colleagues. 'This is the start of an exciting new chapter where we unite our passion for pets, combine expertise and share heritage to make an even bigger impact in the UK and European pet food markets.'   The new group is expected to hit over €400 million ($432.4M) in gross sales.   Refinancing   Local media reports that Butcher's is refinancing its existing production facilities with a more adaptable funding solution to increase its financial flexibility.   The company has reportedly agreed to a £43 million ($55.8M/€51.6M) funding package from Credit fund Blazehill Capital and Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance, a division of Secure Trust Bank (STB) that specializes in providing financial solutions to businesses.   The Northamptonshire-based company didn't comment after a request from GlobalPETS but stated that the leadership team is currently busy with the deal.   The acquisition of Butcher's Pet Care is expected to strengthen IPN's position as one 1 of the UK's 3 biggest pet food manufacturers over the next 5 years. It will also expand its portfolio by offering more affordable, superior natural, wet and dry pet food brands.   Source: GlobalPETS

19/11/2024

Caring for our pets' bacteria

A few years ago, it seemed incredible to think that our bodies contain more bacterial cells than human ones, but this is indeed the case. In a 70 kg human, the number of bacteria is around 3.8 x 10¹³, while human cells are estimated at 3 x 10¹³. Some studies even suggest this difference could be greater, making us a true ecosystem where various types of bacteria coexist with our own cells. This concept is not only applicable to humans but also to other animals, including our pets.   Pets are now perceived as family members, and the efforts to improve their diet and health have drastically increased in recent years. Numerous advances in understanding how the bacteria in their bodies affect their health have made the search for new foods and products to care for these bacteria fundamental in maintaining a healthy balance.   The microbiome and its importance   The set of microorganisms that coexist in balance within the bodies of our companion animals is known as the microbiome. The microbiome plays a crucial role in the host's health, protecting against pathogenic microorganisms, modulating the immune response, contributing to the production of neurotransmitters, and participating in digestive processes such as fibre breakdown. The microbiome in a specific part of the body is called the microbiota, and depending on its location, certain types of bacteria will predominate. Thus, in the same animal, the bacteria living on the skin, in the mouth, or in the intestines will differ. Moreover, the microbiome is specific to each individual and depends on factors such as hygiene habits, stress, the animal's age, its living environment, contact with nature, and diet.   A prolonged imbalance in the microorganism population can lead to dysbiosis, which, in turn, can trigger various diseases. For instance, in the mouth, dysbiosis can cause dental problems, gum inflammation, bad breath, digestive issues, promote the growth of caries-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, or even increase the risk of cardiovascular or neurological diseases. In the gut, dysbiosis is associated with diseases like irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, which alters the intestinal microbiota that disrupts key functions such as metabolite production and the intestinal barrier. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weight, though some pets may be asymptomatic. Treating dysbiosis involves dietary changes and the use of prebiotics, probiotics, or symbiotics, alongside managing underlying gastrointestinal conditions.   On the other hand, the loss of beneficial bacteria leaves a niche available for opportunistic microorganisms, which can be pathogenic for both our pets and us. This is the case with some bacteria like Escherichia coli or Clostridium perfringens in dogs. Microorganisms may not always be serious pathogenic for animals, but they can be for humans, as in the case of toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii) in cats, highlighting how our health is directly linked to that of our pets.   Helping to care for their microbiome   As we have seen, it is essential to care for our pets' microbiomes to maintain their health, focusing on proper nutrition and habits. Among the available foods, some can help maintain, enrich, or enhance the microbiota in their digestive system. An example of this is foods rich in prebiotics, compounds that our pets cannot metabolise, but which serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in their bodies. Compounds, such as plant fibres, fructooligosaccharides, beta-glucans, various arabinogalactans, and inulin are particularly effective in promoting the development of intestinal microbiota. These compounds can be found in pet-safe foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, chicory root, or wheat bran, among others.   Numerous studies have shown that consuming foods rich in prebiotics boosts the abundance of microorganisms from the Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, or Lactobacillus genera, all of which are beneficial. Another advantage of prebiotics is that, since pets cannot digest them, they help control weight by reducing calorie intake and suppressing appetite.   Another noteworthy group is probiotics. These foods contain live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, can colonize different parts of the digestive tract, protecting the host from pathogens and directly benefiting health. Many probiotics belong to the lactic acid bacteria genus, which can be cultivated and introduced into our pets' diets.   Fermented foods typically consumed by humans, which contain bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera or fungi like Aspergillus, also offer such benefits. Currently, new functional foods include these strains in prepared foods for both humans and pets, usually obtained from healthy individuals and tested to ensure they promote balance and provide health benefits. An example is the colonization of Lactobacillus bacteria that has been shown to reduce pathogenic bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae genera or C. perfringens in dogs. When a probiotic is combined with a prebiotic, results in a symbiotic. These products enhance the benefits of both by providing both positive strains and the food they need to thrive in their target niche, typically a segment of our pets' intestines.   Lastly, postbiotics are metabolites produced by bacterial activity. These include short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and other compounds. A subgroup of postbiotics is parapostbiotics, which are postbiotics obtained after lysing the bacteria that produced them, preventing their viability and development in the host. Industrial biotechnology has utilized these metabolites as natural preservatives since many microorganisms produce substances that inhibit the growth of undesirable microbes. By optimising the production and purification of these compounds, it is possible to offer natural and sustainable solutions to improve both food and cosmetics, extending the shelf life of these products.   Development at 3A BIOTECH   We are committed to a comprehensive development of these three key areas for the proper functioning and maintenance of intestinal microflora: we combine prebiotics from our raw materials, develop products with probiotics cultivated from our own strains, and obtain the best blends of postbiotics, ready for application by our clients to their products. Under these principles, at 3A BIOTECH we have developed the Bioprotect range, formulations with 100% natural ingredients that allow our clients to use clean label ingredients. These products are not only more environmentally friendly but also offer safer alternatives to synthetic compounds, meeting the growing demand for more natural and sustainable options.   Among this range is Bioprotect-RT, a product enriched with reuterin, a natural postbiotic with activity against Salmonella, produced by the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri, which is well known for its benefits in both oral and intestinal health. One of our standout solutions in this range is Bioprotect-DF, a product generated from the fermentation of the bacterium Propionibacterium acidipropionici, enriched with short-chain fatty acids with antifungal activity, ideal for wet pet food.   This line comes as a result of expanding our facilities, including larger volume bioreactors, or as we like to call them, biofactories. These large tanks are essential for maintaining the optimal conditions for microbial growth and production of the desired compounds. Additionally, local waste by-products can be used as raw materials in these bioprocesses, improving the sustainability of the region—a fundamental principle for our company.   In addition to the Bioprotect range, we have developed other innovative formulations that not only promote intestinal microbiomes in humans and pets but also act as antioxidants and preservatives in foods, enhancing their shelf life. Furthermore, they improve the organoleptic profile, adding distinctive aroma, flavour, and texture, making products more palatable and attractive to pets.   At 3A BIOTECH, we aim to expand into new markets, building new biofactories to become leaders in Spain and developing new product lines for both human and animal nutrition. With the help of our microorganisms, we will continue to be "The shield for tomorrow's well-being" for years to come.   By: 3A BIOTECH   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

15/11/2024

Are Homemade Diets a Viable Alternative to Prepared Pet Food?

FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Cats and Dogs detail the nutritional needs of cats and dogs at the varying life-stages from growth to senior and they are peer reviewed by independent veterinary nutrition experts throughout Europe. Providing a pet with a 'complete' pet food is akin to a person having their meals routinely put together by a human nutritionist.   Most recipes for homemade diets are nutritionally deficient   A study at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine1, analysed 200 different recipes for home prepared dog foods. Recipes were selected from websites, veterinary text books, and pet care books. The findings highlighted that 95% of the recipes were deficient in at least one essential nutrient and 84% were lacking in multiple required nutrients. Whilst providing a nutritionally balanced diet from home is not impossible, these results show it is a complicated task with very little margin for error. Calorie control can also be difficult.   Expert formulated diets   Most pet food products on the market are designed to provide total nutrition for pets. These products will have the term 'complete' on the pet food packet. 'Complete' is a legal definition and the product must by law contain all the nutrients a pet needs in the right proportions. Balancing the right quantities of protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrates along with the specific vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids is complex but that is the day in day out responsibility of pet food manufacturers.   Can I home cook occasionally?   An occasional home prepared meal can be enjoyed by cat or dog and owner alike. If it is 'occasional' it won't interrupt the nutritional balance of the overall feeding regime but please be careful to avoid foods that are toxic to pets.   Human foods to avoid   Certain foods can be toxic for pets including: onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, chocolate, avocados, certain nuts and xylitol-sweetened foods.   1. University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 'Homemade dog food recipes can be a risky business, study finds' (15 July 2013)


Source: FEDIAF

15/11/2024

PetFair SE ASIA 2024 Show Report: The international pet industry hub in South East Asia

  More than 10,000 trade visitors & delegations from 81 Countries     The third edition of Pet Fair South East Asia welcomed a total of 10,128 trade visitors over three days from 81 countries. The largest visitor group by country came from the domestic market of Thailand, accounting for 67% of all visitors. The largest international visitor groups were from China (5.16%), the Philippines (4.1%), Malaysia (3.38%), Japan (2.43%), Singapore (2.27%), India (2.01%), South Korea (1.81%), Indonesia (1.46%), and Vietnam (1.21%). The top three visitor groups by business type were importers (51.29%), distributors (30.08%), and brand owners (26.58%). Other visitor categories included retailers, wholesalers, animal hospitals/veterinarians, breeders, and investors.   'Pet Fair South East Asia is already established as the most important business meeting point for the world pet industry in the thriving Southeast Asian region, offering many new business opportunities to all attendees.' — David Zhong - Founder and President of Limited VNU Exhibitions Asia / Pet Fair Asia     'We once again had a very international and high-quality show in Bangkok and are pleased with the results and positive feedback from exhibitors, which is reflected in a strong rebooking rate. The 2024 edition of the show provides us with a solid foundation to further grow and develop the event both local and international levels in the future.' — Johannes C. Kraus - Senior Project Manager at VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific     More than 400 exhibitors from 32 countries     The 2024 show floor featured 402 exhibitors from 32 countries, with an international to local ratio of 76% international exhibitors and 24% Thai exhibitors. The largest international exhibitor groups by country were China (19.12%), Korea (14.87%), Japan (5.58%), Singapore (4.54%), the USA (4.21%), Italy (3.46%), and the UK (3.12%). Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 also featured 10 different country and regional pavilions from Canada, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Additionally, the organizers supported local and regional businesses which provided special zones for Thai and ASEAN exhibitors which included start-ups from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.     Networking events     Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 hosted two standout networking events that brought key stakeholders in the pet industry together in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. On October 30, the Day 1 Social Unwind at the Pet Square stage offered attendees a chance to connect in a casual setting, while the exclusive One Night in Bangkok on October 31 featured stunning rooftop views, a vibrant cabaret show, and Halloween-themed festivities. These events provided valuable opportunities for industry professionals to network, build lasting partnerships, and enjoy memorable experiences in the heart of Bangkok.     Conference program     In addition to an energetic and colorful show floor for business deals, Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 featured the most extensive conference experience to date in the event's still young history. Spread across two modern stages within the exhibition halls, 40 different speakers presented 31 conference sessions on a wide range of key topics relevant to pet industry stakeholders. The sessions covered current global and regional trends, including insights from Asia, Europe, and the US, as well as updates on new technologies and innovations in pet products and businesses. Topics also included in-depth discussions on veterinary care, spanning from common pets to exotic species such as reptiles and beta fish. These sessions were attended by a total of 1,114 visitors. The organizers would like to thank all the speakers who contributed to such a diverse, vibrant, and educational conference program over the three days.     Pet Fair South East Asia 2025     Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 29-31, 2025, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). 2024 exhibitors can secure a booth presence for Pet Fair South East Asia 2025 at a discounted rebooking rate throughout the month of November. New companies can secure booth presences at an early-bird rate until February 2024, starting from November 15. VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific and Globus Events look forward to welcoming back the international pet industry to Bangkok in October 2025, as well as to Shanghai in August 2025 for Pet Fair Asia.       Source: PetFair SE ASIA 

14/11/2024

The future of veterinary consultation in a world premiere at the London Vet Show 2024

Turin, 14 November 2024 - Today, at the London Vet Show, one of Europe's most prestigious veterinary events, AITEM S.r.l., a Turin-based company specialising in generative AI and a spin-off of Dumarey Automotive Italia S.p.a., has premiered a major global advancement in LAIKA, the first AI platform specifically designed to support veterinarians in clinical management and daily decision-making processes. Already active in the Italian, French, and British markets, LAIKA now introduces a chatbot upgrade that enables veterinarians to access information and consultations hands-free, allowing them to work without interruptions. A constantly available colleague, always ready to respond with maximum efficiency, enhancing the fluidity and speed of consultations directly in the field.   «LAIKA stands out as a vertical, expert conversational agent for the veterinary sector, powered by a combination of AI language models known as Large Language Models (LLMs), which provide immediate answers to clinical questions posed by veterinarians in clinical and emergency contexts.» - explains Davide Tricarico, CTO of AITEM. Developed to optimize time management and enhance the resources and skills of individual veterinarians, LAIKA is the result of a collaboration between experienced AI engineers and veterinary professionals: a patented system, continuously updated and already tested by over 100 medical directors.   Davide Tricarico   At the world premiere of the latest technological innovations being developed for LAIKA, the new speech-to-speech feature was introduced, promising to transform interactions between veterinarians and AI. Thanks to this advancement, veterinarians can now communicate with LAIKA simply by speaking rather than typing, making the experience seamless and efficient. This feature allows a responsive, human-like avatar to reply, delivering critical real-time information. LAIKA's AI maintains its high accuracy in interpreting vocal input, leveraging the most advanced veterinary knowledge available.   The advancement of LAIKA's technology is made possible by strategic partnerships with NVIDIA, Scaleway, and the vHive Animal Health Incubator. Collaboration with NVIDIA through the Inception program has granted AITEM access to NVIDIA NIM technology, providing a competitive edge in developing GenAI models for LAIKA. Meanwhile, being part of the Scaleway Startup Program has allowed AITEM to access high-performance HPC infrastructure, ensuring exceptional performance while keeping solutions economically sustainable. The support of these two partners has been crucial in accelerating LAIKA's innovation and performance, transforming it into an AI colleague that is increasingly intuitive and indispensable for veterinarians. Furthermore, through AITEM's admission to the vHive Animal Health Incubator - a strategic alliance between Zoetis and the University of Surrey in collaboration with SETsquared - LAIKA benefits from sector expertise and has established a strong presence in the United Kingdom. The contributions of these partners are essential in accelerating LAIKA's innovation and growth, making it an AI colleague that is increasingly intuitive and essential for veterinarians.   In an era where artificial intelligence is profoundly impacting the workforce across various sectors, including veterinary medicine, LAIKA aims to support veterinarians by simplifying everyday tasks, particularly in high-pressure environments such as hospitals, where speed and precision are crucial. LAIKA provides real-time consultative advice, from anamnesis to treatment selection, diagnostic pathways, examination and causation analysis, to formulating differential diagnoses. By supporting veterinarians in clinical data analysis, LAIKA enables them to focus on developing targeted treatment plans, offering reliable support in clinical decision-making and acting as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for professional judgment.   «Every day, veterinarians around the world are dedicated with the utmost effort to taking care of animals. They face complex decisions, bearing the responsibility of patients' lives on their shoulders, and often live with the pain of not being able to save each of them.» - explains Massimiliano Melis, COO of AITEM. «Between 1979 and 2015, according to data from the U.S. CDC National Center for Health Statistics published in 2019, close to 400 veterinarians died by suicide and almost 60% experienced work-related stress, anxiety or depression so severe that they required professional help. That's why we created LAIKA: a knowledgeable AI colleague that helps them make the hardest decisions, manage their workload, and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. Basically, an ally who takes care of them while they take care of others.» This is the concept of LAIKA.    Massimiliano Melis   «LAIKA's speech-to-speech functionality marks a significant evolution in the concept of an avatar, focusing not only on functionality but also on enhancing the quality of human interaction.» - continues. « We're leaving behind Industry 4.0 for Consultation 5.0, as LAIKA's speech-to-speech feature is designed to go beyond mere efficiency to foster a more empathetic, personalised, and collaborative communication with veterinarians, also taking into account aspects of well-being, emotional support, and relational engagement.»   _________________________________________________________________________________   About us   LAIKA was born in 2022 with the aim of supporting veterinarians in taking care of their patients, simplifying their work, and thus reducing the extremely high burnout levels in the sector. An ambitious project, which was born thanks to the close collaboration between expert engineers in artificial intelligence and the best specialists in the veterinary field.   LAIKA is developed by AITEM SRL, specialised in generative AI and a spin-off from Dumarey Automotive Italia Spa, part of the Dumarey group, known for creating technologically advanced systems. Thanks to this union of competencies, we have created the veterinary colleague who can provide more insights and a deeper perspective on various topics for the well-being of dogs and cats.   Press office contacts [email protected]
+39 334 609 1071
Via Pier Carlo Boggio 59, 10138 Turin, Italy   Source: LAIKA

13/11/2024

Improving product purity in pet food with magnetic separators

More 'humanised' pet foods have become available on the market and are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, who want the very best, healthy meal options for their beloved pets.
We have seen a change in quality control in the pet food and meat rendering industries, with a heightened focus on product purity, including metal fragment control.   These industries tend to have high levels of metal contamination in their product, as the meat and bone meal product can be very abrasive to process and tends to wear down machinery more quickly than some other product types. The contamination can originate from various stages of processing, as well as from the product itself, so it is important to install metal fragment controls such as magnetic separators or metal detectors in various locations, and in particular, the most final stage in a processing line prior to packing.   How to know where to install magnetic separators?   Choosing a location for food magnets will depend on multiple factors. For example, the amount of metal contamination within the product can play a significant role, as this can affect any existing magnets in the processing line and their ability to collect and retain the contaminants. With a high level of metal contamination, a magnet that requires manual cleaning can get overloaded and 'short out', meaning that it cannot collect and retain more contamination. Any additional metal contamination can then flow past the overloaded magnet and remain in the product.   This highlights the importance of having upstream magnetic separators to offload the final magnets in food processing lines, especially ones that have a high level of metal contamination. The importance of cleaning magnets frequently also shouldn't be overlooked and should be a crucial step in manufacturing procedures.   Another example of a reason to install magnetic separators can be to protect machinery from damage caused by certain non-ferrous or ferrous metal contamination. Depending on the product and processing line, as well as the type of contamination, there are a number of magnetic separation solutions suited for the job.   The Magnattack® Magnetic Separation range for pet food has proven to be very effective in both dry and wet product applications. Let's have a look at each magnetic separation solution and the type of product each magnet is designed for:   Magnetic Separation Examples for Dry Pet Food Products   Magnattack® manufactures a number of magnetic separators for dry pet food processing applications.   Mag-Ram® Self-Cleaning Magnet   The Mag-Ram® Self-Cleaning Magnet has proven to be an amazing self-cleaning permanent magnet and metal fragment control solution for dry products and incoming raw materials such as MBM, protein meal, grain, final kibble, and more.
With the ability to configure the cleaning cycle to suit tonnage rates and contamination levels, the Mag-Ram® gives operators the ability to have the magnet frequently cleaned, and automatically. This self-cleaning magnet requires zero downtime, with no need to stop production, which is a huge benefit for processors with products high in metal contamination that cannot stop production for frequent cleaning. The rotating magnetic rams ensure minimal product build-up and blockage, and the magnet design provides excellent product stream coverage.   Not only this, but the magnetic rams can be configured to be cleaned one at a time, meaning that your product stream remains covered by the other magnetic rams! You are truly going to want to add this self-cleaning magnetic separator to your materials handling equipment wish list!     Rapidclean® Grate Magnet in Housing   The Rapidclean® Grate Magnet overcomes issues associated with conventional magnetic grates, such as stainless steel sleeves, cleaning difficulties, jamming, safety issues, and more. This permanent magnet consists of open-ended magnetic bars, and once the magnetic drawer is opened, the cleaning is completed away from the product stream, using the Rapidclean® Cleaning Tool.
This grate magnet is designed for dry products, such as meals, powders, grain, and premixes.   Dual Round Nose Plate Magnet System   The Dual Round Nose Plate Magnet System is another industrial magnet design suited for pet food applications. This magnetic separator can be installed in applications processing chicken frames, whole muscle products, poultry, beef, lamb, venison, final meal products and more, prior to expensive processing machinery such as grinders, shredders, dicers, and emulsifiers.
In some applications, especially those with high tonnage and fast-flowing products, fragments can be brushed off plate magnets by the oncoming product and back into the product stream. To reduce this risk, Magnattack® has developed the RE80® Round Nose Plate Magnet. This system features a High-Intensity RE80® Bar Magnet at the end of a standard magnetic plate. The Separation Bar Magnet offers protection against dislodged fragments and prevents them from re-contaminating the food product. When metal fragments are collected by the Separation Bar, they are washed safely to the underside of the magnet and out of the path of oncoming product.   With the deep field capability of the magnetic plate added to the intensive coercive force of the Separation Bar, you gain far superior control over foreign metal pieces and increased protection against contamination.   Spherical Pneumatic Transfer Magnet   The Spherical Pneumatic Transfer Magnet is a powerful magnet designed for high-velocity blow, vacuum, gravity, and pneumatic transfer lines. This magnetic separator suits pneumatically conveyed powders, grains, premixes, and palatant products. The aerodynamic design of this Magnattack® system enables efficient extraction and retention of metal from high-velocity powder lines, without experiencing bulk density problems.
The Spherical Magnet is considered a more hygienic, powerful and superior alternative to traditional bullet-style and cartridge-style magnets.   Magnetic Separator for Wet Pet Food Products   Emulsion & Slurry Pipeline Separator   The Emulsion & Slurry Pipeline Separator is an inline liquid magnet that is ideal for viscous liquid applications including meat emulsions, meat slurries, and more. It is often difficult to extract weakly magnetic fragments from viscous meat emulsions, slurries, and liquids. In answer to this problem, Magnattack® has developed a special hydro-dynamic magnet system specifically for this purpose. The units are an efficient and sanitary alternative to Liquid Trap/Finger Pot Magnets, which can also be heavy and difficult to clean properly.   This mince separator excels in these applications as it features our patented RE80®HT Acutex® Probe Magnets, which provide superior product-to-magnet contact and more efficient magnetic separation.   The lachrymiform (or 'tear drop') shape of the Acutex® Probe Magnets allow for very smooth transition of viscous products to move around the magnet with minimum resistance to flow. Maximum product to magnet coverage is achieved without causing leaks, blockages, and pressure problems.   The peak (or V-section) of the probe is faced towards the oncoming product stream, ensuring that collected magnetic fragments are washed to the back of the probe and safely retained until cleaning operations are underway. This feature greatly reduces the risk of recontamination caused by the impact of the product flow dislodging the collected fragments and reintroducing them back into the product stream.   We're here to help! Contact Magnattack® for a consultation, or book in a risk assessment to determine potential gaps in your foreign metal controls.   By: Magnattack   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

12/11/2024

Biotechnology in the pet food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

It is a multidisciplinary field that, through living organisms, biological systems, and processes, develops products and technologies that benefit different ecosystems of society, people, and animals. Its main goal is obtaining additives and simulating the natural process of protein synthesis at the cellular level to produce specific protein molecules, as well as to improve the conservation of forage and silos. But its fields of application are very varied, so let's discover some of the most used ones:   Specific industries   Poultry farming In its function related to protein, it is related to this industry with enzyme use, since using the appropriate ones make it possible to use cheaper raw materials, improving production costs. As an example, we can mention what happens with barley, with high contents of ß-glucans, which birds cannot digest because they lack the appropriate enzymes, and, when solubilized in the intestinal environment, they produce a high degree of viscosity, which hinders nutrient absorption, reducing diet digestibility. This results in dirty eggs, muscle injuries, and more.   Pig farming In this case, enzymes are used to complete the enzymatic system of these animals, immature until they are 8-10 weeks old, which means that they cannot completely digest certain nutrients and substances. Enzymes also help with bacterial growth.   Ingredients   Probiotics and prebiotics These are microorganisms, live or dead, extracts or a combination of some of them, used to promote or improve animal intestinal health and immune system. Prebiotics, for their part, are compounds that promote the growth of these beneficial microorganisms.   Acidifiers Acidifiers are rather a type of biotechnology that allows the modification of biological systems' behavior.   Alternative proteins One of the most dynamic areas of biotechnology applied to pet food is alternative protein development. Traditionally, animal proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish have been the basis of pet food formulation, but nowadays, topics such as sustainability and animal welfare impact the perception of these animals, and consumers have started demanding other alternatives. In this sense, biotechnology allows the creation of alternative proteins, such as those obtained from insects, plants, cell cultures, and laboratory-grown meat.   Personalized microbiomes The microbiome is made up of various microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. It has gained pretty much scientific relevance in animal health in recent years. Biotechnology has enabled significant advances in understanding how microbiomes influence digestion, nutrient absorption, and pets' immune systems, for example.   Personalized food There have already been cases in which manufacturers have used DNA analysis and microbiological studies to develop a food formulation for a specific pet. This allows the creation of food formulas that not only meet general nutritional needs but also address particular health problems of animals with delicate health or highly specific conditions.   Improved Omega-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for pet health, but are traditionally obtained from sources such as fish, which come from the aquaculture industry. Thanks to biotechnology, genetically modified crops are being developed, such as canola, that produce high levels of this fatty acid, which positions it as a more sustainable source to complete formulations.   Sustainability and environmental impact One of the most significant challenges for the pet food industry today is its environmental impact. Biotechnology presents itself as an innovative solution that can, among other items, facilitate carbon footprint reduction and minimize production waste.   Production waste An emerging approach is the use of organic waste to produce pet food ingredients. Through biotechnological processes such as fermentation, waste from the food industry can be transformed into proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates. These can be used in new pet food formulas, which contribute to reducing waste and having a more sustainable production chain.   Biodegradable and even edible packaging Biotechnology is also being applied to developing materials for biodegradable or even edible packaging, managing to address one of the main problems associated with sustainability and the production of non-renewable or recyclable waste.   Innovations in food safety   Genetic optimization Biotechnology is playing a crucial role in improving the ingredients used in pet foods. Today, through genetic modification, it is possible to develop crops with improved nutritional profiles, achieving greater resistance to diseases and a lower need for pesticides or fertilizers.   Biosensors for pathogen detection We are seeing the development of technologies based on biosensors to detect the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli used in real-time during food manufacturing, this will allow faster detection and immediate response to conditions, thereby reducing the risk of disease outbreaks in the target population.   Improved natural preservatives Biotechnology has also allowed the development of natural preservatives, used to prolong food shelf life, avoiding the use of chemical additives. These derivatives of plants and other natural organisms are effective in preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, which improves and prolongs final product conservation.   Conclusion   Advances in biotechnology are transforming the pet food industry. This discipline offers innovative solutions to improve pet health, promote sustainability, and ensure food safety. As it continues to evolve, it will keep creating a path to optimize the industry's proposals for pets and, therefore, we will continue to grow together as a market that seeks to offer increasingly safer, efficient, specific, and sustainable solutions.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

11/11/2024

The importance of pet food coating: A technical overview

What is kibble coating?    Pet food coating, also commonly referred to as palatability of the kibble, is a crucial practice in the pet food industry, used to enhance the energy and nutritional value of the food.   This technique involves the addition of animal and vegetable fats and oils, which are essential for meeting the specific energy requirements listed on product labels. Besides improving palatability, coating with oils provides essential fatty acids for your pet's health and enhances the texture of the kibble.   When and how are fats and oils added?    Some of these fats and oils can be incorporated during the mixing or conditioning phases before extrusion. However, excessive liquid addition at this stage can compromise the formation of the kibble. Therefore, the best method is to apply the lipids after the kibble has been formed, typically after the drying phase and before cooling. Commonly used fats include: chicken oil, lard, pork fat, and fish oils. Vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower, soybean, palm, and coconut are also widely used, depending on local availability and manufacturer preferences.   For dog kibble, the typical oil addition range varies based on factors such as geographic location, age, and activity level of the animal. Generally, oil content ranges from a minimum of 1% to a maximum of 14% of the total kibble weight, with some exceptions for working dogs, where oil content can exceed 20%. In contrast, oil inclusion for cat kibble usually does not exceed 5%.   In addition to oils, other additives are applied during the coating process, primarily flavor enhancers and palatability agents. These are often based on hydrolyzed meat, commonly known as "digest", and are available in both liquid and powder form.   The importance of coating    The taste of pet food, especially for cats, is a critical factor for manufacturers, as pet owners are more likely to repurchase a brand if their pets enjoy the food. While ingredient quality is undeniably important, the technology used in production is equally significant. Achieving uniformity is essential to ensure that the entire surface of the kibble is evenly coated, resulting in a consistent flavor throughout each piece.
Oils, in addition to playing a key role in food preservation, provide a uniform color. Inconsistent oil absorption can cause some kibble pieces to appear darker, leading to a perception of lower quality.
This is why precise and careful application of coating is fundamental in pet food production.   Let's explore the most commonly used technologies in the market and which one represents the best solution.   Different technologies for kibble coating    Coating technologies can be classified into two categories: batch coating and continuous coating, each with its own subcategories:   Batch Coater: This method uses a vertical or horizontal mixer to move a weighed batch of kibble, which is then sprayed with a specific amount of oils and flavors. This is generally considered outdated technology that does not ensure good uniformity.
  Vacuum Batch Coater: Similar to the batch coater, this technology generates a vacuum during the application process. The vacuum is gently released after the oils are sprayed, allowing the oils to penetrate deeply into the porous kibble. This is the only technology suitable for applying high oil inclusions above 20%. However, when the formula requires low oil additions below 8% (within a range of 5-10% depending on various factors), it can lead to poor uniformity.
  Continuous Drum Coater: In this method, the kibble continuously passes through a rotating drum, and additives are sprayed over a large surface area of the food. This is considered an outdated and more economical coating solution. The main limitations of this technology include low flow capacity (typically no more than 3 tons per hour), limited oil addition, and a short retention time during the coating and mixing phases.
  Continuous Disc Coater with Spray: In this process, the kibble is continuously weighed and passes through a vertical chamber with a rotating disc that sprays the liquids. The spraying occurs from the center outward, and the kibble falls in a cascading motion, where it is coated by the liquid spray. While this technology can achieve good uniformity, it has two main drawbacks: a tendency to accumulate material in the disc spray chamber and the limitation of a single spray phase, while the market typically requires multiple phases for oils, liquid flavors, and powdered additives.
  Continuous Paddle Coater: PLP Systems offers a range of advanced coating technologies, but the MT Paddle Coater stands out as the ideal solution. This innovative system features a double continuous paddle shaft that ensures gentle product handling, precise dosing, and automated retention time adjustments.     The system is equipped with motorized SMOG atomizers positioned at the top, ensuring optimal distribution across various application phases. It can achieve micro inclusions as low as 0.01% with excellent uniformity, adhering to the highest Coefficient of Variation (CoV) standards. Additionally, it supports oil addition up to 15%, making it a versatile and efficient solution for precision coatings.   PLP Systems specializes in both liquids and powders, with a special focus on the pet food and feed industries.
Making kibble tasty and appealing with palatants, whether liquid or powdered, loved by animals is one of our primary goals.
Our cutting-edge solutions ensure that your products stand out in a competitive market, offering superior taste and quality that animals adore.
Whether you're looking to improve your current production line or explore innovative methods to increase product appeal, our technologies offer the reliability and excellence you need.          Need more information or want to dive deeper into our coating systems?
Don't hesitate to contact our experts. We're here to provide tailored solutions and answer all your questions.
Call us today at +39 0523 891 629 or email us at [email protected] for a free consultation.
We're here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs!   Source: PLP Systems

11/11/2024

VICTAM LatAm and Feed Formulation Latin America Establish a Long-Term Partnership with Feed Technology Institute (FTI)

The organizers of VICTAM LatAm have announced a strategic collaboration with the Feed Technology Institute (FTI), an institute created by Evonik and DSM-Firmenich in partnership with Nutrall, a company incubated at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). This initiative aims to address the increasing demand for expertise in feed production processes, while also advancing the development of a pilot feed plant at UFPR to foster research and extension projects for students.   In 2023 and 2024, FTI trained over 500 students through its specialized courses and attracted more than 700 attendees across two editions of the Feed Technology Symposium in Curitiba. The symposium's second edition concentrated on optimizing feed production technologies, with a focus on dosing, mixing, and facility layout.   The partnership with VICTAM in Latin America will extend this technical expertise to the São Paulo event, with a particular focus on feed formulation, new ingredients, and additives, aligning with the debut of Feed Formulation Latin America. This parallel event will concentrate on ingredients, additives, formulation, and innovation for feed mills across various species and types.   'After the remarkable success of the first edition of VICTAM LatAm, we recognize that attendees seek comprehensive solutions in one place. Therefore, the combination of VICTAM LatAm and Feed Formulation Latin America will create the largest and most complete international event for new technologies, equipment, and ingredients in the feed industry in Latin America,' says Cassiano Facchinetti, Managing Director of Interlink, the Latin American partner of Victam. 'This partnership is crucial for the market, as it allows us to deliver a high-level content-driven event targeting formulators, nutritionists, animal scientists, veterinarians, and R&D professionals directly involved in feed production within both industry and farming sectors,' adds Facchinetti.   'The 2025 edition will present the latest advancements and their impact on feed mills and animal nutrition. The program is being carefully curated to address critical aspects of feed production and their effects on animals,' highlights Professor Alex Maiorka of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) and member of FTI's Scientific Committee, who is responsible for symposium planning.   Marco Lara, Feed Applications and Technology Manager at Evonik and member of the Organizing Committee, emphasizes the symposium's objective to foster discussions on key trends and technologies in animal nutrition. In addition to being a hub for knowledge exchange, the event has a philanthropic component. "All proceeds from the symposium will be allocated toward the construction of a pilot feed factory at UFPR," says Lara, stressing the practical outcomes of this intellectual collaboration.   The 'VICTAM-FTI Animal Nutrition and Formulation Seminar,' as it will be titled, will cover a broad spectrum of topics including new ingredients, additives, raw materials (e.g., sorghum, DDG), processing methods, nutritional profiles, formulation modeling, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and other current and pertinent topics for this sector. The full agenda will soon be available at www.feedformulationlatam.com.   Event: VICTAM LatAm 2025 / FEED Formulation Latin America 2025 When: September 16-18 - 2025 Where: Expo Center Norte – São Paulo – Brazil.   About the organizers:   VICTAM Corporation is a Dutch organization established in 1964, part of the Victam Foundation. The Victam Corporation organizes events for animal feed and flour milling in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In 1965, the first VICTAM exhibition was held in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The first event in Bangkok, Thailand, was launched in 1994, and in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2021.   VICTAM Foundation's mission is to provide financial support for innovative projects to entities such as institutes, universities, and private companies, as well as offering individual scholarships. The Foundation aims to make positive contributions to the technological advancement of industrial sectors related to animal feed and milling of grains and other raw materials, in the broadest sense of the term.   INTERLINK Exhibitions is the local partner of VICTAM in Latin America. With over 25 years of experience, INTERLINK specializes in organizing technical and business events and conferences in Brazil, South America, and globally. The company focuses on the conception, management, and execution of high-quality B2B events that foster networking and business generation for companies and markets.   For more information, please contact: Kalasina Manupassa, Marketing VICTAM WorldWide [email protected] Jaqueline Rodrigues, Marketing INTERLINK Latin America (Partner of VICTAM) [email protected]   Source: VICTAM LatAm

07/11/2024

Symrise continues strong profitable growth course

Symrise continued its profitable growth trajectory in the first nine months of the year, achieving organic sales growth of 11.1%. Considering portfolio and exchange rate effects, Group revenue rose to €3,824 million in the first nine months (9M 2023: €3,610 million), a plus of 5.9% compared to the year-ago period. Both segments contributed to the positive development and increased sales in a global economic environment that remained challenging. In the third quarter, overall sales increased organically by 10.2%. Despite negative exchange rate effects of 4.0%, sales grew by 5.2% in the reporting currency. Against the backdrop of robust organic growth, Symrise has specified its organic growth target, sales expected to come in at around 7 %.   Jean-Yves Parisot, CEO of Symrise AG: "Symrise was able to seamlessly continue the positive business development of the past months in the third quarter. Despite the current volatile market environment due to geopolitical tensions and continued inflation pressure, we are confident for the rest of the year and ex-pect robust demand. Our diversified portfolio and broad, international footprint will continue to help us re-alize our growth potential and create sustainable value this year. We are firmly convinced that we have set the right course for the future."  
Sales development by region   The strongest organic growth was recorded in the Latin America region with 27.4%, followed by the Asia/Pacific region with 11.2% and EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East) with 11.1%. The main growth drivers were the Food & Beverage, Fragrance, Aroma Molecules and Pet Food business units. The North America region achieved organic growth of 2.3%, driven primarily by the Food & Beverage and Aroma Molecules business units.   High growth in food, beverages and pet food   The Taste, Nutrition & Health segment increased sales organically by 10.4% in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. In the third quarter, organic growth was 11.3%. Taking into account portfolio and currency effects, the segment's revenue rose to €2,349 million in the first nine months (9M 2023: €2,267 million). The portfolio effect from the sale of the beverage trading business in the UK within the Food & Beverage business unit had a negative impact of € 27 million on sales development.   The Food & Beverage division achieved double-digit organic growth in percentage terms. Strong growth impulses came from the application areas for sweet and savory products and beverages. All four regions, especially the EAME region, achieved high growth. The Naturals application area increased its revenues, especially in the North America and EAME regions.   The Pet Food division also achieved double-digit organic growth in percentage terms in the first nine months. Sales development was particularly dynamic in the Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions, with double-digit organic growth. Sales development in the Aqua Feed business unit recorded declining organic growth. As part of the fur-ther portfolio streamlining with a focus on high-margin growth areas, Symrise intends to sell the business.
The probiotics business, which includes the majority stake in the listed company Probi AB, Lund, Swe-den, generated slight growth, driven by the EAME region.   Strong sales growth in Consumer Fragrance and significant recovery in Aroma Molecules   The Scent & Care segment, which manages the fragrances, perfumery applications and cosmetic active ingredients business, achieved organic sales growth of 12.2% in the first nine months and 8.4% in the third quarter respectively. Taking into account portfolio and currency effects, revenue for the first nine months amounted to €1,475 million (9M 2023: €1,343 million).   The Fragrance division increased its sales organically in the double-digit percentage range in the first nine months. In particular, the Consumer Fragrance application area achieved double-digit percentage growth. The EAME, Asia/Pacific and Latin America regions in particular experienced very high market dy-namics. The Fine Perfumery application area also continued its very positive development and achieved high single-digit percentage organic growth. Here, the Latin America and Asia/Pacific regions recorded good growth. The Oral Care application area achieved single-digit percentage organic growth, with good growth especially in the North America and Asia/Pacific regions.   Sales in the Aroma Molecules division recovered significantly in the first nine months of the current year. While the market environment continues to prove challenging, the resumption of production in Colonels Island, USA has resulted in a significant year-on-year increase in revenue. High double-digit growth fig-ures were achieved in all regions.   Sales in the Cosmetic Ingredients division continued to develop strongly with high single-digit percent-age organic growth. Revenues increased significantly in the EAME, Asia/Pacific and Latin America re-gions. Only the North America region showed just a slight year-on-year growth. The application areas for micro-protection and actives and botanicals also recorded very strong growth impulses.   Symrise specifies growth target for 2024   Based on the good business performance in the first nine months, Symrise is specifying its sales target for the full year 2024. The Group is now aiming for organic sales growth of around 7%. The Group's long-term organic growth expectation of 5% to 7% (CAGR) remains unchanged. The long-term EBITDA mar-gin is expected to be in the range of 20% to 23%.   Source: Symrise AG

07/11/2024

Comprehensive advice and suitable customer service packages: How STATEC BINDER: ensures the reliability and operation of your systems

Comprehensive advice and planning   STATEC BINDER supports its customers right from the planning phase. In addition to detailed advice and order clarification, the company also offers comprehensive and informative project management, where particular emphasis is placed on partnership-based
communication. This ensures that the selected machines are perfectly matched to the specific requirements of the customer, production and plant conditions. This process provides customers with perfect support right from the order placement stage and tailormade
systems from which they benefit in the long term.   Installation and commissioning   STATEC BINDER offers professional installation and commissioning of the systems. The trained team ensures that the machines can be put into operation quickly and smoothly so that production can start without delays. Close cooperation with the customer during this
phase is particularly important and ensures that all technical requirements are met and that the machines continue to work optimally in the future. This phase also includes training personnel on machine operation so that operators can use the machines efficiently and
safely. Dedicated training packages offer the opportunity to provide new employees with special training for the machine, even if the machine has already been in operation for some time.   Maintenance and spare part deliveries   Regular maintenance of machines is crucial to ensure their performance and minimize downtime. STATEC BINDER offers preventive maintenance programs that are individually tailored to the customer's needs. Special service appointments by experienced technicians
ensure that the machine can work at the best possible output. Among other things, wear parts can be replaced as a preventative measure. These programs help to identify and rectify potential problems at an early stage before major malfunctions occur. In addition, STATEC BINDER guarantees a rapid supply of spare parts to ensure machine availability at all times.   Remote maintenance and technical support   STATEC BINDER also offers comprehensive technical support that responds quickly and easily to customers' needs. The company's technicians can access the machines directly via remote maintenance systems to diagnose faults and rectify problems immediately. This service minimizes downtime and ensures that production processes are disrupted as little as possible. If there is a fault or problem that needs to be rectified directly on the machine itself, STATEC BINDER also offers to have a service technician on site as quickly as possible to help customers. This is a customer service program that many comparable companies do not offer and of which STATEC BINDER is particularly proud. In this way, the company sets itself the goal of achieving the best possible customer satisfaction.   Modernization and retrofitting   Even after years of operation, STATEC BINDER offers options for modernizing and retrofitting the systems so that the control system and electronics remain state-of-the-art.
This can be done, for example, by integrating new technologies or adapting to changes in standard parts. This ensures that the machines remain competitive and state-of-the-art in the long term. This also has the advantage that common standard parts, such as spare or wear parts, can be purchased cost-effectively.   Conclusion   With its comprehensive customer service packages, STATEC BINDER ensures that its customers' investments are optimally protected. From the initial consultation and installation through to maintenance and modernization - STATEC BINDER supports its
customers throughout the entire life cycle of their machines and ensures that they always work efficiently and reliably.   Source: Statec Binder

06/11/2024

Tebrio secures €30 million in funding from Banco de Santander, Sodical, GPC and CDTI

Salamanca, October 29, 2024. The biotechnology company Tebrio has successfully closed a €30 million funding round. Investors in this round include Banco de Santander, Sodical Instituto Financiero de Castilla y León, GCP, and the CDTI Innvierte Economía Sostenible closed-end collective investment company.
Tebrio, a global leader in the industrial production of Tenebrio molitor, will allocate the capital raised from this funding round to significantly increase its production capacity and optimization at its new 90,000 square meter facility. Construction is already underway in Salamanca. With this new plant, Tebrio will be able to produce over 100,000 tons of product annually, meeting the high levels of production and commercialization demand already committed to its current clients.   "This new round of investment in our company validates our industrial model based on proprietary technology. A model that allows us to produce at competitive prices in the markets where we operate, thus serving as a platform to expand our operations to different geographic markets," highlights Adriana Casillas, CEO and co-founder of Tebrio, a company that also maintains Caixa Capital Risc as a shareholder.   "Through Innvierte, CDTI has been a shareholder in the company since 2020. Our participation in the current round reflects the company's and its founders' ability to position themselves in an area that we consider strategic with a disruptive and innovative approach. We want to help them become a key player in a sector that we consider strategic at a national level," says Andrés Ubierna Gorricho, Head of Capitalization and Technology Transfer at the Center for Technological Development and Innovation.   Jesús García, CEO of GCP Consulting, points out that "after 30 years of experience in the agri-food industry, and after evaluating various investments in the insect sector, we chose Tebrio due to the quality of its products, coupled with an interesting financial return. All of this is linked to the high biological safety guarantees offered by the Tenebrio molitor insect, which guarantees our investment. We are proud to work with partners who share our values and are committed to developing solutions that benefit everyone. Together, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, cultivating a more just and healthy world for generations to come".   Tebrio, world leader in the production and processing of the Tenebrio molitor insect, currently has a 3,500 square meter production plant, from which hundreds of tons of protein, fat, biofertilizer, and chitosan are produced each year. Tebrio began operations in 2014 with the mission of providing innovative and 100% sustainable solutions for the agri-food industry. Its areas of focus are food safety, sustainability, and the circular economy model.   -----------------------------------------------------------------------
TEBRIO Tebrio is the world leader in the production and processing of the Tenebrio molitor insect. Based in Salamanca, Spain, it utilizes proprietary patented industrial technology and machinery in over 150 countries to address the technological challenge of industrializing the mass breeding of insects. Its processes allow for the commercialization of four main products: protein and fat for animal feed; organic fertilizers for soil and plant nutrition; and polymers for various industrial biotechnological uses. All of this is based on sustainable industrial solutions that position Tebrio as a zero-waste company, with a carbon footprint lower than any other natural-based solution. Tebrio requires 90% less water and 80% less arable land, so its products, when used as raw materials for the base of animal and plant feed, help reduce the carbon footprint of current livestock and agricultural models. Additionally, the company does not emit greenhouse gases, including methane and ammonia.   CDTI The CDTI Innovation is the Agency of the Ministry of Science and Innovation that supports knowledge-based innovation, providing advice and public funding for innovation through grants or partially repayable aid for innovation projects and managing pre-commercial public procurement projects. Additionally, through the Innvierte Economía Sostenible initiative, it supports and facilitates the capitalization of technology companies. To date, the CDTI, through Innvierte, has committed more than €390 million to 20 investment vehicles that have invested in more than 240 companies, and through its co-investment line has directly committed more than €300 million to over 120 companies. CDTI Innovation also facilitates the internationalization of R&D and innovation projects of Spanish companies and entities and manages the participation of Spanish companies in international R&D organizations such as Horizon Europe and Eureka, and in the Space Science and Technology industries. The Center for the Development of Technology and Innovation, E.P.E. (CDTI) is a public entity under the Ministry of Science and Innovation.   GPC GPC is a Family Office based in Madrid, although its operational offices are located in Salamanca. Given the professional nature of its members, GPC's main projects include strategic investments in start-ups and companies related to the agri-food industry, in the Pharma world as well as in the field of renewable energies, without detriment to any other business project and with a clear focus on sustainability and social impact.   Source: Tebrio

05/11/2024

AFB International Celebrates Grand Opening of Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters and Manufacturing Facility in Thailand

With this facility in Asia, AFB will be able to enhance operational efficiency and ensure a more reliable supply chain, allowing for faster delivery and improved service.   'The opening our facility in Thailand marks a major milestone in our global expansion efforts. Our customers asked us to be local, and now we are! This facility strengthens our commitment to the region, allowing us to better serve our customers with enhanced efficiency, speed, and local support,' said Dale Spence, President of AFB International, reflecting on the milestone.   The new facility will serve as the regional hub for AFB International's Asia Pacific operations, bringing together corporate offices, manufacturing, R&D, and quality teams under one roof.   'Thailand, the world's third largest pet food exporter, is an ideal location for our new facility,' said Bas Melssen, General Manager/Vice President of Asia Pacific. 'As a hub for innovation in the pet food industry, Thailand aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing product development and manufacturing excellence. Establishing our Asia Pacific headquarters here allows us to leverage Thailand's expertise and leadership in the sector, being closer to our existing customers here, while further enhancing our ability to innovate and meet the growing demands of the region.'   'Our Thailand facility is a crucial step in aligning our operational goals with our sustainability objectives,' noted Stephanie Hackmann, Vice President of Global Operations, recognizing the broader impact of the new facility. 'By localizing production, we can serve our customers more efficiently, respond faster to their needs, and significantly reduce transportation-related emissions – a win for both efficiency and the environment.'   The opening ceremony welcomed over 130 guests from 7 countries, including representatives from leading pet food manufacturers and trade associations across Asia.   Following the formal opening ceremony, AFB will continue the celebration at the company's booth N01 at Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2024, taking place from October 30 to November 1, 2024, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibitions Center (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand.   'This is a proud moment not only for our company but for the community we are becoming a part of,' Melssen added. 'We welcome all industry professionals to visit our booth, join the festivities, and learn more about the exciting new chapter we're starting with our facility in Thailand.'   About AFB International AFB International was founded in 1986 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with a vision to create the best palatants and make pet food taste great. Today we are an international company with resource centers and production facilities designed to service pet food manufacturers across the world. Our portfolio of palatants are formulated to deliver optimal performance for each customer's unique needs.   About Ensign-Bickford Industries Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, which today is focused on space & defense, pet food science, and biotechnology. They participate in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multi-generational growth prospects.   Source: AFB International

04/11/2024

Zoomark just keeps growing

Zoomark is ready to confirm its standing as one of the world's leading pet industry events. The 21st edition will be on from 5th to 7th May 2025 in BolognaFiere. Though there are still several months to go, 80% of stands have already been booked, and registrations are still coming in from all over the world.   "The anticipation is already building for our forthcoming event: people in the industry are greatly looking forward to taking part in the show, having an opportunity to gather and look to the future together," commented Pascale Sonvico, Zoomark's Show Office and Sales Manager. "Indeed, after adding hall 28, dedicated to the supply-chain companies, we have just announced another new hall, hall 19. Ideally located to integrate seamlessly into our layout, hall 19 is near of the main entrances of BolognaFiere, Piazza Costituzione." In total Zoomark 2025 will thus occupy nine halls and cover an area of 78,000 square metres.   Thematic paths   Bigger and more functional too: Zoomark's new layout has in fact been designed to help exhibitors and visitors alike get the most out of the event, with a more engaging, efficient floor plan that will enhance the show experience for all the industry professionals coming to Bologna, as explained by Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager of Zoomark: "One of the new ideas we are working on for the forthcoming event is creating specific pathways dedicated to the most interesting market trends, such as sustainability, quality and innovation, designed to optimise and streamline the visitor's experience and ensure that exhibitors in all halls are guaranteed a steady flow of traffic.   At the same time, we intend for these themed routes to be a precious resource for those looking for new opportunities and ideas to make their business stand out: they will guide retailers, buyers, distributors and importers to the companies and products on show. We believe that this approach, and the revamped layout, will help further optimise the flow of visitors and contribute to the event's success."   The special areas   The 2025 edition of Zoomark features five special themed areas, designed to anticipate new trends and innovations in the pet industry, with the aim of boosting and facilitating business.   One of the new areas is Next 5.0, devoted to pet-tech, a rapidly growing segment which places technology and innovation in the service of pets' well-being. This area will host both start-ups and established firms, ready to present the most advanced solutions for pet health and safety.   Two very popular features will also be returning. The first is Pet Vision, dedicated exclusively to products and services launched in the months before the event, and the latest trends in the sector (the 2023 show presented more than 500 innovative ideas), accompanied by a competition to reward the best product innovations.   Another crowd-pleaser is Aqua Project, showcasing the aquarium and terrarium industry, which will host not only a display area but also training and educational sessions for specialised retailers. The two brand-new launches of 2025 are Factory, an area completely dedicated to the supply-chain, and Atelier, which will host the very top of the range in pet wellness and comfort.   Zoomark is not only going to be bigger, but also more content-rich, thanks to a format that is much appreciated by the industry. "We have launched our series of webinars focused on key issues regarding the market, which will be running till May 2025, and we are currently working on the events that will take place during the show and fleshing out new projects that will add value to the user experience, making Zoomark not just the leading meeting place for the industry, but also a platform for discussion, development and innovation" – added Pascale Sonvico – "We are ready to offer an even more inviting, engaging environment, where it will be possible to explore the latest trends, find inspiration and develop your business".   Buyers from all over the world expected   One of the key assets of a successful trade show is undoubtedly the attendance of major buyers. Zoomark has boosted its International Buyers Program, adding new activities designed to "guarantee the presence of a growing number of selected top buyers from the main and emerging markets, thus helping connect supply and demand", explained Bersanetti.   The programme includes the addition of dedicated services to encourage direct interaction between buyers and exhibitors. Thanks to our B2Match matchmaking platform, buyers and companies will be able to prepare for the show in advance, and plan and manage their personal schedule of meetings.   Our partnership with the offices of the Italian Trade Agency in key pet industry markets will bring more international buyers to Bologna. At Zoomark 2025, delegations of buyers, retailers and distributors from the main markets will be primed to meet exhibitors to work on distribution proposals and solutions.   Bersanetti concluded: "We have arranged special welcome and hospitality packages in Bologna during the event. The focal point for all the activities planned for buyers will naturally be the VIP & Buyers Lounge, a meeting place and networking hub that has always been much appreciated."   Zoomark 2025 is already shaping up to be a great success: the place to be to tap into the buzz and the innovative, dynamic outlook of the pet industry.   ABOUT US Zoomark is the b2b trade show for pet food and pet care, on in BolognaFiere from 5th to 7th May 2025. For 21 editions it has been an international meeting point between pet industry manufacturers and distributors: the ideal place to build new relationships, keep up to date with key developments, and connect with global players looking for new partners and business opportunities.   Source: Zoomark

04/11/2024

The interview: Maximilian Furley

Understanding the 'new' consumer demand that was booming and changing after the pandemic, Premier Tech was in the field, listening to its customer voices, and was committed to making it a reality. Through strategic adjustments in sales coverage, operations, and service support, Premier Tech LATAM has become one of the fastest-growing regions globally. Since 2022, they have seen remarkable growth, with 2023 marking their best year since establishing their first manufacturing facility in Brazil in 2015, followed by Mexico in 2017.   - How does Premier Tech incorporate sustainability into its technological advancements and business practices?   - Premier Tech is committed to continuously advancing sustainability, embedding it into every facet of our operations. From developing energy-efficient technologies to utilizing recyclable materials and minimizing waste, we design solutions that not only boost productivity but also reduce environmental impact. By supporting a circular economy and extending the lifespan of our products, we are dedicated to building sustainable processes that contribute to a greener future. Our commitment is reflected in both our technological innovations and environmental preservation initiatives, as we strive to make progress every day.   - What roles do innovation and research play in maintaining Premier Tech's competitive edge in the technology industry?   - Research and innovation are at the heart of Premier Tech's strategy. The company operates advanced laboratories and multidisciplinary teams dedicated to developing new technologies that enable greater automation, precision, and sustainability in industrial processes. By continuously focusing on R&D, Premier Tech stays ahead of market trends such as digitalization and Industry 4.0, offering solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also create long-term value for our clients, while remaining committed to environmental sustainability, keeping Premier Tech at the forefront of the global technology industry.   - How do you see technology developing in the pet food industry?   - The pet food industry is transforming significantly, with a growing demand for wet and highly customized products. Premier Tech, attuned to these changes, is already developing end-of-line equipment specifically to meet the rising demand for wet products, offering solutions that ensure flexibility and efficiency in packaging processes. Additionally, with a focus on comprehensive customer service, the company invests in technologies that enhance quality, sustainability, and process automation, keeping Premier Tech at the forefront of innovation in the sector.   - What are the most significant challenges for the company these days?   - One of the biggest challenges faced by the industry is balancing the need to handle a wide variety of SKUs while maintaining operational efficiency. Although some solutions offer flexibility to manage this diversity, they do not always guarantee the continuous efficiency of production lines, which can lead to higher maintenance and operational costs in the long run. At Premier Tech, our focus is on providing robust and reliable equipment that ensures maximum productivity, regardless of the SKU complexity. We are committed to helping our clients keep their operations efficient and competitive, backed by a strong after-sales support system dedicated to their production success.   - From your experience, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for the whole industry in the coming years?   - The biggest challenge will be adapting to emerging technologies while staying sustainable. The rapid digital transformation, driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven solutions, is reshaping the future of industries. As companies embrace these advancements, they are also under increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. Achieving this will require significant investments in innovation and a comprehensive restructuring of industrial operations. Balancing technological innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency will be a key challenge in the coming years.   - What is the company currently working on for the near future?   - Premier Tech is constantly investing in innovations that enable greater automation, flexibility, and efficiency. The company is developing new equipment that responds to emerging market demands, such as technologies that support sustainable packaging and more agile production lines. Premier Tech is also integrating AI, connected machines, and robotic solutions into its portfolio, driving even greater advancements in automation and smart manufacturing.   Additionally, Premier Tech Systems and Automation has recently launched a new training offering designed to help clients enhance the performance and profitability of their Chronos™ equipment. This training program is part of the company's exploration of innovation, combining both new and existing training modules into a unique commercial offer that provides comprehensive support for clients. These new commercial offers reflect Premier Tech's commitment to value creation, focusing on both tangible and intangible aspects, and reinforcing the foundation of its innovation approach.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

30/10/2024

Analysis: Diving into Spanish pet parents’ generational gap

With 49% of Spanish households owning a pet, the country is one of the largest markets in Europe. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), its dog population is just below that of Germany and the UK.   The importance of pets in Spaniards' lives can be seen in the fact that most have owned a pet at some point. A study by the Spanish Association of Distributors of Pet Products (AEDPAC) shows that only 22% of those who have pets are first-timers.   However, age reveals differing attitudes toward pets regarding feeding habits, expenses and even holidays.   Feeding and spending differences   The study analyzes pet parents by generation and highlights differences in purchasing behaviors. The youngest generation (18 to 30 years old) is the most likely to spend over €100 ($108.74) on pet food. Whether they own a cat or a dog also plays a role.   Overall, pet parents 30 and younger are the biggest spenders on both their dogs and cats. On average, they shell out €74.70 ($81.23) per month per dog, with pet parents aged 31–45 spending €61 ($66.33) monthly. Interestingly, those aged 18-30 also have the highest proportion of pet parents forking out over €100 ($108.74) per month on dog food (16.8%).     When it comes to spending, pet parents over 55 are the generation with the deepest pockets for cat food. In fact, over 1 in 10 (11.3%) spend over €100 ($108.74) on cat food—the highest among all generations. A generation of contrasts, this is also the most frugal, with nearly 3 out of 10 spending less than €20 ($21.75) per month on their felines.   In terms of overall monthly expenditure, Spanish pet parents aged 18-30 rank the highest in their monthly cat food spending, with an average of €67.70 ($73.62). They are also the generation that spends the most (25%) in the €76–€100 ($82.64–$108.74) bracket for cat food.     Regarding the type of food, dog parents are most likely to change the diet they currently feed their pets, with 12% planning to do so this year. By age group, the youngest generation has the highest proportion of owners considering a diet switch this year (24%).   The proportion for cat owners is far lower—only 4% plan to switch their dogs' food this year. Among these, 15% of pet parents aged 46–55 are most likely to do so.   Pet ownership information   So, where do pet parents get their information from? While vets are among the most trusted professionals (69%), they are particularly trusted by the older generation of 55+ (77%). Pet shops come second, with 42% of pet parents making use of them.   Unsurprisingly, social media (23%), TV shows (16%) and apps (18%) are more popular with those under 30. This group and those aged 31–45 (16%) also use online forums.   Work and holidays   There is no doubt that all pet parents love their cats and dogs. However, there is a generational gap regarding taking pets to work.   While 60% of the pet parents aged less than 30 would like to take their furry friends to work, the proportion drops to 33% in the 46 to 55-year-old group, the lowest among all age groups. Conversely, both this group and those 55 and above wouldn't like it at all (35% and 29% respectively).   A similar division can be seen when it comes to holidays. The over 55s are least likely to take pets traveling with them—36% don't take their pets on holidays—whereas this number drops to 21% among the younger generation. This group also values pet-friendly hotels the most (48%).   Although almost two-thirds (65%) of pet parents have never considered hiring a trainer, this number is higher among pet parents of more than 55 years old (73.8%) who have never engaged with one.   In contrast, the younger generations are the most likely to have thought about it (31% for both generations up to 45 years old), but those 30 and younger have the highest proportion of owners who have actually hired one (15%).   Source: GlobalPETS

29/10/2024

Automation in pet food: Interview with Aldo Martínez from NorthWind

Seeking constant efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability is the priority in the pet food sector, and NorthWind is in the middle of this transition. We invite you to know Aldo Martínez's point of view, Business Manager, who shares their solutions and their impact in this interview:   - What benefits do manufacturers obtain by adopting automatized and IAbased solutions?   'One of the major benefits clients share is the analysis of general data, virtualization, and digitalization of plants. It is a way to analyze the consumption to evaluate general costs of the end-product and how to maximize consumption, energy, and production only with efficiency and performance management.'   - Which areas in the production process are positively impacted by these technologies?   'What we have seen is the general analysis of consumption; we analyze the consumption of raw materials, utilities, and reduction management. We offer data visualization and a list of opportunity areas by managing it by end product, recipes, energy consumption, and sustainability, with different improvement areas in different facility sectors to maximize the general process with automation.'   - Considering the future, how do you see these technologies evolving in the coming years?   'Now the trend is focused on energy analysis, sustainability, and the environmental impact accompanied by data and consumption analysis. The development of market trends, quality, and exportation are also contemplated, all of which are carried out together with artificial intelligence, market analysis, and new technological trends.'   - From NorthWind, are you working on new solutions?   'Working in the technology industry implies constant innovation. We are embarking on a new goal: bringing artificial intelligence to the technology and production market. Due to the amount of information, we seek to use these mechanisms to see opportunities that perhaps the human eye or the mind cannot manage and process. With AI and production mechanisms, we identify hidden areas that are hard to find and maximize the overall efficiency of the facility.'   We support NorthWind in recording its success case in PABSA, a pet food manufacturing company that uses its solutions.     Source: All Pet Food

25/10/2024

Journal of Animal Science Publishes ADM's Canine Clinical Trial Exploring the Microbiome Effects of BPL1™

CHICAGO—ADM (NYSE: ADM), a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, announces the publication of its first-in-species study of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (BPL1™)1 on adult dogs by the Journal of Animal Science. This pioneering study examined the effects of daily supplementation of both the live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic forms of BPL1™ on canine health.   According to recent ADM global consumer research, 55% of U.S. pet owners have purchased biotics at least once a year because of a professional recommendation2. In many cases, they use biotics to support their pet's digestive or gastrointestinal concerns2.   "The popularity of functional ingredients has increased as pet owners seek ways to improve the health and wellness of their pets, yet limited research has been conducted regarding the use of probiotics and postbiotics and their effects on canine health," said Sophie Nixon, Ph.D., Head of Clinical Research for Pet & Animal Well-being at ADM, who oversaw the trial.   For this exploratory study, 18 adult beagles and 18 adult English pointers were used in a 3-arm randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group design, with 12 animals per group. Following a 60-day adaptation period in which dogs were fed a standard diet alone, the dogs were then supplemented with either probiotic or postbiotic BPL1™ or an identical placebo alongside their standard diet for 90 days. Measurements were taken to assess outcome measures relating to a variety of health areas, including fecal fermentative end products and microbiome, insulin sensitivity, serum gut hormones, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and white blood cell gene expression.   Improvements were observed in fecal short-chain fatty acids, as well as changes in microbiome composition and the functional metagenome, when compared to placebo control. Data from the trial shows that both the live and heat-treated forms of BPL1™ can safely be supplemented in healthy adult dogs and support several aspects of gut health. A further clinical study is ongoing to assess additional physiological outcomes, with a focus on metabolic health.   "Groundbreaking science such as this canine trial spurs development of ADM's functional ingredients across human, pet and animal nutrition," said Mark Lotsch, ADM's President of Global Health & Wellness. "Beneficial outcomes and ingredient stability of our award-winning BPL1™ solution have been repeatedly demonstrated in previous human clinical trials. We are thrilled to also see promising results for pet health applications."   Because heat-treated BPL1™ has a similar effect to live BPL1™ in healthy adult dogs, pet product formulators will have greater flexibility through the manufacturing and supply process, as they don't need to make adaptations for living microorganisms3. Notably, extreme heat from extrusion and baking common in pet food processing can diminish the efficacy of live probiotics. As inanimate microorganisms, postbiotics can confer a health benefit on the host despite these challenging conditions.   Learn more about ADM's extensive range of science-backed microbiome solutions for pets here.   1BPL1® is a trademark registered for Biopolis, S.L. in the EU and other countries 2ADM Outside Voice℠ 3Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm permissibility of ingredients for each category   About ADM   ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're an essential global agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. We're a premier human and animal nutrition provider, offering one of the industry's broadest portfolios of ingredients and solutions from nature. We're a trailblazer in health and well-being, with an industry-leading range of products for consumers looking for new ways to live healthier lives. We're a cutting-edge innovator, guiding the way to a future of new consumer and industrial solutions. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize the multiple industries we serve. Around the globe, our innovation and expertise are meeting critical needs while nourishing quality of life and supporting a healthier planet. Learn more at www.adm.com.    Source: ADM 

23/10/2024

New research brief: Dental stick extrusion utilizing spray dried plasma (SDP)

Study objetive   The study objective was to evaluate how SDP inclusion with other ingredients impacts texture of extruded dental formulas.   Experimental procedure   Three formulas were developed utilizing SDP to replace wheat starch (WS) or Arabic gum in the control formula. The formulas were: Control: WS and gum; SDP1: SDP and WS replacing gum; and SDP2: SDP replacing WS and gum. Dental sticks were made at the Extru-Tech technology testing center using a 525 single screw extruder with the product densification unit (PDU) removed and replaced with a mid-barrel valve and 3 cooling heads to cause densification. The sticks were manufactured as solid square sticks. Generally, a single screw with a PDU, or a traditional parallel-shaft twin screw is used to manufacture dental sticks. However, the equipment alterations used worked like a single screw with a PDU; thus, it would be expected that the results would translate to a traditional single screw configuration. Glycerin at 12% (% to dry feed rate) and chicken fat were added to the pre-conditioner at set rates to optimize expansion and product quality. Processing conditions were monitored and adjusted on the various formulations during production to optimize extrusion. Texture was measured on a TA.XT Plus utilizing an adjustable bridge with a rounded-end knife probe for a 3-point bend. Dental sticks of 8 cm in length were placed over the two bridge spans spaced 5 cm apart to measure maximum force (hardness) and work to peak force (work to break) to determine texture parameters. Ten dental sticks per treatment were analyzed.   Treatments     Dental stick run conditions     Results and discussion     Summary   In conclusion, SDP can be incorporated into dental stick formulas and utilized as a processing aide. Overall, depending on target hardness and ingredient matrix, SDP can be an alternative to various ingredients to maintain or improve product quality.    Source: APC  

22/10/2024

All in on alternative proteins

The pet food industry is continually challenged with anticipating future trends and addressing evolving expectations from pet owners, such as a heightened focus on the environmental impacts of the products they purchase—from where and how ingredients are grown to how the foods are produced and packaged. At the same time, pet food brands are navigating ever-evolving regulations to reduce their own environmental impact, while also addressing increasing consumer demands for sustainability.   Environmentally conscious consumers as well as people choosing plant-forward lifestyles are fueling rising interest in alternative proteins—including plant-, insect- and cell-based sources. For instance, 42 percent of global pet owners say they want to purchase pet food with sustainably sourced ingredients, and one in five pet owners like to see plant-based or vegan claims on pet products, according to The Humanization of Pets 2023, a report released by market research firm FMCG Gurus. Brands that seize and invest in this new growth frontier will gain a competitive edge to meet pet owner demands.   Adopting alternative proteins   Plant- and yeast-based proteins can be used in pet food and treats to supplement or replace animal proteins. Even insect protein, like dried black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), is being used in some pet foods today. However, like the human nutrition market, reassurance is needed about the taste and nutrition of pet products made with novel ingredients to influence consumer buying behaviors and garner acceptance. ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, is investing in research to support the inclusion of alternative proteins in pet food.   For example, ADM partnered with researchers at the University of Illinois to determine the biological availability of essential amino acids from various plant- and yeast-based ingredients for use in dog and cat foods. The research, which appeared in articles published in the Journal of Animal Science and Journal of Translational Animal Science in 2020, found that dogs and cats were able to digest and absorb plant-based protein sources, such as soy, just as well as those of traditional animal protein.   Notably, ADM conducted a canine feeding study to better understand the nutritional value of flexitarian and vegan dog foods compared to conventional dog food containing animal-based proteins. In the study, dogs were assigned to one of four test foods: a conventional dog food as the control, two flexitarian foods formulated with either pea protein or soy protein and a vegetarian food. Results, published in a 2024 ADM Technical Bulletin, demonstrated that flexitarian and vegetarian dog foods, formulated with low or no inclusion of animal-sourced ingredients, can effectively meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs. These diets were shown to be palatable, digestible and supported a healthy gut microbiome in dogs.   "Sustainability efforts, such as emissions reductions, are a key factor both upstream and downstream of the pet specialty sector because environmental impacts are felt all along the supply chain."   Insect proteins are taking off   Among the insect-derived ingredients currently used in pet products is the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Agtech company Innovafeed is a leading producer of black soldier fly larvae ingredients. Hilucia Protein and Oil contain unique components, including lauric acid, bioactive peptides and chitin. Lauric acid is a medium-chain triglyceride, a fatty acid prevalent in coconut oil, and is being studied for its potential benefits. The black soldier fly expresses over 50 unique bioactive peptides, which are small proteins with unique properties. Chitin acts as a dietary fiber to support digestive health. These components are in addition to the highly digestible essential amino acids that help dogs and cats meet their requirements.   ADM and Innovafeed collaborated on a research study carried out at the University of Illinois that investigated the protein quality of BSFL in dogs. The goal of the study was to determine the suitability of BSFL as a nutritious substitution for other commonly used protein ingredients in pet food. One trial measured the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS), a score based on amino acid digestibility that is used to assess protein quality. DIAAS values for Hilucia Protein were compared to scores for chicken meal, a high-quality common ingredient in pet food, and powdered egg, considered the gold standard for protein quality. Results demonstrated that Hilucia Protein is a suitable substitute for chicken meal in pet foods.   A second feeding trial examined dog diets that were specifically formulated for this research, including a controlled diet made with chicken meal, a diet that included 15 percent Hilucia Protein, and another test diet that included 30 percent Hilucia Protein. These levels represented using insect protein as a partial substitution for chicken meal and one that replaced chicken meal entirely. Findings indicated that the Hilucia Protein at both 15 percent and 30 percent inclusion was well accepted by the dogs. Additionally, all the diets had average fecal scores between 2 and 3, which is considered ideal. Researchers also noted that macronutrient digestibility values were very similar between the three diets, again suggesting that Hilucia Protein performs similarly to chicken meal in dog diets.   Furthermore, a 2024 ADM Outside Voice survey of U.S.-based dog and cat owners found consumers can be educated to enhance their likelihood of serving pet food made with insect protein. Initially, only 12 percent reported being "completely likely," while 43 percent expressed being "not likely at all" to feed their pets insect-based food. When asked the question again after receiving educational statements covering nutrition, safety, ethics and environmental benefits, 42 percent became more willing to consider purchasing insect-based pet food. This increase in consumer acceptance suggests that there is potential for growth in the market for insect-based pet food. This research is summarized in a new white paper, Pet Parent Perceptions of Insect Protein in Pet Food, and available in ADM's new Pet Nutrition Customer Academy on adm.com.   A real-life example of this education recently became reality with Innovafeed's "Powered by Hilucia" label being used by brand partners, Jiminy's and Arch Pet Food, that incorporate BSFL ingredients in their products.   Sustainability in the supply chain   Sustainability efforts, such as emissions reductions, are a key factor both upstream and downstream of the pet specialty sector because environmental impacts are felt all along the supply chain. Responsible sourcing of ingredients for pet products may include regenerative agriculture practices with soybean crops from field to market. As another example, manufacturing facilities can draw on renewable energy or focus on packaging made with recyclable materials.   Besides its alternative source of proteins and oils for pet diets, Innovafeed employs an "industrial symbiosis" production model. Indoor insect farms will be strategically located alongside grain processing facilities—such as ADM's corn processing plant in Decatur, Ill.—to upcycle grain byproducts as feedstock for Hermetia illucens, eliminating the need for energy to dry the feedstock and trucks required for transport.   Additionally, the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), a nonprofit organization that strives to advance business through profitable environmental and social practices, is dedicated to creating a more sustainable pet industry by providing assessment tools, strategic support, accreditation and events. Members of the coalition include consumer brands, ingredient suppliers like Innovafeed and ADM, pet trade media, retail stores, packaging companies and more.   Tomorrow's innovations today   When presented a choice, more consumers are opting for sustainable and healthy options for themselves and their pets. Plus, a majority of pet owners say they are trying to make a difference to the environment through their buying habits. With more pets in the home than ever, there is a growing urgency to provide pet products that also support a circular economy.   For instance, ADM Ventures, the corporate venture capital division of ADM, has invested in startups like Bond Pet Foods to continue expanding available protein sources and responsible production practices in the pet nutrition sector. Bond Pet Foods will employ precision fermentation technology to make nature-identical chicken and other meat proteins for innovative pet food applications. Remarkably, this precision fermentation process requires no animal proteins.   With innovations such as these, the pet product market will continue to advance toward sustainability in the race to address the needs of environmentally minded consumers.   Source: Pet Product News

21/10/2024

Pet Fair South East Asia Welcomes the Latin American Pet Industry to Bangkok

As of October 11, visitor pre-registrations have already been received from industry professionals in 79 countries. Free visitor registration remains open for two more weeks at www.petfair-sea.com.   With its B2B focus, Pet Fair South East Asia serves as a global hub for partnerships in distribution, retail, and sourcing, reaching far beyond the ASEAN region. This year, the exhibition will span more than 20,000 square meters, featuring a wide array of exhibitors representing the entire pet industry value chain.   An impressive 75% of exhibiting companies are international, with the remaining 25% based locally, making this one of the most internationally diverse exhibitions within the pet industry's annual show calendar.   Beyond the dynamic exhibition floor, attendees can look forward to a packed conference program, with over 30 sessions addressing key trends and topics in the global pet industry.   Pre-registered visitors can attend the show free of charge, while those registering on-site will be subject to a fee of $10 USD.   For further details, including the full exhibitor list, conference program, and visitor pre-registration, visit: www.petfairsea.com.   Source: Pet Fair South East Asia

21/10/2024

Greenwashing in pet food: what it is and how to avoid it

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Consumer demand and the evolution of legislation about environmental impact, waste, and pollution have meant that the pet industry is adopting and seeking more and more sustainable packaging alternatives and production processes. In recent years, reducing, reusing, and recycling has become a priority for both pet owners and those companies in charge of meeting their needs.   We already know that the main function of packaging, in addition to making it possible to divide and transport products, is to protect the useful life and conditions of the food or various products it contains, and that is why, as we cannot do without its use, we must seek and adopt the best materials and processes to try to take care of the negative impact on the ecosystem and society that our choices produce.   What are we talking about when we talk about greenwashing?   The English concept of greenwashing combines two words: green and washing, referring to what means a 'greenwashing' of a company reputation, in which unsustainable actions are hidden or disguised, intentionally or not (or not as sustainable as proclaimed) under the motto of sustainability and ecologically responsible actions to clean, improve or change its positioning.   In 2023, the analysis company Kantar published the Sustainability Sector Index 2023, a global study about consumer sustainability concerns and behaviors, where it states that more than half of respondents believe that brands, regardless of their industry, are misleading and unclear when reporting on their sustainability actions. Greenwashing can generate false impressions or provide misleading information about the benefits and environmental care of a product, service, or company through exaggerating actions related to environmental care, using ambiguous language, or emphasizing achievements while ignoring negative impacts, for example.   Of course, social media is one of the places where greenwashing is most common. Fake news volume or reproduction of information from third parties that travel through digital platforms makes it very difficult for messages not to be distorted, not to mention that, unfortunately, some people or companies use them to influence in a minor way.   Tips to communicate honestly and avoid greenwashing   As producers, pet food manufacturers, or distributors, it is natural that we want to attract consumers to our products, and that is why it is essential to know our processes very well and how to avoid communicating them and falling into greenwashing. Here, we share some tips:   Knowing the product and its components very well: Production companies must ensure their design and marketing teams know well what processes, changes or transformations must be communicated about environmental, social, and health care to communicate the impact (both positive and negative) of their decisions and movements. To avoid greenwashing, it is essential to communicate information with precise and clear statements, understandable to all potential consumers, based on verifiable and updated evidence, that contemplate and tell the complete story of the product. Being transparent: with the conditions or warnings, if any, about uses or claims of the products or their components. Not exaggerating: the environmental impact, or declaring anything false, explicitly or implicitly. Clearing durability and disposability: This kind of information and procedures should be clarified and labeled if applicable. For example, some companies claim that their products are biodegradable, but they are partially misleading their consumers because they do not decompose within a reasonable period. Giving access to more information: through QR codes, direct links to website sections, and the like. Keeping your word: One of the keys to avoiding greenwashing is just doing what you say, not only to avoid falling into these unethical practices but also to avoid losing trust and creating a gap between actions and goals. Informing, even if there is little to communicate: The absence of communication is not the best for a brand. Different surveys show that more than half of the consumers surveyed consider it very difficult to know which products are good or bad from an ethical or environmental point of view, due to a lack of information. If they do not clearly understand how a company or product contributes to ecological and social care, we are not helping them make information-based decisions. Being careful with empty messages: Saying a lot while saying nothing is a wrong strategy. The worst thing that can happen to us as a company is not being reliable, because consumers will lose trust in the brand, judging it as dishonest.   Conclusion   Nowadays, trust in brands is mainly based on three principles: integrity, identification, and inclusion. When consumers buy products with claims that later turn out to be false, they become disillusioned and lose trust not only in that specific brand but in the entire industry as well. That is why it is so important to take care of the ethics and image of the market all together. And although regulation grows every day throughout the world, we must still encourage and appeal to workers' ethics and morals, because, in most countries, there are still no specific regulations or penalties for these practices when misused.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

18/10/2024

Prebiotics in Pet Food

Why are they important?   The microorganisms that call the GI tract home require nutrients to survive and proliferate. They produce enzymes that break down nutrients inside the body that our pets lack, and thrive on undigested material, such as prebiotic fiber, that passes through the GI tract relatively unchanged. Ensuring these organisms have access to appropriate nutrients is paramount for a healthy and diverse bacterial population in the gut. This can help to prevent pathogenic bacteria from proliferating, which can reduce the incidence of GI upset, diarrhea, and overall dysbiosis.   Not all fiber is created equal   While bacteria can break down nutrients that animals cannot, there are still limitations to what they can utilize. Fiber is a carbohydrate consisting of sugars bound together, and their orientation determines which enzymes can digest them. Soluble fiber, which attracts water and forms a gel during digestion, forms most of the fermentable fibers in the digestive tract. This kind of fiber is generally what is used as prebiotics, and they include compounds such as inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, beta-glucans, and others. Insoluble fiber on the other hand, is insoluble in water and does not form a gel during digestion. In general, these are minimally fermented in the large intestine, and thus, are not commonly used as a prebiotic. However, they do add bulk to the stool and are important for promoting regularity and maintaining stool quality. Common sources of insoluble fiber include cellulose and hemicellulose.   When formulating a diet with prebiotics, it is important to ensure the ingredient accomplishes the goals of the formulation. Ultimately, the prebiotic must support the microorganisms in the large intestine to be effective. While prebiotics come in many forms, two common prebiotics used in pet food are inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).   Inulin   Inulin is a long-chain fructo-oligosaccharide that is common prebiotic fiber in pet foods and is commonly derived from chicory root. Inulin is well known to modify the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolic activity in a variety of animals.1 It has been relatively well studied in dogs,2-6 where it has been shown to increase the prevalence of beneficial bacteria, modify the fecal short chain fatty acid profile, and support better overall GI health. Similar results have been demonstrated in cats,7,8 though the inclusion rates are different from that of dogs.   Fructo-oligosaccharides   Fructo-oligosaccharides are similar to inulin in that they are chains of fructose, though they are generally smaller in length. Similar to inulin, FOS have been shown to improve the gut microbiome and fecal characteristics of dogs, 9,10 and cats.11-13 Therefore, FOS could be a good alternative to inulin in pet diets.   Conclusions   Prebiotics can be an effective way to supplement a pet's diet to improve gut health. It is important that the prebiotic inclusion rate is appropriate to ensure that the pet receives enough of it to impart a beneficial effect on their GI health, but not too much to result in loose stool. If you are interested in creating a product that utilizes prebiotic fiber, contact BSM Nutrition Services. We utilize scientific data from a variety of published research articles to ensure your product is efficacious and competitive in the marketplace.   Source: BSM Partners   References Flickinger, EA, Fahey GC. 2002. Pet food and feed applications of inulin, oligofructose and other oligosaccharides. Brit. J. Nutr. 87(S2):S297-S300. Propst, EL, Flickinger, E, Bauer, L, Merchen, N, Fahey, GC. 2003. A dose-response experiment evaluating the effects of oligofructose and inulin on nutrient digestibility, stool quality, and fecal protein catabolites in healthy adult dogs. J. Anim. Sci. 81(12):3057-3066. Alexander, C, Cross, TWL, Devendran, S, Neumer, F, Theis, S, Ridlon, JM, Suchodolski, JS, de Godoy, MR, Swanson, KS. 2018. Effects of prebiotic inulin-type fructans on blood metabolite and hormone concentrations and faecal microbiota and metabolites in overweight dogs. Brit. J. Nutr. 120(6):711-720. Beloshapka, AN, Duclos, LM, Boler, BMV, Swanson, KS. 2012. Effects of inulin or yeast cell-wall extract on nutrient digestibility, fecal fermentative end-product concentrations, and blood metabolite concentrations in adult dogs fed raw meat–based diets. Am. J. Vet. Res. 73(7):1016-1023. Russell, TJ. 1998. Effect of natural source of non-digestible oligosaccarides on the fecal microflora of the dog and effects on digestion. Beloshapka, AN, Dowd, SE, Suchodolski, JS, Steiner, JM, Duclos, L, Swanson, KS. 2013. Fecal microbial communities of healthy adult dogs fed raw meat-based diets with or without inulin or yeast cell wall extracts as assessed by 454 pyrosequencing. FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 84(3):532-541. Hesta, M, Janssens, G, Debraekeleer, J, De Wilde, R. 2001. The effect of oligofructose and inulin on faecal characteristics and nutrient digestibility in healthy cats. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 85(5‐6):135-141. Butowski, CF, Thomas, DG, Young, W, Cave, NJ, McKenzie, CM, Rosendale, DI, Bermingham, EN. 2019. Addition of plant dietary fibre to a raw red meat high protein, high fat diet, alters the faecal bacteriome and organic acid profiles of the domestic cat (Felis catus). PloS One. 14(5):e0216072. Félix, AP, Brito, CM, Zanatta, CP, Lima, DC, Oliveira, SG, Maiorka, A. 2013. Supplementation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) on faecal characteristics of adult dogs. Archiv. Vet. Sci. 18(1):9-14. Pinna, C, Vecchiato, CG, Bolduan, C, Grandi, M, Stefanelli, C, Windisch, W, Zaghini, G, Biagi, G. 2018. Influence of dietary protein and fructooligosaccharides on fecal fermentative end-products, fecal bacterial populations and apparent total tract digestibility in dogs. BMC Vet. Res. 14:1-10. Sparkes, AH, Papasouliotis, K, Sunvold, G, Werrett, G, Gruffydd-Jones, EA, Egan, K, Gruffydd-Jones, TJ, Reinhart, G. 1998. Effect of dietary supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharides on fecal flora of healthy cats. Am. J. Vet. Res. 59(4):436-440. Barry, KA, Wojcicki, BJ, Middelbos, IS, Vester, BM, Swanson, KS, Fahey, GC. 2010. Dietary cellulose, fructooligosaccharides, and pectin modify fecal protein catabolites and microbial populations in adult cats. J. Anim. Sci. 88(9): 2978-2987. Barry, KA, Hernot, DC, Van Loo, J, Fahey, GC, de Godoy, MRC. 2014. Fructan supplementation of senior cats affects stool metabolite concentrations and fecal microbiota concentrations, but not nitrogen partitioning in excreta. J. Anim. Sci. 92(11):4964-4971.

16/10/2024

US: majority of pet owners still underestimate pet obesity

The latest data from market research firm Bloomberg Intelligence's (BI) Global Pet Economy 2024 report shows that dog obesity climbed to 59% in 2022, up from 43% in 2007. Similarly, 61% of cats were classified as obese in 2022.   BI also reports that a pet being overweight contributes to heightened risks of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.   Further supporting this trend, findings from the American Pet Products Association's (APPA) 2024 Cat & Dog Report reveal an increase in vet-diagnosed cat obesity, from 11% in 2018 to 17% in 2024. Weight loss prescription diets increased from 8% to 13% over the same period.   For dogs, obesity diagnoses rose from 8% in 2018 to 12% in 2024, while weight loss prescription diets increased from 8% to 11%.     Pet parents' attitudes   A survey conducted by Ollie, an American dog food firm, found that despite around 60% of dogs in the US being overweight or obese, three-fifths of surveyed pet owners believed their pets were at an ideal weight.   Over half of the respondents (53%) acknowledged that obesity has a 'significant' impact on their pets' health, while 35% believed it had 'some' effect.   The research also revealed a significant knowledge gap, as only a small percentage of pet owners recognized key indicators of a healthy weight in dogs. Just 30% knew that easily feeling their dogs' ribs by touch was a sign, while even fewer were aware that the same applies to the spine (20%) and hip bones (17%).   Among different generations, Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) were most concerned about comments about their dogs' weight, with 47% and 46%, respectively, expressing worry.   These findings align with a 2023 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), which found that 84% of dog owners and 70% of cat owners assessed their pets' body condition as healthy despite many being classified as overweight by veterinarians.   Older surveys from APOP show that this awareness gap has persisted over time.   Source: GlobalPETS

09/10/2024

Lesaffre acquires majority stake in Biorigin to strengthen and broaden its savory ingredients offering

As a result of the deal, Lesaffre will become the controlling shareholder of Biorigin with 70% of its total corporate capital, while Zilor will remain a shareholder with 30%. The deal includes Biorigin's production unit in Quatá/São Paulo, an industrial plant, based in the attractive country of Brazil where there is abundant sugar, water and renewable energy resources.
The aim of this deal is to leverage Lesaffre's and Biorigin's complementary capabilities to enable enhanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions for customers worldwide. The business combination between Lesaffre and Biorigin will offer customers benefits by upgrading production capacity and new solutions based on the production and marketing of naturally derived ingredients for human food and animal nutrition industries.
For Brice-Audren Riché, CEO of Lesaffre, "This acquisition of a majority stake in Biorigin represents an exciting new chapter for Lesaffre. It will offer development opportunities to meet the growing needs of the human food and nutrition industries, as society currently demands savory ingredients from natural sources. We are stepping up to a new dimension thanks to this strategic move to reinforce Lesaffre and its Business Unit Biospringer by Lesaffre as global players in the field of yeast extracts for the savory ingredients market. Importantly, we are doing this with a key strategic partner, Zilor, who shares similar values to Lesaffre and a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility. Committed to deliver responsible taste through Biospringer, and together with Biorigin, we are well-positioned to deliver enhanced yeast derivative and savory ingredient solutions to customers around the world."
For Fabiano Zillo, CEO of Zilor, 'Biorigin's 20-year history has been marked by innovation and commitment to sustainability. Throughout this time, Biorigin has built solid, long-term business partnerships, with great respect for its customers and other stakeholders. We believe this partnership will be a great opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and enhance the supply of yeast derivatives to the human food and animal nutrition markets. This deal will allow Biorigin to incorporate greater expertise, market insight and access to advanced R&D capabilities from Lesaffre and will allow Biorigin's parent company, Zilor, to join forces with a highly capable and experienced strategic partner."   Biorigin's brand will be kept for producing, marketing and selling the products.
The units in Lençóis Paulista (SP) and Macatuba (SP), and the products made from alcoholic fermentation yeast and brewer's yeast, manufactured at those locations will continue to be handled and sold by Zilor.   The deal is subject to the fulfillment of the usual preconditions for such transactions, including the approval from creditors and other legal and regulatory approvals, including the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and it is expected to be concluded over the next few months.
Until then, Biorigin and Lesaffre shall remain totally independent, keeping their businesses as usual.   ABOUT LESAFFRE   Lesaffre is a key global player in fermentation for more than a century. Established on all continents through 80 production sites in 50 countries, it counts 11,000 employees and more than 96 nationalities. On the strength of this experience and diversity, Lesaffre works with customers, partners and researchers to find ever more relevant answers to the needs of food, health, naturalness and respect for our environment. Thus, every day, Lesaffre explores and reveals the infinite potential of microorganisms. To nourish 9 billion people, in a healthy way, in 2050 by making the most of our planet's resources is a major and unprecedented issue. We believe that fermentation is one of the most promising answers to this challenge. Lesaffre – Working together to better nourish and protect the planet    ABOUT ZILOR   Zilor, a Brazilian multinational with 78 years of experience, is one of the leading companies in the sugar-energy sector and diversifies its portfolio into two divisions: agroindustry, focused on the cultivation and processing of sugarcane for the production of sugar, ethanol, and clean, renewable electric energy; and natural ingredients, operating through the Biorigin unit, which specializes in biotechnological processes for the production of ingredients for the food, pet food, and animal nutrition and health industries. The agroindustry division has three production units in Brazil, located in the countryside of São Paulo state, in the cities of Lençóis Paulista, Macatuba, and Quatá; the Biorigin division also currently operates three production units in Brazil, located in the same cities. Additionally, Biorigin has three Distribution Centers, one in Brazil and two abroad, located in the United States and Belgium, enabling the distribution of natural origin ingredients to over 60 countries, marking its presence on all continents. Zilor - Build wealth and promote the well-being of society, through the transformation of innovative and natural agricultural resources into food and energy.
    Source: Lesaffre  

08/10/2024

Vegetable biocholine: An alternative to use choline chloride in pet food

By Erika Stasieniuk

Choline, also known as vitamin B4, is found in all ingredients used in the formulation of dog and cat foods, with greater availability in animal products, mainly in poultry by-product flour.   The classification of choline as a B-complex vitamin is controversial, as it does not behave as a coenzyme in metabolism and is required in higher amounts than other B-complex vitamins (Bertechini, 2013). Reis et al. (2012) highlight that, unlike other B-group vitamins, choline can be synthesized in animal livers because of serine amino acid in the presence of folic acid and vitamin B6. Due to its organic function, choline does not strictly fit the definition of a vitamin and could be considered an essential amino acid (Bertechini, 2013).   Nutritional recommendations of choline in dogs range from 1,640 to 1,890 g/1,000 g of dry matter. In cats, vary from 2,400 to 3,200 g/1,000 g of dry matter, depending on the animal life stage and energy maintenance needs according to FEDIAF (2021).   These recommendations are partially fulfilled with ingredients used in animal formulation. However, depending on the amount of animal ingredients, it can be necessary to supplement it with choline chloride. This compound salt is produced by chemical synthesis and is widely used in the pet food industry.   According to Leeson and Summers (2001), Combs Jr. (2008), and Ruts (2008), the powder form of choline chloride is extremely hygroscopic and can hasten the deterioration of other vitamins upon contact. On the other hand, the liquid form is highly corrosive and requires specialized equipment for handling and storage (Mcdowell, 2000). These characteristics make the handling of choline chloride in the feed mill or premix challenging, which can compromise the premixing with other microingredients and result in the loss of vitamins (Mallo and Paolella, 2017).   Naturally, choline is found in foods as phosphatidylcholine. This substance is made of esterified fatty acids and the choline itself. In agreement with Leeson & Summers (2001), Combs Jr. (2008), and Rutz (2008), less than 10% of choline in food is in free form or as sphingomyelin, which are analogs of phosphatidylcholine containing sphingosine instead of fatty acids.   In plants, it is found in phosphatidylcholine, free choline, and sphingomyelin forms. Nowadays, there are natural products that come from plants with a high content of choline in esterified form providing a high bioavailability, which can be an important alternative to the use of synthetic choline chloride.   One of these alternatives to the choline, called vegetable biocholine, is derived from vegetable extracts of the following plants: Trachyspermum ammi, Citrullus colocynthis, Achyranthes aspera, Azadirachta indica, Acacia nilotica, Silybum marianum, Andrographis paniculata, and Ocimum sanctum. It is worth mentioning that the composition of commercial vegetable biocholines available on the market may vary among suppliers.   The lower hygroscopicity of vegetable biocholine is positive as it reduces water-soluble vitamins in premixes compared to choline chloride. This is due to the reduced free water content in the mixture, resulting in a lower potential reactive. Moreover, excess water can cause operating problems in dog and cat feed mills.   Although there is limited research on pets, vegetable biocholine has been successfully used in broiled chicken and laying hens, demonstrating positive results in feed conversion, manufacturing, and egg weight (Chen, 2007; Calderano, 2015).   Three diets were evaluated in 40 Beagle dogs in a study conducted by Mallo and Paolella (2017): the first includes an herbal source of choline, the second with choline chloride, and the third as a negative control diet. Results demonstrated no significant differences in dog's preference for diets in quality and quantity of feces, or blood protein profile. However, compared to negative control diets, a reduction of triglyceride levels and HDL was observed in choline-supplemented diets.   Mendoza-Martinez et al. (2022) conducted a study with the following treatments: non-supplemented diets (377 mg choline/kg), choline chloride (3,850 mg/kg equal to 2,000 mg choline/kg diet), and vegetable biocholine (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) for 60 days. Both sources of choline indicated similar responses, but vegetable biocholine demonstrated additional properties, such as prevention of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer prevention, and inflammatory and immune response. Moreover, it affects the behavior and cognitive processes of dogs.   Nascimiento et al. (2022) concluded that vegetable biocholine could replace choline chloride in canine nutrition, as it does not damage lipid metabolism and other functions of the organism. On the contrary, there was an improvement in other functions, especially due to the significant reduction of liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and triglyceride.   By Erika Stasieniuk and Ludmila Barbi   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

04/10/2024

The first conversational AI for the veterinarian sector arrives in the UK

AITEM S.r.l., spin-off company of Dumarey Automotive Italy Spa and specialized in generative AI, announces the launch of LAIKA, the first artificial intelligence platform developed specifically for supporting veterinarians in clinic management and daily decision-making processes. Already active in the Italian and French markets, LAIKA now makes its entry into the United Kingdom. Moreover, thanks to AITEM's admission into the vHive Animal Health Incubator, a strategic alliance between Zoetis and the University of Surrey, partnered with SETsquared, LAIKA will be able to count on the support of industry experts and ensure a presence in the UK.
«LAIKA is characterized for being the expert conversational agent verticalized for the veterinary industry, based on a combination of AI language models known as Large Language Models (LLM) in order to obtain immediate answers to clinical questions posed by veterinarians, in outpatient and emergency room settings». Davide Tricarico, CTO of AITEM, explains. Developed to optimize time management and enhance the resources and skills of individual veterinarians, LAIKA is the result of a collaboration between experienced AI engineers and veterinary professionals: in fact, it is a patented system, continuously updated and already tested by more than 100 medical directors.   During this era in which artificial intelligence is changing in a significant way working methods, representing an increasingly relevant element in various fields, including veterinary medicine, LAIKA aims to support in simplifying daily activities, especially in high-pressure settings such as hospitals, where speed and accuracy are crucial. LAIKA is able to provide real-time consultative suggestions, such as anamnesis, the choice of therapies, the definition of diagnostic procedures, the analysis of test results and causes, and the formulation of differential diagnoses. By supporting veterinarians in the analysis of clinical data, it allows them to focus on defining targeted treatment plans, providing valuable support in clinical related decision, acting as a complementary tool and not a substitute of a professional judgment.  
«Every day, veterinarians around the world are dedicated with the utmost effort to taking care of animals. They face complex decisions, bearing the responsibility of patients' lives on their shoulders, and often live with the pain of not being able to save each of them.» - explains Massimiliano Melis, COO of AITEM. «Between 1979 and 2015, according to data from the U.S. CDC National Center for Health Statistics published in 2019, close to 400 veterinarians died by suicide and almost 60% experienced work-related stress, anxiety or depression so severe that they required professional help. That's why we created LAIKA: a knowledgeable AI colleague that helps them make the hardest decisions, manage their workload, and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. Basically, an ally who takes care of them while they take care of others.» This is the concept of LAIKA.
LAIKA will be showcased at booth S3 – S15 S58 at the London VET Show on 14 and 15 November 2025, where it will be possible to interact with LAIKA and get a preview of the new technology being developed.
About us
LAIKA was born in 2022 with the aim of supporting veterinarians in taking care of their patients, simplifying their work, and thus reducing the extremely high burnout levels in the sector. An ambitious project, which was born thanks to the close collaboration between expert engineers in artificial intelligence and the best specialists in the veterinary field.   LAIKA is developed by AITEM SRL, specialised in generative AI and a spin-off from Dumarey Automotive Italia Spa, part of the Dumarey group, known for creating technologically advanced systems. Thanks to this union of competencies, we have created the veterinary colleague who can provide more insights and a deeper perspective on various topics for the well-being of dogs and cats.   Source: LAIKA

02/10/2024

Reducing, recycling and reusing in the pet food market

I will share some ideas about how to carry out these principles:   Reducing food waste   As with human feed, it is important to reduce the pet food waste. This means to reduce the necessary amount of food for your pet and to avoid the excess of food that can be thrown away.   Recently, I found an interesting article about how some ideas contribute to reducing waste. The Al-powered dog food vending machine company from Finland release an innovative technology: a dog food vending machine. It resembles a doghouse, and it is designed as a pilot project for Hau-Hau Champion quest, owned by VAFO Group, to reduce dog food waste.   Regularly, there are multiple reasons to buy a pet food bag. If the purchase food does not please your dog, it often means that nearly a full bag of pet food is thrown away. The working mechanism of the vending machine is based on an artificial intelligence (AI) video recognition software. The machine identifies the approaching dog and drops kibbles into the bowl, so the 'client' tastes the product. Once the machine sees the leaving dog, it automatically disinfects the bowl using UV light and is ready to serve its next 'client'. As one of their executives says, in this way dogs have the chance to taste the food before, which helps to reduce pet food waste in the future.   For some pet parents, preparing homemade diets with fresh and natural ingredients can reduce reliance on processed and packaged foods and packaging control waste. Additionally, you control food quality and reduce waste.   Regarding pet food manufacturing, 'reduce' means to take precautionary measures. One way to reduce waste during pet food production is to optimize the processes to minimize the waste, including the efficient use of ingredients, the optimization of recipes to reduce unused byproducts, and the efficient management of the supply chain to minimize excess inventory. Choosing sustainable and local ingredients ethically produced in pet food production is essential to reduce the industry's environmental impact. It is also important to adopt sustainable fishing and agriculture practices for some ingredients, such as fish and cereals.   Setting up an effective wasting management, such as composting organic waste and recycling packing materials, helps to reduce the environmental impact of the pet food production and promotes sustainability in the supply chain.   Recycling containers and packing materials   Pet food manufacturers adopted sustainable packing practices, for example, using recycled, biodegradable, or compostable materials to minimize their impact on the environment; most of them are in containers that can be recycled. One must be sure of fulfilling the recycling requirements of their city properly. In addition, many companies are using more sustainable packaging, such as recyclable or biodegradable ones, which may also be an option to consider. Circular solutions are fundamental. Nowadays, consumers have a great interest in recycling, even in the recycled content, as 50% of consumers aged 44 years inform to have bought a product according to the packaging content.   In terms of production, the pet food industry contributes to the recycling of ingredients and byproducts. In pet food production, many byproducts for human consumption can be recycled and used as ingredients. For example, meat byproducts and vegetables that do not fulfill quality requirements for human consumption can be processed and used in pet food production, reducing waste.   Reusing safe food waste   You can use food waste if it is safe for your pet health. For example, chicken or lean meat can be added to your dog's diet, if they are free of damaging seasoning or ingredients. To do that, it is important to investigate which foods are safe and which are toxic.   According to the industry, the reuse of pet production resources implies the efficient use of energy, water, and natural resources. This includes technology applications and procedures that minimize energy and water consumption in the production facilities, as well as the use of renewable energy and conservation practices.   To summarize, the application of the three Rs principle (reduce, recycle, and reuse) in pet food production means taking measures to reduce waste, recycle and reuse resources, and adopt sustainable procedures in each part of the production process. This not only benefits the environment, but also promotes health and well-being to pets and their owners.   By: MVZ. Armando Enríquez de la Fuente Blanquet   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

02/10/2024

The company formerly known as Schenck Process FPM has officially transitioned its name to Coperion

The integrated Coperion companies combine the strengths of multiple process industry leaders under a single brand, offering manufacturers a broader portfolio of solutions, technologies and services across the food, health and nutrition markets, such as baking, confectionery, pet food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, as well as the polymers/performance materials industries such as plastics, plastics recycling, chemical, battery and minerals.   Coperion brings flagship brands together under one roof, including those that were formally from Schenck Process (FPM) – Raymond Bartlett Snow, Stock, Baker Perkins, Kemutec, and Mucon. This allows Coperion to offer solutions to customers in a more streamlined way—with an even deeper team of process experts and collaborative problem-solvers. Customers will continue to receive hands-on service and support, including access to test and innovation centers around the world.   'Our dedicated employees are energized by the possibilities of the new Coperion and the positive impact we believe its expansion is already having on our company and our customers,' said Matthew Craig, General Manager, FPM. 'Bringing all technologies under the Coperion name signals a deeper integration that means we are better equipped than ever to deliver the high-quality solutions, technologies and service we've always been known for.'   'We made the strategic decision to strengthen Coperion's capabilities,' said Ulrich Bartel, President, Coperion. 'We have done so by bringing together people and technologies that customers know and trust, creating a broader and deeper portfolio that meets every process step and cements our over 140-year legacy of proven performance and leadership.'   The migration of the former Schenck Process FPM began in May 2023 when it spun off from the German-based Schenck Process Group—which has since rebranded as Qlar in a parallel, but unrelated, process. Along with the name change, the website has moved to coperion.com/fpm. All emails, including those for employees from the technology brands of Baker Perkins and Kemutec have changed to @coperion.com.   About Coperion   Coperion (www.coperion.com) is a global industry and technology leader in compounding and extrusion systems, sorting, size reduction and washing systems, feeding systems, bulk material handling and services. Coperion develops, produces, and services plants, machinery, and components for the plastics and plastics recycling industry as well as the chemical, batteries, food, pharmaceutical and minerals industries. Coperion employs more than 5,000 people in its three divisions, Polymer, Food, Health & Nutrition, and Aftermarket Sales & Service, and in its over 50 sales and service companies worldwide. Coperion is an Operating Company of Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers serving a wide variety of industries around the world. To learn more, visit www.Hillenbrand.com.   
About Schenck Process FPM   Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) – a brand of Coperion which is part of Hillenbrand Inc., engineers cutting-edge technologies and solutions across the bulk material handling spectrum. Our teams deliver complete solutions for your real-world needs, based on deep process and engineering expertise. We specialize in precision solutions for pneumatic conveying, milling, dust collection, sifting, weighing, and feeding. Schenck Process FPM and Coperion boast a streamlined business model which enables us to deliver high-performing systems for customers in every corner of the world, supported by an extensive collection of services. coperion.com/fpm   Source: Coperion

01/10/2024

MPE-Chain-Vey Appoints Fernando Oliveira as Director of Latin American Sales

'As we continue to introduce groundbreaking products like Chain-vey's conveyor systems, it is vital that we enhance our presence in the Latin American market,' said Dan Ephraim, President of MPE 'Fernando's extensive expertise in managing client relationships and leading high-performing teams in dynamic markets makes him an invaluable addition to our team as we continue to grow in the region.'   Fernando brings over 35 years of experience in the food processing and packaging industries, with a distinguished career marked by leading successful teams and achieving exceptional customer satisfaction across Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Before joining our team, Fernando held several leadership roles in food equipment companies. Fernando holds a B.B.A in Business Administration, a B.A.S.c in Marketing, and an MBA from FGV in Brazil. He is fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Indonesian.     'I am thrilled to join an industry leader like MPE Modern Process Equipment – Chain-vey, renowned for its innovative and reliable solutions,' said Fernando. 'I look forward to contributing my deep understanding of the Latin American market to further strengthen our customer relationships and help businesses enhance their operational efficiency with our industry-leading solutions.'   About Chain-Vey   Chain-Vey is the global leader in the design and production of advanced conveying and processing solutions. Known for its highly adaptable and reliable conveyor systems, Chain-vey serves a variety of industries, including food processing, by enhancing productivity, improving quality, and reducing operational costs. Our global presence and commitment to excellence make us a trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimize their operations.   For more information, please visit www.mpechicago.com/chain-vey/.       About MPE Modern Process Equipment   Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Chicago, USA, MPE is a family-owned business with a longstanding reputation for innovation and excellence. MPE is dedicated to leading the industry in the invention, development, and manufacturing of advanced processing equipment, including grinders, conveyors, and comprehensive system solutions. We translate our expertise into value for our customers through professional solutions and exceptional service.     Source: MPE - Chain-vey  

26/09/2024

Canada took largest share of $2.4 billion in US pet food exports in 2023

A new report from the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) concludes that pet food exports were worth $2.4 billion (€2.1B) in 2023.   They make the second largest commodity by value among US animal food exports after corn co-products, which was worth $4 billion (€3.6B). The total value of all US animal food exports, including pet food, was $13.4 billion (€11.9B) in 2023. This is a 79% year-on-year (YoY) increase, while total export volumes were 19.8 million metric tons, depicting a 120% annual increase.     Sales and tax contributions   AFIA estimates that in 2023, around 5,650 US animal food manufacturers, including pet food manufacturers, generated $267.1 billion (€239B) in total sales. As per the association, dog and cat food led the animal food export categories by value, witnessing a 20% YoY increase.   Last year, the industry also totaled $98.4 billion (€61.2B) in value-added contributions and filed $18.5 billion (€16.5B) in local, state and national taxes. The animal food manufacturing industry also had a significant impact on employment. According to the data, it provided jobs to 80,300 people and paid $6.9 billion (€6.1B) in wages.   Top export markets   According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Canada ($1.2B/€1.07B), China ($257.7M/€230M) and Mexico ($206.2M/€184.5M) were the top 3 export destinations for dog and cat food in 2023. Japan ($122.3M/€109.4M) and Australia ($89.3M/€79.9M) were also in the top 5 export markets list. Other export destinations included the European Union, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica and Taiwan. The USDA's data also shows that this trend has, for the most part, remained the same since 2014.   Source: GlobalPets

23/09/2024

Home-Cooked food for pets

This trend, like many others, is making its way into the pet food industry and driving consumers to adopt more process controlled feeding regimens for their pets such as home-cooked meals.2 
Home-cooked foods may serve many benefits for the pet but also require careful planning and consideration to ensure meals are nutritionally balanced and safe.   What constitutes a balanced diet?   Many home-cooked pet food recipes available online are unbalanced and do not provide adequate nutrition for the pet.3 A balanced diet must include the appropriate proportions of all nutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals, for a specific life stage and species. Similar to humans, the nutritional requirements for dogs and cats are quite specific and vary based on factors such as age, weight, spayed/neutered, and current health conditions. It is essential to seek advice from well-educated, credentialed individuals (such as a veterinary nutritionists or veterinary technician nutritionist) on these requirements to ensure adequate nutrition when preparing home-cooked pet diets.     Protein – Protein provides amino acids that dogs and cats need to maintain muscle mass and essential body functions. An essential amino acid cannot be synthesized and therefore are required in the diet and are required for maintenance, growth, gestation, and lactation. 4 Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized in the body from other amino acids and co-factors and may not necessarily be needed to be supplied through diet alone. According to AAFCO, the minimum protein requirement for dogs is 18.00% on a 100% dry matter basis (DMB) for adult dogs and 22.50% to support growth and reproduction. The minimum protein requirement for cats is 26.00% on a 100% DMB for adult cats and 30.00% to support growth and reproduction.5   Fat – Dietary fats are a source of concentrated energy for storage and utilization in the body and supply fatty acids that dogs and cats cannot synthesize (essential fatty acids).4 While some fat sources have been labeled as 'good' or 'unhealthy' it is important to select fats in a homemade diet that bring in an appropriate amount of fatty acids. Therefore, while some dietary fat sources sound better, they may not be the most ideal for the pet's requirements. According to AAFCO, the minimum fat requirement for dogs is 5.50% on a 100% DMB for adult dogs and 8.50% to support growth and reproduction. The minimum protein requirement for cats is 9.00% on a 100% DMB for adult cats and 9.00% to support growth and reproduction.5   Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates provide a good source of energy and dietary fiber for animals and are the primary energy source for omnivorous animals.4 Even though there is not a carbohydrate minimum requirement for cats and dogs according to AAFCO, it is important to note that glucose is the brain's preferred source of energy, which comes from the breakdown of carbohydrates. Additionally, carbohydrates, like fruits and vegetables, may also add notable amounts of vitamins and minerals to the diet.   Vitamins and Minerals – Adequate and balanced amounts of vitamins and minerals are essential to support normal physiological and metabolic functioning in animals.4 Vitamins and minerals are often supplemented in pet diets to ensure nutritional adequacy.   Advantages of home cooked meals   Customization – Home-cooking meals for a pet allows for customization specifically for a pet who has specific dietary needs or has food intolerances.   Control – Home-cooking meals for a pet allows the owner a greater control over what ingredients go into the meal, as well as what ingredients are not included. However, 'diet drift' can be just as dangerous as the benefits of knowing what all is in a pet's diet. Diet drift is a term used to describe the shifts over time to a pet's homemade diet that can lead to nutrient imbalances.   Bonding – Preparing a pet's meal can provide a sense of bonding between the pet and their owner.   Potential risks and how to mitigate them   Nutritional Imbalances – One of the most significant risks associated with homemade pet foods is having a diet that is not complete and balanced. As stated above, a balanced, home-cooked diet includes adequate levels of protein, fat, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals according to AAFCO for the animal, which is vital to follow to ensure proper nutrition for the animal's optimal health. Providing an appropriate balance of these requirements may be difficult to navigate for the average consumer, so one may consider consulting with a veterinary nutritionist or a veterinary technician who specializes in nutrition to help design a diet that meets all the necessary nutritional requirements for a pet. Unless the diet is sent off to a third-party laboratory for testing, it is truly unknown if the diet meets all nutrient requirements.   Food Safety – When cooking at home for a pet, safe food handling and proper cooking techniques are critical to prevent the potential for foodborne illness. Not only are foodborne pathogens dangerous for the animal, but they will cause serious illness in the owner as well. Like checking nutrients, diets can be sent to third-party laboratories to test for microbes that may be present in the food. Similar to human food, the FDA has established a zero-tolerance policy on levels of Salmonella bacteria in pet food.6   Time and Cost – While the potential for bonding is present, home-cooking meals for a pet can be time-consuming and often more expensive than purchasing a commercial pet diet. One should consider the time, cost, and storage required before beginning to cook for their pet.   Practical tips for starting   Consult Your Veterinarian – Always consult with a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist or a veterinary technician who is specialized in nutrition before changing a pet's diet. These individuals can be located online or through a local veterinarian but will require a consult and review of medical records before any diets are formulated.   Start Slowly – When transitioning a pet to a new diet, start slowly. Gradually introduce new foods into the pet's diet to avoid gastrointestinal upset. This is true for all diet transitions whether commercial or homemade.   Keep Records – When introducing a pet to a new food or diet, it may be helpful to document recipes, ingredients, and the pet's reaction to the new diet. This can be useful for monitoring health over time and can help inform whether changes to a diet would benefit the pet. It is also important to document the recipe in grams to keep log of any variations to minimize diet drift.   Consider Pre-Made Fresh Foods – Preparing home-cooked meals can be a daunting task for any pet owner and is a huge task to take on. Therefore, if pet owners still would like to have a gently cooked option they can consider pre-made fresh, gently cooked meals instead. Many options available on the market also offer customization if the pet has specific dietary needs or preferences.   Conclusion   Home-cooking meals for a pet can be a rewarding way to cater to their dietary needs; however, it requires a significant commitment to ensure nutritional balance and safety. By educating oneself and seeking professional advice, pet owners can provide meals that not only satisfy but also contribute to the health and well-being of their pet. Whether planning to supplement with home-cooked meals or fully committing to them, it is important to remember that these efforts have a direct impact on a pet's health.   Source: BSM Partners   References International Food Information Council. 2024 Food & Health Survey. June 20, 2024. https://foodinsight.org/2024-foodhealth-survey/ Phillips-Donaldson, D. (2024, January 4). 5 more human food trends for pet food to keep top of mind. Pet Food Industry. Fell, A. (2013, July 15). Homemade dog food recipes can be risky business, study finds. UC Davis. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/homemade-dog-food-recipes-can-be-risky-business-study-finds National Research Council, Division on Earth, Life Studies, Committee on Animal Nutrition, Subcommittee on Dog, & Cat Nutrition. (2006). Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. National Academies Press. Official Publication; Association of American Feed Control Officials: Champaign, IL, USA, 2024. Phillips-Donaldson, D. (2021, May 3). Will zero tolerance for salmonella in pet food ever change?. Pet Food Industry. https://www.petfoodindustry.com/pet-food-market/blog/15467710/will-zero-tolerance-for-salmonella-in-pet-food-ever-change

19/09/2024

Callizo Aromas enters the U.S. market with a new facility in Palestine, Texas

'Our experience in establishing operations in Palestine has been remarkably smooth, especially compared to our previous expansions in Latin America,' says Santiago Callizo, DCEO. 'The local Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has been instrumental in this process, providing attentive guidance and support throughout.'   The City of Palestine is excited to welcome Callizo Aromas and the job opportunities it will provide. Learn more about this company and why it chose Palestine, Texas, to expand its operations.    Callizo Aromas developers create personalized fragrances for several industries     Callizo Aromas has four main divisions, each of which will have production arms at the Palestine facility. Employees for Callizo Aromas create scents for the following markets:   Fragrances: This division creates perfumes for companies in the personal care, clothing, and home care industries. Flavors: This division works with companies that produce snacks, confectioneries, dairy products, meat products, and beverages. Callizo says, 'If it's food, we probably have a flavor for it.' Zootechnical Products: This division focuses on animal nutrition, making feed more palatable while offering antifungal and antioxidant additives to ensure the quality and safety of the food. Pet Aromas: This division develops flavors that improve the palatability of dog and cat foods, so pets find their meals both nutritious and delicious.   Callizo Aromas produces fragrances for a variety of products that most consumers use daily. The company recognizes that each project and application is unique, which means each client requires tailored solutions. Instead of taking a one-scent-fits-all approach, Callizo Aromas works closely with its clients to develop the best possible flavors or fragrances.    Palestine, Texas, offers strategic locations and a welcoming community    Callizo had nothing but good things to say when asked about Palestine, Texas and his company's decision to expand its operations here. When asked why he chose Palestine as the newest location for Callizo Aromas, he carefully listed several economic and quality of life reasons that influenced his decision:   Palestine's geographic location offers excellent connectivity and logistical advantages. It is easy to travel to the Callizo Aromas plant in Mexico, allowing for rapid resource sharing.  Palestine's natural beauty, including its lush vegetation and picturesque landscapes, aligns with the company's appreciation for nature-inspired products.  The local community has made Callizo Aromas' owners feel at home, reinforcing their decision to invest in this location.   'When companies look to move or expand their operations, they often highlight a few key regions that meet their geographic and transportation needs,' says Christophe Trahan, Economic Development Director at the Palestine Economic Development Corporation (PEDC). 'However, the intangible assets – like the beautiful landscape and welcoming community – are what make a town like Palestine stand out above the rest.'    The Palestine-Callizo Aromas partnership is just starting to bloom    When asked what Palestine-Texas would smell like if it were a fragrance, Callizo came up with a harmonious blend of aromas that captures the essence of the region: The top notes have a sweet floral aroma reminiscent of dogwood flowers, evoking the area's natural beauty. The middle notes have rich woody tones that reflect the surrounding forests and timber heritage. The base notes have subtle accents of herbal moss, with a gentle touch of leather, nodding to the region's historical industries.   Callizo says the unique fragrance would embody the natural charm, industrial legacy, and warm spirit of Palestine, Texas. As Callizo Aromas moves to the area, local residents and vendors will do their best to make the company feel welcome and reflect the beautiful description Callizo provides.    Join Callizo Aromas in Palestine, Texas    Callizo Aromas saw both Palestine's beauty and the economic benefits of moving here. As this company expands its operations, know that there is plenty of room for additional employers and industries. Contact us today to discuss business opportunities in Palestine and how PEDC can help you expand your operations to the area.    Source: PalestineTexas

19/09/2024

Social responsibility: Its importance in the pet food industry

By Iván Franco

Sustainability growth in pet food   In a world where natural resources are limited and ambient awareness is rising, sustainability is not a trend, but a long-term change in consumer culture. In this context, pet food industries in Latin America are rapidly adopting social responsibility procedures, which aim to minimize environmental impact and add value to society and consumers.   Outstanding examples of reducing waste   Many companies have been striving to reduce waste and optimize their production processes. For example, Mars Petcare is taking significant measures to reduce its carbon footprint by redesigning their packaging for recyclable ones. Also, they are transitioning to use renewable energy in all facilities by 2025. In addition, they launched programs for using recyclable materials in their products, teaching consumers about the importance of recycling.   In Brazil, BRF is committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040 using renewable energies, the promotion of low-carbon agriculture, and the launch of carbon-neutral products.   Nestlé Purina invests in operations in Latin America, including the extension of its facilities in Silao, Mexico. It has become one of the biggest in America Latina and uses advanced technology to reduce environmental impact. Nestlé Purina promotes the reduction of greenhouse effects and the use of recyclable packaging.   Innovations in recycling   Recycling is a key factor in sustainability strategies in the industry. By implementing packaging recycling programs in Perú and Colombia, Nestlé Purina promotes reusing materials and reducing the use of plastic materials and plastic. This initiative not only helps to preserve the environment but also to encourage circular economy, which is a benefit to the company and the local community.   In Brazil, Adimax launched campaigns to collect and recycle post-consumer packaging, making them useful for backpacks or pencil cases. It not only reduces plastic waste but also supports animal shelters donating food in exchange for collected packaging.   In Mexico, Nupec stands out for its commitment to sustainability through several initiatives. The company carried out a recycling program, called 'Let's Recycle', which encourages consumers to return used packaging for recycling. In addition, by working with local suppliers, Nupec promotes national trade and ensures sustainable and high-quality practices in the section of raw materials. In its Innovation and Technology Centre, Nupec also does continuous research that focuses on digestibility and palatability, ensuring optimum pet nutrition.   In Perú, many pet food industries are committed to social and ambient responsibility. An outstanding example is Rintisa which implemented programs about reusing packaging and materials by transforming them into useful products and promoting a circular economy in the region.   Molino Chacabuco, a company from Argentina, also stands out for its support. It has significantly reduced its use of paper and waste; it uses renewable energy for 90% of its production and collaborates in recycling and circular economy projects like creating dog shelters with Tetra Pak. Moreover, Molino Chacabuco sustains a partnership with Fundación Banco de Alimentos by donating and participating in campaigns that aim to reduce hunger and improve nutrition in local communities.   Material reuse programs   Reusing materials is essential to close the product lifecycle. Agroindustrias Baires in Argentina developed a program about reusing balanced food packaging, in which consumers can return post-consumer bags to transform them into useful products. This initiative not only promotes sustainability but also supports the local community by donating food to animal shelters.   The company Carozzi, from Chile, showed a strong commitment to sustainability in pet food manufacturing. It incorporates recycling and reusing materials practices in its production process, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.   Publishing ethical codes and sustainability reports   Transparency is fundamental to sustainability. Many industries are publishing their ethical codes and sustainability reports as part of their commitment to social responsibility. In Ecuador, Bioalimentar launched its Memorias de Sostenibilidad, following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards to evaluate its economic, social, and environmental performance. These reports not only strengthen the link with their interest groups, but they are also exercises of transparency and responsible management.   Impacts and benefits of sustainable practices   Reducing, recycling, and reusing measures benefit the environment and improve corporate image, as well as consumer loyalty. By adopting sustainable practices, companies not only answer society's call but also contribute to creating a sustainable and responsible future. In addition, these initiatives can generate important long-term savings. Efficient energy, reducing waste, and reusing materials lessen operational costs and open up new market opportunities, especially between environmentally conscious consumers.   Conclusion and future perspectives   In Latin America, the pet food industry is making significant efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations. These initiatives are essential to satisfy consumer expectations and ensure a positive impact on the environment and society. The companies already mentioned are examples of how the industry is a leader for a green, cleaner, and responsible future, creating a long-lasting impact at local and global levels.   In the future, more companies are expected to adopt these practices, driven by the growing demand of consumers and government regulations. Partnerships between companies, governments, and communities will be the key to moving in this direction, ensuring sustainable development for the pet food industry and the region.   By: Iván Franco   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

17/09/2024

Tenebrio Molitor: Insect protein that helps control allergic dermatitis

Food allergies are a more common problem than we often think for the pets we live with. Almost a third of the world's dog population suffers from a more or less severe intolerance during their lifetime. Sometimes, they manifest through intense itching in areas, such as the paws, back, or abdomen. Sometimes, they develop into flaking of the skin. And in some cases they lead to rashes, loss of fur and other secondary lesions caused by scratching, which can even trigger a dangerous bacterial infection if not treated in time. They also often cause gastrointestinal problems, ranging from vomiting to diarrhoea to upset stomach inflammation, or recurrent ear infections due to sustained irritation of the ear canals. And even respiratory problems.   Among the most allergenic foods are animal proteins, which at the same time, and under normal conditions, are essential for the correct development of our pets. Of these animal proteins, the ones that cause most intolerances are beef, followed by lamb, chicken, and fish. All of them are usually included in the formulation of the most balanced feeds we can find on the market, together with wheat, maize, soya, and dairy products, the other commonly consumed ingredients that can cause the most problems of this type.   Detecting these intolerances is not always easy, as the same symptoms may respond to other types of skin problems or illnesses of a different nature. But if there are suspicions, a provocation test and elimination of certain ingredients from the diet can help us to clear up doubts and find solutions.   Hypoallergenic protein   Fortunately, there are alternatives. One of them is the protein from the Tenebrio molitor or mealworm, a extremely versatile insect that offers top-quality ingredients for animal feed. The meal that Tebrio has managed to extract from this coleoptera not only achieves 72% crude novel protein, but is also more than 90% digestible and highly palatable.              Studies carried out in recent years have also revealed that it has a regulating effect on the microbiota, which promotes the balance of the intestinal flora and improves the animal's immune response in periods in which, for one reason or another, there has been a drop in the level of defences. Furthermore, and this is particularly important when it comes to allergies, our pet's organism will not have an acquired memory of the protein of this insect, so it will be much less likely to cause a diet-induced skin alteration.   In this regard, a recent clinical trial conducted by scientists at Chungbuk University in South Korea reveals that this ingredient has a high degree of hypoallergenicity. This research was carried out on 19 atopic dogs that also suffered from adverse skin reactions to food.   They were classified into 3 groups. The first group of seven individuals received an insect-based diet. The second group of six dogs was given a salmon diet. And the third, of six others, fed a commercial or homemade diet that was also hypoallergenic in principle. The experiment was spread over twelve weeks. The degree of lesions was assessed according to the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-4). At the same time, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the pruritus visual analogue scale (PVAS) were also evaluated.   Well, after 8 weeks, the group of dogs fed on Tenebrio molitor protein showed a significant decrease in CADESI score compared to the other two groups. The same was true after 12 weeks. Also, there was a decrease in transepidermal water loss at the end of the two and a half month test. And although the study universe, the number of animals surveyed, was small, the scientists concluded that the preliminary results reinforced the thesis that mealworm protein can help to reduce skin barrier dysfunction and the severity of skin lesions. Including those that the animal inflicts on itself in an attempt to soothe the itching it suffers.   A unique molecular structure   Insect-based diets have already been used in veterinary medicine to optimise production in industrial farms and fisheries for species, such as pigs, poultry, freshwater and saltwater fish, and shellfish. And since 2015, they have also been used to diagnose and treat food-associated allergic skin disorders. In Europe alone, there are dozens of pet foods that integrate insect protein and fat.   All indications suggest that Tenebrio molitor protein has a unique molecular structure, both in terms of its amino acid sequence and its three-dimensional conformation. And that these differences mean that it goes unnoticed by the animal's immune system, which ultimately reduces the risk of triggering an allergic reaction. Because, in addition, their appropriate processing can also reduce the presence of potential allergens considerably, increasing the degree of tolerance in sensitive animals.   At the same time, mealworm protein meal strengthens the immune system, as it contains low molecular weight antimicrobial peptides and an optimal proportion of fatty acids. It not only strengthens the intestinal flora, but also has antioxidant properties and can mitigate certain cell damage.   Similarly, the fat extracted from the larva is rich in Omega 6 and 9, unsaturated fatty acids (>70%) and a natural source of oleic, linoleic and alpha linolenic acids. It has anti-inflammatory properties and such a low acidity that it is ideal for premium feed formulation.   Sustainable feed   And all this, with a low environmental footprint, is far lower than that of other conventional protein sources. According to consumption figures for the last decade, in 2014 the pet sector needed 36 billion kilos of food to meet global demand. Today it requires 57 billion. And next year, it will reach 60 billion as, far from stalling, the pet population continues to grow. And there is no sign of it slowing down. Especially in Europe, North America, and South America. Hence the importance and urgency of finding alternative sources of supply to relieve the pressure on the global animal protein market. And the need for these new resources to be environmentally friendly.   From this perspective, insects represent an opportunity worth exploring. Their rearing and processing on an industrial scale emits very little greenhouse gas emissions and produces no waste of any kind. Similarly, the quality and safety of the ingredients obtained from them are fully tested and approved by health authorities. And their production requires infinitely fewer natural resources than any other farm to bring a comparatively much higher volume of protein to market. This allows us to optimise the use of available arable land and water to get the most out of nature's assets without exhausting them.   The petfood industry has a promising future ahead, although it will have to continue innovating as it has done so far in order to find new functional ingredients that respond to specific nutritional and health concerns. And at the same time, it will have to adapt to the environmental requirements demanded not only by regulators, but also by customers.     By Sabas de Diego, CTO at Tebrio, Spain   Sabas has an academic background in Chemical Engineering and 20 years of experience in the agri-food sector. In 2014, he founded Tebrio together with Adriana Casillas, leading the technological development and supervising the team of engineers and scientists on which lies the activity of a pioneering company worldwide in the breeding and processing of insects. Previously, he headed the technical team at the Maguisa slaughterhouse in Salamanca, where he developed an in-depth knowledge of the agri-food industry and the legislation that regulates it. During this time, he managed R&D projects in the swine sector and managed budgets in upwards of 12 million euros.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

16/09/2024

Zoomark 2025: spotlight on the supply chain

Bologna (Italy), May 2025: this is the next unmissable appointment for the international pet industry. Registration is still open for the 21st edition of Zoomark, the international pet food and pet care trade show. The 2025 event will feature new sections, covering over 68,000 square meters of exhibition space, attracting leading exhibitors and visitors from across the globe, as Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager at Zoomark, explained.   Q: Zoomark 2025 is already around the corner. What are your main goals for this new edition of the show?   A: 2023 was a record-breaking year, with over 68,000 square meters of exhibition space, 1,060 exhibitors from 57 different countries and an incredible 28,000 visitors. For the next show we are even more ambitious, and the signs are already looking good as registrations have been flying in. We aim to offer an even more innovative and rich presence of companies in the pet industry and stimulate the interest of the increasingly numerous operators from all over the world, also thanks to the new Buyers' Program, which will bring together supply and demand through pre-arranged B2B meetings.   Q: Zoomark 2025 it's shaping up to be a remarkable event, especially with the introduction of some brand new projects, as the new Factory Area. Could you tell us a bit more about what Factory is and what inspired its creation?   A: Factory is a new space specifically designed to highlight the entire manufacturing supply chain for the pet industry. We recognized that there's a growing demand for a dedicated platform where suppliers of raw materials, innovative ingredients, packaging, logistics, and other essential services can connect directly with manufacturers and distributors. The idea is to create a dynamic environment where innovation, sustainability, and quality take center stage, offering companies a golden opportunity to showcase their latest developments and make significant business connections. To answer to the needs and requests of exhibitors and visitors, interested to specific categories of products, the new layout has been designed to optimize visit times to the new Factory area, facilitated by a more efficient, fluid and easy-to-read exhibition itinerary.     Q: You mentioned innovation and sustainability as key themes for Factory. How these will be featured?   A: Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of what we're doing with Factory. For instance, in the area of raw materials and ingredients, we're seeing a shift towards natural, organic, and sustainable options. Consumers are more conscious than ever about what they're feeding their pets, so there's a big push towards healthier, more nutritious products. We'll have exhibitors focusing on alternative solutions like insect flours and plant proteins, which are gaining traction as sustainable options in pet food. Packaging is another area where sustainability is critical. We know that pet owners are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging. That's why Factory will spotlight the latest in eco-friendly and smart packaging solutions. These innovations not only help preserve product quality but also reduce waste and meet the new European regulations on packaging reuse and recycling.   Q: It's clear that Factory will cover a wide range of important topics. Beyond the exhibition of products and services, will there be any educational opportunities for attendees?   A: Absolutely. Education is a big part of what we aim to offer at Zoomark 2025, and Factory will play a key role in this. Inside this area we will organize seminars, workshops, and panel discussions that will allow companies to share their expertise and insights. These sessions will cover a range of topics, from the latest trends in sustainable ingredients to innovations in logistics and packaging technology. It's an opportunity for professionals to learn, exchange ideas, and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry.   Q: That sounds incredibly valuable for attendees. Now, regarding companies exhibiting at Factory, who are the main target exhibitors, and what can they expect to gain from participating?   A: The main targets for Factory are supply companies for manufacturers and distributors of pet foods, accessories and pet care products. This includes companies supplying raw materials, premixes, semi-finished products, and those specializing in production and packaging equipment. We're also looking at companies that provide cutting-edge logistics, industrial services, and distribution solutions. By exhibiting at Factory, these companies will gain unparalleled visibility within the global pet industry. They'll have the chance to connect with key decision-makers like purchasing managers, quality managers, R&D experts, and production engineers. It's a unique opportunity to establish or strengthen their presence in a market that's not only growing rapidly but is also incredibly receptive to innovation.   Q: It certainly seems like Factory will be a must-visit area for industry professionals. Finally, what would you say to companies considering exhibiting at Factory or attending Zoomark 2025?   A: I would say that Zoomark 2025, and especially the Factory area, is an unmissable opportunity for anyone in the pet industry. Whether you're looking to showcase your latest innovations, connect with potential business partners, or simply stay informed about the latest trends, this is the place to be. Participating in Factory could open doors to new business deals and collaborations that could drive your company's growth for years to come. So, don't miss out and join us at Zoomark 2025!   Source: Zoomark

11/09/2024

Recovery of by-products in the manufacture of pet food

Challenges with wet by-products   Wet by-products have a high moisture content, making them difficult to handle due to their rapid decomposition and the generation of unwanted microorganisms that can put pet health at risk. Generally, these by-products are marketed at low value for feed farm animals or are discarded.   Problems with process fines   Fines are often reinserted inefficiently into the grinding or mixing process, leading to several problems: Grind a product that has already been ground Consume additional energy in grinding Wear on hammers and mill sieves Affect the capacity of the equipment that reprocesses these by-products   Sustainable solution: By-product Recovery System (SRS)   The By-product Recovery System (SRS) is a proven solution to reduce, reuse and recycle both wet and dry by-products, regardless of size, temperature and moisture content.
  SRS components   The SRS has two tanks: Homogenization tank: receives the by-products to be recovered. It has a specially designed blade that rotates at high speed to achieve a homogeneous mixture (slurry) with an approximate concentration of 20% by-products and 80% water at a temperature between 40 and 50 °C. Maintenance tank: once the homogeneous mixture is achieved, it is transferred to this tank through pipes. Here, a mixer keeps the slurry homogeneous and at the proper viscosity.   The SRS control system communicates with the preconditioner-extruder PLC to ensure the correct water content within the preconditioner and extruder, avoiding unwanted variations in moisture content and guaranteeing optimal quality and uniformity of the final product.
  Advantages of SRS   Recovery of investment in a short time Immediate use of all by-products, avoiding the generation of unwanted microorganisms Optimization of process times Decrease in labour requirements Improved traceability Achievement of automation Compliance with FDA and EHEDG certifications Made of stainless steel Adaptable to plant spaces through horizontal or vertical layout   SRS sizing   To size the appropriate SRS for your process, it is necessary to determine the number of by-products generated. With this information, the appropriate model can be selected. There are three standard models: SRS150, SRS300 and SRS600, which recover 150, 300 and 600 kg/h respectively. Special solutions can also be designed according to specific needs.   By: Clivio Solutions   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

10/09/2024

Innovating together: A new development for the premix pet food industry

The customer's choice of the CS-WP solution   An American-based customer of KSE, operating in the premix industry, selected the CS-WP solution due to an urgent need to optimize space utilization in their production facility. This innovative solution enabled them to save significant vertical space, with reductions of 4 to 5 meters compared to a conventional weighing system. Additionally, the CS-WP system offers direct separation of contaminants for all raw materials, ensuring the entire facility remains free from contamination.   Another customer in Spain, a leading manufacturer in the food additive industry, has also expressed interest in the CS-WP solution because of their stringent contamination control requirements. The CS-WP system allows macro ingredients to be safely transported in dedicated containers, ensuring clean and flexible distribution to three separate mixing lines.   Exploration of market-based alternatives   The customer explored two alternative solutions. Initially, a traditional pneumatic conveying system was considered but dismissed due to hygiene issues and excessive energy consumption. The second option involved a container concept relying on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle). Ultimately, KSE's CS-WP concept emerged as the most fitting and seamlessly integrable solution, enabling the maintenance of the desired compact building height.   Future expansion and developments   The client positions the CS-WP project as the ''Next Generation Plant'', hinting at the possibility of establishing future plants based on the same concept. This marks the inaugural joint project for the Spanish customer and KSE, with aspirations to extend this concept to other facilities, thereby assuming a pioneering role in the Spanish food additive industry.   A breakthrough solution   The CS-WP emerged as a groundbreaking weighing solution within the ACT (Automatic Container Transfer) framework, renowned for its internal transport capabilities. Manufacturers are seeking space-saving solutions in their plants while aiming to achieve minimal contamination by dispensing products directly into containers. Tailored to accommodate a wide dosing range, this solution stands out for its versatility.   Intensive development process   The concept promptly resonated with our customers' needs and industry demands, particularly in sectors like premix and pet food. The development process of the CS-WP entailed tackling several design challenges, such as achieving optimal balance in the setup. With dimensions of approximately 1.5 meters x 1.5 meters and a height of 5 to 6 meters, this resulted in a column four times as tall as it is wide. This configuration posed potential tipping hazards, especially when the system was in motion while carrying weight at the top. To prevent this, rollover safeguards were implemented, and extensive testing was performed.   Another crucial aspect involved a meticulous examination of the system's extraction process. Customers typically invest in an ACT system to maintain a pristine working environment with minimal contamination. However, if dust escapes through open joints during each movement, this objective is compromised. Moreover, the extraction process must not interfere with the weighing signal during the dosing process, ensuring that accuracy is not compromised.   Following extensive consultation and collaboration with suppliers, multiple concepts were devised and executed by the mechanical, electrical, and software teams. Presently, two variants are available: one where dust from the filters returns with the product, minimizing contamination but ensuring all product accompanies it through processing, and another where dust extraction directs waste to a remote unloading point, eliminating contamination but resulting in waste. The selection between these variants depends on the customer's specific needs and requirements.   The operational phase   During the implementation phase of industrial solutions, addressing technical challenges is only part of the equation; understanding real-world usage is equally vital. Hence, KSE engages its service department from the beginning of a project to ensure that aspects, such as cleaning positions, accessibility, and installation safety are meticulously accounted for. This approach establishes a robust groundwork for a successful project, enhancing both efficiency and safety.   By: KSE Process Technology   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

09/09/2024

Data-Driven innovation for robust product consistency

To address this, an innovative data-driven approach utilizing several analytical techniques can be implemented. Chemical characterization of raw materials—focusing on parameters such as protein, ash, fat, moisture, amino acids, and biogenic amines—is essential for monitoring variability between different types and suppliers of these raw materials.   Ensuring robustness and consistency involves several key steps: Comprehensive Ingredient Analysis: Regularly analyzing raw materials for their chemical composition helps identify and control variability. This analysis includes measuring levels of proteins, fats, moisture, and other critical components. Predictive Modeling: Utilizing advanced predictive modeling techniques can classify chemical fingerprints of raw materials quickly and accurately. These models help in anticipating and compensating for variations, maintaining a consistent quality in the final product. Supplier Evaluation: Continuously evaluating suppliers based on the chemical profiles of their materials ensures that only the most consistent and high-quality raw materials are used. Quality Control Protocols: Implementing stringent quality control protocols at various stages of production helps detect and address deviations from the desired chemical profiles.   By integrating these strategies, the development of palatants can achieve higher robustness and consistency, leading to better product performance and increased pet satisfaction.   Data-driven analytical techniques   These techniques involve leveraging data analysis methods to inform decision-making.       Predictive modeling for consistency   The integration of fingerprint data with advanced predictive modeling techniques allows for the classification and comparison of raw materials. Machine learning algorithms can be trained on the chemical fingerprints to predict the quality and consistency of those samples, ensuring that variations are detected and managed effectively.       Implementation strategy   This step is important to develop actionable strategies for optimizing processes and outcomes.       Conclusion   A data-driven approach to managing the variability of natural raw materials in palatants and pet food can significantly enhance product consistency and robustness. By leveraging advanced techniques such as chemical characterization, fingerprint analysis, and predictive modeling, we ensure our products meet the highest standards of quality and palatability for pets.   This innovative strategy not only maintains consistency but also drives continuous improvement in our product offerings. By comprehensively analyzing raw materials, rapidly classifying chemical fingerprints, and implementing predictive models, we can anticipate and mitigate variations, leading to a more reliable product.   Moreover, continuous supplier evaluation and stringent quality control protocols ensure that only the best ingredients are used, further reinforcing the robustness of our palatants. This holistic approach not only meets current quality standards but also sets a foundation for ongoing enhancement and innovation in pet food flavor enhancers.   For more information, contact AFB's Customer Technical Insights team by visiting afbinternational.com/contact or your AFB Account Representative.   Source: AFB International  

06/09/2024

The Global Pet Industry is Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand

With its fully B2B show concept, Pet Fair South East Asia serves as a global partnership hub for distribution, retail, and sourcing far beyond the ASEAN region. Located in Thailand's vibrant capital, Bangkok, the 2024 edition will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, covering well-over 20,000 square meters of exhibition space. The show is jointly organized by VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, based in Bangkok, Thailand, and Globus Events, the company behind Pet Fair Asia, based in Shanghai, China.   The 2024 edition of Pet Fair South East Asia will host 400 exhibitors from 45 countries, showcasing the entire pet industry value chain. As of the end of August, the exhibitor mix stands at 75% international and 25% local, highlighting the global nature of the event. Among the confirmed exhibitors, 39% are from East Asia, 34% from Southeast Asia, 18% from Europe, 6% from North America, and 2% from Oceania. On the visitor side, the organizers forecast 15,000 trade visitors from 75 countries.   "We are excited to welcome the international pet industry back to the exciting city of Bangkok," says Johannes C. Kraus from VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific. "We look forward to delivering both exhibitors and trade visitors an unparalleled industry experience.'   In addition to a vibrant show floor, trade visitors can anticipate a comprehensive and international speaker lineup, featuring over 30 conference sessions covering a wide range of topics.
The 2024 edition of Pet Fair South East Asia will also bring back the popular networking event, 'One Night in Bangkok,' offering exhibitors of the show and their key customers a memorable evening high above Bangkok's skyline.     Pre-registered visitors can attend the show free of charge, while those who have not pre-registered will be required to pay a small on-site fee of 350 THB (approximately 10 USD).   For more information and to pre-register for free, visit www.petfairsea.com. Preview the 2024 edition at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67Cg_kU_fqo Watch the after movie of the 2023 edition at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOHPhPAsD_c
  Source: Pet Fair South East Asia

05/09/2024

INNOCON implements an analytic process in oily matrices for pets

Implementing an analytic process to identify and determine volatile compounds as secondary indicators of fats and lipid oxidation through solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is an important sign of the company's commitment to quality and innovations in the pet food industry.   Focusing on fresh and quality food, as well as animal welfare, not only improves the product offering in the market but also establishes new standards in the industry. Having the ability to identify and quantify lipid oxidation compounds, such as hexanal, 2,4-decadienal, and 2-heptenal, among others, at trace levels is crucial because these compounds influence consumer organoleptic perception.   It is encouraging that companies like Innocon are leaders in the Biobío Region and contribute to scientific development and the local economy. Roberto Valenzuela, head of the R&D of Chemical and Instrumental Area, and his team are an example of how applied research impacts directly and positively on the pet food industry and, as a result, on society.   By: SETOP   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

04/09/2024

The STATEC BINDER customer service

Our comprehensive, worldwide customer service includes numerous services, such as inspections, detailed customer trainings on site, the storage of spare and wear parts close to the customer and extensive maintenance by our service technicians.   The 1 - 6 - 11 service program enables customer advice and support after the delivery of a STATEC BINDER system with the highest level of expertise. The program allows the machines to be optimally adapted to the individual needs of the customer and enables our technicians to answer project-related questions in person.   1 - One month after commissioning   The machines are installed by our technicians together with the customer, the production capacity is tested, and parameter checks are carried out. In addition, the future machine operators receive extensive training.   6 - Six months after commissioning   The customer should already be confident and familiar with its system. The focus lies on fine-tuning the machine, whereby a further visit, parameter checks, refresher trainings and visual inspections are carried out. Further customer training takes place if required.   11 - Eleven months after commissioning   Our service technicians visit the customer one more time and inspect the machine. The technicians make recommendations for a better use of the system in the future, in order to complete the fine-tuning process. Finally, an individual maintenance plan is drawn up for the respective system to ensure smooth cooperation in the future.   In addition to the comprehensive service program, our customer service is also characterized by the wide range of spare and wear parts. Required spare parts can be ordered and shipped globally and easily. Our customers also benefit from our Remote Maintenance System. With this innovative technology, problems that cannot be solved by customers themselves can be identified from our company located in Austria. Beyond that, the further procedure can also be defined remotely.   In addition, after the delivery of the machine, our customers get largely informed about the optimization and modernization of their systems by our service team. The focus lies on fine-tuning the machines with various modernization measures, such as new standards or updates. In this way, we can continue to help ensure that the high-quality systems perform reliably for many decades to come.   By: STATEC BINDER   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

03/09/2024

Exciting News: Big Idea Ventures, in partnership with Mars Petcare and Bühler Group, is launching the Next Generation Pet Food Program

The program is open to any food start-ups developing sustainable proteins and fats, novel ingredients with top-notch nutritional profiles, or pioneering processing technologies like upcycling food waste. It will run online in October and November, with participants joining us in Singapore during the International AgriFood Week on November 18, 2024.   A message from Mars Petcare   For our 100,000 Petcare Associates, Our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS also means a more sustainable world for pets, people and for the planet. We are constantly focusing on finding new ways to help pets and their owners live happy, healthy lives together. We are committed to investing in innovation to help us source the best ingredients to support healthy pets while reducing our environmental footprint.   We are working on a number of research and development projects to identify new and innovative ingredients that reduce our environmental footprint and are nutritious for pets, focused on innovations in: Wet Animal Protein Solutions: Seeking innovative, sustainable sources of wet animal protein. Oil & Fat Solutions: Developing substitutes for traditional chicken fat and pork fat. Fiber Reduction from Protein-Rich Sources: Working on projects to reduce fiber content from protein-rich sources. Why It Matters   We believe that our Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, also means a more sustainable world for pets, people and for the planet. We seek to support innovative businesses and actively foster collaboration opportunities in the pet care space, with the aim of contributing to a more dynamic and progressive industry that addresses the evolving needs of pets and their owners. To help us source the best ingredients to support healthy pets while reducing our environmental footprint, we are partnering with companies that focus on developing new and novel ingredients which are safe, lower carbon, available, nutrient dense, and delicious – while ensuring animal welfare, safety and quality are at the forefront.   How you can join them?   In collaboration with Mars Petcare, and with the support of AAK and Bühler, we have crafted a unique program tailored for human food startups eager to innovate in the sustainable pet food space. This program offers the chance to gain direct insights and support from pet food experts as you develop your initial pet food concept. Once your concept and pitch are polished with the BIV team, you'll have the exciting opportunity to travel to Singapore and present your innovation to a prestigious audience!   For more information, visit us HERE   Source: Big Idea Ventures

02/09/2024

Essential care for your pets' skin and coat

However, when pets' skin and coat are not adequately cared for, health conditions may arise, including allergies, hormonal imbalances that cause hair loss, and parasite infestations, such as mange and seborrhea.   A growing trend indicating the change in the relationship between humans and animals is the humanization of pets, now seen as family members. According to Mintel's report, 61% of US pet owners agree that their pet's happiness and well-being are more important than their own.¹   That humanization is reflected in family habits, which include animals spending more time indoors, allowing them to sleep on the couch or bed, and wearing more clothes.   Therefore, skin and coat health care is essential to minimize pets' exposure to harmful factors, such as allergens, microorganisms, and parasites, which can affect the well-being of pets and those living with them. So, how can we ensure our pets' skin integrity and coat health?   Ensuring pets' skin and coat health   Maintaining pets' healthy and beautiful skin and coat requires regular visits to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, following the tips below will help you maintain the skin and coat health of your cats and dogs, preventing diseases and promoting their well-being.
  Pet hygiene: Bathing and brushing are crucial to keep the skin clean and free from parasites. The frequency of bathing depends on the breed, type of coat, lifestyle, and environment in which the animal lives. It is important to animal-friendly hygiene products, dry them thoroughly, and regularly brush your pet's to remove loose coat and free from parasites. Balanced diet: A balanced diet should supply the nutrients your pet requires to maintain its skin strong, hydrated, and protected. Nutritional deficiencies may cause several dermatological conditions. Apply sunscreen: Sunscreen should be applied to thinning hair and bald patches to avoid sunburns. Caution: use sunscreens specifically formulated for pets. Prevent parasite infestation: Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other external parasites that can cause skin problems.   Dogs and cats can also benefit from the daily consumption of beta-glucans. Scientific evidence shows that beta-glucans can help alleviate atopic dermatitis symptoms, such as itching, redness, sloughing, thickening, and dryness. Do you want to learn more about pet skin and coat health trends? Download our e-book here!   MacroGard: Discover the mode of action of beta-glucans   MacroGard is a scientific and commercial benchmark as it is the most extensively studied source of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans used in animal feeds for their health, performance, and welfare benefits. Extracted from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MacroGard contains a minimum concentration of 60% beta-glucans.   Furthermore, MacroGard strengthens pets' immune systems, improves vaccine response in puppies, aids joint health maintenance, and improves the metabolism of obese animals by reducing glucose levels. To discover MacroGard and contribute to maintaining your pets' skin and coat health integrity, click here!   Pet food market demands    Pet food and product companies are aware of changes in the relationship between humans and pets and seek to meet current demands and trends. Consumers are spending more on pet care in general. According to a Mintel survey, during the last 12 months, 53% of Brazilian pet tutors reported spending more on food, 26% on hygiene and bath products, and 24% on sanitary products.¹   Therefore, the pet market has focused on skin and coat health issues. According to the same report, a greater proportion of food and pet product launches featured a low, no, or reduced allergen claim. In North America, 35% of labels presented the claim, 34% in Europe, 21% in the Asia Pacific, 11% in the Middle East and Africa, and 9% in Latin America¹.   Another significant finding was that pet tutors are increasingly aware of and value sustainable practices in pet food and product manufacturing, such as sustainable ingredients, eco-friendly materials and practices, and environmental footprint. In the US, 68% of the pet tutors between 18 and 34 years old favor pet food brands that limit their environmental impact,² while 37% of Thai adult pet tutors try to give their pets environmentally-friendly diets,¹ points out Mintel.   Biorigin has offered natural ingredients to meet the demands of the pet food market for 20 years, providing solutions that help to promote pet intestinal health, immunity, and food attractiveness.   MacroGard promotes health throughout the animal's life. Our product is a scientific and commercial reference, being the source of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans most studied and used in animal feed to maintain health and well-being. It has proven to be an effective tool to promote pets' skin, coat, and bone health, strengthen the immune system, and balance the metabolism of obese pets, among other benefits.   Thaila Cristina Putarov, Biorigin's Global Bussiness Manager of Animal Nutrition and Health, shares a fascinating insight: "MacroGard can be used at all stages of life to promote health and well-being in pets. It acts directly on the immune cells of the intestine since its molecular structure is recognized by the receptors present on these cells, which triggers the entire immunological cascade. This mechanism of action helps animals have faster and more efficient responses to everyday challenges."   For further information about Biorigin and our yeasts and yeast extracts, visit our website.   Source: Biorigin   References: ¹ Mintel - A year of innovation in pet food and products, 2024 ² Mintel - Pet Food – USA – 2023  

29/08/2024

Great News: Josera Integrates KSE’s Cutting-Edge ALFRA Technology

We are pleased to share the installation of several advanced ALFRA machines at the Josera petfood factory, a member of the ERBACHER the food family group. In addition to our renowned ALFRA dosing and weighing systems and a movable bulk mixer for finished products, the scope includes our Automatic Contrainer Transfer (ACT) system.   Our ACT systems fit perfectly with Josera's commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability. They further streamline their internal transfer processes, increase efficiency and precision in their operations, and maintain contamination-free processes. To ensure seamless integration and optimum performance, in addition to supervision, commissioning, training is provided by one of our own Bartosz Piechota who is on site on a regular basis.   This project is being carried out with industry partners H. Wolking Mühlen- und Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG and Intermont construction to achieve the desired plant for Josera. Together, we're driving innovation, quality and sustainability in the animal nutrition and pet food industries, and our shared commitment to common values ensures precision, efficiency and environmentally friendly practices.   We are excited about the future and the opportunities that this new plant will bring Josera. The successful integration of KSE Group's advanced machinery is a testament to the strength of our partnership and our shared dedication to excellence. As construction continues, we look forward to providing further updates and sharing our progress with you.   Follow us HERE, for more detailed information about the individual machines and solutions implemented in this project and how they might benefit you.
 
Source: KSE Process Technology

28/08/2024

3R's - Reduce, recycle, reuse

1. Reduction of food waste   Reducing food waste is a global challenge. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted. In the European Union, around 59 million tonnes of food are wasted annually. At 3A BIOTECH, our production of natural antioxidants and preservatives, along with the evaluation of their synergy, allows us to REDUCE food waste by controlling the deterioration of animal feed products, thereby extending their shelf life.   A significant portion of pet and livestock feed ingredients suffer from oxidation and microbial spoilage, reducing their availability and use. Increases in rancidity and microbial spoilage lead to greater wastes. We develop formulations of natural antioxidants (such as tocopherols, rosemary, olive, tea, among others) and preservatives (short and long-chain organic acids) that prolong shelf life, extending the expiry date by up to 70% or more, depending on the composition of the ingredients and the doses used.   Through this strategy of REDUCING food waste by using antioxidants and preservatives, 3A BIOTECH aligns with the European Green Deal through the Circular Economy Action Plan and the Farm to Fork Strategy.   2. Recycling of By-Products   The main activity of 3A BIOTECH includes the RECYCLING of by-products obtained from various production processes, including:   Extraction of a natural extract rich in rosmarinic acid: from recycling a by-product generated during rosemary extraction. This natural extract has technological antioxidant properties to control feed rancidity and extend its shelf life, as well as biological antioxidant properties to prevent cellular damage.   Antioxidants from olive by-products: especially from olive leaves, which have antioxidant and prebiotic properties, extending food shelf life and promoting bacterial balance.   Tocopherols from vegetable oil by-products: recycled from deodorization distillated during vegetable oil refining, they are widely known as natural antioxidants in animal feed.   Reuse of almond shells: used as a support in the formulation of natural antioxidants and preservatives.   Animal and fish by-products: used in another recycling cycle for the production of meals, fats, and oils, where we apply our additives to ensure food preservation and safety.   Our ability to recycle various industrial by-products and isolate antioxidant and preservative molecules is a hallmark of 3A BIOTECH's R&D Department.   3. Reuse of Food Ingredients   Many antioxidants and preservatives are REUSED in different applications. Natural antioxidants, besides extending the shelf life of food ingredients, have other uses:   Prebiotics: modulate the intestinal microbiota in animal and human nutrition.   Biological antioxidants: protect against cellular damage.   Technological adjuvants: control the Redox potential in fermentation processes and the drying of food colourants.   Additionally, the by-products generated at our biotechnology plant at 3A BIOTECH are REUSED to design probiotic systems in animal feed. In this regard, the cellular biomass obtained from various biotechnological processes is reused due to its probiotic properties.     4. 3A BIOTECH's triple R Model   This model makes us a company committed to and involved in the reduction of waste, recycling, and reuse of by-products, providing the animal feed industry with the economic and environmental sustainability, so essential in these times.   At 3A BIOTECH, we contribute to making moments of quality, benefiting end consumers and minimising waste by extending the shelf life of food. Our goal is to maintain organoleptic properties and health benefits for longer, reflecting our effort to return the resources consumed to society and form an eco-sustainable production chain.   By: 3A Biotech  Source: All Pet Food Magazine

27/08/2024

Hill's Pet Nutrition Invests in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine with $1 Million Endowed Clinical Nutrition Professorship

The professorship, officially named the Hill's Pet Nutrition Clinical Nutrition Professorship, is designed to enhance the educational experience of veterinary students and contribute to the advancement of veterinary nutritional science. This initiative underscores Hill's long-standing commitment to improving the health and well-being of pets through education, research, and practical application.   "The new endowed professorship builds on the legacy of an exemplary veterinary medicine program Kansas State University is already known for," said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Hill's global chief veterinary officer. "It's important that vet students receive comprehensive education in pet nutrition, which will be a critical aspect of promoting lifelong overall health in pets. We look forward to a continued partnership to create a future generation of veterinarians, fully knowledgeable and confident in making nutritional recommendations."   Enhancing Veterinary Education and Research   The Hill's Pet Nutrition Endowed Clinical Nutrition Professorship will significantly enhance the college's capacity to deliver cutting-edge education and conduct groundbreaking pet nutrition research. The appointed professor will be responsible for developing and teaching courses that cover all aspects of small animal nutrition, from basic dietary requirements to advanced therapeutic nutrition strategies.   In addition to teaching, the professor will lead research initiatives aimed at improving nutritional practices and developing new dietary solutions for common and complex health issues in small animals. This research will not only benefit the academic community but also have practical applications in veterinary practices around the world, ultimately improving the lives of countless pets.   "This professorship will enhance our educational capacity in small animal nutrition, strengthening the preparation of our graduates for success in any role they take in veterinary medicine," said Bonnie Rush, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Hodes family dean of the college. "We are grateful to Hill's Pet Nutrition for their generosity, support and vision for supporting veterinary medical education at Kansas State University. Our partnership has provided tangible several benefits for our students and for clients of the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center in the Veterinary Health Center, and will continue to do so grow with the establishment of this new professorship."   A Legacy of Support and Collaboration   Hill's Pet Nutrition has a rich history of collaboration with Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2018, Hill's contributed $2.4 million to establish the Pet Health and Nutrition Center, which serves as a primary care clinic within the College for the community and beyond.   "Hill's Pet Nutrition's investment in Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to pet health and well-being," said John Hazlin, president and CEO of Hill's. "By supporting the education and development of future veterinarians, Hill's is helping to ensure that pets receive the best possible care throughout their lives."   About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill's Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com.   About Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine   The Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, established in 1905, is dedicated to scholarship through innovation and excellence in teaching, research, and service to promote animal and human health for the public good. We are committed to creating an environment that is fulfilling and rewarding, being recognized for good communication, productive collaboration, mutual respect, diversity, integrity, and honesty. To carry out this mission, the college's nationally recognized instructional and research programs provide the highest standards of professional education.   Contact: 
Ariana Brancato 
[email protected]    Source: Hill's Pet Nutrition

23/08/2024

New study shows adding a prebiotic fiber blend to a puppy's diet supports growth and development and favorable digestive health

A healthy GI microbiome is essential for proper nutrient absorption, metabolism, and gut immunomodulation, which are crucial for the overall health and development of companion animals1,2. Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics have all shown promising results in improving GI health in adult companion animals3,4,5. Given the importance of establishing a robust GI microbiome, researchers at Hill's Pet Nutrition have investigated the effects of a novel prebiotic blend on growing puppies in a recent study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science6.   Prior research using this proprietary prebiotic blend resulted in positive effects on stool quality, pH, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and GI microbiome signatures in adult dogs and cats7,8. For the current study, 22 puppies between the ages of 4 and 10 months were fed a prefeed food for 2 weeks, then transitioned to the test food containing the prebiotic blend until they were 14 months old. The puppies showed normal growth and development throughout the study.   Much like the adult dog study, the puppies had marked improvements in key parameters of GI health. Stool quality was improved and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were increased. Fecal SCFAs are important for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and supporting gut barrier function, which are important for proper nutrient absorption and metabolism. The puppies also showed an increase in serum immunoglobulin A levels suggesting an improved immune response9. Interleukin-17 (IL-17), an inflammatory cytokine, concentration decreased linearly over time and interleukin-18 (IL-18) trended towards linear decrease, which may indicate a reduction in inflammation over the course of the study. IL-7 is associated with inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease10, while IL-18 has been associated with intestinal inflammation in mice11. While these results are promising, more work needs to be done to evaluate the effects of fiber consumption on inflammatory markers in puppies.   Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of nutritional science concerning the GI health of puppies. As one of the first studies examining the impact of a prebiotic blend in puppy nutrition, this research offers insights for creating diets that provide superior nutrition for developing companion animals.   By: Renea Creech Senior Specialist, Scientific Communications Hill's Pet Nutrition   Source: DVM 360º
    References Lyu Y, Su C, Verbrugghe A, Van de Wiele T, Martos Martinez-Caja A, Hesta M. Past, present, and future of gastrointestinal microbiota research in cats. Front Microbiol. (2020) 11:1661. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01661 Sarkar A, Yoo JY, Valeria Ozorio Dutra S, Morgan KH, Groer M. The association between early-life gut microbiota and long-term health and diseases. J Clin Med. (2021) 10:459. doi: 10.3390/jcm10030459 Wernimont SM, Radosevich J, Jackson MI, Ephraim E, Badri DV, MacLeay JM, et al. The effects of nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome of cats and dogs: impact on health and disease. Front Microbiol. (2020) 11:1266. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01266. Pilla R, Suchodolski JS. The gut microbiome of dogs and cats, and the influence of diet. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. (2021) 51:605–21. doi: 10.1016/j. Cvsm.2021.01.002 Lee D, Goh TW, Kang MG, Choi HJ, Yeo SY, Yang J, et al. Perspectives and advances in probiotics and the gut microbiome in companion animals. J Anim Sci Technol. (2022) 64:197–217. doi: 10.5187/jast.2022.e8 McGrath, A. P., Motsinger, L. A., Brejda, J., & Hancock, L. (2024). Prebiotic fiber blend supports growth and development and favorable digestive health in puppies. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11, 1409394. Fritsch DA, Jackson MI, Wernimont SM, Feld GK, Badri DV, Brejda JJ, et al. Adding a polyphenol-rich fiber bundle to food impacts the gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolome in dogs. Front Vet Sci. (2022) 9:1039032. doi: 10.3389/ fvets.2022.1039032 Wernimont SM, Fritsch DA, Schiefelbein HM, Brejda JJ, Gross KL. Food with specialized dietary fiber sources improves clinical outcomes in adult cats with constipation or diarrhea. FASEB J. (2020) 34:1. doi: 10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.09918 Patel A, Jialal I. Biochemistry, immunoglobulin A In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing LLC (2024) Willis CR, Seamons A, Maxwell J, Treuting PM, Nelson L, Chen G, et al. Interleukin-7 receptor blockade suppresses adaptive and innate inflammatory responses in experimental colitis. J Inflamm. (2012) 9:39. doi: 10.1186/1476-9255-9-39 Kanai T, Watanabe M, Okazawa A, Sato T, Yamazaki M, Okamoto S, et al. Macrophage-derived IL-18-mediated intestinal inflammation in the murine model of Crohn's disease. Gastroenterology. (2001) 121:875–88. doi: 10.1053/gast.2001.28021

21/08/2024

Carousel dryer/cooler from CPM's IDAH offers sustainability in petfood industry

The carousel working principle   In the carousel dryer, the product enters through a rotary valve onto the revolving trays. The Carousel system ensures a first in, first out (FIFO) principle, after nearly one revolution, the product is gently discharged and mixed into the next lower tray. This process is repeated until the product drops from the last tray into the outlet where a rotary valve prevents air leakage. The revolution means that the product undergoes the same treatment all along the decks, ensuring that the product comes out in uniform moisture. Furthermore, the multiple tumbling action gives an efficient heat exchange with the air, resulting in a low dryer exhaust air temperature.   Integrating dryer and cooler as one solution   The Carousel technology is a unique solution for both energy efficiency and precise moisture control. Optimal moisture control is made easy by using carousel technology in both the dryer and cooler. Additionally, the exhaust air from the cooler can be directed as make-up air for the drying process. Therefore, an integration of the dryer and cooler into one compact machine with a FIFO discharge principle like the carousel dryer will give an outstanding moisture control performance. Ambient air cools the product and after filtered and heated it is used as drying air for the upper section. This carousel model offers many benefits and features when compared to traditional equipment.   Improving product moisture control   Managing the temperature and moisture content of the finished product is the main task for the drying and cooling process. However, when the feed is overdried, it causes material loss, as well as extra energy consumption. When the feed is too wet, the product will have a higher risk of quality degradation and mold growth.   Due to its unique working principle, all the products in this carousel dryer will get the same heat treatment and retention time. This is combined with a unique and easy control system, along with real-time monitoring and modification of the drying parameters. The carousel dryer will give a uniform and constant moisture level that makes it easier to achieve the target average moisture, which will save energy and raw materials.   Improving energy efficiency   The drying and cooling process accounts for a significant part of the overall energy consumption. Rising energy costs and sustainability awareness regarding energy consumption have driven feed manufacturers to request further support to improve their drying and cooling functions. To maximize energy efficiency, we have to look into: Maximizing the use of warm product energy. Minimizing the amount of water evaporation. Minimizing energy loss with the exhaust air.   By using the cooling air as makeup air into the dryer, the heat energy can be reused. Also, efficient heat exchange lowers the amount of exhaust air. Low exhaust air volumes will reduce the cost needed for odor treatment.   Reducing the space required   While upgrading the production capacity of a feed mill or improving the production process, the introduction of new equipment into the facility is required and space limitations may arise. The carousel dryer is already more compact than a typical dryer.   Potential savings   A direct result of using cooling air as makeup air for the dryer is savings. If you assume that the temperature differential between the ambient and cooler exhaust air is 25°C, you save up to 30 kg/t steam. At the same time, you will reduce the amount of exhaust air by 50%, reducing odor treatment costs significantly. Getting better moisture control, for example 0.5%, is saving not only about 10 kg/t steam consumption in the dryer but, even more importantly, saving 0.5% raw materials cost and having a 0.5% higher output capacity.   For more information, contact [email protected].   Source: CPM IDAH

20/08/2024

South Korea: Dog food outpaces infant formula sales

Rising pet ownership and plummeting birth rates in South Korea are becoming more prominent by the year. Data from the e-commerce platform Gmarket reflects this change through shifting sales trends in pet food and baby formula products. Between January and May 2024, 7 out of 10 survey respondents purchased dog food (69%) and 31% baby food. So far, 2024 has marked the fourth consecutive year of dog food purchases outpacing infant formula in the East Asian country. According to the latest official data, there are 8 million pets in the country.   Pre-pandemic vs. post-pandemic   In 2019, as many as 59% of respondents bought baby food, followed by dog food (41%). In 2020, the split was almost equal, with 48% and 52% of sales, respectively. In 2021, and with the continuation of the pandemic, dog food sales increased to 61%. More than half of respondents (55%) bought dog food, and less than half (45%) bought baby food in 2023.   Preference for dog food   While it is worth noting that baby food is 3 times more expensive than dog food, the average buyer's unit price in the latter category is increasing significantly every year. Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) notes a declining fertility rate from 0.92 people in 2019 to 0.78 people in 2022, leading to the premiumization of baby products and a surge in prices. According to Gmarket's data, the average unit price of baby food and infant formula increased 54% in the past 5 years, while dog food has increased 42% since 2019.   Source: GlobalPets

16/08/2024

Factory: showcasing the manufacturing supply chain at Zoomark 2025

On May 5th–7th 2025, each component of the manufacturing supply chain will take centre stage at Zoomark 2025, the global B2B pet food and pet care show that brings together the pet industry and professionals in the sector from all over the world. A special area among the various halls at BolognaFiere called Factory will provide businesses supplying the pet industry with a chance to strike new business deals at Zoomark.   Factory provides a golden opportunity for all companies in the supply chain. It will be the ideal platform for gaining new business, enjoying global visibility, and presenting innovative products and solutions to both manufacturers and an array of professional visitors in your precise target sector: purchasing managers, quality managers, formulators, R&D managers and production engineers.   Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager at Zoomark, explained: 'The Factory area will showcase the most innovative aspects of the supply chain, creating new business opportunities for industrial firms. The project targets tech leaders and pioneers in their sector: businesses that sell raw materials, key ingredients for food, premixes and semi-finished products, firms specialising in production and packaging equipment, packaging manufacturers, and all companies that provide cutting-edge logistics, industrial and distribution services, which play an increasingly important role in the pet market'. Bersanetti continued: 'For all these companies, Factory will be a perfect platform to engage with the dynamic and seemingly crisis-proof pet sector, which is valued at €7 billion and is recording double-digit growth every year. The industry is always open to innovation, is very welcoming of new businesses, and is constantly on the lookout for new suppliers'.   Raw materials and innovative ingredients at Factory   Consumers in the pet market are increasingly conscientious, demanding healthy and nutritious food and high-quality hygiene and cosmetic products for their pets, that are customised if possible and promote animal wellbeing and health. It is therefore essential that businesses in the market continue to innovate in their ingredients and raw materials.   As well as being a space for all these companies to present their work, Factory will also be dedicated to learning and discussion. As well as presenting products and services, businesses will be able to share their insight and expertise through seminars, workshops and panel discussions.   There will be a focus, for example, on natural, organic and sustainable ingredients, designed to enhance pets' wellbeing, and on alternative solutions, like the use of insect flours and plant proteins in pet food.   Increasingly sustainable and smart packaging in the spotlight   Packaging has a crucial role to play, both practically in keeping products in perfect condition (including helping to preserve pet food's nutritional value), and as a source of information for pet owners and a vital communication tool to draw consumers' attention to the quality of foods, cat litter and accessories.   Pet owners are conscious of packaging's environmental impact. According to recent research by Nomisma for Zoomark, sustainability is an increasing concern for Italian pet owners, with 46% of interviewees stating they will place a higher emphasis on aspects in this area in the next 2-3 years.   This increased sensitivity is encouraging manufacturers to explore more eco-friendly packaging and to provide consumers with innovative solutions. This is particularly true as of April 2024, when the European Parliament gave the green light to new regulations on packaging reuse and recycling that aim to drastically reduce waste by making packaging even more sustainable and recyclable.   Technology will undoubtedly play its part in adapting to the new requirements, with 'smart' packaging revolutionising the sector. Factory will also provide the perfect platform for businesses from the world of packaging. It will be a place to launch new products, unveil innovative technology and reinforce their brand in the global pet sector or make a name for themselves in the industry.   Services for manufacturing companies   Businesses that offer distribution, logistics or other forms of services – management systems consultants, waste disposal or security, to name but three – will certainly not regret exhibiting in the Factory area at Zoomark. It could lead to significant growth and strengthen their position in a competitive global market.   For full details on exhibiting at Zoomark 2025 or to request further information on Factory from our admin team, click HERE.   See you at Zoomark 2025   Zoomark 2025 is set to be an unmissable event that caters for the specific needs of both exhibitors and visitors by focusing on their top priorities, helping to match supply and demand and offering ongoing training and collaboration.   Zoomark has always been much more than just a place to display products: it is the ideal location to get to know others, share ideas and develop new partnerships to grow your business. The most successful formats from previous years will return in 2025, including the iconic Pet Vision space dedicated to the newest products, alongside special projects like the Factory area and a programme of fringe training and in-depth study events. Don't miss out!
Visit our website HERE.
  Source: Zoomark

15/08/2024

Sustainable management at Kemin Nutrisurance: Reduce, recycle, reuse

At Kemin Nutrisurance, we are constantly committed to sustainability by adopting practices aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations, and implementing initiatives that seek circularity and align with the 3Rs. In the article, we will explore each principle, highlighting its importance and application in our company.   Reducing: minimize waste   Reducing waste is the base of our sustainability strategy. In 2023, we adopted various actions to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Our guidelines to manage waste are in our Solid Waste Management Program which aligns with the current Ambiental law. These guidelines not only help to prevent soil, air, and water pollution but also an efficient management of resources.   In June 2023, we began to allocate sludge from the effluent treatment plant, organic waste from the production process, and ashes from the kettle to a compost-specialized company. As in Figure 1, the process results in the production of a soil conditioner that gives added value to the waste. In 2023, these actions diverted over the 60% of waste that would end up in landfills, minimizing the need for new landfills and benefiting the soil.     Figure 1: Picture of waste circularity   Recycling: turn waste into resources   Kemin Nutrisurance also stands out for its recycling area. In 2023, we raise awareness among our collaborators about the importance of recycling through awareness campaigns on waste and recycling. Our recyclable waste, such as plastic, paper, and craft from the packaging of raw materials and supplies are sent to a recycling plant. We have agreements with specialized companies to ensure the correct destiny and direction of recyclable waste.   We developed the social program Proyecto Nuevos Caminos: Nutriendo el Mañana, visit the link https://info.kemin.com/pt-br/projeto-novos-caminhos for a better understanding. One of the bases of the program is to promote recycling, especially of plastic covers, and allocate financial resources to an institution that takes in children and teens in vulnerable situations. For two years, 2022 and 2023, we were recognized for this social responsibility initiative. In support of the program Proyecto Nuevos Caminos, we received the Empresa Ciudadana certificate and sign from the Public Ministry and State Court of Justice of Santa Catarina.   Reusing: maximum exploitation of resources   Reusing resources is essential to sustainability. In 2023, we opened up a new Effluent Treatment Station (ETS). This new structure, made with an activated sludge system, uses modern and efficient process. The new ETS multiplied by five the treatment capacity compared to the old one, generating better quality effluent. Thinking of the efficiency in the use of resources, we have an effluent reusing system and a fertigation system. After the treatment, the effluent is sent through a fertigation system to the agricultural land area. In this way, we reuse 100% of the treated effluent, promoting the resources reusing and contributing to the improvement of the soil and crops.   SDGs 6 – Clean water and sanitation   Our effluent management practices are aligned with the SDGs 6 that aim to improve water quality by 2030. We invested in a new Effluent Treatment Station in order to treat our industrial effluent, which entered into operation in 2023 compared to the old one. Besides using a treatment process that generates a better treated effluent, the current ETS has multiplied by five the treatment capacity. At the same time, it delivered maximum efficiency removing 99% of the concentration of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). After the treatment, 100% of the effluent is reused in agricultural land areas through a fertigation system.   SDGs 12 – Responsible consumption and production   Reducing, recycling, and reusing are practices that align with SDGs 12 goal 12.5 that aim to substantially reduce waste generation by 2030. In 2023, we significantly reduce the delivery of waste to landfills, minimizing places for elimination, and adding value to the generated waste. As a result of our circularity initiatives, we also succeed in diverting 60,27% of landfill waste.   SDGs 13 - Action to combat climate change   In 2023, 100% of the consumed energy at Kemin Nutrisurance was clean and certified. It came from renewable sources and was bought at the electricity market, which is aligned with SDGs 13 goal 13.3, aiming for climate change mitigation. During the same year, we implemented a new kettle by biomass burning. Besides having higher levels of atmospheric emissions at environmental levels, it has the purpose of reducing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption. This improves atmospheric emissions rates and reduces fossil fuel consumption.   Considering scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, our emissions were 6,692 t CO2eq and 4,371 t CO2eq by 2022 and 2023. Compared to 2022, we will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 34.7% in 2023. Our reducing, recycling, and reusing practices are integrated into each operation. We will continue innovating and implementing actions that promote sustainability, ensuring the reduction of our environmental impact and the responsible use of resources for a sustainable future.   By: Kemin Nutrisurance Source: All Pet Food Magazine

14/08/2024

The effect of thermal processing on palatant performance in wet pet food

Overview   Palatants designed for wet pet food applications face a unique challenge compared to palatants designed for kibble coating that is thermal processing. Wet pet food palatants may be exposed to one or more thermal processing steps, such as steam or retorting before being consumed. These thermal processing steps have the ability to alter a palatant's color, composition, and performance.   Thermal processing of palatants also generates various organic compounds which can enhance the aroma of the formulations. During this study, we examined the effect of thermal processing on the: (a) color development, (b) compositional changes, (c) palatability, (d) the release of volatile organic compounds from eight different palatants.   Experimental design   A total of eight palatants were chosen, comprising two derived from fish proteins (WP1 & WP2), three from chicken proteins (WP3, WP4 & WP5), two from vegetable proteins (WP6 & WP7), and one from dairy proteins (WP8). The palatants were subjected to thermal processing for simulating the retort conditions used during the sterilization of wet pet food. Thereafter, the volatile organic compounds were analyzed to determine their variability.   Fifteen cats were included in a two-bowl palatability test, with each bowl containing a raw mixture of meat and 1% inclusion of palatant (WP2, WP3, WP6, WP7 or WP8), heated in a pressurized retorting system (F0 value of 8). The control bowl was the same for all tests and it contained WP1 (palatant with fish protein). Each cat's first choice was recorded, and the intake ratio was calculated (in %). The differences in diet preference were tested using Friedmans two-way ANOVA.   Results     Figure 1 Thermal processing of wet pet food palatants may result in color change.   Thermal processing can impact a palatant's color and composition. The extent of this impact on palatant color varies depending on the formulation of the palatant. Figure 1 shows that there may be great differences in color, such as WP6 (vegetable proteins) and WP8 (dairy proteins), and some may have so little that the difference is not even visible to the naked eye, WP1 (fish proteins).     Figure 2 Thermal processing of wet food palatants may result in compositional change.   The findings also revealed that WP8 (dairy proteins) and WP4 (chicken proteins) exhibit considerable differences in the compositions before and after thermal processing as seen in Figure 2. On the contrary, WP6 (vegetable proteins) and WP7 (vegetable proteins) show similarities before the reaction, but as the reaction progresses, they start developing in different directions.     Figure 3 Palatability results of wet pet food palatants after thermal processing.   Palatants WP2, WP3, WP6, WP7, and WP8 were chosen for palatability testing and volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis. The palatability results can be seen in Figure 3, revealing that WP6 (vegetable proteins) and WP7 (vegetable proteins) had significantly equal, WP8 had significantly lower, whereas WP2 (fish proteins) and WP3 (chicken proteins) had significantly better palatability compared to WP1 (fish proteins). Having identified which palatants have superior palatability after thermal processing; it was needed to determine which VOCs were generated and their relation to increased palatability.   Eighty different VOC's were detected and used to group palatants that produced similar compounds under thermal processing. The grouping, as well as the results from palatability, was used to divide the palatants into two classes: premium and super-premium. This classification can be seen in Figure 4. It was noted that the palatants classified as premium contained higher concentrations of aldehydes, whereas the super-premium palatants had higher concentrations of sulfur containing compounds.     Figure 4 Classification of wet pet food palatants according to VOC composition and palatability.   Conclusion   Thermal processing can impact a palatant's composition and color. This compositional change includes the generation of high concentrations of certain volatile organic compounds that enhance the flavor and palatability. High concentrations of sulfur containing compounds were noted in super-premium palatants and high concentrations aldehydes in premium palatants.   AFB understands how thermal processing can impact the palatant's color, composition and palatability and is thereby able to produce wet pet food palatants that remain stable during thermal processing.   For more information, contact your Account Representative or afbinternational.com/contact.   By AFB International Source: All Pet Food Magazine

12/08/2024

How wet pet food is made

Ingredient selection   Many of the ingredients used in the manufacture of pet food are described as animal (or fish) derivatives or by-products. These ingredients are the parts of the animal surplus to the requirements of the human food industry. Examples of by-products include liver, kidney, lung and various byproduct meals. These ingredients come from species also most commonly found within the human food chain.   In wet pet foods, by-products arrive at the factory in a fresh or frozen state. They may be chopped and added to the recipe mix directly or finely minced, mixed with dry ingredients such as cereals, formed into ribbons and diced into chunks of various sizes and shapes. Other ingredients are included such as oils and fats, vitamins, minerals, cereals, pasta, grains, or vegetables. Water is also frequently added as an ingredient to facilitate processing and to give the food its final form and texture.   Ingredient weighing and preparation   Ingredients are carefully selected according to a pet food manufacturer's specific recipe, which is formulated to deliver complete and balanced nutrition for cats and dogs and also to meet other requirements of the product such as the variety, age range or size range. Once the ingredients for a specific recipe are mixed they enter the can, pouch or tray. For some forms of wet food, a mix of water, thickening agents and flavours may be added to form a gravy or jelly during the cooking process.   There are several different types, or formats, of manufactured pet food including wet (can, pouch, tray), dry (extruded or baked), cold pressed and raw. The label will indicate if the pet food is 'complete' or 'complementary'. 'Complete' means the product contains all the nutrients a pet needs for healthy bodily function in each daily ration, whilst a 'complementary' pet food e.g. treats will need to be fed along other sources of food to provide the right nutrition. The method of production and the ingredients used varies according to format.   Sealing and cooking   The can, pouch or tray is then sealed and enters a cooking process. The temperature and length of cooking, also laid down in the legislation, are carefully controlled in order to prevent spoilage over the shelf life of the product, as well as to optimise the taste and protect the required nutritional content.   Cooling and labelling   After cooking products are cooled. Cans are labelled. Information on tray and pouch products is usually printed upon the packaging itself.   Storage and distribution   Individual containers are packed into boxes or trays and stored in warehouses before being dispatched to customers.   Pet food safety and quality   Whatever the pet food format, all pet foods are subject to strict legislation to ensure safe, quality products. In addition to the legislation, FEDIAF members follow industry Codes of Practice such as the Guide to the Manufacture of Safe Pet Food.   Source: FEDIAF

09/08/2024

AFB International – News Release

'Over the past year as AFB Interim President, Dale has shown an unwavering passion for the business, genuine care for the wellbeing, engagement, and development of our people, and a strong commitment to our customers' success. Dale has formally and informally led many functional and general manager positions across AFB over eight years. These extensive experiences have effectively prepared him to lead the global business.', said Brad Ellis, President and CEO of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.   'I am grateful for the trust Ensign-Bickford Industries and the AFB International team have placed in me. I am excited to continue the progress we have made over the last year expanding our footprint, improving our customer responsiveness, and invigorating our innovation engine. Our organizational structure enables closer customer collaboration with focused R&D intent. The characteristics that have set AFB apart… best-in-class customer service & support, solving customer problems, product quality, and being the trusted palatability partner… will continue to be pillars of our success. I look forward to meeting and working with more customers across our business.', said Dale.   Dale joined AFB in 2016 as the Vice President of Strategy and Marketing, where he worked across all regions. Prior to joining AFB, Dale spent ten years at Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a Danaher Corporation subsidiary, where he held roles of increasing responsibility across multiple functional areas. Dale's early career was spent at Federal-Mogul and Caterpillar. Dale holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.   About AFB International   AFB International was founded in 1986 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with a vision to create the best palatants and make pet food taste great. Today, we are an international company with resource centers and production facilities designed to service pet food manufacturers worldwide. Our portfolio of palatants are formulated to deliver optimal performance for each customer's unique needs.   About Ensign-Bickford Industries   Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately owned high-technology conglomerate focused on space & defense, pet food science, and biotechnology. They participate in businesses relevant to the world's future and have multigenerational growth prospects.   Source: AFB International

08/08/2024

The Global Pet Industry Meets in Bangkok for an Unparalleled Exhibition Experience

Pet Fair South East Asia is a fully business-to-business trade show, providing the global pet industry with an international partnership hub for distribution, retail, and sourcing well beyond the ASEAN region. Located in Thailand's vibrant capital, Bangkok, the 2024 edition of the show will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, spanning over 20,000 square meters of exhibition space.   Johannes C. Kraus from the organizer team states, 'We are looking forward to welcoming back the international pet industry to Bangkok at the end of October and providing an unparalleled industry experience for both exhibitors and visitors.'   Pet Fair South East Asia 2024 will feature 400 exhibitors from 45 countries, representing the entire pet industry value chain, including brands, OEM, ingredients, packaging, and machinery solutions. The 2024 show floor will also include dedicated country pavilions from the UK (by PetQuip), Italy (by Zoomark), Canada (by Pets Canada), USA (by IMEX), China (by Globus Events), Turkey, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.   The global pet industry is meeting in South East Asia and invites you to be part of it.   Top reasons to participate include: One-Stop Shop: Meet 400 exhibitors from over 45 countries. Global Appeal: Share the show floor with 15,000 trade visitors from 75 countries. Industry Experts: Attend 30+ insightful conference sessions. Networking: Connect with old industry friends and forge new partnerships. Thai Hospitality: Experience the world-famous Thai hospitality.   Show Teaser Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67Cg_kU_fqo
More Info and Free Visitor Registration: www.petfair-sea.com   Source: Pet Fair South East Asia

07/08/2024

Functional properties of spray dried plasma (Part 4)

As previously mentioned, SDAP is an ingredient that presents high concentrations of essential amino acids and bioactive compounds, such as immunoglobulins, peptides, growth factors, enzymes, and metalloproteins. Due to its composition, this co-product also has an immunomodulatory, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective role.   There is still limited research on its role in the health of dogs and cats. However, in other species, especially in pigs and rodents, and even in humans, its main demonstrated actions refer to prebiotic effects in the intestine, through the elimination of pathogens, modulation of the microbiome, improvement of mucosal integrity, and effects on immunomodulation (Pérez-Bosque et al., 2016).   Part of the protective action of the SDAP is associated with the presence of IgG in its composition, which gives this ingredient an action of control in the population of pathogenic microorganisms and prevention of lesions on the intestinal mucosa. It was found that the ingestion of SDAP resulted in 5-10% of these biomolecules intact in dogs' feces, which suggests its action throughout the passage in the digestive tract (Rodriguez et al., 2007). In rats fed with diets containing 8% SDAP, an increase in microorganisms of the phylum Firmicutes was observed (Miró et al., 2007; Moretó et al., 2020), which are associated with the production of short-chain fatty acids, which helps maintain intestinal pH and regulate the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, with indirect effects on the intestinal immune tolerance of the animals.   Some authors associate the microbiome modulating effect of the SDAP to the presence of immunoglobulins and other bioactive compounds present in its composition, or that can be produced from the digestion process of this ingredient. These compounds would be responsible for reducing the population of pathogenic microorganisms (Han et al., 2009; Balan et al., 2011). On the other hand, other researchers suggest a prebiotic effect, meaning that the action of SDAP would be related to its selectivity, with an increase in beneficial microorganisms and a consequent reduction in pathogens (Pérez-Bosque et al., 2008; Moretó et al., 2020). These mechanisms still need to be better investigated, but regardless of this, in piglets in the weaning phase, it is widely used for these effects, since it reduces the mortality rate of animals, the frequency of diarrhea and minimizes the effects of post-weaning stress, due to its intestinal and immunological effects.   It is known that intestinal fermentative processes are directly related to the activation of the immune system and may lead to the induction of more inflammatory responses or, on the other hand, promote greater immune tolerance of the individual. This activation occurs by trans epithelial communication mechanisms in the gut, activated by microorganisms or fermentation products, causing a response cascade activated by several cytokines, which can activate more or less inflammatory responses. Figure 1 shows some cytokines and their effects on inflammation.   Figure 1: Relationship of pro-inflammatory (black arrows) and anti-inflammatory (red arrows) cytokines. Some cytokines exhibit dual function, as can be seen. Original image published by de Subbarao (2021).   In two studies in rats fed with 8% SDAP, the prebiotic and immunity effects of SDAP were evaluated (Miró et al., 2017; Moretó et al., 2020). In the first, the authors observed a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, and MCP-1, and an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, in the intestinal mucosa (Miró et al., 2017). Already in the second study, the authors included 8% SDAP in the diet of rats and verified a prebiotic effect, characterized by increased populations of Lactobacillus spp. and Blautia spp. which are directly related to the production of short-chain fatty acids, accompanied by increased expression of immune tolerance markers of intestinal dendritic cells and macrophages, and also of the cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β, both related to greater immune tolerance. Similar results were also observed in fish and pigs by other authors (Tran et al., 2008; Tapia-Paniagua et al., 2020).   In a recent study with healthy dogs, it was observed that feeding a 2% SDAP blend associated with prebiotics and probiotics had beneficial effects on fecal quality and immune function of the animals, with increased fecal IgA and CD4:CD8 T lymphocyte ratio in the group that consumed the blend. Modulation of the fecal microbiota has also been observed for some genera of the phylum Firmicutes spp. and other groups considered to produce short-chain fatty acids (Lee et al., 2022). The increase in IgA production is also related to the effects of additives having an effect on the gut microbiota, and a possible mechanism of activation of regulatory cytokines, such as IL-6 (a dual function cytokine), IL-10 and TGF-β.   Because of the high protein value of SDAP and its effects on intestinal health and immunity, more recently, some studies investigating its activity in neuroprotection in senior individuals have been published. The aging process in humans and some animal species, such as dogs and cats, is similar, which is characterized by advancement in neurological degeneration processes and in a chronic subclinical inflammatory process, called inflammageing, which affects in a general way several systems of the organism and predisposes to chronic degenerative diseases. In a study conducted with mice predisposed to premature aging of the SAMP8 strain, it was observed that providing 8% SDAP was able to minimize the impacts of aging on the animals. In this study, SDAP contributed to the improvement of cognitive function, verified through short and long-term memory tests, in addition to the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, NFk-β), and the increase of IL-10, related to anti-inflammatory actions (Garcia-Just et al., 2020), in a similar manner to its gastrointestinal effects mentioned above. In this study, the authors further observed that the animals fed with SDAP showed higher concentration of adhesion molecules at the blood-brain barrier (ZO1 and E-cadherin), which are related to a greater protection of the nervous system from the permeability of macromolecules, which may accelerate the inflammageing process. Figure 2 shows the main results of this study.     Figure 2: Results of including 8% SDAP in the diet of mice predisposed to premature aging (SAMP8) versus Control (CTL) group, at 2 (2M) and 6 (6M) of age, on cytokine gene expression (A) and short- and long-term memory tests (B). Results published by Garcia-Just et al. (The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 150, Issue 2, February 2020, Pages 303-311).   Although there are few studies specifically in dogs and cats, investigating its functional properties on intestinal health markers, immunity and cognitive functions, in the scientific literature of the last 20 years, approximately 55 published studies are found, specifically with investigations of this ingredient on the responses mentioned above, mainly in pigs and rats, evidencing its effects. This way, due to its multifunctionality, SDAP has potential applications in pet food that have not been explored much, especially in extruded foods, which are the basis of more than 90% of pet food nowadays. To summarize the data presented in the 4 parts of this article published in Pet Food Brazil Magazine, in Figure 3, it can be verified, in summary, the different functions of the SDAP and the species studied so far.     Figure 3: Effects of SDAP studied in different animal species.   By Ricardo Souza Vasconcellos and Lucas Ben Fiuza Henríquez - APC Source: All Pet Food Magazine   References: Balan, P., Han, K.S., Rutherfurd-Markwick, K., Singh, H., Moughan, P.J. Ovine serum immunoglobulin has immunomodu-latory effects in growing rats gavaged with Salmonella enteritidis. J Nutr. 2011, 141, 950-956. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.110.131433. Balan, P., Staincliffe, M., Moughan, P.J. Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets—A review. J Anim Phys Anim Nutr 2021, 105, 699–714. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13435. Garcia-Just, A., Miró, L., Pérez-Bosque, A., Amat, C., Polo, J., Pallàs, M., Griñán-Ferré, C., Moretó, M. Dietary spray-dried porcine plasma prevents cognitive decline in senescent mice and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. J Nutr 2020, 150, 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxz239. Han, K.S., Boland, M., Singh, H., Moughan, P.J. The in vitro anti-pathogenic activity of immunoglobulin concentrates extracted from ovine blood. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 2009, 157, 442–452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-008-8352-7. Lee, A.H., Lin, C., Do, S., Oba, P.M., Belchik, S.E., Sstellman, A.J., Schauwecker, A., Swanson, K.S. Dietary supplementation with fiber, 'biotics,' and spray-dried plasma affects apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, fecal microbiota, and immune function of adult dogs. J Ani Sci 2022, 100, 1 -15. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skac048. Maijó, M., Miró, L., Polo, J., Campbell, J., Russell, L., Crenshaw, J., Weaver, E., Moretó, M., Pérez-Bosque, A. Dietary plasma proteins attenuate the innate immunity response in a mouse model of acute lung injury. Brit J Nutr 2012, 107, 867–875. doi:10.1017/S0007114511003655. Miró, L., Garcia-Just, A., Amat, C., Polo, J., Moretó, M., Pérez-Bosque, A. Dietary animal plasma proteins improve the intes-tinal immune response in senescent mice. Nutrients 2017, 9, 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9121346. Moretó, M., Miró, L., Amat, C., Polo, J., Manichanh, C., Pérez-Bosque, A. Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma has prebiotic effects on gut microbiota in mice. Scientific Reports 2020, 10, 1. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59756-z. Pérez-Bosque, A., Polo, J., Torrallardona, D. Spray dried plasma as an alternative to antibiotics in piglet feeds, mode of action and biosafety. Porcine Health Management 2016, 2, 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40813-016-0034-1. Rodriguez, C., Blanch, F., Romano, V., Saborido, N., Rodenas, J., Polo, J. Porcine immunoglobulins survival in the intestinal tract of adult dogs and cats fed dry food kibbles containing spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) or porcine immunoglobulin concentrate (PIC). Anim Feed Sci Tech 2007, 139, 201–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2007.01.012. Tapia-Paniagua, S. T., Balebona, M.C., Firmino, J.P., Rodríguez, C., Polo, J.; Moriñogo, M.A., Gisbert, E. The effect of spray-dried porcine plasma on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) intestinal microbiota. Aquac. Nutr. 2020, 26, 801–811. Tran, H., Anderson, C. L., Bundy, J. W., Fernando, S. C., Miller, P. S., & Burkey, T. E. (2018). Effects of spray-dried porcine plasma on fecal microbiota in nursery pigs. Journal of Animal Science, 96, 1017–1031. https ://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skx034

06/08/2024

Cutting-edge technologies in plastic recycling

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Technologies approved by the EFSA for recycling PET plastics   The panel of the European Food Safety Authority considers various post-consumer PET and polyolefin recycling technologies optimal for use, a crucial factor in the EU since only packaging made from plastics recycled by processes approved by the EFSA can be used legally. Let's get to know some of the approved and most used technology processes for recycling PET plastics.   Kreyenborg and his infrared approach   Kreyenborg IR Clean+ technology for recycling post-consumer PET consists of heating and decontaminating PET flakes using a rotary infrared dryer under an air flow, up to a defined temperature. The flakes are then decontaminated in a finisher under airflow and high temperature. This process has been approved for the creation of thermoformed trays and cups to distribute beer, wine, coffee, juices, fruits, vegetables, desserts, meats, cooked and raw dairy products, drinking water, and carbonated beverages.   Starlinger Technologies   Starlinger, one of the leading recycling machinery companies, offers the deCON process. In this, the flakes are preheated in a batch reactor before being introduced into the solid-state polycondensation (SSP) reactor, which operates continuously under vacuum. The entire process is executed with specific parameters of temperature, pressure, gas flow, and residence time.   Starlinger also introduces iV+ technology. In this process, the flakes are first pelletized, dried, and continuously crystallized in a reactor under airflow and high temperature. Subsequently, the flakes are introduced into an extruder at high temperature and under vacuum for some time, and the plastic is granulated. Then, the granules are crystallized at high temperatures in a continuous reactor under atmospheric pressure. Finally, the crystallized granules are preheated in a reactor before being transferred to a semi-continuous SSP reactor operating in a vacuum at high temperatures for a certain period.   EREMA and its multiple processes   EREMA's approved recycling technologies for PET are several. The EREMA Basic process consists of continuously feeding PET flakes into a reactor equipped with a rotating device, which operates in a vacuum at high temperatures. After a certain time in the reactor, they are continuously transported to an extruder, where they are melted. Finally, the product is filtered and pelletized.   Another EREMA technology is MPR + DS, which consists of introducing flakes into a reactor equipped with a rotating device, which operates in a vacuum at high temperature and where, after a specific time, they crystallize. Then, they are introduced into a twin-screw extruder, to be melted and extruded into balls or sheets. EDEMA also has MPR technology, which covers the first part of the process detailed above, in which the flakes are processed in a reactor equipped with a rotating device.   EREMA's Vacurema Prime is another of the approved processes. In this, the flakes are introduced into twin batch reactors, where they are heated for a certain time, possible contaminants are vaporized and the PET flakes are crystallized. The twin reactors then take turns moving the flakes to a continuous reactor in a constant back-and-forth process, where they are heated and decontaminated. Finally, they are transferred to an extruder, where they are melted and the melt is filtered before granulating the plastic.   Closed-loop polyolefin recycling technology   The panel also approved a process known as CAPEC, Boxes and Pallets in a Circular Economy. This involves recycling previously cleaned food-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) boxes into new boxes with up to 100% recycled content to store fruits and vegetables at room temperature or below.   The recycling process is simple: sorted and clean boxes are crushed into flakes, washed with drinking water at room temperature, dried with a centrifuge, ground, and packaged in bags. Or, if the desired result is pellets, the cartons are crushed, washed with potable water at room temperature, dried with a centrifuge, ground extruded, filtered, and packaged in bags. The resulting flakes or granules may or may not be mixed with virgin HDPE or PP before the dye is added, and the plastic is injection molded into new boxes.   BONUS: chemical technology can take PET recycling to another level   In contrast to mechanical technology, we find chemistry, which, through innovative processes, offers a second chance to non-recyclable plastic waste, converting it into high-quality material for the chemical and food industries. In the case of PET, unlike single-use plastics, it is versatile and can be reused infinitely. It accounts for about 7.4% of all plastics and is widely used in food packaging materials, films, and fabric manufacturing. Chemical recycling is presented as a purer alternative that ensures that the containers made with this procedure are suitable for reuse for food packaging.   Currently, only a small portion of PET is recycled, mostly transparent and colored bottles, due to limitations in the initial waste selection process. However, the ChemPET project proposes a solution with the implementation of chemical recycling. This technology breaks down plastic polymers back to their basic monomeric form and purifies them. It then returns it to the original polycondensation process, essentially replacing pristine fossil resources. That is, it transforms PET waste into a valuable resource to create a new virgin PET and achieves this by producing a stable and safe intermediate, known as BHET, which allows a new polymerization into PET. The resulting product, chemically recycled PET (crPET), matches the quality of virgin polymers and is even suitable for food-grade applications.   Conclusion   Certified circular plastics can be an important tool to help boost plastic waste recycling and improve plastic recycling rates locally and internationally. But, to achieve this, it is necessary to promote the development and access of various companies in the pet food industry to these types of procedures, optimizing costs and processes so that they can remain competitive in the market.   Source: All Pet Food

05/08/2024

The interview - Scott Krebs, President of Wenger Group

Scott, tell us a little bit about your professional career and how you arrived and rose to your current position at Wenger Group.   lived most of my life in Sabetha, Kansas, which has an incredible amount of industry professionals per capita. One of those industries in my hometown happens to be the Wenger Group. Because Sabetha is centrally located among many US pet food producers, I was aware of the pet food industry at a young age. always loved our companion animals and our family currently has three Australian shepherd-husky mix breeds that are truly part of my family. I obtained a mechanical engineering degree from Kansas State University and promptly returned to my hometown. I was an associate at Extru-Tech, Inc. for 32 years gaining knowledge in the various fields of project engineering, international sales, and brand management. I was honored to be appointed as President of Wenger Group in June 2023.   How does your background in the pet food industry help you lead the Wenger Group?   Process Solutions with emphasis on extrusion cooking, drying, coating, and cooling – especially for pet foods and treats – has been a passion for my entire 33-year career. Throughout that time, I've been fortunate to work with some incredibly knowledgeable extrusion cooking experts and some of the most forward-thinking and well-managed pet food producers in the world. From early in my career, I understood the importance of listening intently to understand customer needs, wants, and desires and collaboratively reaching solutions that meet their goals.   Wenger's corporate focus is to provide customers with an 'unparalleled customer experience.' Although Wenger is a well-established and trusted name in the industry, we cannot be content with past success. Our customers face market and competitive challenges, and we must stay ready with updated solutions that can enable our customers to be successful.   What do you think is the current main challenge among Latin American producers?   see a growing opportunity in this region for foods and treats with higher levels of fresh meat content, unique inclusions, and increased palatability. Achieving these types of products requires a more advanced knowledge of extrusion cooking and drying. Our customers can enjoy first-mover advantages by working with nger to produce unique (and higher value) products for their market. Demand for traditional kibble will continue to be strong, but producers who can offer a wider range of foods and treats within a single flexible equipment architecture can be even more successful in Latin America.   How can producers know whether to use twin-screw or single-screw extruders for pet food or treats?   The answer to this starts with knowing the types of desired product characteristics (now and in the future). A single screw extruder is the workhorse in the industry around the globe. They are very effective for high volumes of established products while at the same time offering variability in recipe management. However, if a customer wants to create many different types of foods and treats - with at times even further ingredient and processing flexibility - from the same extruder, then we may suggest twin screw technology. The decision is not about which technology is better because both deliver on metrics all companies measure such as safety, performance, and quality, but rather about the selection of the correct tool to accomplish the customer's current and future states of their business model.   It's also important to note that choosing the right holistic process solution (including drying, coating, cooling, and process controls) should be considered as an equally important decision to that of the extrusion system alone. For that reason, Wenger Group employs many process solution experts who were former customers utilizing extrusion technology. Our Process Group SMEs (subject matter experts) are equipped through education, experience, and frankly the 'school of hard knocks' that provide valuable insight into various available integrated process solutions.   What new initiatives are the Wenger teams focused on?   As part of our overall customer experience initiative, we are focused on technology innovation, manufacturing excellence, and expanding our process knowledge. We are designing and commercializing many offerings including the new PetFLEX™ extrusion system, improved control systems complemented with data analytics, and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) overlay for Wenger extruders and dryers. We also have decarbonization modifications for dryers including the use of high temperature heat pumps. In manufacturing, we are implementing processes to decrease lead times while enabling us to use newer, more sustainable materials. Wenger's reputation for extrusion process expertise is well deserved, but we stay diligent in understanding the changing demand for ingredients (including alternative proteins), palatability requirements, shapes, textures, and coatings. As we partner with customers, we try first to understand their needs, wants, and desires – and then we refine and/or recommend processes and hardware accordingly to meet and often exceed those expectations.   How do you support customer Research & Development?   Wenger customers (globally) are constantly developing new products to be successful. Enabling customer R&D has been core to our company for over 60 years, mostly through the Wenger Technical Center, located in Sabetha. For decades, producers of extruded pet food, aquatic feed, and human food have used the Technical Center to confidentially develop new product ideas in a facility with production-scale equipment. This is important because products developed in a small-scale test lab may not translate well into a full-size extrusion system. Plus, at the Technical Center, customers have access to the Wenger process team that can help with ingredient selection, process variables, extrusion parameters, and other critical aspects. We've been told numerous times that the Wenger team helped a customer achieve something they probably couldn't have done on their own at scale and speed to execution. As mentioned earlier, it is woven into our DNA to provide an 'Unparalleled Customer Experience' in all aspects of our business. We are a passionate, caring group that is honored to assist our customers!   What market trends do you see emerging over the next 5 years?   Globally, the trends for pet foods will include more variability in ingredient selection, breed-specific diets, increased palatability, increased nutrition, and treats with unique shapes, colors, and fills that all add to our companion animal's life-long well-being. Pet food producers – like most companies – also have sustainability initiatives and responsibilities that will demand technology solutions that reduce energy usage and are carbon-smart. Processing flexibility & agility will be paramount. Customers want to produce multiple products, with unique ingredients, on the same equipment, and with the same set-up, if possible, to optimize uptime. In other words, producers will increase their product offerings while decreasing production costs. Here at the Wenger Group, we embrace the challenge, and we look forward to working with our customers on these opportunities.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

02/08/2024

Category 3 Animal Fat - an important Pet Food Ingredient

Animal by-products (ABPs) Animal by-products (ABPs) are materials of animal origin that people do not consume. When they do not enter the human food chain, in Europe, animal by-products are classified into three categories: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 depending on the source of the raw material and the intended use[i]. The pet food industry can only use Category 3 ABPs.   Category 3 ABPs are from animals declared fit for human consumption. These are ideal pet food ingredients due to their high nutritional and energetic value and should be used in the best possible way to preserve resources. Category 1 and 2 animal fats are forbidden for animal feeding for safety reasons but allowed for biofuel production.   The Vital role of Category 3 animal fats in Pet Food Category 3 animal fats are essential raw materials for our pets' diets. They provide a source of energy and palatability but above all essential fatty acids. They are subject to strict requirements on sourcing and collecting, animal origin materials processing, and control. Category 3 animal fats cannot be easily replaced as a pet food ingredient.   The EU & The Pet Food Industry's Waste Hierarchy FEDIAF firmly believes that food, such as Category 3 animal fats, which is not intended for human consumption, should be repurposed according to the food waste hierarchy, i.e.:  pet food (re-use animal feed) rather than energy (recovery) as indicated below[ii].  This sits well above energy use in the EU's own hierarchy of most-preferable options for food waste disposal.     The Pet Food Industry and the Future Unfortunately, there is increasing pressure due to Category 3 animal fats being used in other sectors such as biofuels, which are much lower in terms of waste hierarchy.  The Pet Food Industry will continue to communicate the importance of Category 3 animal fats in pet food. They are vital ingredients, which contribute to our circular business model and they cannot easily be replaced.   Source: FEDIAF

31/07/2024

Rendering in pet food: a path towards sustainability

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Various studies affirm that meat-based diets are not sustainable, and the truth is that today, most pets eat a carnivorous diet (or based on products made with meat). Facing with this problem, the pet food industry seems to be one of the most involved since statistics and studies carried out worldwide indicate that croquettes, the most chosen food for dogs and cats, are made, in a higher percentage, based on meat, a highly influential factor in positioning the market as the consumer of ⅓ of the meat that humans consume (considering that animals consume ⅕ of what we do).   Since dealing with this situation, the rendering process has been growing increasingly as an alternative to reduce the footprint and pollution produced by the pet food industry, seeking to transform animal by-products into useful and quality ingredients.   What is rendering?   Rendering is known as the industrial process that seeks to treat animal by-products to reuse them since, otherwise, they would be discarded. Through their heat treatment and physical transformation that destroys pathogens, removes moisture, separates solids and lipids or fats/oils, and more, rendering transforms inedible meat products into usable materials such as fuel, pet food, and livestock feed, creating a highly sustainable alternative.   Its importance for challenging environmental impact   In the United States, for example, rendering is vital, since around 50% of an animal is inedible (NARA, 2020). With rendering, instead of wasting this material, it is recovered and reused to obtain oil, fat, protein products, and even for the production of other industries, such as beauty or fuel. This is how widespread the use of products obtained by rendering is: not only are they nutritionally fed to livestock, pigs, chickens, and other animals, but they also offer sustainable alternatives for trucks, trains, cars, and ship mobility.   Rendering: benefits and impact   This process allows huge volumes of meat scraps and other meat waste to be kept out of landfills, reducing carbon emissions, greenhouse gasses, food waste, and more. Broadly speaking, rendering contributes to the three sustainability pillars:   Environment   Recovering meat and animal carcass scraps that would otherwise be discarded, rendering reduces the food production footprint, saves landfill space, and helps minimize the environmental impacts of the livestock industry. On the other hand, it contributes to water recovery, since it recuperates and cleans valuable water that, if not for rendering, would contribute to byproduct decomposition and cause water contamination. Additionally, rendering evaporates moisture from raw materials and processes all runoff and wash water for specific treatments.   Society   By recovering and transforming animal remains into new, sellable products, rendering impacts market products and, consequently, consumption. At the same time, it creates stable jobs, many of them in rural areas, due to the location needs of this type of factories, counteracting city gentrification. Furthermore, this must happen in areas close to meat processing factories, since, due to the perishable nature of these products, they cannot be transported long distances or exported, directly impacting local job creation. Economy   Rendering can improve the industry economy, but also, and mainly, the local economic context and the people who are impacted by the creation of these jobs previously mentioned.   What does a rendering process consist of?   Heat treatment and physical transformation: Animal by-products are subjected to heat treatment, usually through cooking or boiling processes to break down animal tissues and begin the transformation process. Destroying pathogens: Through high temperatures used in processing, pathogens present in the products are eliminated. Moisture removal: Moisture is removed from animal by-products to increase the shelf life of processed products. Separation of solids and lipids/fats/oils: During processing, the mixture is separated into several components. Solids, including proteins and minerals, are separated from lipids, fats and oils to continue the production of various products.   Rendering products: examples   Meat and bone flavor: It is used to produce food for birds, pets, and livestock for its amino acid profile as an organic fertilizer due to its high concentration of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. This flour is an alternative renewable energy source, due to its high caloric content and can be made from beef, poultry, or fish meat, for example. Blood: This can be from cows or pigs, for example, and can be dried whole or separated into blood meal or plasma products. Blood meal is a dry powder used in aquaculture, poultry, and piglet feeding, and as an organic fertilizer, due to its high protein and nitrogen content. Cattle blood collection occurs after the edible parts are separated, dried, and turned into blood flour. This facilitates product incorporation into animal diets. The high protein content is ideal for livestock-fed plant by-products, forages, and cereal diets. Plasma: Plasma is a highly functional protein ingredient obtained from blood and can be used in the production of animal and pet feed to improve digestion, breathing, and reproduction. This is only one blood component and excludes others, such as red blood cells. Tallow: Tallow is cattle-solidified and processed fat. It is used to remove impurities. Beef tallow, for example, at room temperature, has a waxy texture similar to coconut oil or lard. In addition, it can be stored without refrigeration in airtight containers for several months without spoiling. It is ideal for biofuel production, a renewable, clean-burning diesel fuel substitute; manufacturing livestock and poultry feed and pet food, and producing soap. Tallow acids can also be used in a variety of products. Feather flavor: It is a by-product of poultry processing, which is made by hydrolyzing feathers at high temperatures and pressure to sterilize them, then grinding and drying them. It is a valuable source of protein and an ingredient for poultry, aquaculture, livestock feed, and pet food.   Conclusion   The rendering industry gives value to animal parts that are not normally used for human consumption by processing them into ingredients for pet food. Its sustainability benefits are clear and can be precisely analyzed, and that is why the rendering industry is increasingly dynamic and constantly changing. Year after year, new approaches and initiatives emerge, because both the environment and consumers seek to choose products committed to reducing the carbon footprint of their choices. Faced with this demand, rendering is presented as a highly valuable alternative to find a new life for those ingredients and raw materials that, until now, were discarded.   Source: All Pet Food

29/07/2024

Schenck Process FPM is becoming Coperion

For decades, our industry experts have made our solutions perform the best for your processes. Together as Coperion, we will bring you more resources and unmatched technologies – from a combined team with the knowledge and experience to help you define what comes next.   The world's best process technology brands from one source   Under the Coperion banner, we're combining the flagship Schenck Process FPM brands you know and trust—such as Raymond Bartlett Snow, Stock, Baker Perkins, Kemutec and Mucon—with the proven technology brands of Coperion. It's a broader, deeper portfolio that's going to enhance our ability to deliver the end-to-end process solutions we're known for around the world. An overview of Coperion and its many proven technology brands       Qlar – formerly the Schenck Process Group, is not part of this Schenck Process FPM transition   When Hillenbrand purchased Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) in September 2023, we joined together our global food expertise and U.S.-focused performance materials expertise. While Qlar's rebrand coincides with the timing of our rebrand to Coperion, they are unrelated.   Our name is changing. We are not.   Transitioning to the Coperion brand doesn't mean we're going away. Far from it—we are focused on leveraging new opportunities across our portfolio to deliver end-to-end solutions that meet your needs. The same expertise, support, service and hands-on approach you've come to expect from us will continue. If you're an existing customer, you can look forward to continued partnership with the team you know. If you're looking for a process solution provider, now you've got more reason to work with us.   Source: Coperion

29/07/2024

β-Glucans and MOS in Pet Food: Origin, Properties, Benefits

Yeast-Based Ingredients in Pet Foods   Yeast-based ingredients derived from ethanol production have been widely used in pet foods for decades, mainly as a source of protein and other nutrients (such as B-complex vitamins) and as a palatability enhancer. However, yeast has typical components in its structure that make up the cell wall: β-glucans and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). The concentration and availability of these carbohydrates vary according to the type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae or others) and the fermentation process (brewers, bakers, molasses, distillers' grains, etc.), as well as the following technologies applied to obtain different final products (inactive dry, autolyzed, hydrolyzed, etc.).   β-Glucans   The β-glucans in the yeast cell wall are β-1,3 and 1,6-glucans, different from those found in cereals (such as oats, bran, and others), which are β-1,4 and 1,3-glucans. This physicochemical difference will affect their biological function because branched or linear β-1,4-glucans have limited activity (major proportion in plant cells), while β-1,3-glucans with additional branching have the greatest immunomodulatory effect (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010). Thus, the β-glucans in the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae consist mainly of β-1,3-glucans linked in a central backbone with β-1,6-glucan branches of varying sizes (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), which in turn are linked to manno-proteins, serving as an anchor for the structure and integrity of the manno-protein layer (MAGNANI & CASTRO-GÓMEZ, 2008).   MOS   The mannan-glucan complex will maintain the primary stability of MOS as it is and its insolubility in water. This is crucial for its biological function in the animal's gut. The main known mode of action of MOS is to serve as a binding site for pathogenic bacteria, preventing their adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and subsequent colonization and infection (MORAN, 2004). Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli use type 1 fimbriae, a mannose-specific lectin, to recognize glycoproteins on the surface of enterocytes (MORAN, 2004). Thus, this mechanism controls and reduces the bacterial enteric load and infection.   MOS is widely referred to and classified as a prebiotic in the literature; however, it may be possibly misunderstood, as the definition of a prebiotic is 'a non-digestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon and thus improves host health' (definition by Glenn & Roberfroid, 1995). Subsequently, the concept was updated by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as: 'a selectively fermented ingredient that results in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal microbiota, thereby conferring health benefit(s) to the host.' According to ISAPP, the most studied and used prebiotics are inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and more recently, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).   Benefits of Pet Food   Studies on dogs in the literature have reported the benefits of MOS supplementation related to changes in the gut microbiota (significantly increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing pathogenic bacteria), digestive system (intestinal integrity, reduced fecal odor, and improved stool quality), modulation of immune system responses (phagocytic activity, interleukins, immunoglobulins), among others (SWANSON et al., 2002; GRIESHOP et al., 2004; MIDDELBOS et al., 2007; PAWAR et al., 2017; THEODORO et al., 2019). However, many studies report the use of a yeast cell wall product (a combination of β-glucans and MOS) or do not fully clarify the composition of the MOS product used. This could lead to a misinterpretation of the mode of action and benefits of MOS vs. β-glucans.   The body does not synthesize β-glucans, so they must be recognized by the immune system, inducing immune responses (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), known as immunomodulators. The process begins with recognition by phagocytic cells (macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killers) with a toll-like receptor on their cell surface, which recognizes microbial patterns and induces an immediate innate immune response. The structure that allows recognition by the immune system is the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and among the best known are β-glucans, which trigger responses to protect the host against pathogen invasion, characterizing innate immunity (MAGNANI & CASTRO-GÓMEZ, 2008). After this activation and phagocytosis, the phagocyte presents a processed antigen fragment. It stimulates a chain response by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating the production, release, and mobilization of additional phagocytic cells (produced in the bone marrow) (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010), phagocytic activity, and other cell-mediated immune responses.   This immunomodulatory effect means training the innate immune system and preparing it for a faster, better, and smarter response to challenges (PETRAVIĆ-TOMINAC et al., 2010). The practical result is reducing the inflammatory process (costing less to metabolism), controlling infections and their consequences (oxidative stress, cell damage, etc.), and improving the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies (against specific pathogens/antigens or vaccine titers).   Several purified and concentrated β-glucan products are available, and their immunomodulatory effect has been proven over the years, as well as when β-glucans are complexed with MOS in the yeast cell wall. These benefits seem essential for puppies (due to the developmental stage of the immune system and intestinal tract, as well as the intense vaccination period), elderly animals (due to the susceptibility of the immune system at advanced ages), animals with intestinal problems, or diseases that can cause a depression in immune response.   Conclusion   MOS and β-glucans are key components of yeast products. Their composition, concentration, and availability are closely related to the type of yeast they come from. MOS and β-glucans benefit pet food diets due to their interesting properties for balancing microbiota, preserving intestinal health, and modulating the immune response. Having a deeper understanding of these key properties helps to better appreciate them in pet food applications and allows for their tailored use to address specific challenges that companion animals face, such as growth, reproduction, and recovery.   Source: ICC Animal Nutrition   References Grieshop, C.M, et al. Gastrointestinal and immunological responses of senior dogs to chicory and mannan-oligosaccharides. Arch Anim Nutr. 2004 Dec;58(6):483-93. doi: 0.1080/00039420400019977. International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP). Consulted on September 19th, 2023. https://isappscience.org/for-scientists/resources/prebiotics/ Magnani, M. & Castro-Gómez, R.J.H. β-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae: constitution, bioactivity and obtaining. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, Londrina, v. 29, n.3, p. 631-650, jul./set. 2008. Middelbos, I.S. et al. A dose-response evaluation of spray-dried yeast cell wall supplementation of diets fed to adult dogs: effects on nutrient digestibility, immune indices, and fecal microbial populations. J Anim Sci. 2007 Nov;85(11):3022-32. doi: 10.2527/jas.2007-0079. Moran, C.A. Functional components of the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: applications for yeast glucan and mannan. In book: Nutritional biotechnology in the feed and food industries, Nottingham University Press, pp.283-296, 2004. Pawar, M.M. et al. Effect of dietary mannanoligosaccharide supplementation on nutrient digestibility, hindgut fermentation, immune response and antioxidant indices in dogs. J Anim Sci Technol. 2017 May 11;59:11. doi: 10.1186/s40781-017-0136-6. Petravić-Tominac, V. et al. Biological effects of yeast β-glucans. Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, n. 75, v. 4, 2010. Swanson, K.S. et al. Supplemental Fructooligosaccharides and Mannanoligosaccharides Influence Immune Function, Ileal and Total Tract Nutrient Digestibilities, Microbial Populations and Concentrations of Protein Catabolites in the Large Bowel of Dogs. J Nutr. 2002 May;132(5):980-9. doi: 10.1093/jn/132.5.980. Theodoro, S.S. et al. Effects of the solubility of yeast cell wall preparations on their potential prebiotic properties in dogs, PLoS ONE 14(11):

25/07/2024

Popular Functional Ingredients in the Pet Food Industry

This trend is fueled by consumers' increasing attention to health issues, both human and pet. An ingredient is categorized as functional if it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition when included as part of a complete and balanced diet.2 Examples of functional ingredients commonly used in the pet food industry include turmeric, chicory root, brewer's yeast, and marine oils.   Turmeric Turmeric is a spice derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant.3 This functional ingredient has gained considerable attention in the pet and human food industries due to its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has been proven to be effective in dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis.4 In addition, curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.5   Chicory Root The root of the chicory plant is a naturally occurring prebiotic used commonly in pet food as a source of inulin.6 Research has shown that inulin derived from chicory root is more beneficial to host health than synthetic inulin and favors the growth of certain species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.7 Prebiotic ingredients help to support the growth and maintenance of healthy bacteria living in the gut.8 In addition, prebiotics have been observed to be effective in the enhancement of the immune system.9   Brewer's Yeast Historically, the pet food industry has used brewer's yeast as a palatability enhancer; however, recent research has shown that brewer's yeast also has immunomodulatory and gut health-promoting effects.10-12 Brewer's yeast supplementation results in beneficial changes in markers of intestinal function.13,14 In addition, yeast products may also boost antioxidant activity in cats and dogs due to their β-glucan and mannan content, which are thought to be the main actors in the antioxidant capacity of yeasts.15   Marine Oils In pet food, the use of marine oils has gained traction due to its EPA and DHA contents.16 It is known that supplementation of EPA and DHA improves the skin and coat quality of dogs with skin disease.17,18 In addition, EPA and DHA have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in dogs with heart and hip diseases.19-21 Supplementation of DHA-concentrated marine oil has also been shown to be effective in supporting the cognitive health of puppies.22    The incorporation of functional ingredients into pet foods, treats, and supplements has grown in recent years. As consumer knowledge of animal health and diet quality has improved, so has the desire to maximize their quality of life.23   Source: BSM Partners

23/07/2024

Customer experience in pet food, from 0 to 100 in degree of value for brands

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Thanks to the pandemic, some of the points that consumers consider most important today were revealed: timely shipping, adequate information, and quick customer service, among others. Think about airlines, for example. It is no longer strange to hear someone you know recommend avoiding certain platforms or companies because 'if there is a problem, they never answer.' This applies, and will eventually apply, to all industries. Yes, even ours, if we consider that pets are increasingly important in the lives of their owners!   Consumer experience: a branding (and marketing and sales) strategy   With digital strategies, a brand's touch point with its customers (direct or not) constantly multiplies. What was previously known as a mere means to obtain new potential, known as the sales funnel, today is also an essential space to constantly feed the link with a phase even after the first purchase. The truth is that the more we know about our potential consumers, the better experiences we can offer.   Customer experience is one of the main factors when it comes to retaining clients. And, if someone who buys from us again is one of the most economical (in terms of profitability), we must put our efforts there to be able to retain them. Furthermore, for that person who chooses us again (and for factors that exceed the best price or a good product, the simplest reason why a customer chooses a brand or store), we will be building loyalty that, over time, will translate not only into greater spending but also into free advertising space. Who doesn't recommend what is functional for them and meets all their expectations?   3 pillars of a good Customer Experience   Personalization One of the keys to a successful user experience is personalization, but here's the challenge: true personalization is only possible if we really know our customers. Of course, we must know that bad personalization is much (much!) worse than not doing it because it reveals what people do not like to know: that, after all, what you send them in an email offering them "that" ideal product is not a person but a system of algorithms and artificial intelligence (as one of the many possible examples). Once we truly get to know our customers, we can move on to personalized design of the offered experiences.   Omnichannel Omnichannel has the great benefit of allowing easy and continuous interaction with customers and creating value even after the purchase. For this year, there are already statistics stating that businesses with strong omnichannel strategies have retention of up to 89%, compared to 30% for those with weak strategies. These types of plans apply to both companies that sell DTC and retail resale merchants and are essentially about creating a path to invite the consumer to stay.   After-sales service With what it costs, today, in terms not only of money, but also of effort, to get a person to stop at a brand and choose it to make a purchase, we cannot allow ourselves to neglect the post-purchase moment and risk losing one potentially lasting due to lack (or, in many cases, poor) care. In this instance, the cost-benefit relationship is what provides value to customers, given that what is at stake is no longer a single purchase but the entire brand image.   Brand trust: reputation in aeternum   Today, establishing a brand in the pet industry and standing out in the market comes down to trust and loyalty. Owners want brands that guarantee their pets a long, healthy, and happy life. But the truth is that trust will not be generated just with a good shopping experience. It is essential that the same effort be made to provide transparency, quality, and food safety. It's about, at the end of the day, finding the best way to provide lifelong value. A brand will feel true success and satisfaction when its initiatives have created long-term relationships with its customers.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

19/07/2024

ZOOMARK triumphs in China

The third edition of Marca China further strengthened BolognaFiere's role as a partner for companies wanting to expand into emerging markets. The group has had a Chinese office in Shanghai since 2005 and founded BolognaFiere China Ltd back in 2007. The company – which employs over 50 people – organises trade shows and other projects in China and provides support to Chinese businesses at Italy's major international shows.   Pet Pavilion powered by Zoomark is the result of Zoomark's partnership with Marca China that brings the pet sector into the private label industry for the first time. Pet Pavilion hosted 30 exhibitors from Italy and around the world, showcasing key pet industry products including snacks and food, grooming solutions and hygiene and cleaning items.   Over 700 professionals – both buyers and distributors – visited the pavilion. Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager at Zoomark, described the event's success: 'The pet industry is increasingly versatile and is always on the lookout for new channels. This chance to meet Chinese private label firms provided new opportunities and incentives for businesses. Zoomark's approach to seeking and proposing innovative solutions for pet companies has made a successful landing in the dynamic Chinese private label market.'   The three-day trade show enabled producers, distributors and retailers to enter into lucrative partnerships that support the development of the Chinese own-brand market. This year's event introduced the '1+2' model, which offered exhibitors a special preview day to meet buyers at the show, thereby expanding their networking opportunities. Various events designed to promote B2B meetings were organised for Marca China exhibitors on the first day: a buyers' product selection, sharing sessions, a featured product showcase, a welcome dinner and, most importantly, training sessions.   Training Sessions by Zoomark   Zoomark's two training sessions proved to be very successful. In Pet Industry Insight. Distribution Channels of China's Pet Market and the Guidelines of Imported Pet Foods, pet industry key opinion leader and commentator Luo Tian Jun, the founder of Changsha Baozai Meituo Media Culture Co., Ltd., presented some data on the industry and offered guidelines on handling imports and exports in the Chinese market.   Paola Cane, regulatory adviser and author and CEO of Mia Solution, ran a popular session entitled Retailers' Private Brand Track: Are Pet Products Followers or Dark Horses? In her eagerly anticipated talk, Paola Cane revealed some signs of a change in pet culture: owners are increasingly more aware that their cats, dogs and other companions are not human, and are therefore searching for products that best meet their needs as pets.   Pet Pavilion powered by Zoomark attracted a great deal of interest among visitors from Asia and across the world, thanks to the efforts of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which gave the following statement: 'To mark the launch of Pet Pavilion powered by Zoomark at Marca China, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in partnership with BolognaFiere China, invited a group of pet food and pet care professionals from China, Singapore and Indonesia to meet the exhibitors at Pet Pavilion. The foreign delegation was able to deal with them and so boost their development opportunities in Asian markets. A Buyers' Lounge was also set up at Pet Pavilion, where Italian Trade Agency (ITA) staff could introduce their work and provide support to Italian businesses at the show.' Pet food and pet care companies unveiled their latest products to the Chinese market at Pavilion through Vision, Zoomark's revolutionary new product exhibition formula dedicated to new developments in the industry and future trends in China.   China provided a unique and unmissable opportunity for all pet companies involved in private label and co-branding ventures and interested in expanding their business to the Chinese market, particularly in the large-scale retail channel or on e-commerce platforms, areas overlooked by other Chinese trade shows, which focus mainly on specialised pet retail. Zoomark's partnership with Italian Trade Agency (ITA), combined with the expertise of BolognaFiere and its network of agents across key European markets, has reinforced its globalisation strategies, which were directed towards encouraging foreign professionals to visit the Pet Pavilion.   New agreement between Zoomark and TOPS   Zoomark has also strengthened the collaboration between the Chinese and European pet worlds by entering into a partnership with TOPS: The One Pet Show, a new pet trade show launched in 2023 that attracts 20,000 visitors and thousands of exhibitors to Shanghai every year. The aim of the new venture is to promote the two events in both Europe and China and to provide additional content, such as the 'China Focus Day' that TOPS will organise at Zoomark 2025.   TOPS will also be responsible for setting up an area at BolognaFiere to showcase high-tech Chinese products, proving the Chinese pet industry's extraordinary market potential and the vital role played by innovation. TOPS will promote Zoomark through all available channels. Both sides are aiming to attract as many international exhibitors and visitors as possible to their respective shows. The partnership will help businesses operating globally in the pet sector to expand their presence and will promote important synergies within the market.   Source: Zoomark

18/07/2024

Is it possible to have a plastic-free pet food industry?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

How is plastic production and consumption in LatAm?   According to a study carried out at the end of 2021 by the organizations Break Free From Plastic, Gaia, and Taller Ecologista, in the seven most populated countries in the region, the annual consumption is generally above 30 kg per person: in Mexico and Chile it is 50 kg/inhabitant/year and in Argentina and Brazil it is 40 kg/inhabitant/year, for example. Within the plastic packaging segment, those used by the food and beverage industry are the most important ones. Most products marketed in plastic containers are ultra-processed foods and beverages, which implies that they require packaging with specific treatments (often involving large amounts of water, energy, and chemical consumption) to provide the required conservation condition for each product and its ingredients. The use of bottled water to hydrate pets is becoming more and more common, due to the large number of minerals, chlorine, and other microingredients that drinking water brings directly from the taps.   Environmental and health impact of the plastic industry   The production of plastic resins and plastic transformation processes are highly energy-demanding and, consequently, large emitters of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). Its degree of pollution is such that, at a global level, it is estimated that, by 2050, if current trends in the production and handling of this material continue, plastic could consume between 10 and 13% of the entire carbon budget.   But pollution is not just a number impossible to measure. It also directly impacts those communities closest to industrial hubs. It is not necessary to do a very deep search on the Internet to find cases of complaints or claims from populations highly affected (and in ways that even they are unaware of) by this type of production. For example, the community of Ingeniero White, in Argentina, has been carrying out mobilizations for more than 10 years due to the impacts generated by living with a petrochemical hub. In fact, in 2012, a study concluded that the population of that region had a higher prevalence of respiratory and autoimmune diseases, such as hypothyroidism.   On the other hand, we can also talk about the additives used throughout the process, for example, resin production, and that contain toxicity properties, such as phthalates, brominated flame retardants, and organochlorine compounds, and more.   Alternative routes, a possible future   The main challenge we face as an industry and society today is that being brutally honest, manufacturing and transporting pet food without any plastic is very difficult. Although research and development of new proposals are increasingly on the rise, the truth is that today plastic packaging offers the necessary conditions to maintain the freshness, texture, humidity, and food proper condition, from when it is finished until it reaches the pet's bowl. However, let's briefly learn about some of the alternatives that are being implemented to improve the situation:   PET plastics recycling: Thanks to support, development, and research, it is possible to affirm that PET processing and recycling is advancing at the same pace as the demands for environmental and social care. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of closed-loop recycling systems (recycling PET to produce new PET products), which, although it does not eliminate plastic use, significantly reduces its waste. Using thinner plastics: As many pet food variants are wet/oily products, many alternative compostable materials are inefficient for packaging because they would decompose before even being discarded and would not have a sufficient oxygen barrier to maintain the food fresh. For this reason, many companies are limited to using plastic but are looking for alternatives to reduce it as much as possible, using much thinner plastic coatings (up to 60% less). Some also cover the packaging with outer layers, made of other materials, such as recyclable cardboard, to provide the structure and security necessary for transportation and logistics. Using transparent plastic, since this is easier to recycle.   Conclusion   We have tried to compile and make visible some aspects of the plastic problem that, with the hustle and bustle of daily routines and operations, tend to remain out of sight. We have more and more information about the impact generated by discarded and single-use plastic, but looking for alternatives is not enough: we must be aware of the damage caused by the entire production and preparation process, not only in the international ecosystem but also more deeply into local regions and their populations.   If one thing is clear it is that keeping collecting non-recyclable materials in landfills is not the best option for anyone, which is why we encourage the pet food industry to continue working and researching to overcome the obstacles that prevent sustainable, reusable packaging being the most used type of packaging.   Source: All Pet Food

17/07/2024

Plant-Based Proteins for Pets

Historically, the primary plant proteins utilized in pet food applications included soy, corn, and wheat proteins; however, pea, potato, and rice proteins have emerged in recent years as other viable plant-based options.2   Protein is of utmost importance when considering adequate nutrition for pets. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes minimum protein guidelines for pets in the United States. According to AAFCO, the minimum protein requirement for adult dogs is 18% and 22.5% for puppies, to support growth and reproduction.3 The minimum protein requirement for adult cats is 26% and 30% for kittens, to support growth and reproduction.3Interestingly, as consumers' interest in the utilization of plant protein sources in pet food increases, there are currently no regulatory standards or evidence-based data to determine the percentage of protein that should come from plant versus animal sources, or if it even matters.   Dietary protein is necessary to provide essential amino acids and build protein reserves in the body.4 Some plant proteins are commonly used in pet food applications for their complementary amino acid profile when paired with other proteins and grain sources.5,6 In general, plant-based ingredients are thought to have less variable nutrient composition when compared with animal-based ingredients.6,7   It is well established that dogs and cats who consume complete and balanced plant-based diets maintain overall health compared to animal protein-based diets.8,9 In addition, studies have observed that plant-based pet diets can have comparable nutrient digestibility as animal-based pet diets with similar nutrient profiles.6,10,11 This is true for both dogs and cats. A recent study by Golder et al.12 noted that cats can potentially digest plant proteins more fully and efficiently than dogs.12 However, these research studies are still limited, and the long-term effects are not as well studied. With that, pets that do not have a food aversion to animal-based proteins can still consume these diets and can maintain a supply of essential amino acids.   As consumer interests shift toward plant-based diets, new plant proteins will continue to be identified and utilized in pet food applications. These may include testing these new ingredients for safety evaluation before entering the pet food market, long-term data collection on the impact of health on pets, and sustainability.   Source: BSM Partners   References Loeb, J. 2020. The trouble with vegan cats and dogs. Vet Rec. 186(7):197. Domínguez-Oliva, A, Mota-Rojas, D, Semendric, I., Whittaker, AL. (2023). The impact of vegan diets on indicators of health in dogs and cats: A systematic review. Vet. Sci. 10(1):52. DOI:10.3390/vetsci10010052. 2024. Official Publication; Association of American Feed Control Officials: Champaign, IL, USA. Laflamme, DP. 2008. Pet food safety: Dietary protein. Topics Companion. Anim. Med. 23(3):154-157. Hill, D. 2004. Alternative proteins in companion animal nutrition. In Pet Food Association of Canada Fall Conference. Bednar GE, Murray SM, Patil AR, et al. 2000. Selected animal and plant protein sources affect nutrient digestibility and fecal characteristics of ileally cannulated dogs.Arch. Anim. Nutr. 53:127–140. DOI: 10.1080/17450390009381942. Vanelli, K, de Oliveira, ACF, Sotomaior, CS, Weber, SH, Costa, LB. 2021. Soybean meal and poultry offal meal effects on digestibility of adult dogs diets: Systematic review. PloSone. 16(5):e0249321. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249321 Linde, A, Lahiff, M, Krantz, A, Sharp, N, Ng, TT, Melgarejo, T. 2023. Domestic dogs maintain positive clinical, nutritional, and hematological health outcomes when fed a commercial plant-based diet for a year. bioRxiv, 2023-02. Clapper, GM, Grieshop, CM, Merchen, NR, Russett, JC, Brent, JL, Fahey, GC. 2001. Ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs as affected by soybean protein inclusion in dry, extruded diets. J. Anim. Sci. 79(6):1523-1532. Liversidge, BD, Dodd, SA, Adolphe, JL, Gomez, DE, Blois, SL, Verbrugghe, A. 2023. Extruded diet macronutrient digestibility: Plant-based (vegan) vs. animal-based diets in client-owned healthy adult dogs and the impact of guardian compliance during in-home trials. Frontiers Anim. Sci. 4:1288165. Bednar, GE, Patil, AR, Murray, SM, Grieshop, CM, Merchen, NR, Fahey, GC. 2001. Starch and fiber fractions in selected food and feed ingredients affect their small intestinal digestibility and fermentability and their large bowel fermentability in vitro in a canine mode. J. Nutr. 131(2):276-286. Golder, C, Weemhoff, JL, Jewell, DE. 2020. Cats have increased protein digestibility as compared to dogs and improve their ability to absorb protein as dietary protein intake shifts from animal to plant sources. Anim. 10(3):541. DOI:10.3390/ani10030541. About the Author: Ada-Miette Thomas received both bachelor's and master's degrees in food science with an emphasis on nutrition. Ada-Miette conducted research with a focus on human nutrition and studied the effects of carbohydrate sources on markers of Metabolic Syndrome in adults.

16/07/2024

Odor Adsorbents: How to Use Them Strategically in Pet Foods

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

Among the odor adsorbent options used today, three stand out for being frequently present in different brands and categories of pet food: natural zeolite, bentonite, and yucca extract, each with its characteristics and modes of action. Knowing each of them better can be very important when optimizing the development of a product and its market positioning strategy.   The zeolite with proven benefits for pet food is the clinoptilolite type. It is a natural crystalline mineral with a structure full of cavities formed by chemical bonds, which confirms a large surface area and high adsorption capacity. One of the most important properties of zeolite is its high cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to all other minerals of this type. Cation exchange is a process by which ions present on the surface of the zeolite are exchanged for others present in the surrounding solution. Its structure contains empty spaces that can be filled with ions, water, and other molecules. This gives the zeolite a high adsorption capacity for ions, especially cations. When added to dog and cat food, zeolite can adsorb compounds in the form of cations present in digestion, including ammonia, responsible for the unwanted odor of feces. Additionally, zeolite's ability to absorb moisture improves the format of animal feces and can also help extend the shelf life of food, preventing spoilage due to high humidity and toxin contamination, as it is also a mycotoxin adsorbent.   Bentonite, a clay composed essentially of minerals from the group of smectites and mortmorillonites, is characterized by its great capacity to swell when mixed with water since it has a laminar chemical structure with a surface charge between 0.2 and 0.6 by formula unit and the lamellae move away in the presence of water, acting like a sponge. Therefore, when added to animal feed, bentonite is capable of very effectively absorbing the moisture present in feces. The mechanism of action of bentonite in relation to odor reduction implies that its adsorption capacity also binds to compounds, such as ammonia, through cation exchange, secondary to its swelling action. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of bentonite specifically in reducing fecal odor in dogs and cats is not well understood and may vary depending on several factors, including its purity, type, and purpose of inclusion in the formula.   Yucca extract is extracted from the Yucca schidigera plant, commonly found in deserts, and has saponin as one of its components, which has been studied in companion animals for some decades. One of the mechanisms by which cassava extract reduces the odor of excreta is by inhibiting urease, an enzyme that converts urea, a product of nitrogen metabolism, into ammonia. Thus, the lower the action of urease, the lower the amount of ammonia present in the feces and the subsequent reduction in fecal odor. Another hypothesis refers to the action of glycocomponents, the water-soluble part of the cassava extract, which has an affinity for ammonia and transforms it into nitrate and nitrite. The quality of the cassava extract is evaluated by the quantity and quality of the saponins and extract necessary to neutralize 50% of the ammonia in a 'standard' solution, a parameter known as B50.   The following table compares the main properties and benefits of each odor adsorbent described.     According to the table, zeolite has a greater ion exchange capacity, greater removal of ammoniacal nitrogen, and a slightly lower water removal capacity since, being laminar, it swells and can absorb more water. Considering the physicochemical properties of the additives, we can infer that zeolite has greater efficiency in removing ammonia due to its greater cation exchange capacity, compared to other additives evaluated for fecal odor.   Regarding the performance of in vivo tests, we found several studies that evaluated the inclusion of clinoptilolite zeolite and cassava extract at different levels of inclusion in diets for dogs and cats, and that also compared these two additives with each other. For bentonite, there are no studies that support evaluating inclusion at different levels, making it difficult to understand what the optimal level of use would be to reduce fecal odor in pet foods. For this reason, products that use bentonite as an additive, usually in the economy or standard category, use it to improve fecal scores and not to reduce odor.   A Maia et al. (2010) study evaluated the fecal odor of dogs at different zeolite levels of 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00% and YSE at a concentration of 125, 250, or 375 ppm in the diet of healthy dogs. Diets with zeolite at levels of 0.75 and 1.00%, respectively, had better classification in the sensory analysis, indicating a significant reduction in the odor of the evaluated material. Therefore, 0.75 and 1.0% levels of the additive provide a substantial reduction of fecal odor in the sensory analysis. This results in a high cation exchange and gas adsorption capacity of the clinoptilolite zeolite, which adsorbs the gases produced during digestion, removing them from the animal's intestinal gastric tract without releasing them into the environment.   Roque et al. (2011) added the same concentrations of zeolite and cassava extract for cats to a commercial food. The diet with 1.0% zeolite was considered similar to the control and inferior to the rest of the treatments. On the other hand, the doses of 0.5 and 0.75% of zeolite presented better fecal odor values than the control diet.   In practice, we see the use of zeolite more frequently in high-category and super premium food formulations, justified by the evaluation studies mentioned here and by its efficiency in eliminating odors and adjusting fecal score, being the first option for products foods with high added value. As has been demonstrated, cassava extract has an action on fecal odor, and, as it has an optimal inclusion level between 0.0125% and 0.035%, it is usually present in foods from premium to super-premium categories since the level of lower inclusion can reduce formula costs. However, a detailed evaluation is necessary, as cassava extract can cost up to more than 10 times the value of clinoptilolite zeolite.   Conclusion   Often, we come across commercial foods that use zeolite with yucca extract in the pet formula. By using these additives together in dog and cat foods, manufacturers aim to offer a comprehensive approach to animals' digestive and overall well-being. Zeolite is effective in improving fecal score and reducing odor, and, in association with yucca extract, these additives can promote beneficial effects on intestinal health, contributing to the long-term comfort and health of pets.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine   Bibliographic references: MAIA, G. V. C. et al. Zeolites and Yucca schidigera in commercial ration for dogs: Palatability, digestibility and reduction of fecal odors. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, v. 39, n. 11, p. 2442-2446, 2010. MOORE, D.M., REYNOLDS, JR. R. C., X-ray Diffraction and the Identification of Clay Minerals. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1989. 332 p. ROQUE, N. C. et al. Increasing levels of zeolite and Yucca schidigera in diets for adult cats. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, v. 40, n. 11, p. 2471-2475, 2011.

15/07/2024

Insect-based Ingredients

Common types of insects used in the production of feed   There are currently seven species of insects that are authorised in the EU for use in pet food2 . The top three most prevalent species of farmed insects for use in pet foods are illustrated below.   What is unique about insects?   Insects are able to eat by-products and foods that are surplus to human requirements and efficiently convert them into quality proteins and produce valuable byproducts such as chitin and insect oil. This biological reprocessing of by-products is the key concept underpinning the use of insect protein in animal feeds. Moreover, the excrements of insects, so called insect frass, can be used as a natural fertilizer.   Different forms of insect-based ingredients   The insects are mainly rendered into high protein meal (e.g. 55% protein with an average 80% digestibility) (Bosch et al. 2020) and fats, or made into puree which is stored frozen. Whole dried insect alternatives are available, but these are mainly targeted at the bird and fish market.   Nutritional profile & potential added benefits   Insects such as black soldier fly larvae are rich in protein and have a clear potential in animal nutrition. Additionally, insects can have high concentration of fats, minerals, and vitamins, depending on what they are fed and on their larval stage at the time of harvest (picture below).   Palatability   Studies show that cats and dogs may have different tastes when it comes to insects, and that the type of insect and the amount included can affect the food acceptability. Test reports by pet food companies showed that dogs may favour dry foods with black soldier fly larvae meal over those with yellow mealworm meal (YMW), while cats may favour the YMW-based food over foods with black soldier fly larvae meal (Bosch et.al. 2021).   Environmental Benefits   Insects require significantly fewer resources than traditional livestock. Life cycle assessment studies indicate that insect proteins can have a lower environmental impact (eg., lower land use, lower water use, less emission of CO2 – equivalents) than animal proteins from ruminants, pigs, and poultry when produced using renewable energy and fed with agricultural by-products (Van Huis and Oonincx 2017). These environmental impacts may further diminish as production facilities scale up and increase their capacity in coming years.   A gram of edible protein from beef requires 8-14 times more land and 5 times more water than a gram of protein from mealworms and has a higher environmental impact with respect to greenhouse gas emissions. Broiler chickens are associated with 1.3 – 2.7 times higher emissions, and beef cattle emit 6 -13 times more CO2 equivalents than mealworms, when measured in terms of 1 g of edible protein (Oonincx and De Boer 2012). As processing and insect feed is producer-dependent and technology is evolving rapidly, using suppliers' primary data is recommended when evaluating their environmental impact.   Insects are also efficient feed converters, depending on their species and the diet consumed. Mealworm and house crickets have been reported to convert some feed sources into body mass with similar efficiency to poultry (Oonincx et al. 2015). In conclusion, insects provide a sustainable source of animal protein, and producing valuable by-products such as chitin and insect oil.   Consumer attitudes and acceptance levels   Market research work undertaken by PROteINSECT (2016) indicated that a high percentage of consumers demonstrate acceptability of insects as a protein source in animal feed3 . Consumers also showed a desire for more information about insects as an alternative sustainable protein source.   Growing media attention and campaigns by farmers, academics, non-profit organizations (such as IPIFF4) and pet food companies are helping to increase acceptability of insect-based ingredients among pet professionals and owners.   The increased acceptability of insect-based pet food ingredients has been further bolstered by research which indicates that insects are a nutritious source of protein and other essential nutrients, as well as potentially being more sustainable than conventional meat sources for pet food.Moreresearchandlong-termstudiesareneededto substantiate these findings.   INTERESTING FACTS   • Farmed insects are typically fed on a variety of plant-based diets, such as spent brewery grains, fruits, vegetables, and other vegetable or cereal by-products. • The initial farms mainly began in the tropics but now span the globe. Today, there are over 100 farms in European countries such as Germany, The Netherlands, France, Poland, Belgium, and UK.   Currently, over 50% of insect production is being directed towards pet food. According to a RABO Bank report, the demand for insect protein is predicted to rise from 120,000 metric tons to half a million metric tons by 2030 (De Jong & Nikolik 2021).   Source: FEDIAF   References: 1 These are specific, authorised, species of insects that are commercially produced, under controlled conditions, for animal feed. 2 Regulation No. 2017/893 authorised the use of insect proteins originating from seven insect species which are neither pathogenic nor have other adverse effects on plant, animal, or human health. PROteINSECT (2016). 'Insect Protein – Feed for the Future. Addressing the need for feeds of the future today' at proteinsect.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/press/proteinsect- whitepaper-2016.pdf (accessed on 22 Sep 2020). Van Huis, A., & Oonincx, D. G. (2017). The environmental sustainability of insects as food and feed. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 37, 1-14. Van Huis, A., Rumpold, B. A., Van der Fels-Klerx, H. J., & Tomberlin, J. K. (2021). Advancing edible insects as food and feed in a circular economy. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 7(5), 935-948. 3 70% of those surveyed said that it is totally acceptable to feed insect protein to farmed animals. 4 The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed.

12/07/2024

Iberzoo Propet strengthens its professional and global identity, positioning itself as a platform for showcasing the latest trends.

The next edition of IBERZOO PROPET, the renowned international fair in the pet industry sector, is already in motion. Organised by IFEMA MADRID and supported by AMVAC (Madrid Association of Pet Veterinarians) and AEDPAC (the Spanish Association of Trade and Industry in the Pet Sector), the event's Organising Committee has been established. Mark your calendars for 26 to 28 February 2025, when the next edition will take place.   The upcoming edition will strive to surpass the numbers achieved at this year's meeting. To achieve this objective, the primary emphasis will be on individuals working in this field, specifically veterinarians, specialised stores, breeders, trainers, pet shelters, and animal protection associations. This will further enhance its reputation as a leader in the Iberian Peninsula, owing to the strategic location of the city of Madrid, a hub for the pet industry in Europe, where the Iberzoo Propet event takes place.   The next instalment of this trade show is also looking to further its reach into the global market, with an increase in the number of international companies to over 40. In the previous edition, 10% of attendees were from abroad, with a strong showing from countries like Portugal, Italy, and France.   Another area that will continue to receive attention is the programme of activities that accompanies the fair, serving as a great showcase for trends and innovations. In the previous edition, this programme brought together over 900 attendees. At the next edition, Iberzoo Propet will feature the 42nd VetMadrid Congress; the Canine Styling Stage; the 7th FORUM of Trade and Industry in the Pet Sector in Spain, organised by AEDPAC; the Artero Workshops; the Veterinary Classroom and Scientific Forum; the Space and Impulse Awards, as well as the Sector Evening where the Antón Awards will be presented.   Iberzoo Propet gets a new image   Ahead of the next edition in February 2025, IBERZOO PROPET will be launched with a new image that highlights the evolution and consolidation of this fair in order to become an international benchmark. This means a new design that symbolises the dynamic nature of this fair while preserving the essence and values that always made it such a success.   Get all the latest about IBERZOO PROPET on the website.   Source: Iberzoo Propet

10/07/2024

The DTC market is growing exponentially in the pet food industry

The rise of e-commerce platforms and the growing preference for personalized food options are some reasons why this market sector is growing, but they are not the only ones. Current situation   In 2022, the global DTC pet food market was valued at $2.1 billion. Now, it is estimated that, by 2032, it will reach a CAGR of 25.1%, driven by both physical and online retailers, known as omnidirectional sales or channels.   The most recent data states that, from the hand of NielsenIQ Discover Omnisales, the United States pet industry accumulated $77.5 billion in 2022. 38% of sales came from exclusively online retailers, while 62% corresponded to sales only from physical stores. These numbers indicate that the portion of online sales continues to increase constantly, having already gained 1.8 points in 2022.   Why is the DTC sector increasing in pet food?   DTC offerings provide direct access to both pet food and care products, often on a more targeted basis, improving the overall consumer experience. That is why this market is currently distinguished by the appearance of niche and premium brands. Without a doubt, one of the key factors that allowed the development of this portion of the market are e-commerce platforms and digital marketing, which have grown exponentially since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Furthermore, the truth is that business owners of Pets are increasingly looking for convenient and hassle-free ways to purchase quality pet food.   Regions like Asia are a little further behind in development, compared to North America, for example. This portion of the American continent is currently the largest market for DTC pet food. This is because it has a solid online commerce infrastructure, as well as established brands that specialize in sales of this type.   4 keys to your growth   Personalized nutrition Most DTC-focused pet food brands are focusing on offering more than personalized nutrition options based on age and breed, such as specific meal plans. Humanization is also leading to a change in consumption, which now focuses more on the willingness to pay for small lots. According to NielsenIQ, this will bring an increase in DTC fresh/frozen sales of up to 4 times their current value.   Personalized attention Personalized attention is one of the most important reasons why people choose this type of purchase. This not only means 1:1 care, but also includes drop-shipping, convenience pickup, and subscription models that alleviate the responsibility of reviewing when to replenish products. This convenience-oriented approach ensures a constant supply and simplifies the purchasing process, which is highly appealing to pet owners.   Transparency and trust Pet owners are increasingly seeking more transparency in the brands they choose for their pets. Companies are seeing this as an opportunity in DTC sales as a way to prioritize transparency and provide information to increase the loyalty of those who choose their products.   Sustainability and environmental care The direct-to-consumer model allows direct participation and feedback from customers, and, in terms of sustainability responsibility, this type of sales offers alternatives such as the return of recyclable packaging, a product replacement system in the same reusable packaging, and more options that encourage those most interested in the environment to choose it.   According to Nielsen research, responsible, ethical and local sourcing, and biodegradable packaging are the most influential factors when considering a sustainable brand. Additionally, DTC packaging must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of logistics and handling.   A way to be close   Generally speaking, it is not an exaggeration to say that the pet product market is becoming increasingly omnichannel. This opens the doors for brands to find new opportunities and connect with consumers in much more loyal and lasting ways. By merging digital and physical presence, brands can increase their reach across retailers with marketing and strategic partnerships that bring them closer to their goals.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

09/07/2024

Did you know that the global trend increases adoption even more?

By Candela Bonaura

Pet population statistics from various sources:   In our country, around 78% of Argentines have pets at home. This makes the country the most pets per inhabitant holder in the region. Of all those surveyed, 66% have a pet dog, while 32% opt for the accompaniment of felines (increasing).   Breeding, humanization, and pet-friendly trend   The pet in the home is considered part of the family, a child. Human food is often used as a reward. Let's remember that this is not ideal, and there are many healthy and more beneficial ways for pets to strengthen their bond with us. This is an anthropomorphism.   The acceptance of pets in homes has brought new behaviors in people, giving human characteristics to companion animals. It is normal to see, for example, birthday celebrations in dogs and cats, dog schools, and pet boutiques, such as medical coverage (prepaid) or tracking apps. They accompany us to dinners, vacations, trips, etc.   The routine, for both dogs and cats, is an indoor style. The cats are mostly protected and no longer roam around the roofs. Some dogs have mixed habits (indoor and outdoor), but, in general, they spend most of their time at home with the rest of the family.   Social networks and pet-influencers   Nowadays, owners create pet accounts and social content about their pets. This activity refers to the large number of reels that we find on Instagram or Facebook, among others, in addition to all the tutors who create their accounts for their pets to share with the community everything related to their daily life, looks, activities, etc. Some make their pet influencers not only to get gifts such as food or accessories but generate a bonding action due to the love that pets and animals have awakened and the social awareness that they have generated as sentient beings. This does not leave aside the benefit of working with public figures, with a large number of followers to promote adoption, animal rescue, and the fight against animal violence.   Cat population on the rise   The ownership of cats as pets is increasing. People consider that felines are more independent than canines. In addition to this, they are long-lived and very clean, two important characteristics of the new lifestyle of the new generations. 'Catmania' in Argentina had a considerable increase in times of pandemic. It is estimated that there are approximately five million felines in the country. There is currently occurring an adaptation of the services of the veterinary center, what can be known as CAT-FRIENDLY medicine, to felines specific needs and their guardians.   Veterinary services specification   Most veterinary service centers spend a lot of time building a differential that allows them to be more competitive in the market. There is a wide academic offer in each country (conferences, seminars, courses, diplomas), and new business lines creations and new challenges in services provision. Pet guardians are now more demanding and aware of what they want. There is talk of a multispecies family concept.   Food importance, by percentage     What should a food brand propose today?   Providing peace of mind to families by committing to keeping their pets nourished and safe Empathy, understanding the needs of pets and their families Responsibility and genuine concern for pets Passion for pets Seriousness and company support Using social networks to raise awareness and educate, as well as share clear and useful information. Focus group for better understanding of the end consumer (pet) and their family environment.   Awareness and the importance of caring for the environment are increasing, which is why eco-friendly products are sought, and people tend to worry about recycling, as well as preserving natural resources. Renewable, recyclable packs, and using raw materials with respect and care for the planet.   'Welcome the era of discomfort, of bad information at our fingertips, which forces those of us who are part of an industry that works with lives to be more trained, communicated, and aware. The noblest lives we can find, that of animals.'   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

08/07/2024

Mars starts production in Chinese pet food factory

The American multinational has invested nearly CN¥ 1 billion ($138M/€126M) in the 111,000-square-meter facility to enhance domestic and global product demand. Local media reports that the firm's dry food production lines are operational, and a snack production line is expected to launch in the second half of 2024. According to local sources, Mars may soon announce investment plans to introduce a wet food production line. The factory's annual production capacity could exceed 250,000 tons once in full operation.   Quality and innovation   The production site is located in the Nangang Industrial Zone of the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone (TEDA), 150 km from the capital Beijing. '[The] Tianjin factory, with its persistent pursuit of quality, innovative practices in intelligence, and firm commitment to sustainable development, will provide China's pets and pet parents with better products and service experience,' says Ren Jiashi, General Manager of Mars Pet Nutrition China. Mars chose the location for its 'mature' industrial park and complete infrastructure supporting the pharmaceutical and health industries.   Source: GlobalPETS

05/07/2024

Protix appoints Piotr Postepski as new CCO

Piotr Postepski brings almost 2 decades of international experience at global companies to the Protix team. His career spans various leadership roles in the pharmaceutical sector, across different geographies where he has consistently driven growth and innovation. Piotr is a seasoned professional with an impressive track record in developing new business. Before joining Protix, Piotr was instrumental in the development and scaling of a global, innovative animal health business. Trained as a veterinarian, he holds a master's degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Agricultural University of Lublin, Poland. He has further honed his management, leadership and financial skills at Warsaw School of Economics and London Business School.   As CCO of Protix, Piotr will help drive international expansion and, taking a measured approach to growth, will steer Protix towards profitable expansion in the next stage of our journey. He will be responsible for the overall commercial strategy, leading the sales team, marketing and business development activities as well as product development. Piotr will work with the Protix teams to accelerate growth based on collaboration, innovation, a customer centric culture and a clear sense of purpose.   There is strong momentum for insect ingredients. Amid global pressures on raw material availability and the urgent need for sustainable production, Protix's local sourcing and in-house circular production, enhance feed and food chains. Protix has transitioned to the leading commercial scale insect solutions company with international expansion. We are now in a unique position to take a big leap forward and look forward to the contribution of Piotr to the next milestones on our exciting journey to bring the food system back into balance with nature.   About Protix   Protix is the leading company in insect-based ingredients for healthy and sustainable pet food, aqua culture, livestock feed and organic fertiliser. The company is on a mission to create low footprint ingredients that solve major issues in the current food system. Protix contributes to a circular food chain by using waste from the food industry as feed for insects. In turn, the insects are processed into valuable nutrients such as proteins and lipids. Protix's customers use these proteins and lipids as high-quality ingredients for animal feed and pet food. Moreover, residual streams from the insects are used as organic fertiliser. This way, insects close the loop and bring the food system back in balance with nature. Since its foundation in 2009, Protix has developed state-of-the-art, scalable technology, enabling the efficient use of resources and supply chain optimisation, including the reduction and recycling of residues and waste. Protix has been producing insect ingredients at its fully ramped-up industrial scale plant in The Netherlands since 2019. The company takes a measured approach to growth, resulting in profitable and cost-effective operations. Emphasising the power of partnerships, Protix actively collaborates with forward-thinking entities to unlock the full potential of insect ingredients worldwide.
Source: Protix

04/07/2024

Interview with Thaila Cristina Putarov: PalaUp and Innovations at Biorigin

At FENAGRA, we had the opportunity to interview Thaila Cristina Putarov, Biorigin's Global Business Manager of Animal Nutrition & Health. Biorigin stands out for producing natural ingredients through biotechnology processes. Having a global presence and industrial operations in Brazil, it offers innovative and safe solutions to the human, pet, and farm animal food industries. Since its foundation over 75 years ago, the company has developed a strong basis in fermentation processes. Its commitment to innovation is reflected in the total control of the production chain, ensuring product traceability and safety from raw materials to the final product.   PalaUp: Intensifying Pet Food Flavors   Biorigin presented its new product at this event: PalaUp is an innovative solution that naturally intensifies pet food flavor, providing specific flavor notes, such as umami, meat, and roast chicken. PalaUp stands out as a glutamic acid source, offering intense flavors that can be used in various ways. This adaptability allows PalaUp to mix with other ingredients, improving pet food.

    Source: All Pet Food   

02/07/2024

Natural ingredients in Petfood: Glycerine replacement with AMN CarryMoist®

The replacement of glycerine with a clean label ingredient has been, for a long time, a topic of concern for Petfood manufacturers. Glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a chemical compound derived either from vegetable oils or from animal fats, and is used as a technical aid in Petfood since it confers plasticity to semi-moist pet foods and treats.   AM Nutrition aimed to evaluate CarryMoist®, pre-gelatinised Pea Starch Concentrate as a  replacement of glycerine in a formulation of semi-moist dental sticks. In the formulation of the product, different plant proteins were used such as wheat gluten, corn gluten and AMN Pea Protein Concentrate. The carbohydrates evaluated consisted of pre-gel wheat, pre-gel corn, pre-gel rice and CarryMoist® (pre-gel pea starch by AMN)   The study was run at the Research facilities of Passion4Food, Ålgård, Norway. Results indicated that glycerine can be totally replaced with CarryMoist®. The functional properties of the sticks may change in terms of springiness, but no differences were found in terms of chewiness and overall elasticity. By addition of AMN Pea Protein Concentrate, the external appearance, texture and colour of the sticks changed into a 'jerky-like' appearance which can be considered as a positive attribute in the treats. Our special thanks to Milka, Damir Tesla and Zahra Salimi for the dedicated work done in this study.   Source: AM Nutrition

28/06/2024

Non-food’s role in the pet market

The initial results of the research conducted by Nomisma for Zoomark reveal the purchasing habits of pet owners in Italy for products in the non-food sector, including supplements, anti-parasite products, accessories, toys, hygiene products and cat litter. Supplements and anti-parasite products are the most frequently purchased items in the non-food segment: 69% of owners bought these products over the past year.     Over 60% of Italian pet owners spent money on other home accessories, such as kennels, cages, food or water bowls and do-it-yourself pet care, hygiene and grooming products. 54% purchased toys for their four-legged friends, while 38% bought or replaced leads, collars or harnesses in the past 12 months. The majority of owners allocated a maximum budget of €100 for all categories in the non-food pet sector over the past 12 months, while 16% of pet owners said they spent over €300 on electronic equipment alone.     High-spending pet owners   32% of the sample surveyed by Nomisma are considered high-spending pet owners: people who reported spending an above-average amount on pet accessories. For this category of consumers, the decisive factor when it comes to choosing to purchase a certain accessory is how much they know and trust the brand.     The majority of high-spending consumers have a lifestyle defined as "seeking luxury": in other words, they place most emphasis in their purchasing behaviour on an object's appearance and the personal gratification the pet owner receives as a result of the purchase. These are 'Premium' consumers, who pay a lot of attention to products' overall quality, uniqueness and originality, their materials or textiles, and their durability, design and sustainability, but always focused on ensuring the best for their pet and protecting their wellbeing.   From a social and demographic perspective, the proportion of high-spending pet owners is the greatest in the 30-45 age category and among households with no children. This type of consumer prefers to purchase goods online. Nomisma's analysis for Zoomark also identifies the parts of Italy where non-food spending is concentrated. The regions where households spend most on accessories are Lombardy, Lazio, Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany; these four areas account for over 60% of the country's overall spending on the non-food pet sector (around €280 million).   Non-food purchasing channels     Turning to purchasing channels, 37% of the sample stated that they prefer to shop for pet accessories in specialised physical shops, and especially large pet shop chains. main strength of the specialised physical channel named by survey participants was the option to see and test the products in person. They also appreciate the shops' proximity to their home and the opportunity to discuss and ask salespeople for advice and information.   However, 35% of those interviewed by Nomisma prefer online purchases: 19% predominantly on generalist websites like Amazon, and 16% on sites dedicated solely to pet products, or the websites of pet shop chains. Online channel users are mostly looking for the cheapest price and a wider range of products. Another decisive factor is the possibility and ease of comparing different products on several websites before purchasing online.   16% of owners say they focus most of their spending in the large-scale retail trade, due to the convenience of being able to do their weekly shop at the same time, followed by the variable of price and the proximity of the stores to their main place of residence. Only 7% of pet owners purchases pet accessories in discount stores and big markets.   Purchasing drivers     What are the main drivers of Italian pet owners' purchasing choices? The Nomisma survey reveals that personal taste and the price of products are the most important considerations, but sustainability is also an increasing concern for Italian pet owners, with 46% of interviewees stating they will place a greater emphasis on these aspects in the next 2-3 years. This creates a challenge for the entire non-food segment, encouraging accessory manufacturers to create products with a smaller environmental footprint and to pay more attention to their internal and external social sustainability practices. Knowing the brand or shop is also a major purchase driver for 20% of Italian pet owners.   Mattia Barchetti, Head of Market Intelligence at Nomisma, said: 'Nomisma's research for Zoomark predicts that spending in the non-food categories will grow over the next 2-3 years, and particularly spending on cat litter, supplements and anti-parasite products, and electronic equipment. The latter is expected to grow substantially, mostly due to the technological advances that are bound to impact this industry in the near future. More modest growth is predicted for leashes and muzzles, transport accessories, clothing and toys.' 'The indicators point to a positive macroeconomic situation', Barchetti continued, 'with the surge in inflation returning below the 2% threshold in the final quarter of 2023. Increases in contractual wages, coupled with rising employment rates and unemployment rates at historic lows, will give further impetus to a sector that has performed extremely well in recent years, despite the uncertain economic situation.' The outlook for household spending is optimistic, and this will certainly have a positive impact on the constantly expanding Italian pet care sector.   About Zoomark Zoomark is the B2B pet food and pet care trade show scheduled for May 5th-7th 2025 at BolognaFiere. Returning for the 21st time, it provides a global meeting point for the industry and distributors in the pet sector, and is the ideal place to forge new relationships, stay up to date and share ideas with a global audience seeking new partners and business opportunities.   Source: Zoomark

27/06/2024

FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood hosts Annual Congress in Poland, Spotlighting Key Ingredients and Additive Authorisation Process

After welcoming remarks from FEDIAF's President, Rosa Carbonell, and Secretary General, Sonia Franck, Marta Koncewicz and Pawel Mackiewicz, from Poland's General Veterinary Inspectorate, provided a welcome to Poland and valuable insights into potential enhancements to the authorization process. Paola Ferraro, Legislative Officer DG SANTE, Food Hygiene, Feed and Fraud, European Commission, then outlined the 'risk management' process and Joerg Seifert, Secretary General of FEFANA (the EU Association of Specialty Feed Ingredients and their Mixtures), shared his perspectives on the future of the reauthorization process.
Representatives from EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), Matteo Innocente, Scientific Officer, FEEDCO Unit, and Oscar Gonzalez, Scientific Coordinator, FDP Unit, offered essential guidance on their services, submission procedures, and renewal processes.
 

Following the presentations, an engaging Q&A session moderated by Matt Elliot, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Mars Petcare Europe and Chair of FEDIAF's Additives Working Group, provided attendees with an opportunity to delve deeper into the discussed topics.    Matt Elliott, Paola Ferraro, Joerg Seifert and Laura Payo (Argenta)  

Reflecting on the event, Rosa Carbonell, FEDIAF's President, confirmed, 'It was an enlightening afternoon with fantastic speakers, and the interactive Q&A session highlighted the importance of safeguarding pet food ingredients for the future. In the Pet Food Industry, feed additives play a critical role, underscoring the necessity of an easily navigable authorization process to ensure the production of safe, balanced food for Europe's 352 million pets.'


Jean Grunenwald, Chairman of the Management Board of POLKARMA, our hosts in Poland, concluded the Annual Congress with a presentation that featured invaluable insights and top tips for our guests.
 
Rosa Carbonell then thanked FEDIAF speakers, members and guests: 'The FEDIAF Annual Congress has been a fitting conclusion to my second year as President.  I look forward to tackling the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming year.  I encourage everyone to review FEDIAF's Annual Report and learn about the critical work undertaken to safeguard and advance the European Pet Food Industry – and more.'
Fuente: FEDIAF

26/06/2024

Pet Retailing, the most adaptable and changin sector in the industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

With the emergence of new business models, such as personalized foods, subscription models, and online shopping, the old market players must look for a new way to organize themselves and keep growing. That is the case with retail stores, for instance.   Currently, the market share of traditional retail is expected to decrease, especially that of pet sector, and this is mainly due to the great competition presented by the availability of food in online hypermarkets and other mass channels.   But it's not all negative news! In this article, we do a small analysis and share 3 insights in which retailers can find great advantages to differentiate themselves in the pet food market.   The growing importance of the brand-retailer relationship   Historically, this type of seller (and not only those related to the pet food industry) fulfilled the role of quickly and closely providing certain products to consumers. The problem with this role is that today, it is much better served by what we know as online businesses. Furthermore, in the case of physical purchases, it is also usually more convenient to go to hypermarkets where we buy products from different areas and needs in the same place. Now, there is a fundamental factor that is not present in large stores or online shopping: trust. Surely, we have all heard, at some point, or even had firsthand experience, of a 'reliable' seller that we keep choosing even when there are other, more comfortable options.   Trust in the retailer still exists. The challenge is to not only build it over time (something very hard nowadays, with the amount of local movement that exists) but with attention and, above all, knowledge of what is being sold. In this sense, brands that distribute their products to individual merchants can influence them exponentially as long as they know how to attend them in the sale.   3 key factors to grow and sustain as a retailer in the current pet food industry   We already know that humanization and premiumization trends are revolutionizing the industry. This is leading, mainly, to a growing interest in the function of food, which, evidently, generates an impact not only on the type of product consumed but also on the importance of how it is presented and sold.   In this sense, here we share 3 factors that can help retailers find their place in this new market:   Omnichannel opportunities   With the pandemic, traditional retailers were forced to adapt themselves or die to remain competitive in an environment that began to demand new forms of consumption and facilities, such as online shopping and collection points, contactless delivery, or even placing orders via daily use platforms such as WhatsApp. Independent pet stores must look for solutions to avoid losing customers to pure e-commerce and other larger establishments, and for this, the omnichannel strategy is a great opportunity. In addition to having physical and local space, expanding the service through other digital or consumer service strategies such as automatic replenishment, free shipping, and home delivery at convenient times can be attractive alternatives.   This approach to pet food sales is already allowing those brands that decide to work closely with their retail partners in the physical space to see an evolution in their relationships.   Education   We previously mentioned that trust is a deciding factor in why people choose their retailers, even when it is not the best fit for their habits and routines. Nowadays, we know that companies can help their favorite merchants build that trust. How? Ensuring they can effectively represent the brand.   One of the main elements of the brand-retailer-consumer relationship is making sure sellers understand what the products are about. This benefits all parties: the company (or its product lines) is represented by someone who knows its strengths, benefits, and advantages, the merchant creates the long-awaited trust with the consumer, and the consumer has his chosen person to make decisions about the pet's diet and well-being with the help of an expert.   Providing these types of sellers with easy access to marketing and educational material about a brand's star products is essential to facilitate their access to training so that they can sell not only more but also, especially, better products. Thus, the seller's advice is no longer based solely on feeling or sales but also has real foundations with verified information provided first-hand by the brands.   In this way, we can cover a very important sector of pet owners: those who are concerned and actively interested in knowing about the diet of their dog and cat children and seek to make decisions with the most accurate and scientific information possible.   Artificial intelligence   There is a lot of talk today about implementing Artificial Intelligence in businesses, but few pet retailers have included it in their businesses, and this is mainly due to a lack of knowledge about how it can help them:   Long-term cost savings   Initially, an AI tool may be more expensive to implement. However, over time, it can bring huge savings. Efficiency is a fundamental aspect of money management, and being able to face customer needs more quickly and effectively surely brings greater efficiency, both in human and financial resources. This can be seen with predictive tools for the possible necessary stock or the type of customer profile, for instance.   Content creation   One of the keys to retail businesses is creating your own community to exploit its ability to generate much more trust and closeness than large businesses and establishments. Having a presence on social networks is essential, but it is not always possible due to time, lack of resources, or knowledge. In this sense, AI is a fast and efficient solution for creating content, from creating ideas for posts on social networks to creating unique images with products for advertising campaigns or special offers. Today, an AI tool like CHAT GPT can make us a complete content calendar with specific texts and characteristics, and we will only have to make sure to give the special touch of our brand voice so that they sound authentic and really connect with our potential and customer community.   Conclusion   The retailing sector, contrary to popular belief, is not dead. There is no doubt that it must adapt to the new needs and consumption habits of pet owners. But, with perseverance and predisposition, participants will be able to carve out their own market niche if they are able to find the best way to enhance what has always differentiated them in the market: closeness and trust with consumers.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

25/06/2024

Key points of a brand ecosystem

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

The most popular definition of 'brand' is that of Philip Kotler, who indicates that it is 'a name, a term, a sign, a symbol, a design or a combination of all these elements, which identifies the manufacturer or seller of a product.' or service and that differentiates it from the competition.' Furthermore, let us keep in mind that today, a brand combines perceptions and emotions that consumers associate with the product.   Here, we could go into the details of 'branding,' where we seek to create a unique and distinctive identity for pet food (image 1). This identity is built through visual elements, such as the logo, colors, fonts, and other graphic elements.     Brand building in the pet food industry is essential to differentiate yourself in a highly competitive and constantly evolving market. The market demands innovations in ingredients, manufacturing processes, and nutritional approaches to meet pet owners changing needs and preferences.   Knowing the ecosystem leads to brand success   The term "pet food ecosystem" refers to the set of companies, organizations, and activities related to the production and marketing of pet food. This ecosystem is considered from food manufacturing to product distribution, sale, and consumption   Key elements within the pet food ecosystem
  Manufacturers that produce foods or products specifically designed for pets, such as dry foods, wet foods, snacks, supplements, and more. This link must have a solid quality system, such as physical, chemical, sensory, and microbiological controls that ensure the high quality that our food brand supports. Care in adding, particularly micro-ingredients, must be very precise to fulfill what a high-quality brand promise.
  Suppliers that supply the ingredients necessary for the manufacture of pet foods, as well as protein sources, cereals, vitamins, minerals, and additives. It is important to have certified suppliers since the uniformity of the ingredients guarantees good quality food. I have already talked about other issues about the importance of micro-nutrients or micro-ingredients (vitamins and minerals): selecting the correct forms and sources will give us stability and bioavailability in our final product. Companies that are responsible for distributing pet food to retail stores, veterinarians, and other points of sale. Work with companies that take care of product management and good condition since the latter is the image and fundamental part of our brand.
  Chain pet supply stores, supermarkets, online stores, and other places where consumers buy pet food and supplies. These warehouses must offer adequate conditions for the conservation and good condition of the products.
  Veterinarians can recommend and sell specific pet foods based on each animal's nutritional needs. Training for the veterinary community is important so that they know the value proposition of our brand and apply it for the benefit and needs of the pet.
  Pet owners who purchase and use products within the pet food ecosystem to feed and care for their animals. Pet parents play a very important role in this ecosystem because it is up to them to ensure that dogs or cats consume the correct food and in the correct amount for the pet's health and well-being. Communication with pet owners, usually through tags, should be clear and understandable to reduce potential errors.
  Companies and institutions that carry out research and new food development, nutritional formulas, and technologies related to pet feeding. This is a very broad and key area for the advancement of precision nutrition for dogs and cats because it ranges from the determination of the requirements of each nutrient, new materials proposals, nutrient optimization, and new production processes, making them more efficient and sustainable.
  Government entities and organizations that establish standards and regulations to ensure the safety and quality of pet foods. The regulatory process is basic and inevitable to give certainty to pet parents that balanced foods will not cause health problems in pets.
  Thus, the unique and distinctive identity of the balanced pet food, or brand, is built through the collaboration and participation of all elements of a pet food ecosystem. Let's remember that a brand combines perceptions and emotions, so each link in the chain has a valuable contribution that will make our product successful.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

24/06/2024

Enifer raises €36 million to introduce fungi-based solutions to the pet industry

Enifer received a capital injection of €36 million ($39M) for the construction of a facility to produce its proprietary mycoprotein PEKILO, a sustainable fungi-based protein for human and pet food applications. The factory will be located in the municipality of Kirkkonummi, 30 km from Helsinki, and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025. The annual production capacity is expected to reach 3,000 tons of mycoprotein or 500 kilograms per hour. Headquartered in the Finnish city of Espoo, the start-up states that mycoprotein is 'the missing ingredient' for a more sustainable food chain and that it aims to make it 'a cornerstone of protein supply' by opening more factories down the line.    Pet application   This recent funding will enable Enifer to enter the pet food market with its mycoprotein, which has already been approved for animal nutrition in Europe. According to Co-Founder and COO Joosu Kuivanen, the ingredient has a 'differentiating factor' from plant and insect proteins due to its amino acid composition and fungal beta-glucan properties that aid high digestibility and well-being in pets.  To expand its market reach, the company will seek regulatory approval in other geographical regions, such as the US.    'We are already planning larger production facilities that would focus exclusively on producing PEKILO® mycoprotein ingredients targeted to animal nutrition, which would enable us to lower our production costs and offer even more competitive prices,' notes Kuivanen. The ingredient, made of 60% crude protein, will be available in a shelf-stable dry and powdered form with a neutral taste for use in dry and wet dog food products. Enifer previously received a €12 million ($13M) recycling and reuse investment grant from the NextGenerationEU program by the European Union.
  Source: GlobalPETS 

21/06/2024

United Petfood enters the US market with purchase of a Wellness Pet facility in Indiana

This purchase represents a landmark moment for United Petfood as it marks the company's first manufacturing plant in the United States.
United Petfood has long been a prominent player in the pet food industry through its extensive export activities. This strategic move to establish local production in the U.S. signifies a pivotal step in solidifying its presence in this key market.   "We are excited to take our first steps into the U.S. market with the acquisition of the Mishawaka facility. This acquisition allows us to better serve our American customers with locally produced, high-quality pet food. We see tremendous opportunities for growth and collaboration and are excited about the potential for synergies between our operations across different continents', Elodie Fleury, United Petfood Vice President Americas.   Regarding the sale, Reed Howlett, CEO, Wellness Pet, said, 'We're pleased United Petfood will assume ownership of the Mishawaka facility. This will ensure a smooth transition for our team members who have been working at the facility and part of the Wellie family for many years. We are proud to have been Mishawaka community members for almost two decades.' Wellness Pet acquired a substantially larger facility in 2022 in Decatur, Arkansas which is well-suited to support the company's growth in the near and medium term."
If you want more information, visit their website HERE.
  Source: United Petfood

20/06/2024

Schenck Process FPM is Becoming Coperion

Following its September 2023 acquisition by Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) is transitioning its name and brand to Coperion. The full legal change to Coperion will be completed by August 1, 2024. Coperion is an operating company of Hillenbrand with 140 years' experience in some of the world's most critical processing industries. Schenck Process FPM has contributed an integral part to its divisions, which support processing solutions for manufacturing in polymers/performance materials, food, health & nutrition and aftermarket sales & services.   Schenck Process FPM expertise, team members, manufacturing sites, test and innovation centers, and technologies remain in place. This includes flagship brands such as RBS, Stock, Baker Perkins, Kemutec and Mucon. Customers can experience a seamless transition bolstered by more resources and broader technology capabilities available through Coperion.   'The acquisition of Schenck Process FPM in 2023 has been an essential step for the development of Coperion toward a more diversified company and an expanded footprint. With the transition of the FPM brand name under Coperion, we take the next step in our journey,' said Ulrich Bartel, President of Coperion.   'Aligning more closely with Coperion reflects a significant opportunity for us to combine our strengths and offer customers access to a broader portfolio of solutions, technologies and services,' said Matthew Craig, Vice President and General Manager, Schenck Process FPM. 'This wider range of complementary technologies and increased scale makes us even more capable of delivering value.'   The evolution to the Coperion name and brand begins with the schenckprocessfpm.com digital domain shifting to coperion.com. The company's website and emails, including those from technology brands such as Baker Perkins, will change. The new website can be found at coperion.com/fpm.   About Coperion   Coperion (www.coperion.com) is a global industry and technology leader in compounding and extrusion systems, sorting, size reduction and washing systems, feeding systems, bulk material handling and services. Coperion develops, produces, and services plants, machinery, and components for the plastics and plastics recycling industry as well as the chemical, batteries, food, pharmaceutical and minerals industries. Coperion employs more than 5,000 people in its three divisions, Polymer, Food, Health & Nutrition, and Aftermarket Sales & Service, and in its over 50 sales and service companies worldwide. Coperion is an Operating Company of Hillenbrand (NYSE: HI), a global industrial company that provides highly-engineered, mission-critical processing equipment and solutions to customers serving a wide variety of industries around the world. To learn more, visit www.Hillenbrand.com.   About Schenck Process FPM   Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) – a brand of Coperion which is part of Hillenbrand Inc., engineers cutting-edge technologies and solutions across the bulk material handling spectrum. Our teams deliver complete solutions for your real-world needs, based on deep process and engineering expertise. We specialize in precision solutions for pneumatic conveying, milling, dust collection, sifting, weighing, and feeding. Schenck Process FPM and Coperion boast a streamlined business model which enables us to deliver high-performing systems for customers in every corner of the world, supported by an extensive collection of services. coperion.com/fpm   Source: Schenck Process 

18/06/2024

CPM IDAH presents the TwinTech extruder for the Pet Food and Aqua Feed market

In March, CPM IDAH presented the clearest evidence of that collaboration at the Victam Asia 2024 show: the new TwinTech twin-corotative screw extruder. This TwinTech extruder updates IDAH's well-known twin-screw extruder with innovations and design techniques from CPM Ruiya Extrusion, along with the long-lasting gearbox and energy-efficient motor from the renowned CPM equipment.   Collaborative development   "This extruder is the result of collaboration between the CPM brands IDAH (Taiwan) and Ruiya Extrusion (China)," says Ezequiel Villar, Business Development Manager for Latin America at CPM IDAH. "We combined their knowledge of design, robustness, and profitability with our knowledge of food production to introduce a new technology."   The CPM gearbox and motor also offer real advantages in the TwinTech. 'The gearbox allows rotational speeds of up to 600 RPM, making it easier to process heavy loads and increase performance, along with a proven long service life,' says EV. TwinTech's CPM motor is a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), which offers significant advantages: "The CPM motor requires less energy," says EV. "It also reduces size and noise emission by approximately 30%." Combined, these innovations create a market-leading twin-screw extruder that delivers capacity, value, and reliability.   TwinTech details   The TwinTech extruder offers a range of new features developed by both IDAH and partner brands within CPM: Improved Gearbox technology: Powered by CPM's renowned and proven gearbox technology, the TwinTech extruder features a high-speed, heavy-duty gearbox capable of a rotational speed of up to 600 RPM. This allows for increased processing capacity and efficiency. Energy efficient design: The TwinTech extruder is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), which is highly efficient and approximately 50% smaller than traditional air-cooled motors. This motor design contributes to energy savings, reduced noise pollution (up to 30% less), and the option of water cooling to maintain the motor. Density control unit: An optional feature, the density control unit, allows TwinTech to produce different food types using the pressure inside the cutting chamber. This versatility allows manufacturers to produce a wide range of feeds with a single machine. Advanced preconditioning and cooking systems: These systems are designed to improve the cooking process by ensuring effective steam integration and retention, resulting in greater processing efficiency and product quality.   Our CPM IDAH TwinTech extruder is a guaranteed solution to increase product quality levels with lower energy and wear costs. Regionally, we see an increase in consumption and specific growth in premium food by users, which generates the responsibility of the entire chain to have efficient solutions given the limitations that our clients face with the increase in ingredient, energy, and overhead costs. But despite these challenges, high-quality products are still expected to be supplied to a very competitive market. The TwinTech extruder is a cutting-edge solution that combines the experience of IDAH and the technology and robustness of CPM, offering the pet food industry a reliable and efficient tool.   By: CPM IDAH Source: All Pet Food Magazine

14/06/2024

Catering to cats

The natural cat food and treat category has taken a positive turn as consumers focus more on their felines' distinct needs and preferences. "So many more people are catering to their cats and recognizing that they are different, not like dogs, and they have unique needs that finally are being addressed," said Diane Dewberry, owner of The Healthy Animal, a retailer in Pembroke, Mass.   The result has been a large cat-owning clientele willing to spend money to ensure their cats get quality food and nutrition, she added. "The new [customers] coming in don't care what they spend; they want the better food because their cats like it," Dewberry said.   With this desire for quality food and nutrition, consumers are turning to natural foods and treats. People's embrace of clean eating for themselves may be an influence as well. "For cats, the emphasis in the natural category tends to be on clean eating—choosing minimally processed, real foods that provide maximum nutritional benefits," said Heather (Acuff) Mendoza, director of research and development for Nulo Pet Food, a manufacturer in Austin, Texas.   Not only do consumers realize that cats need quality nutrition for their overall health, but owners also want and need foods that address their pets' most common needs, said Janet Scott, owner of Rawz Natural Pet Food, a manufacturer in York, Maine. "The current trend favors natural food options offering solutions, such as recipes high in meat, low in carbohydrates and focused on addressing specific needs," she said.   Romina Tasahuaman, store manager for Choice Pet, a retailer in Stamford, Conn., reported an uptick in sales of natural cat foods, especially those that are formulated to address special conditions such as diabetes and urinary tract issues. "When customers find natural foods and try them, and they see their cats have no issues going forward, they stick with that brand," she said.   For those less familiar with premium and natural cat foods, guidance is especially welcome. "Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the education or access to people that feed more naturally, and it can be kind of scary to switch over," said Alexandra Dameron, owner of Noah's Natural Pet Market in San Diego. "Most cat owners are told to just feed dry food and wet food as treats occasionally and so are nervous to branch out." This is where independents often set themselves apart with the education and expertise to help cat owners with questions, concerns, information and coaching. "During this age of information, retailers are faced with the challenge of delivering the right information to consumers, on the right platform, at the right time," Mendoza said. "This sets the bar high for retailer education, but when done right, will build trust and rapport with consumers."   Industry insiders noted several key training topics for retail associates. The unique nutritional needs of cats. "Cats are different than dogs and have very different nutritional needs," Dameron said. "Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they have no carbohydrate requirement. They need meat, fat, organs and bone to survive and thrive." Product knowledge. "Learn about the products. Read about the products, learn the contents, understand why we have it and what it will do for the cats," Dewberry said. Sourcing for quality. "With the many options available, along with marketing techniques, it can be a bit overwhelming for shoppers to determine which products are the best quality," said Fernando Maluf, vice president of international sales for Natoo Pet Foods, a manufacturer in São Paulo. He recommends knowing where a product is made, what ingredients are in a product and where the ingredients come from. "How and where ingredients are sourced can play a key role in the quality of the product," he added. Engaging with customers. Teaching associates what questions to ask to get more information from customers on their cats' needs and preferences is crucial to helping shoppers select appropriate diets, Dewberry said. Personal experience. "The best education … is having experience with the food or treat in question," Dameron noted. Tips for transition. "We all need to know how best to gently guide a customer to the more natural/alternative categories for their kitties while still honoring the cat's preferences," Dameron said. "We all have to be aware of the ways to start introducing new textures and flavors and the tricks you can use to help a cat want to try something new."   Texture trends & flavor preferences    Getting cats to eat new foods can be a challenge, as they have a reputation of being finicky for good reason. This is where Dewberry finds sampling to be very helpful. "Texture is a big thing," she said. "Some cats are imprinted on certain textures or smells. We always sample, which is good when companies offer them." Dry foods remain a best-seller. These diets offer a convenience consumers appreciate.   For those looking for a natural, grain-free, single-protein dry food option, Rawz Natural Pet Food is introducing Limited Rabbit Recipe for Cats this month. The kibble is made with real rabbit, contains marine microalgae oil (algal oil) and features a freeze-dried raw rabbit coating, Scott said, adding that it is free of eggs, potato, corn, rendered fat, dairy, wheat, soy and canola oil. Limited Rabbit Recipe for Cats "is made with easily digestible ingredients and is a great solution for cats with food sensitivities," she noted.   Canned diets have been a feline food staple for decades, and they are very popular in the natural market, with pâté, minced, shredded and stews ranked as top textures, industry experts agreed. At Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla., in March, Nulo launched a line of 10 natural, high-meat canned cat food formulas. Featuring diversified textures, the new diets include fine minces, regular minces and flakes. Proteins include chicken, beef, duck, lamb, quail egg, salmon, tuna, crab and prawn, and the canned diets contain organ meats and broth. "Pâtés have been the classic canned food format for decades, but with recent advantages in processing technology, the ability to innovate in this category is almost limitless," Mendoza said. "This line is focused on providing high animal-based protein, flavorful broths, and functional ingredients like pumpkin and inulin to support gut health."   Raw and freeze-dried fare are gaining attention in the natural pet food market, retailers said, and many independents reported that they encourage customers to feed these foods. "While frozen raw food is the absolute best way to feed your kitty, some cats won't take to the texture," Dameron said. "Softer freeze-dried and air-dried are becoming more popular for cats, and we are helping educate around why these foods are better than traditional kibbles for cats. "We also are seeing freeze-dried and air-dried treats being extremely popular," she added.   For shoppers ready to make the switch to raw, Dewberry uses freeze-dried foods and treats as an effective bridge. "Most cats can't go straight from dry to raw, and it takes cats time," she said. "We always try to slowly transition them from dry to the freeze-dried, then canned and then raw." While customers are less reserved about spending money on quality cat foods, some retailers have found rising prices are affecting raw purchases. The market for raw cat food and treats has certainly grown, Tasahuaman said, but "price increases have made it harder for some to keep feeding raw. Many use raw as a topper or a treat because of the expense."   Toppers in general are gaining popularity as a simple way to add more natural nutrition into any cat's diet, insiders said. This September, Natoo plans to unveil meal toppers for cats in Chicken & Sweet Potato and Salmon & Sweet Potato flavors. The single-protein treats are similar to a wet food, with shreds of chicken or chunks of fish in a broth, and they contain no byproducts, preservatives, or artificial colors or flavors. "Perfect for cats of all ages and sizes, they can be enjoyed alone or mixed with dry food for added nutrition," Maluf said. "Made with limited ingredients, they're easily digestible and great for pets with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Plus, they are rich in folic acid, biotin, antioxidants and fiber, and are fortified with essential vitamins A, B12 and D3."   In addition to texture, flavors and palatability are key considerations. Chicken and fish remain the most common and popular proteins in cat food and treats, according to insiders. "Our poultry- and fish-based formulas tend to be our Nulo fan favorites and top-selling proteins for cats," Mendoza said. "We're also seeing increased interest in red meat options, such as beef and lamb."   For owners who prefer feeding a rotational diet, more products are now available in a variety of flavors and proteins, Scott said, such as turkey, duck, rabbit and pork. Offering lots of protein options can be beneficial to cats, Dameron noted. "We encourage a lot of variety as it helps to prevent the stereotypical 'picky' cat, so we encourage customers to explore more novel proteins and diversify their cats' foods and treats," Dameron said. "If you understand your cat is a predator and carnivore, you can focus on the ways they play and hunt to determine what they might like. Red meats if they are a ground hunter and poultry if they like to fly through the air."   Source: Pet Product News

12/06/2024

Next-generation foods: Microbiome, nutrition, animal health and wellbeing

By Juan Gómez Basauri, Ph.D.

The Microbiome
  With this interest, the term 'microbiome' may be confusing, particularly to a person who is not a trained microbiologist. For instance, one reference may tell us that the microbiome is the complete set of microbiota (microorganisms, bacteria, fungi), its genes, and the metabolites they produce in the microenvironment in which they reside (habitat) either inside or on the body of an organism (e.g. the intestinal tract, the mouth, the skin, the reproductive system) and sometimes the term microbiome and microbiota are used interchangeably though they are different.
One way to grasp the term microbiome is by using a sports analogy. Imagine a football stadium filled with fans from diverse backgrounds and origins. Similarly, the gut microbiome (the football stadium) consists of a diverse population of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and more. What's more, each fan in the stadium has their own unique characteristics and preferences, as do the different microorganisms present in the gut microbiome.
We can expand this analogy further. Inside the football stadium (the gut microbiome), fans communicate and interact with each other and with the players during the game. Similarly, the microorganisms in the microbiome communicate and interact with each other and with the host (human, dog, or cat) through chemical signals and interactions.
This communication results in a strong association between the microbiome and the health of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs such as the brain, liver, skin, and others. And just as a successful football team requires a balance between offense and defense, the microbiome relies on a delicate balance of its microorganisms to maintain health. In contrast, an imbalance or unprepared team can lead to poor performance on the field, and a disruption of the balance in the gastrointestinal tract known as dysbiosis, can lead to health problems for the host.
While there are numerous factors that influence the composition of the microbiome (e.g. host genetics, age, environment), diet plays a fundamental role in the growth and function of certain microorganisms so they can thrive in their respective niches. Nutritional intervention through diet provides a daily opportunity to enhance the health of the microbiome and ultimately the health of the host. Studies show that phyla in the gut microbiome and the composition of bacteria and microorganisms respond predictably to dietary changes – high protein diets, and different types of fiber, to mention a few - in both humans and "healthy" dogs and cats.
It is not only important to know the specific phyla and strains, but also their functionality: what types of metabolic processes take place and what metabolites are generated. Metabolites that have been extensively discussed and researched are short-chain fatty acids, butyric, propionic, and acetic acids. It's important to note that the composition of the microbiota in the intestinal tract is unique to every person, and every dog, cat, and even human also has a unique microbiota profile.
What's next: New generation of foods
For some time now, customized and personalized food has been thought of as a way to tailor dietary recommendations and optimize food choices according to an individual's unique physiological needs for health and wellbeing.
What we already know about the microbiome gives us the starting point for truly personalized nutrition. We should be able to develop personalized food with the desired nutritional outcomes for specific cases and conditions. A study of an individual's microbiome can provide insights into its unique microbial profile and provide personalized dietary recommendations to modulate the gut microbiome to improve and enhance digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
Modulating the gut microbiome to enhance wellbeing may seem like a tall order but discovering the secrets that the microbiome holds is key to a long and healthy life not only for our companion animals but also for us humans.   By: Juan Gómez-Basauri
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

10/06/2024

Zoomark and Nomisma shine the light on the non-food pet market

The early highlights of the research conducted by Nomisma for Zoomark on Italian pet owners' shopping habits have just been released. They reveal key trends in the non-food segment, which has consistently expanded in recent years and includes supplements, anti-parasite products, accessories, toys, hygiene products and cat litter.   The data presented at the press conference organised to launch Zoomark 2025 – 21st international trade show for pet food and pet care, scheduled for May 5th-7th 2025 at BolognaFiere – are the first step in a broader partnership between Zoomark and Nomisma. This collaboration will develop over the coming months as part of a programme to identify the trends, opinions, habits and behaviours of Italian pet owners.   'The activities that form our two-year strategy with Zoomark allow us to make a tangible contribution to the Italian non-food pet segment for the first time', explained Mattia Barchetti, Head of Market Intelligence at Nomisma. 'The research results provide a cross-section of current and future trends regarding pet owners' purchasing behaviour and preferences, vital information that will help the sector's top Italian and foreign businesses to define their sales strategies.'   The pet market keeps on growing   The pet market continued to grow globally in 2022, everywhere from the USA to Europe and Asia. Worldwide pet owners are increasingly attentive to caring for their cats, dogs and other animals, choosing both food and non-food products with their wellbeing in mind and treating them as members of the family. Italy is outpacing the USA, China and Europe when it comes to overall expenditure on pets, with a total growth in the pet sector of almost 20% compared to the previous year. Non-food accounted for approximately 43% of the total expenditure.   Total spending on pets approaching €7 billion     Italian families spend €6.8 billion every year on caring for their animals and ensuring their wellbeing. Of this, 57% goes on food and 26% on veterinary medical expenses. This leaves 17% of pet expenditure dedicated to accessories, and particularly five main categories: supplements and anti-parasite products, cat litter, accessories (home and comfort, dog harnesses, leashes, collars, and clothing), hygiene and grooming products, and toys.     Spending on pets as a proportion of Italian families' outgoings has grown consistently in recent years, and particularly after Covid, with an overall increase of 35 bps between 2018 and 2022, leading to significant effects on the pet supply chain. Previews of the Nomisma research show that 52% of respondents reported spending the majority of their monthly expenditure on their dog. When pet owners with more than one animal were included, however, cats were the most frequently cited on this measurement.   Italian pet owners: identikit and lifestyle   Nomisma's research for Zoomark builds an identikit of the typical Italian pet owner: on average, owners are over 45 years old (47% of survey participants) and belong to a family with children (43% of the panel). In addition, almost 90% of pet parents live in a house with an outdoor space, i.e. with at least a balcony or garden.     The analysis also identifies pet owners' various lifestyle types: One in five (19%) define their lifestyle as 'Conscientious', seeking balance between their private life and work, which includes their pets. This is followed by those with a busy 'Urban' lifestyle (10% of respondents) – people who live at a frenetic pace and attend city social and cultural events – and the 'Global and Curious' (also 10%), open-minded citizens with a strong interest in culture and the world. Another 10% defined themselves as having a 'Sustainable' lifestyle, focused on seeking environmentally friendly solutions in all areas of their life. Close behind on the list are the consumers (9% of respondents) who identify as 'Digital', with a passion for technology and online purchases, and another 9% who define their lifestyle as 'Active', i.e. they exercise regularly and follow a balanced diet. Anti-parasite products, home accessories, and hygiene and grooming products were the most frequently purchased products last year, accounting for over 60% of sales. Pet owners continue to have specialised physical shops as their preferred purchasing channel, but online is becoming increasingly more important, particularly for certain product categories. The products with a predicted increase in average spend over the next two to three years include cat litter, anti-parasite and electronic equipment.   'We know how much the food sector is a driving force in the pet economy. Nonetheless, the novelty revealed by the latest trends in the non-food segment tells us about how the market is evolving' - underlines Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager of Zoomark - 'In the wake of this significant growth, we started the partnership with Nomisma with the aim of analysing the trends and purchasing habits of Italian pet owners; Zoomark's intent remains to offer its exhibitors and visitors the essential tools to increase their business opportunities, and we believe that the first data collected by Nomisma are the right starting point for interesting conversations that we will develop in the 2025 edition."   Source: Zoomark

10/06/2024

Pet food ingredients and environmental sustainability

Most pet diets are made with a lot of meat. In fact, if American dogs and cats were their own country, they would rank 5th in global meat consumption.2 Due to the significant environmental impact that raising meat has, it is important for pet owners and brands to factor in how different pet food options impact the environment when selecting or creating a pet product.   Wet versus dry   A study performed by Brazilian researchers investigated ingredients found in different kinds of pet food (wet, dry, homemade) and estimated the environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water usage. The researchers found that wet diets have the highest environmental impact for both dogs and cats, followed by homemade diets, with dry diets having the lowest environmental impact.3 This is because wet diets utilize more animal ingredients, and diets high in animal ingredients have correspondingly large environmental footprints. The researchers also noted that most of the diets included in the study provided protein and fat in excess of what  dogs and cats require, which is likely due to the amount of animal ingredients used in these diets.3 Thus, it is important to select and formulate pet food with appropriate nutrient levels for environmental purposes while minimizing environmental impact.   Alternative proteins   Since traditionally raised animal ingredients have a significant environmental impact, there is a lot of interest in alternative proteins. In general, producing these protein ingredients requires less land and water, which reduces their environmental impact. For instance, plant-based protein sources have been used in pet food for years, and there are several therapeutic canine diets in the market for dogs with food sensitivities that do not contain animal proteins. Insect proteins like crickets and black soldier fly larvae are nutritionally dense and sustainable and have been gaining traction. Cultured meat and fermentation proteins offer other exciting new frontiers for creating proteins that can be utilized in the food supply. Cultured meat takes cells from, for example, beef or chicken and grows more meat via cell cultures instead of raising more cattle or chicken. Fermentation proteins utilize microorganisms' fermentation abilities to produce proteins that then can be used in diets. These alternative proteins are exciting new environmentally friendly options, but they are also novel ingredients that we have less knowledge about than traditional animal meats. It is recommended that food companies thoroughly analyze these ingredients and perform canine and feline feeding studies to utilize them in products responsibly. Consumers should also look for brands with dedicated resources to ensure their products are healthy for their pets. Regenerative agriculture   For environmentally conscious pet owners and brands that still want to utilize animal proteins, thinking outside of typical commercial agriculture may be the way to go. Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health, which is important for mitigating climate change because soil can store carbon.4 Healthy soil is the largest store of terrestrial carbon, whereas poorly managed soil and unsustainable agricultural practices will lead to carbon being released into the atmosphere.4,5 Some strategies that regenerative agriculture implement include planting crops with 'no-till' and incorporating cover crops to minimize the disturbance of the soil.4,5 Animal agriculture can also be regenerative using 'adaptive grazing', which involves moving pastured animals through smaller sections of the overall land instead of always occupying the same space when housed in feed lots. This allows grazed land adequate rest and recovery, recycling of nutrients, and improves animal welfare since the animals have more space to move and exhibit natural behaviors.4,5   There are numerous options for pet owners to choose from, and brands do their best to appeal to the pet owners. Since we and our pets all share one Earth, the environmental impact of the pet diets should always be an important factor when producing or selecting a product. Whether it is proper formulation, utilizing or researching novel ingredients, BSM Partners can help create pet diets that are healthy for the pet and the world they live in.   Source: BSM Partners.   Resources American Pet Products Association. American Pet Products Association Industry Trends and Stats. Published online 2024. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats Okin GS. Environmental impacts of food consumption by dogs and cats. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(8):e0181301. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0181301 Pedrinelli V, Teixeira FA, Queiroz MR, Brunetto MA. Environmental impact of diets for dogs and cats. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):18510. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-22631-0 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Noble Research Institute. What is Regenerative Agriculture?

07/06/2024

The new era for pet food brands

By María Candelaria Carbajo

But innovation, by itself, leads nowhere. We need to do it with knowledge and data-based and, to do so, understanding the main current trends and changing forces is essential to encourage sustained and effective development. Part of that knowledge will come from improving relationships between companies' retailers and consumers.   On the other hand, we must also take into account that the global economy is encountering a series of challenges that bring global instability both at an economic and productive level and mean that the problems on the inflation front are not over yet. When a crisis occurs across an entire industry, we need to focus and join forces because one consumer's trust (or lack thereof) can impact many more and spread to very negative impacts.   However, despite knowing the need to invest in finding these new alternatives, losing sight of motivation amid needs and everyday demands can be easy. In these cases, it is important to remember that most of the time, urgent does not mean high importance. Instead, focusing on those relevant matters in the medium and long term can be much more significant.
It is precisely in these cases that we must join forces and find new paths together.   3 key trends to pay attention to E-commerce E-commerce and direct-to-consumer models have been booming since the pandemic boomed, but their role is currently transforming. Today, they are creating opportunities for innovative and niche pet food brands to reach a broader audience while online platforms make it possible to educate consumers about their offerings and the benefits of their products.   Lower budgets Pet food consumers are increasingly tending not only to reduce but also to plan and budget the expenses related to their pets. They remain very loyal to the products they choose but with less willingness to spend. By understanding these consumer behaviors, brands can allocate their resources appropriately, adjust strategies, and seek out key partners.   Collaboration and co-participation When there were crises in the industry, such as the recall of certain contaminated foods, collaboration was what held brands. Furthermore, we know that crisis can mean opportunity. These events have driven the industry to have better and new standards. Since these changes, manufacturers have implemented and received improvements to track ingredients throughout the supply chain, protecting pet health and helping to restore consumer trust. In turn, it has forced all parties to advocate for better communication.
 
On the other hand, although there is a strong increase in pet owners who are increasingly aware, there is still a large number of consumers who see pet food as a true mystery. In these cases, purchasing decisions are motivated by emotions. Co-participation and collaboration are essential to educate because, when misinformation is spread, consumers do not know what to believe.   Conclusion   The pet food industry is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by innovation that answers both pet owners' desires and the Earth's needs and the market. The most advanced countries are already blazing a trail that combines modern technology, sustainability, and a deep understanding of animal welfare. As the bond between humans and their pets deepens, the search for healthier, more sustainable, and technologically advanced pet food options will continue to drive the industry.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

06/06/2024

Additives in pet food

The term 'additive' can be applied to a range of ingredients that manufacturers add to the basic ingredients that are at the heart of pet food. These minor ingredients include mainly essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, but also flavours, colours and agents to prevent harmful spoilage of the pet food due to fats going rancid or through bacterial contamination. Vitamins and minerals are presented in the factsheet 'Nutritional needs of Cats and Dogs'.   Preservatives   Pet food safety is of critical importance. Preservatives may be added, largely depending upon the type of pet food product and processing, to ensure that food products remain nutritious and safe for consumption throughout their shelf life. The food must be protected from bacterial or mould contamination and spoilage, further it must be protected from degradation and the loss of nutrients during storage. The method of preservation used depends on the type of food because the way of processing also contributes to the food integrity and shelf life: Dry pet food: The manufacturing process kills microbes and the low moisture content helps to inhibit the growth of most organisms. Moist pet food: The heat applied in cooking of canned or pouch pet food kill microbes and the packaging excludes air, protecting the food. Chilled pet food: Processed chilled pet food has undergone a controlled thermal process and this, together with refrigeration during storage helps suppress spoilage. Semi-moist pet food: This generally has a low pH and contain humectants that bind water to the product, making it less available for use by invading organisms.   Antioxidants   Antioxidants are used to protect pet food from deterioration due to oxidation. All pet food has some fat and/or oil content and these should be stabilised by including antioxidants to prevent fats from reacting with oxygen in the air (oxidising) and food becoming rancid which leads to losses in nutritional quality. The inclusion of antioxidants helps to maintain wholesomeness and quality of the food. Antioxidants are incorporated into dry and semi-moist pet food to protect them from exposure to oxygen after processing. Antioxidant preservatives that might be included in dry pet food include: a variety of herbal or plant extracts including: vitamin E (tocopherols), vitamin C (ascorbates) or manmade antioxidants, which have been used in various human food for many years.   Colouring agents   Colouring agents may be added to pet food to enhance the appearance of the food. These include a range of naturally occurring food colours, food dyes or mineral based colours.   Emulsifiers and stabilisers   Emulsifiers help keeping the fat in the food and prevent the water from separating. Gums and lecithin are used to prevent separation of ingredients and to create the gravy or gel in canned, pouch and other moist pet food. Food gums include seaweed extracts and seed gums such as guar gum (from the guar plant).   Flavours   Flavours are used to enhance the palatability in some pet food and to provide product variation. Much of the appeal of prepared pet food to the dog or cat stems from the choice of raw materials, such as fish, meat, vegetables or cereals. As with food for humans, the cooking process often increases the palatability of pet food. Some flavours may be added to some pet food and these can be natural flavours such as extracts from fish or poultry, or agents designed to mirror natural flavours.   Gut flora stabilisers   Gut flora stabilisers such as live micro-organisms can be added to pet food and have a positive effect on the gut microbiota. These live micro-organisms, classified as zootechnical feed additives by the European authorities and commonly known as 'probiotics', can be a good alternative to reduce the use of antibiotics in animals and more specifically in pets.   Source: FEDIAF.

04/06/2024

Manufacturers need partners who support them in understanding the Pet Food ecosystem

A supplier needs to understand its customers' reality to help them face daily difficulties and build a promising future. Challenges within our market can be found not only in the external environment (customers, pets, distributors, etc.) but also in the factories and, if you look deeper, inside the kibbles. Through services and shared knowledge, suppliers can contribute to the applicability of their solutions and evaluation mechanisms to make the most of their use.   Pet food producers do not need to have 100% of their needs met by their efforts. Suppliers that have been established in the market for a long time and are committed to the development of the pet food ecosystem have a lot to offer you. Production and application consultancy, analysis of physicochemical parameters of kibbles, additive utilization rates, and comparisons of the characteristics of your products versus your competitors are some examples of support services that Symrise Pet Food can offer you. You also need to have a thorough understanding of the expectations of owners and their pets, as well as the evolution of technologies and the market. This is not done by a stroke of luck but through an absolute knowledge of what constitutes this ecosystem.   Understanding pets and owners   Pets and their owners are a fascinating topic to study; That is why we have a series of tools and services that allow us to know them in depth to provide you with a unique holistic approach, which considers the vision and opinion of the owners and the preferences and behaviors of the pets.   On the one hand, having a clear voice from pets can be challenging. In fact, many decisions are made through the voices of our pets, after all, they are the real consumers. Imagine if the responses of dogs and cats were compromised in some way… Brands could go in very wrong directions.   Then, it is essential to have reliable, statistically robust responses aligned with animal ethics policies that guarantee excellent living conditions for pets. That's why you've probably encountered our Panelis team (our expert measurement center), whether at our facilities, conferences around the world, or in your office. They are the ones to help you make reliable, pet-based decisions, in addition to being one of our most visible commitments to the generation and transfer of knowledge for the construction of a promising future for our ecosystem.   Listening to what pets have to say is essential, but matching the voices of pet owners with pets is state-of-the-art. How do pet owners interpret their pets' satisfaction? What is the evidence for pets' pleasure in eating? The interaction of the actors in our ecosystem must interpret and answer both questions to ensure that this much-needed bond of care and affection between pets and owners is strengthened. Specific methodologies focused on pets and owners, such as the 'Liking Test' study protocol and in-home panel studies, are clear examples of tools to capture the interaction of pets and their owners. When we talk about the feasibility of listening to the voices of pet parents, challenges become even bigger. Options in many markets are more than limited and often inaccessible, whether due to budget restrictions, the quality of responders, or reactivity.   An increasingly digital environment has allowed new tools to be created and used to benefit our market. Symrise Pet Food acquired Yummypets in 2017 to complement our Panelis service by enlarging our comprehensive view with pet owners' insights. This tool now owns 7 proprietary pet owners' panels in 7 countries. This allows us to capture, analyze, and deliver insights into pet owners' expectations and buying habits/behaviors. Evaluating new claims, investigating the acceptability of new product positions, or even evaluating new packaging is becoming simpler and more accessible.   Proudly, standing by your side   Living together and sharing successes and failures in the same place is the most effective way to build a true partnership. Ever since our origins, we have made it clear that our goal would be to maintain a commercial relationship based on the local markets, following our motto 'the closer, the better,' come what may, and most importantly, without intermediaries that add time and demand unnecessary efforts.   At Symrise Pet Food, we put at your service an unparalleled industrial structure as well as an agile and reliable supply chain so that you can count on a constant and on-time supply. We oversee searching for and having the best suppliers nearby to provide products characterized by unmatched freshness. The same one that pets, and their owners adore. Thanks to our local experts, we can help you navigate the pet food market ocean by providing you with the most recent insights and informing you before anyone else about the trends yet to come. Have you ever wondered how your brand interacts with its direct competition? We can help you understand if your efforts for unique positioning are being appreciated by the market or if some small adjustments need to be made.   Finally, if you have questions about the kibble or the production process and don't know who can help you, we are here to work with you. The good thing about having our support is that you have experts by your side who know the process from end to end and better yet, who know all the aspects of kibble formulation and how they can impact the acceptance by our furry friends. Environmental safety & sustainability   Today, pet parents are more aware than ever of how pet food is made and how it impacts the environment. Symrise Pet Food understands this approach because it was born out of a desire to value side streams and make the most of local raw materials. That's also what led us to develop a unique tool: the Eco-Design matrix. It is responsible for measuring the environmental impacts of SPF products throughout their life cycle, from our suppliers' factory to the delivery to our customers.   We also extended our approach to our factories and processes: in 2019, we began to build all our plants following sustainable guidelines. Today, we are proud of our plants in Colombia, Brazil, and China that were built under LEED certification standards for the construction of green buildings. In our remaining 29 plants, we work every day to adapt them to current standards: effluent treatment systems, gas control, and optimization of energy use, among others. If you are eager to apply sustainable standards like these in your plant, we'll be happy to share with you all of our knowledge and best practices about it.   In the current context, we need companies committed to developing long-lasting, reliable, and forward-looking relationships that allow us to accompany the development of the pet food industry. Our comprehensive understanding of the market ecosystem is what enables us to provide our partners with the best solutions to meet the market expectations. Beyond our products, sharing this knowledge is most of all, a key part of the support we bring to pet food manufacturers, helping them reach common objectives: to improve pets' well-being, enhance owner satisfaction, and nurture their bond.   By; Symrise Pet Food. 
Source: All Pet Food Magazine. 

04/06/2024

Sustainability: How Pet Food Utilizes Animal Co-products of Human Food

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), many naturally derived food commodities produce primary products such as muscle meats as well as secondary products such as heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and gizzards. Secondary products (by-products) are often used in animal feed like pet food.1 Many popular resources available to pet parents advise against the feeding of pet foods containing animal by-products; however, the addition of animal by-products or 'co-products' can be palatable additions to pet foods.2 In addition, animal by-products can be a healthy and sustainable source of essential nutrients for dogs and cats.3
Sustainability   Commercial pet food production is highly related to livestock production as well as the human food industry.4 The use of animal co-products in pet foods is not only palatable and nutritious but also environmentally sustainable.5 Animal co-products used in pet food may include liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, tripe, plasma, and bone6 By utilizing animal co-products, the pet food industry can reduce the environmental effects of human food production by utilizing inedible meat, which is defined as adulterated, uninspected, or not intended for use as human food (9 CFR § 301.2),1 and poultry and fish co-products that would otherwise be disposed of.7   Palatability and Nutrition   The inclusion of animal co-products is one method some pet food companies use to improve the palatability of a dog or cat diet. As raw ingredients are difficult to handle and store in some pet food manufacturing facilities, many pet food companies opt to use rendered co-products in a meal form instead.1 In a study evaluating the palatability of poultry by-product meal in a dog diet, it was observed that the diet had an appealing appearance and smell to pet parents and was readily accepted by dogs without hesitation.8 Another study evaluating the palatability of dog diets containing chicken in fresh, dried, and meal form showed that diets with chicken meal and by-product meal were preferred compared to diets with fresh and dried chicken.9 The inclusion of animal co-products like meat meal is an effective way to include essential nutrients in a pet's diet without negatively affecting digestibility or fecal quality.10-12 In addition, rendered co-products are valuable to the pet food industry as they are nutrient-dense and considered affordable in relation to their nutrient value.13   Although many popular resources available to pet parents advise against it the addition of animal co-products in pet foods is a nutritious and palatable source of protein for companies and consumers who value sustainability.   By: Ada-Miette Thomas. Source: BSM Partners.   References Association of American Feed Control Officials. 2024. Byproducts. AAFCO. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/byproducts/#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20animal,not%20exclusively)%20for%20animal%20consumption. Corbin, J.E. 1992. Inedible meat, poultry and fish by-products in pet foods. In Inedible Meat by-Products. (pp. 329-347). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. Mora, L., Toldrá-Reig, F., Reig, M., Toldrá, F. 2019. Possible uses of processed slaughter byproducts. In Sustainable Meat Production and Processing. (pp. 145-160). Swanson, K.S., Carter, R.A., Yount, T.P., Aretz, J., Buff, P.R. 2013. Nutritional sustainability of pet foods. Adv. Nutr. 4(2):141-150. Mosna, D., Bottani, E., Vignali, G., Montanari, R. 2021. Environmental benefits of pet food obtained as a result of the valorisation of meat fraction derived from packaged food waste. Waste Manage. 125:132-144. Walsh, C. 2014. The use of animal by-products. EBLEX: Stoneleigh Park, UK, 1-73. Watson, P.E., Thomas, D.G., Bermingham, E.N., Schreurs, N.M., Parker, M.E. 2023. Drivers of palatability for cats and dogs - What it means for pet food development. Anim. 13(7):1134. Karthikeyan, N., Singh, R.P., Johri, T.S., Tanwar, V.K. 2002. Nutritional quality and palatability of pet food from poultry by-product meal. Indian J. Anim. Sci. 72(5). Shields, C.J., Rozzi, N.L., Aldrich, C.G., Talavera, M.J. 2023. Chicken proteins in dog food Effects of different chicken protein sources on palatability in dry adult dog food. Front. Anim. Sci. 4:1292658. Abd El-Wahab, A., Chuppava, B., Zeiger, A.L., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2022a. Nutrient digestibility and fecal quality in beagle dogs fed meat and bone meal added to dry food. Vet. Sci. 9(4):164. Abd El-Wahab, A., Zeiger, A.L., Chuppava, B., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2022b. Effects of poultry by-products inclusion in dry food on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality in beagle dogs. PLoS One. 17(11):e0276398. Chuppava, B., Siebert, D.C., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J., Abd El-Wahab, A. 2023. Impact of animal by-products on diet digestibility and fecal quality in beagle dogs. Life. 13(3):850. Meeker, D.L., Meisinger, J.L. 2015. COMPANION ANIMALS SYMPOSIUM: Rendered ingredients significantly influence sustainability, quality, and safety of pet food. J. Anim. Sci. 93(3):835-847.

31/05/2024

Canine oral health & insect-based pet food

About the study   Eight beagle dogs were fed a black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal-based extruded diet over a period of 50 days, in a cross-over study. The black soldier fly diet was compared to a control diet with a similar nutrient and ingredient composition but based on poultry by-product meal (PBP), for the same 50-day period.
Samples of the dogs' dental plaque were taken before and at the end of each period. VSC-producing bacteria were counted, saliva was subjected to microbiota evaluation, and bad breath was assessed using an odour intensity scale.   The study was conducted by the Federal University of Paraiba in 2023. The black soldier fly larvae meal used was ProteinX® from Protix, composing 29.5% of the diet. Overall improved oral health with black soldier fly larvae meal
1. Reduction of VSC-producing bacteria ProteinX realised a 7% reduction in VSC-producing bacteria in the dental plaque. This outcome is particularly notable, since these bacteria would typically increase with regular food consumption with no dental prophylaxis. The results show that food with ProteinX actually reversed the bacterial growth pattern from an expected increase to a decrease. VSC-producing bacteria are responsible for bad breath and dental and gum disease.     2. An increase in beneficial bacteria ProteinX seems to modulate saliva microbiota, increasing the abundance of Moraxella bacteria, according to the metagenomic analysis (using 16s rRNA gene sequencing). This group of bacteria is considered a marker of oral health and beneficial for the oral microbiome.     3. Breath evaluation The dogs' breath was evaluated after 50 days of consuming the test diet (PBP and BSFL) by a blind panel composed of four subjects using an organoleptic intensity scale5. Dogs presented a trend of a lower score for bad breath (odour intensity scale) when fed a black soldier fly larvae diet, and a significative higher frequency of score 1 (barely noticeable odour), indicating that dogs had breath improvement, probably able to be detected by owners.     ProteinX ProteinX contains components with antimicrobial properties that are able to disrupt the bacterial cell envelope and its homeostasis, leading to bacterial death. The components are antimicrobial peptides (AMP), such as cecropins, coprisin, defensins, cathelicidin and insect AMP-complexes; fatty acids (especially lauric acid) and polysaccharides, such as chitin6.   Mechanism of action of AMPs The anionic molecules in the membranes of bacteria attract cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Unlike bacteria, the cytoplasmic membrane of mammalian (host) cells with a neutral net charge has no or a weak interaction with cationic AMPs, meaning the host's cells are barely affected (figure 3).     If you want more information, visit the website HERE.   Source: Protix.   References: 1 OLSÉN, L.; BRISSMAN, A.; WIMAN, S.; ERIKSSON, F.; KAJ, C.; BRUNIUS ENLUND, K. Improved oral health and adaptation to treatment in dogs using manual or ultrasonic toothbrush or textile of nylon or microfiber for active dental home care. Animals, v. 11, n. 9, p. 2481, 2021 2 HENNET, P.; DELILLE, B.; DAVOT, J. L. Oral malodor in dogs: measurement using a sulfide monitor. Journal of veterinary dentistry, v. 12, n. 3, p. 101-103, 1995 3 ALLAKER, R. P. Investigations into the micro-ecology of oral malodour in man and companion animals. Journal of Breath Research, v. 4, n. 1, p. 017103, 2009. 4 Neto, E. S., Cardoso, R. K. N., Santos, L. A. T. A., Sampaio, F. C., Santos, E. M., Restan, W. A. Z., ... & Loureiro, B. A. (2023). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal based extruded diets: potential to improve canine oral health. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed,1(aop), 1-13. 5 Greenman, J. et al., 2004. Study on the organoleptic intensity scale for measuring oral malodor. Journal of Dental Research 83: 81-85. https://doi.org/10.1177/1544059104083 00116 6 Veldkamp, T., Dong, L., Paul, A., & Govers, C. C. F. M. (2022). Bioactive properties of insect products for monogastric animals–a review. Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 8(9), 1027-1040. 7 Geitani, R., Moubareck, C. A., Xu, Z., Karam Sarkis, D., & Touqui, L. (2020). Expression and roles of antimicrobial peptides in innate defense of airway mucosa: potential implication in cystic fibrosis. Frontiers in immunology, 11, 1198.

30/05/2024

Mars announces partnership with Tripadvisor, connecting today's pet parents with better travel experiences

Mars Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, confectionery, snacking and food and the maker of some of the world's most-loved brands, has today announced a partnership with Tripadvisor*, the world's largest travel guidance platform, kicking off in the U.S. market with plans for future global expansion. Through a new co-branded digital hub, consumers will be inspired by and connected to pet-friendly communities across Tripadvisor's platform, while businesses will be encouraged to realize the cultural, well-being and financial benefits of becoming pet-friendly. Despite 73% of U.S. Tripadvisor users owning pets2, less than 1%3 of Tripadvisor's U.S. restaurants are currently listed as pet-friendly, demonstrating a huge need for more pet-friendly businesses.   The collaboration furthers the broader Mars Petcare Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, and the CESAR® brand's commitment to making the world a more dog-friendly place, by improving the experience of traveling with pets at every step of the journey. It's the result of a significant investment from Mars to accelerate the digital transformation of its pet nutrition business to meet the needs of the increasingly "always-connected" pet parent.   'At Mars, we're dedicated to becoming the most digitally enabled, pet parent-centric organization, which means collaborating with innovators like Tripadvisor to transform the pet parent experience,' says Natalia Ball, Global Chief Growth Officer of Mars Pet Nutrition. 'This partnership cements our commitment to supporting pet parent communities, using our unmatched expertise, knowledge and relationship with over 400 million pets and their pet parents who purchase our products every year.'   Shaping the future of pet-friendly travel   Travel remains a highly researched topic for today's pet owner – in the U.S., 'pet travel' is searched on Google over 19 million times annually4, yet it remains one of the biggest pain points. The same data found pet parents only take a vacation "once every few years" or less because of pets and 33% of pet parents have actually altered travel plans because of difficulty traveling with them. In addition, of the 746,000 U.S. restaurants on Tripadvisor, only 5,000 – less than 1% – are listed as pet friendly.   The partnership serves to help bridge this gap, using digital technology to connect consumers with pet-friendly options, helping to guarantee a better travel experience for pets, their parents and the businesses that want to support them. Partnership features include: A new consumer hub, available online or through Tripadvisor's mobile app, offering a one-stop resource for pet-friendly travel. Specifically: City guides developed in partnership with CESAR®, featuring pet-friendly travel tips and attractions in BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™-certified U.S. cities, including Miami, Austin, Nashville, Phoenix and Palm Springs, with plans to expand globally. An enhanced AI Trip Builder for users to build a pet-friendly trip in minutes with a personalized itinerary guided by traveler tips and reviews. A hub for businesses to discover the benefits of welcoming pets, including how to become pet friendly on Tripadvisor, how to accommodate pets, and how to ensure consumers know that they can visit with their animal companion. The launch of a new coveted Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Award category, Pet-Friendly Hotels, with Hotel Fioreze Quero Quero in Brazil named the world's most pet-friendly, and Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale in Florida taking the title in the U.S.   'We know our travelers love their pets and are looking for hotel and restaurant recommendations to make sure they can enjoy every part of their adventure together,' says Christine Maguire, Global Vice President of Sales & Partnerships, Tripadvisor. 'Through this partnership, we're streamlining the journey for those who want to bring their pet along, helping them create lifelong memories – while encouraging and supporting the growth of pet-friendly businesses.'   The CESAR® brand – which believes that the best life is a shared life – made a commitment in 2022 to make the world a dog-friendly place, so that people and their pets can always be together. Today marks a huge milestone in delivering this commitment, by partnering with Tripadvisor on the launch of the new Traveler's Choice Pet-Friendly Hotel award category for 2024. The top pet-friendly hotel in the world was named Hotel Fioreze Quero Quero in Brazil, which boasts over two acres of open space for pet parents and their four-legged friends to explore. The No. 1 pet-friendly hotel in the U.S. is the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale in Florida, which allows pets on every floor and in the outdoor garden sitting area.   If you want more information, visit the website HERE.   Source: Mars.

29/05/2024

The interview - Sonia Franck

How can you describe your role in the Pet Food Industry?   Since joining the pet food industry as Secretary General of FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood, I have recognised the value of my experience in the pharmaceutical industry and the number of useful links. Fundamentally, both industries share a common goal of promoting health and well-being. The pet food industry is a dynamic sector that continuously strives to meet the evolving nutritional needs and preferences of our pets. Staying abreast of scientific research, safety, market trends and consumer demands is something to which I am accustomed. The expertise I gained in the pharmaceutical sector will support my contribution to the ongoing efforts to ensure that Europe's 340 million pets receive nutritious and safe pet food.   I must also note that personally, I have always been passionate about rescuing pets and am committed to advocating for pet welfare. My move to the pet food industry has not been a surprise to my former colleagues and friends! I have now aligned my career with my experience and passion for pet welfare. I am truly excited about the value I can bring to the European Pet Food Industry.   How would you describe your job as Secretary General of IML Innovative Medicines in Luxembourg?   I am extremely proud of my work at IML, the voice of the private research-based pharmaceutical industry active in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Through IML's representation of 64 global companies, the association encourages therapeutic innovation in medicines for human use. Here I played a key role in transforming the association. We worked hard to develop and introduce a new five-year strategy; we restructured its management and diversified revenue streams. My primary objective at IML was to enhance the industry's visibility and have a positive impact on public health. This is one of the many key experiences, which I know will help shape and bring value to my work in the pet food industry.   How did you receive your new role as General Secretary at FEDIAF?   Although I have only been in my role at FEDIAF for one month (at the time of writing this interview!), I am already enjoying being immersed in a busy team. In fact, one aspect that particularly excites me is the opportunity to lead, build and guide a small team of dedicated colleagues in Brussels. To remind your readership, our team looks after the needs of our membership, which includes 15 European national pet food associations, together with five pet food manufacturers operating in Europe. We estimate that this equates to around 150 pet food companies (200 plants) across Europe, producing 10.5 million tonnes of pet food. This is a big responsibility for our team and one that I am embracing as the new Secretary General.   What do you think are the main challenges in this position?   My main challenge will be to support the team and deliver the 'asks' outlined in our Manifesto and three pillars. Here we highlight our challenges and objectives. Our first pillar is to ensure the supply of nutritious products across Europe. We will continue to collaborate with authorities, regulators, and academics to ensure our members are able to continue in their supply of safe, nutritious, and palatable products. We will work closely with experts to update our Nutritional Guidelines, and Labelling Code, and also bring new, expert-written factsheets on a wide range of nutrition topics.   Our second pillar is to promote the benefits of pet interaction and responsible pet ownership. We highlight the key role of nutrition in pet welfare. This year, we have welcomed the proposed animal welfare legislation and will continue to monitor its progress. A key focus of our work is to contribute to the Pet Alliance Europe, our collaboration with AnimalhealthEurope, FECAVA and FVE where our combined voices are stronger in the promotion of pet welfare messages. This year we will also be promoting the wealth of scientific research proving the benefits of pets in terms of human health.   Thirdly, we are committed to sustainability from farm to bowl - the responsible use of resources and minimising our environmental impact. Therefore, we are monitoring various environmental developments at the EU and a national level. We are actively working on the packaging and packaging waste regulation proposal, and we continue to promote the importance of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology for the pet food sector, especially in the context of discussion on green claims. This methodology is key to a harmonised framework and supporting consumers.   How do you see the pet food industry nowadays?   The European pet food industry is critical to the health and well-being of Europe's 340 million pets. There are around 127 million cats, 104 million dogs, 53 million birds, 29 million small mammals, 22 million aquaria and 11 million terraria, to be precise! As the number of pets grows, so does our Industry. Annual sales of pet food products are around 29.1 billion euros, and this is a growth of 5.1%. In volume terms, the pet food market has also grown 3.5% and is currently 10.5 million tonnes. You can read more about European data in our Facts & Figures report.   And what do you think is the most important problem to be addressed this year?   With my arrival coinciding with the EU elections, I recognised that there would be challenging files to tackle. The dynamic landscape of the European Union presents a host of complex issues that require thorough analysis and diligent work. However, I am eager to take on these challenges, leveraging my experience and expertise to contribute to the advancement of the pet food industry and the well-being of pets. I will continue to advocate for its interests amid evolving regulatory and political environments.   It will be an exciting year!   For more information, please visit www.europeanpetfood.org or contact [email protected]   Source: All Pet Food Magazine. 

24/05/2024

ZOOMARK 2025 - A landmark event for the global pet market

The countdown to Zoomark has begun!   Exactly one year to its 21st edition, the global pet food and pet care trade show – scheduled for May 5th-7th 2025 at BolognaFiere – was officially presented to international media and companies. The press conference – hosted by Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager at Zoomark, Pascale Sonvico, Show Office and Sales Manager at Zoomark, with the participation of guest speakers Giorgio Massoni, President of Assalco and Mattia Barchetti, Head of Market Intelligence at Nomisma – revealed all the latest news about the event as well as market insights. Giving the promising results achieved with our Rebooking and Early Bird campaigns, Zoomark 2025 is shaping up to be a success, with over 50% of exhibition spaces already snapped up.   'Zoomark, with its winning combination of culture and business, has always been an essential event for the pet market', noted Pascale Sonvico, Show Office and Sales Manager at Zoomark. 'We are grateful to the exhibitors and visitors who have cemented our success over the years, turning Zoomark into an unmissable occasion for the entire industry, eagerly anticipated by companies all over the world and increasingly important from a strategic perspective. Now Zoomark becomes even more ambitious in its aims and targets, or, as the new slogan says, Bigger and Bolder. Our goal is to involve each company, each retailer and other pet professional to create a memorable event. 2023 was a record-breaking year, with over 68,000 m2 of exhibition space, 1,060 exhibitors and an incredible 28,000 visitors.'   Zoomark 2025 will be the hub of the future. 'We want to provide an exclusive platform for all brands around the globe, creating new business opportunities while forecasting market trends and shining a light on topics such as sustainability, the concept of One Health, and tailor-made products, which are so popular with Gen Z', Sonvico continued. 'At Zoomark 2025 we will provide visibility to what is relevant today, but we will also look further ahead and offer space to the future-forward topics within our dedicated areas."   Pet tech is a fast-growing and crisis-proof trend, and with this in mind, Zoomark has decided to build the Next 5.0 area for the future of the pet market, innovation and cutting-edge technology: a space dedicated to start-ups and more established businesses that offer high-tech solutions in fields like pet health and security. Meanwhile, Zoomark's brand-new project Factory will put the spotlight on all businesses in the manufacturing supply chain (suppliers of raw and semifinished materials, equipment, packaging and services to the industry and to distributors), which plays an increasingly central role in meeting the needs of a growing market.   For the first time, Zoomark 2025 will also highlight excellence in the world of pet fashion, design and beauty through the launch of Atelier, a premium space for top buyers, brands and businesses. Two beloved and long-standing projects will return to Zoomark 2025: Pet Vision (the new products showcase) that in 2023 displayed around 500 novelties, serving as a compass for distributors and retailers seeking future trends, and Aqua Project for businesses in the aquarium and terrarium sector, which will host meetings and seminars as well as exhibition space. And the new features at Zoomark certainly do not end there! As Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager at Zoomark, pointed out, this constantly evolving, always up-to-date event is increasingly global in its outlook.   'Zoomark provides a bridge between Europe and the rest of the pet world', Bersanetti noted. 'In 2023, Zoomark welcomed exhibitors from 57 different countries and 62% of visitors from abroad, including high-profile players from every continent. In 2025, we will further increase the number of buyers from key locations, and particularly emerging markets, offering businesses with stands at the event real growth opportunities. To this end, we have already launched our new promotional campaign, with significant marketing efforts in advertising, in both print and digital media, across the world. The additional support provided by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) for Zoomark's programme to attract external businesses has been crucial, helping us to meet our targets.'   Other new, highly anticipated projects are also quickly taking shape, including the strengthening of major international partnerships. One such venture is the agreement reached recently with Pet Fair South East Asia, where Zoomark will be coordinating the Italian businesses in the Italy Pavilion.   In a little over a month, on June 26th-28th 2024, Zoomark will bring its Pet Pavilion to the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre in the city's Futian district for Marca China, a dynamic event for private labels, e-commerce and large-scale retail. Zoomark's exclusive area dedicated to the pet sector will provide numerous Italian and international pet-related companies with preferential access to the Chinese market.   The centrepiece of the press conference in Nuremberg was the announcement of some of the most significant data emerging from the 2024 Assalco-Zoomark Report. The report revealed that, despite tricky conditions, the Italian pet economy has now reached significant heights, reinforcing Zoomark's position as a key event for global players interested in the Italian market. Giorgio Massoni, President of Assalco, gave a summary of insights in the Italian pet food and pet care sector and the outlook for the months ahead: 'The pet food market is proving to be resilient, confirming the attention that owners give to their pets, their life companions'.   The final item on the agenda was a preview of some of the highlights from a new piece of research conducted by Nomisma for Zoomark, which aims to provide a snapshot of the accessories sector by identifying current trends and the opinions, behaviour and purchasing habits of Italian pet owners.   'Nomisma has honed an innovative approach through its new partnership with BolognaFiere, seeking to analyse and study the trends in a market segment that is increasingly important for the pet sector, responsible for around 20% of overall revenue, which is non-food.', revealed Mattia Barchetti, Head of Market Intelligence at Nomisma. The data presented at Interzoo 2024 on Italian pet owners' shopping habits paints a clear picture of a segment that has shown continuous growth in recent years. 'This survey is only the first step in a larger project, which will continue to develop as Zoomark 2025 approaches', Barchetti concluded.   'Zoomark is one of BolognaFiere's most prized events. It has accompanied the growth in the pet industry for over 20 years, interpreting the needs of the market and anticipating future trends. The active partnership between Zoomark and Interzoo and the fact they are held in alternate years makes them both unmissable events in Europe for the global pet food and pet care industry. As a result of the growth in animal food and wellbeing products in modern mass retail, in June we will take our Pet Pavillion to Shenzhen as part of Marca China – another global BolognaFiere event dedicated to the private label market', stated Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere, officially starting the countdown to the event. 'We are sure that businesses wishing to enter the Chinese market will grab this new opportunity with both hands'.   Source: Zoomark. 

24/05/2024

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Astrid Bosse at Interzoo 2024

At the Interzoo 2024 event, held in Nuremberg, Germany, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Astrid Bosse, JRS´s Scientific Advisor and Nutritionist. During the interview, Dr. Bosse shared valuable insights regarding the job JRS is doing in the pet food industry and its positive impact on pet health.   Dr. Bosse highlighted how JRS is dedicated to improve animal nutrition through high-quality fiber ingredients that promotes pets well-being.         About the company:   JRS was established in 1878 in southern Germany and, today, has become a global leader in sustainable and functional plant fiber technology.
With more than 3,500 employees in over 90 locations worldwide, they're a reliable technology and systems partner for a wide range of industries.   For more than 60 years, they've been pioneers in the manufacture of high-quality fiber ingredients for pets. The experience and dedication have made JRS a global expert in natural, healthy and sustainable animal nutrition solutions. The production of high quality, nutritious ingredients is carried out under controlled conditions, ensuring complete product integrity and traceability. This allows pet food manufacturers to have full confidence in the quality and safety of the ingredients.   JRS Petfood offers options for all pet food categories, benefiting pets at all stages of their lives and improving the pet food production process. JRS ingredients are scientifically proven and their team of experts is always ready to collaborate with customers to analyze problems and develop customized fiber solutions. These ingredients not only bring added value to pets, but also to pet food manufacturers, ensuring optimal and sustainable nutrition.   We invite you to learn more on their minisite or visit the website HERE.   Source: All Pet Food.

22/05/2024

New Symrise CEO Parisot looks optimistic into 2024 at the Annual General Meeting

'I feel delighted to speak at the Symrise Annual General Meeting for the first time as the Group's CEO,' said Dr. Jean-Yves Parisot. 'We offer our shareholders good opportunities for successful business development, also amid ongoing global uncertainties. Our diversified portfolio, our high level of innovation and our global positioning contribute significantly to this. Our pioneering role in sustainability represents a further key to our success. We want to continue intensifying our efforts in this area until we have achieved net-zero status at all levels by 2045.'
In his presentation to the nearly 350 shareholders present, the new CEO started with a look at the 2023 fiscal year. The year turned out a successful one also with its geopolitical uncertainties. It produced stable organic sales growth of just under eight percent. Both divisions (Taste, Nutrition & Health as well as Scent & Care) recorded significant growth.   In his outlook for the 2024 fiscal year, Parisot stated that Symrise feels confident that it will be able to continue along this successful course. In the first quarter of 2024, the Group managed to increase sales by just under 11% compared with the first quarter of 2023. Overall, Symrise is aiming for organic growth of between five and seven percent this year. This would place the company at a faster growth rate than its respective market. To increase profitability, the company has also launched an efficiency program worth EUR 50 million.   Voting results available online   After the presentation of the business figures, the agenda continued to cover the agenda items up for vote. They included the following topics: - Appropriation of the accumulated profit for the 2023 fiscal year
- Resolution to discharge the members of the Executive and of the Supervisory Board for the 2023 fiscal year
- Appointment of the financial and other auditors
- Approval of the Remuneration Report
- Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation to enable virtual Annual General Meetings and on the arrangements for the participation of Supervisory Board Members
- Removal of the existing Authorized Capital and the creation of a new Authorized Capital
- Removal of the existing authorization to issue bonds and to create a new conditional capital   The shareholders approved all items on the agenda with a large majority. The detailed voting results are available for download at https://www.symrise.com/investors/annual-general-meeting/   About Symrise:   Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic active ingredients and raw materials, as well as functional ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food.   Its sales of approximately € 4.7 billion in the 2023 fiscal year make Symrise a leading global provider. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented in more than 100 locations 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…   Source: Symrise.

21/05/2024

KSE commissions new container shuttle system for premix production

We are talking with Dennis van Lankeren, Business Unit Manager ALFRA, and Bas Versluis , Head of Sales at KSE. Bas: ''The ALFRA Automatic Container Transfer (ACT) consists of a modular portfolio based on containers that provides process flexibility and minimal contamination. The system uses container shuttles (CS) to transfer products and components without contamination. The WP addition clarifies that in addition to internal transfer, the system has also integrated dosing and weighing.''   Lower building height and higher silos   Transfer by way of containers is not new for ALFRA, but combining this with dosing and weighing is. Dennis adds: ''Until recently, when silos were located at the top of the plant with a dosing installation, it was necessary to place a scale underneath to dump the correct amount into the movable container. With the CS-WP system, ''moving'', ''dosing'' and ''weighing'' have been added to its functionalities. This means an extra weighing system, that would require extra height, can be eliminated. In other words: the plant can be constructed with a lower building height or the new available height can be used to build higher and larger silos."   Carriers and macros   In the premix production process, the CS-WP system is suitable for larger components, such as carriers and macros. Because of the drop height between the silo outlets and the scale, it is not possible with this solution to dose small quantities, such as micro components, with sufficient accuracy. These can be prepared compactly on another dosing unit that works in parallel to be picked up by the container and transferred along with the large components to, for example, the mixer. This means the full batch remains in the same container during the entire process.   The customer's choice for choosing the CS-WP solution   The customer in the U.S. opted for the CS-WP solution because of their urgent requirement to optimally utilize the available space in their existing facility. Integrating the system in their plant allowed them to save valuable height that would otherwise be taken up by a conventional weighing system. This resulted in height savings of approximately 4-5 meters.  The fact that the CS-WP system guarantees a low contamination value was also a reason for the customer to buy this system.   The other customer in Spain, who is in the feed additives industry, installed the CS-WP solution also because of the specific requirements regarding contamination control. By using the CS-WP, macro ingredients can now be safely transferred to three different mixing lines.   Alternative solutions in the market   Dennis explains that several alternatives were considered by both customers. One alternative involved a traditional pneumatic transfer system, but this solution turned out to be disadvantageous because of hygiene issues and high energy consumption. The second alternative involved a container concept based on AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicle), which however, is complex to pair with several parallel production lines within a plant. In the end, KSE's CS-WP concept proved to be the most suitable and integratable, and resulted in maintaining the desired compact building height.   Intensive development process   The development process of the CS-WP involved some challenging design issues, including balancing the setup. With a footprint of approximately 1.5 meters x 1.5 meters and a height of 5.0 to 6.0 meters, this resulted in a column four times as tall as it is wide. This created a potential toppling hazard, especially when the system moved with weight on top. To prevent this, rollover safeguards were installed.   The system's dust extraction proved to be another puzzle. Customers who purchase an ACT system usually do so because of the need for a clean work environment with minimal contamination hazard. However, when dust escapes at the open joints during movement, this requirement is not met. In addition, because of accuracy, the extraction must not affect the weighing signal during the dosing process.   After extensive consultation and advice with suppliers, several concepts have been worked out, hereby coordinating mechanics, electrical and software. There are not two available variants: one where the dust collected from the filters goes back into the product, which can result in minor contamination, but ensures that all the product is moved along during the process. There is also a variant in which the dust extraction is taken as waste to an external discharge location without contamination, but thus resulting in waste. The choice between these two variants depends on the customer's requirements.   Application   Bas concludes, ''This KSE concept finds its application mainly in the premix and pet food industry. For application in the compound feed industry, the system is generally too small and relatively expensive.'' Bas adds that the customers mentioned in this article wish to remain anonymous for the time being, but that field results will be available soon.   Source: KSE Process Technology.

21/05/2024

Spray-dried plasma: Nutritional value and its effects in pet food processing (Part 2 and 3)

The high protein content of SDAP is also accompanied by an adequate composition of essential amino acids. For dogs, the most limiting amino acid in SDAP is methionine, like other animal ingredients. As the graphic in Table 1 shows, SDAP is high in protein and has an adequate amino acid score (EAA). The EAA is calculated by the concentration of a particular essential amino acid within the protein of the ingredient and divided by the concentration of the same amino acid relative to the protein recommendation for the species. This is a measure to identify the relative concentration of each amino acid in the protein source to classify it as limiting or not in the ingredient or diet. Values above 1.0 for the amino acid score indicate that the amino acid is in adequate concentration in the protein source. Table 1 shows the amino acid composition of some commonly used dry feed ingredients, with the EAAs of the main limiting amino acids in each.   Table 1: Amino acid composition of protein sources used in dog and cat foods.     FEDIAF - Table of nutritional recommendations for adult dogs and cats in maintenance; SDAP – spray dried plasma; PM – Poultry Meal; MBM – Meat and Bone Meal; EP – Egg Powder; SB – Soy Bean; SPC – Soy Protein Concentrate; CG – Corn Gluten; WG – Wheat Gluten.   Due to the spray-dry processing, plasma maintains its high solubility, which positively affects its digestibility characteristics and processing effects. The digestibility coefficients of this ingredient for dogs and cats have not yet been determined, but its effects when included in pet food on dietary digestibility have been demonstrated.   Quigley et al. (2004) conducted 3 experiments in dogs, with the inclusion of up to 3% of SDAP in the animals' diets, and compared with a negative control treatment. These authors found consistent results in increased apparent dry matter (DM) digestibility in all trials and increased crude protein digestibility in two studies. Similar results were found by Rodriguéz et al. (2016) using wet cat diets containing 3% SDAP or 3% wheat gluten (WG) as binders. These authors found increased digestibility of DM in animals that consumed the diet with SDAP.   Recently, we also included 1% or 2% SDAP in dog diets, and its effects on digestibility coefficients were determined. As shown in Figure 1, there was a gradual increase in the digestibility of organic matter and crude protein as the inclusion of SDAP increased.   Figure 1: Digestibility coefficients of organic matter and Crude Protein in dogs fed diets containing 1% or 2% Spray-dried Animal Plasma (SDAP).   The protein portion of plasma, which corresponds to 80% of the ingredient is mainly composed of albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and coagulation proteins (Aldrich, 2012), which are preserved by the spray-drying process while maintaining their solubility (Patel et al., 2009). Due to this, SDAP has important functional properties in wet food processing in the form of pâté or chunks in sauces as an emulsifying and binding agent (Aldrich, 2012), playing a similar role to hydrocolloids.   Hydrocolloids represent a diverse group of long-chain polymers that form gels by thickening, emulsifying, coating, and stabilizing food components (Li and Nie, 2016). Although SDAP is not classified as a hydrocolloid, it has very similar properties and is widely used in wet food for this purpose. In Brazil, many wet food products contain SDAP in the composition, associated or not with other agents such as xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan gum, modified starch, wheat gluten, soy protein, and whey protein, which have similar functionalities in the process.   Wet food is mainly formulated with by-products from the meat industry, with high protein and lipid content and high moisture content (70-85%). To avoid phase separation and promote better texturization and homogenization, gelling and emulsifying agents are used (Dainton et al., 2021). In a study comparing the technological properties of binders commonly used in wet food in the form of chunks in sauce or loaf, Polo et al. (2006) found that the inclusion of SDAP at concentrations of 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively, increased the breaking strength and reduced water loss relative to wheat gluten. In another study by these same authors (Polo et al., 2013), the inclusion of 2.0% SDAP was compared with 2%, 4%, or 6% of wheat gluten, and similar results were verified, with 2.5 times increase in the food's breaking strength and an improvement in juiciness due to an increase in the absorption of water from the sauce in contact with the food, of approximately 20%.   Due to its high-water retention capacity, when included in high concentration in the diet, the SDAP gives hardness to the pâté, as can be seen in the Figure below, when compared to WG at the same concentration.   Figure 2: Photo of pâté produced with SDAP (left) or Wheat Gluten (right), at the same inclusion (Polo et al., 2013).   These properties, such as increased digestibility, especially of DM and CP, contribute to the reduction of excreted fecal volume and, when added to its emulsifying properties and as a binder, make SDAP a potential replacement ingredient for hydrocolloids, which have been associated with negative effects on fecal digestibility and quality (Craig, 21; Harper and Siever-Kelly, 1997; Karr-Lilienthal et. al, 2002) as well as inducing intestinal inflammation and gastric ulcerations, which have been described in rats, mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs ingesting hydrocolloids such as carrageenan gum or carboxymethyl cellulose (Martino et al., 2017; Wu et al., 2017).   Conclusion   Nowadays, the SDAP has been widely used in wet food due to its emulsifying, binding, and texturizing properties, with the objective of improving the presentation of food and adding to the nutritional composition, different from the additives commonly used for this purpose. Additionally, in dry food, this ingredient has demonstrated that, even at low inclusions in the formulations, it promotes significant increases in diet digestibility. In addition to the properties mentioned above, SDAP has some functional properties, especially prebiotic and immunomodulatory effects, which will be discussed in the next edition.   By: Ricardo Souza Vasconcellos, Lucas Bem Fiuza Henriquéz, Patrick Lourenço dos Santos. Source: All Pet Food Magazine.    References Aldrich, G. Plasma thermoplastic gel with pet health benefits. Accessado em: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/articles/4545-plasma-thermoplastic-gel-with-pet-health-benefits. (December-21-2012) Craig, J.M. Additives in pet food: are they safe? J Small Animal Practice 2021, 62, 8, 624–635. Dainton, A.N., Dogan, H., Aldrich, C.G. The effects of select hydrocolloids on the processing of pâté‐style canned pet food. Foods 2021, 10, 10. FEDIAF – The European Pet food Industry Federation. Nutritional Guidelines for complete and complementary foods for dogs and cats. FEDIAF press, Bruxeles, Belgium, 2017, p.49. Harper, E. J.; Siever-Kelly, C. The effect of fibre on nutrient availability in cats of different ages. In: Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia. Eds J. L. Corbett, M. Choct, J. V. Nolan and J. B. Rowe. University of New England, Armidale. 1997, p.110-116. Karr-Lilienthal, L.K.; Merchen, N.R.; Grieshop, C.M.; Smeets-Peeters, M.J.; Fahey, G.C. Selected gelling agents in canned dog food affect nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of ileal cannulated dogs. Arch. Tierernahr. 2002, 56, 141–153. Li, J.M., Nie, S.P. The functional and nutritional aspects of hydrocolloids in foods. Food Hydrocolloids 2016, 53, 46–61. Martino, J. V., Van Limbergen, J. & Cahill, L. E. The role of carrageenan and carboxymethylcellulose in the development of intestinal inflammation. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2017, 5, 96. Patel, R.P., Patel, M.P., Suthar, A.M. Spray drying technology: an overview. Indian J Sci Technol 2009, 2, 10. Polo, J., Rodríguez, C. Improving the juiciness of pet food chunks and pouches with plasma. Petfood Industry. 2013. October, 36-40. Polo, J., Rodríguez, C., Saborido, N., Ródenas, J. Functional properties of spray-dried animal plasma in canned pet food. Anim Feed Sci Tech 2005, 122 ,3–4, 331–343. Quigley, J.D., Campbell, J.M., Polo, J., Russell, L.E. Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on intake and apparent digestibility in dogs. J Anim Sci 2004, 82,1685-1692. Rodríguez, C., Saborido, N., Ródenas, J., Polo, J. Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on food intake and apparent nutrient digestibility by cats when added to a wet pet food recipe. Anim Feed Sci Tech 2016, 216, 243–250. Wu, Y., Pan, L., Tian, Q., Piao, X. Comparative digestibility of energy and ileal amino acids in yeast extract and spray-dried porcine plasma fed to pigs. Archives of Anim Nutr 2018, 72, 1, 76–84.

20/05/2024

Carbohydrates in dog and cat food

What are dietary carbohydrates?   Carbohydrates ('carbs') are a group of compounds with a common biochemical structure based on carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). Carbohydrates enclose sugars, starches and dietary fibres. The simplest molecules within carbohydrates are sugars (monosaccharides and disaccharides). Longer chains and structures made of those sugars are complex carbohydrates like starches (polysaccharides) and dietary fibres (oligo and polysaccharides). Sugars and starches are called digestible carbohydrates.       What is the main purpose of digestible carbohydrates in pet foods?   Digestible carbohydrates are a direct source of glucose, an important source of energy for the body, and the main one for some tissues like the brain and red blood cells. When carbohydrate supply is limited, glucose can also be synthesised from proteins and other compounds.   Dogs and cats have the digestive enzymes necessary to break down digestible carbohydrates into sugar units, which can be absorbed in the small bowel. An exception is milk sugar, lactose, which is not adequately digested in adulthood by majority of dogs and cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset.   Starch also has important technological properties for dry kibble manufacturing, since its gelatinization is a crucial part of the extrusion process. (link to how pet food is made factsheets)   Please find more information here:
FEDIAF Expert Review – Carbohydrates   What about fibre?   Dogs and cats do not have the enzymes capable to break the linkages between sugars in fibre; therefore, fibre cannot serve as a direct source of glucose or energy to the animal. However, once fibre reaches the large intestine, it is fermented by the microbiota (mainly bacteria and yeasts) to provide energy to bacteria and large intestinal cells. The degree of fermentability varies depending on the fibre type.   Fibre has several benefits to pets. Some fermentable fibres known as prebiotic fibres promote the growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota which can help reduce harmful bacteria colonization. The fermentation products of fibre are beneficial to large intestinal cells. Non fermentable fibre promotes regular bowel movements and regulates faecal consistency. Moreover, since fibre provides almost no calories to the dog and cat, it can be used to deliver bulk and satiation for pets prone to weight gain. Most pet foods use ingredients to provide a mixture of fermentable and non-fermentable fibres, offering the benefits of both fibre types.         What are the main sources of carbohydrates in pet food?   The common starch sources in pet foods are cereals ('grains'), legumes and root vegetables. Starch needs to be well cooked to be properly digested and to prevent intestinal upset. Fibre is provided by ingredients such as whole grains, purified cellulose, beet or chicory pulp, psyllium seeds, fruit and vegetable fibres, inulin and FOS (fructooligosaccharides).   Benefits of carbohydrates in pet food   Although not an essential nutrient, digestible carbohydrates provide an easy to use source of energy and glucose, which allows for the formulation of moderate fat diets and help with formulation of low-calorie diets to help manage weight problems. It also helps to spare the use of animal protein, which is a limited resource in pet nutrition and is associated with increased carbon footprint. Dietary fibre is not an essential nutrient either, but it has multiple benefits, such as promotion of a healthy intestinal microbiota, adequate intestinal transit, and satiation.   The main fibre and carbohydrates sources included in pet food also provide important essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. The optimal digestible carbohydrate and fibre intake is going to vary from pet to pet. Please consult with your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist to choose the best diet for your pet.   Are carbohydrates reported on the pet food label?   EU law determines the mandatory minimal nutritional information on the pet food label, listed under the heading 'analytical constituents' as grams per 100 grams of food as fed (%). This includes protein (or crude protein), fat (or crude fat), inorganic matter (or crude ash) and crude fibre; but does not include digestible carbohydrates. The crude fibre value on the label is the result of chemical analysis which underestimates the total dietary fibre content of the diet; the fibre content in the product is typically higher than reported.
For more detailed information about the carbohydrate content of a specific pet food, contact the manufacturer.     For more information, visit FEDIAF HERE.   Source: FEDIAF. 

17/05/2024

Exclusive Inside Look: Highlights from Record-Breaking Interzoo 2024

Organized by WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services, the event attracted approximately 37,000 trade visitors from 140 countries, marking a 32% increase compared to the previous event. Additionally, around 2,150 exhibitors from 68 countries showcased the latest innovations in products and services for dogs, cats, fish, small mammals, terrarium animals, and more.   Gordon Bonnet, Managing Director of WZF and ZZF (German Pet Trade & Industry Association and honorary sponsor), expressed his satisfaction with the results: "For many exhibitors and trade visitors, Interzoo is the highlight of the business year. We are delighted to have met and exceeded the high expectations of exhibitors. The continued high internationality of 85% of exhibitors and over 74% of visitors underscores Interzoo's status as the world's number one industry platform."   Norbert Holthenrich, President of ZZF, also highlighted the event's success: "Interzoo 2024 was an enormous success for market participants in the international pet supplies industry. The exhibiting companies set new standards in terms of product quality and stand design, and we were pleased to see how many exhibitors placed the needs of animals at the center of their new products."   Innovation and Trends: The Heart of the Supporting Program   Interzoo 2024 not only stood out for the large number of participants but also for its focus on innovation and industry trends. "Both the German and the global pet market developed positively last year. Global growth of 6 per cent to more than 182 billion euros in sales last year is impressive proof of the economic strength of the pet industry. This market development was reflected in the form of innovative products at Interzoo 2024," says Dr Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibition at Interzoo organizer WZF.   The solutions of the future were presented and discussed in 36 short presentations on the Fresh Ideas Stage. "The Fresh Ideas Area with its bar area and networking lounge, which was significantly larger than in 2022, was very popular on all days of the trade fair and is firmly established as an ideas hub for the pet industry," says a delighted Dr Arzt. Next to over 70 innovative companies and start-ups at the community stands "International Start-up Area" and "Young Innovators", the Fresh Ideas Stage was the venue for the second Interzoo Fresh Ideas Contest on Friday, 10 May, which awards prizes for the best innovative ideas. First place went to Petnow inc from South Korea, which has developed a facial recognition system for pets based on biometric data, second place to Pawr with a purely plant-based dry dog food and third place to Allkokos GmbH, a manufacturer of small mammal litter made from coconut flakes.   Exclusive Interview with Dr. Rowena Artz
  In our exclusive interview with Dr. Rowena Artz, available as a video, she shared insights into the organization and success of the event. She highlighted the excellent teamwork and the record attendance and exhibitors achieved in 2024. Dr. Artz also discussed the conferences and the experts selected, including the fourth edition of a conference on sustainability, and other sessions on innovation and social media. Comparing this edition to the previous one, she noted that Interzoo 2024 was the largest since its inception, with a notable increase in the number of exhibitors stands and participating countries. Looking ahead, Dr. Artz emphasized the commitment to continue growing and offering new opportunities for startups, with a particular focus on sustainability.     Future Prospects   Interzoo 2024 not only broke records but also set the stage for future developments. The next edition, scheduled for May 12 to 15, 2026, promises to remain a key event in the pet supplies industry. For more details on the innovations and trends presented, visit the Interzoo Academy website HERE.   Source: All Pet Food. 

17/05/2024

Environmental Sustainability

In today's world, protecting the environment and sustainability is a critical priority, and the practice of rendering can provide a solution to help. Rendering is a powerful process to reclaim and reuse animal agriculture resources responsibly, reduce food waste, and find important uses for meat co-products (also called by-products). Rendering uses these leftover materials from animal processing and recycles them for new applications instead of discarding them. Products such as fat, bones, and other animal materials can be reused instead of contributing to waste.   Rendering has a (hugely) positive environmental impact and is one of the most sustainable practices we, as a community, can support to improve our carbon footprint, reduce food waste, and return clean water to the environment's natural waterways. It's an often-overlooked industry that equips the entire food processing chain to use food materials more responsibly and sustainably. By reclaiming meat leftovers and including them in other products, such as animal feed, pet food, and renewable biofuels, rendering prevents waste and makes our resources go further for critical needs.   How Resilient Rendering Works   Because many people consider unused animal co-products or by-products inedible (i.e., meat from the animal that we choose not to eat), these leftovers often end up in landfills. Resilient rendering 'recycles' those co-products into valuable items like pet food and biofuel. Rendering's reduced carbon footprint is a result of using sustainable processing methods. Resilient rendering expands our uses for leftover food products produced from animal agriculture and helps us conserve resources while decreasing food waste across the production chain.   Environmental Impacts of Rendering   Rendering delivers essential benefits for increased sustainability. Products developed from rendered material follow strict safety standards to provide high-quality products from sustainable materials. Some reasons rendering makes a positive impact on the environment include: Environmental protection: Rendering helps protect the environment with lower greenhouse gas emissions than other disposal methods, decreased energy and water consumption, and more efficient processing technologies. Water reclamation: Rendering reclaims billions of gallons of water that would otherwise be wasted or contaminated. Water reclamation rendering methods improve water quality, naturally releasing water back into the environment through evaporation or returning it to streams and rivers according to federal, state, and local water standards. Food waste prevention: Reclaiming meat leftovers that would otherwise be discarded decreases our food production footprint. It also reduces waste piling up in landfillsas we reuse those co-products instead. Sustainable products: Renderers reclaim and recycle items such as used cooking oil and rendered protein ingredients for renewable diesel, animal feed, pet food, and many other products. Discover How NARA Works for Sustainability   The North American Renderers Association (NARA) represents independent renderers and meat processors across the United States and Canada. Their members also include those who support renderers with equipment and services or broker and buy processed rendered products.   NARA's mission is to represent the interests of the rendering industry in the political realm, provide resources for industry members and educate the public on the vital work renderers do. They offer a wide range of services and prioritize listening to their members' feedback. Learning about their evolving needs, they strive to provide the support and resources they require most. Also, they're committed to being the voice of the rendering industry to local and national government officials.   As a non-profit, NARA is committed to supporting the industry and furthering environmental sustainability efforts in the best way we can. They support those in the rendering industry with trusted resources to help them manage regulatory compliance, optimize rendering processes and promote meat science and technology awareness.   NARA advocates on behalf of renderers and aims to spread the word about the rendering industry's vital role in helping to protect and preserve environmental sustainability. They focus on providing innovative solutions for reclaiming meat leftovers and consistently reducing food waste.   If you'd like to learn more about NARA, click HERE.   Source: NARA.

15/05/2024

Connection and trust: Revolutionizing brands in the pet food world

By Iván Franco

This shift in thinking leads us to evaluate the key elements in building a brand, from product innovation to social responsibility, which combine to forge a cohesive and resonant brand identity. In this text, we address these topics by highlighting the impact of each element on customer loyalty and satisfaction.   Real connections are brand essence   Creating a successful brand in the pet food industry means establishing a genuine connection with pet owners. This involves going beyond the product to speak directly to the hearts of consumers, addressing their values, needs, and desires. A comprehensive approach, which ranges from discovering a brand's mission to implementing effective communication and loyalty strategies, is the path to lasting loyalty. For example, let's look at some leading multinational brand experts in connecting with pet owners.   Technological innovation is the key to the future   In a rapidly saturated market, technological innovation is crucial. On the other hand, developing innovative products that anticipate trends and meet pet owners' expectations is essential to maintain our brand relevance. This ranges from specialized or improved formulas to sustainable practices, as well as the use of technology as a marketing claim, which generates trust and enriches the product experience. Today, there are successful brands that 'sell' technology implicitly and explicitly, particularly in premium foods.   Digitization cannot wait in the data era   Digital technology has redefined how we interact, and for pet food brands, it is an invaluable tool to increase and make the connection with pet owners ubiquitous. Personalizing the shopping experience and customer service through digital solutions can completely transform brand perception.   Sustainability and social responsibility are values ​​that permeate   Today, sustainability and social responsibility are not just good practices. These are already expectations consumers have, especially the youngest ones. Brands that demonstrate a real, transparent, and honest commitment to these values ​​not only earn the respect of pet owners but also their loyalty by resonating with their personal principles. An example of social responsibility is carried out by some leading brands by helping abandoned dog communities and donating food to their shelter network.   Empower the business by measuring and analyzing data   In our journey to connect with pet owners, we cannot overlook the compass that guides us: the power of data. Understanding the importance of measuring and analyzing our efforts allows us to fine-tune our brand strategies with precision. This analytical approach is what helps us ensure that we are not only meeting market expectations but exceeding them, raising the bar for what it means to be a brand in the pet food world. This area is where we are most behind in the region since there are only a couple of examples of brands that do not skimp on analyzing because they know that the returns are juicy.   Conclusion: generating brands that inspire loyalty   Building a brand in the pet food world goes far beyond selling a product with pretty packaging and a catchy name. It's about creating a meaningful experience and lasting relationship with pet owners. By holistically addressing innovation, technology, sustainability, and data analytics, we can ensure the relevance and competitiveness of our brands over time and in saturated environments.   Brand architecture is the skeleton on which the entire identity of a company is built and organized, ensuring coherence and clarity in its offer to the market. It facilitates consumer understanding, reinforcing their perception of value and loyalty towards the brand. This strategic approach is crucial to differentiate itself in highly competitive markets, guiding the expansion and evolution of the brand with a vision for the future.   By Iván Franco. Source: All Pet Food Magazine. 

13/05/2024

Kemin Industries' request for use of rosemary extract as antioxidant feed additive for cats and dogs authorized by European Commission

Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, submitted a request to the European Commission to allow the use of liquid rosemary extract as an antioxidant feed additive for cats and dogs and has received authorization through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1068.   The submission leading to this authorization was initiated by Kemin Nutrisurance, the pet food and rendering technologies business unit of Kemin Industries, and the resulting regulation was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 15. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1068 categorizes and approves of the additive as a "technological additive" within the "antioxidants" functional group and goes into effect May 5.   Before this groundbreaking approval, the European Union's pet food market primarily consisted of tocopherols for antioxidants, with limited options for antioxidant molecules of natural origin. This new addition of rosemary extracts not only expands the range of available antioxidants but also addresses critical supply chain challenges.   "By diversifying sourcing and mitigating dependency on a single ingredient, Kemin Nutrisurance reinforces its commitment to sustainability and supply resilience in the pet food industry," said Beth Mann, Global Director of Quality and Food Safety, Kemin Nutrisurance. "Rosemary extract is a versatile and effective antioxidant that can help pet food manufacturers meet the growing demand for clean label, high-quality, and environmentally friendly products."   Since 1996, Kemin's Specialty Crop Improvement team has used conventional breeding methods to continually develop lines of proprietary rosemary with high levels of carnosic acid, a molecule with powerful antioxidant capabilities. Today, Kemin is one of the most vertically integrated suppliers of plant-based ingredients. Across the supply chain, Kemin controls the breeding, plant selection, growing, harvesting, and extraction for many of its specialty crops, allowing Kemin to ensure that every batch of product is consistent.   "We are thrilled to receive this authorization from the European Commission, which is the result of decades of research and development, as well as close collaboration with the authorities," said Dr. John A. Greaves, Vice President of Specialty Crop Improvement, Kemin Industries. "This is a game-changer for the pet food industry, as it opens new possibilities for natural and sustainable pet nutrition."   Kemin Nutrisurance is proud to offer rosemary extract as part of its portfolio of innovative solutions for the pet food industry. Kemin is committed to providing customers with the best quality, safety, and performance for their products, as well as supporting them with technical expertise and regulatory assistance. From oxidation control and food safety to palatability and nutrition, Kemin is Compelled by Curiosity™ to ensure pets around the world are living happy and healthy lives.   Click here to learn more about Kemin's Specialty Crop Improvement program.   About Kemin Industries   Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel, and animal vaccine industries.   For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety, and efficacy of food, feed, and health-related products.   Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.   Source: Kemin.

09/05/2024

Yeast nucleotide advancements in pet food

What is the nucleotide？
  From a genetic point of view, nucleotides are an important part of cells. It is a monomer that makes up DNA (genes) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) and plays an important role in cell structure, metabolism, energy and regulatory functions. From the perspective of application, nucleotides play an important role in the immune regulation, brain development and intestinal flora improvement of pets, especially newborn and young pets, and can also improve the immunity of pets. From a source, nucleotides are also found in food. For example, fish, animal organs, fungi, etc., of which yeast is particularly rich in nucleic acid content, and yeast nucleotide content is more abundant after industrial nucleotide enzymolysis.   Why the nucleotides need to added in pet food?
  Studies have found that although the pet body can synthesise nucleotides itself, the nucleotides synthesised in the body cannot meet the needs of various tissues with high metabolism, such as the immune system and intestinal tissues. The lack of nucleotides in pet food can affect the heart, liver, intestine and immune function of pets.   The application trend of yeast nucleotides in pet food   Yeast nucleotides improve pet intestinal health   Nucleotides play an important role in the gut, promoting the growth, development and repair of intestinal cells. Nucleotides can stimulate the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the body and effectively reduce the probability of diarrhoea in young pets. Nutritional studies have shown that injection of nucleotides and the addition of nucleotides to infant formula can improve intestinal health and immune system development in infants and young children. Because nucleotides and small peptides can maintain intestinal health, adding yeast source nucleotide nutrition to pet food fed by young dogs and cats can effectively improve the diet structure and promote intestinal health of young pets.   The addition of yeast nucleotide to pet cat food can improve the balance of intestinal flora. The experimental study of yeast nucleotide in pets conducted by Beijing Academy of Agricultural Sciences shows that the abundance of bifidobacteria in the added yeast nucleotide group is higher than that in the treatment group, and the lactobacillus abundance in the yeast hydrolysis group is also higher than that in the control group and other treatment groups. The results showed that adding yeast nucleotide improved the intestinal tract of pet cats better than other treatment groups. (Figure 1)     At the same time, the effects of yeast nucleotide addition on the contents of indole and skatole in pet cat faeces were detected. The test results showed that after the addition of yeast nucleotide, yeast nucleotide significantly reduced the contents of skatole and indole in faeces, effectively increased the content of bifidobacterium in pet faeces, and improved the intestinal health of pets (Figure 2).   Yeast nucleotides improve the immune system   When pets have some external conditions, such as intestinal damage, rapid growth, too little protein intake or stress problems, the immune system is triggered, the amount of self-synthesis is far from enough to provide support. So this extra intake of exogenous nucleotides optimises its physiological function. Pet mucous membranes, bone marrow, hematopoietic cells and lymphocytes, these tissues are more dependent on exogenous dietary nucleic acids as a remedy pathway. Studies have shown that pet food supplemented with yeast nucleotides can increase phagocytic activity of pet leukocytes and improve the ability of lymphocyte division. After addition of yeast nucleotide, pet vaccination resulted in increased anti-parvovirus antibody titers at 14 days, increased non-specific immunoglobulin levels at weaning, and improved peripheral blood mononuclear cells.   Yeast nucleotide strong freshening agent   Sodium inosine (IMP) and sodium guanylate (GMP) mixtures are used as fresheners in pet food. Umami, as one of the five basic tastes, can bring pleasure to pets and represents the characteristic flavour of most amino acids and nucleotides Yeast nucleotides are added with nuclease, so that the nuclease in yeast is decomposed into four free nucleotides (UMP,GMP,CMP,AMP). The four free nucleotides in the product have very good flavour and nutrition enhancement, and are suitable for pet food industry with better flavour.   The application prospect of yeast nucleotide feed additives   The raw materials of yeast nucleotides are extensive, the extraction technology is mature, rich in nucleotides can promote the healthy development of the intestines of pets, improve disease resistance and immunity, in addition, its degradation products such as IMP, GMP, etc. are themselves a kind of substances that affect the flavour, can indirectly improve the nutritional value of pet food, and commodity value, which is of great significance in pet nutrition.   Source: All About Feed.

08/05/2024

Siegwerk’s new coatings enable recyclable monomaterial pet food packaging

Printing ink and coatings leader Siegwerk has announced a breakthrough in sustainable pet food packaging. Partnering with printing machine manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher and bag-making and machine producer B&B, Siegwerk has developed a fully recyclable monomaterial pouch for dry pet food using its CIRKIT functional coatings. This innovation addresses increasing pressure from EU regulations on packaging circularity.   'New approaches are needed to meet the upcoming regulatory requirements for circular packaging,' said Belal Habib, head of Brand Owner Collaboration at Siegwerk. 'The challenge is to find a recyclable design that also meets the respective performance requirements of the packaging.'   Pet food packaging needs to be food-safe and have specific barrier properties such as grease resistance, in order to maintain freshness and structural integrity. Traditionally, these requirements meant complex, non-recyclable multimaterial structures with metallised layers.   'The problem: they are not recyclable,' added Habib. 'This is where innovative barrier coatings applied in thin layers and inline with regular printing inks can help to switch from an incompatible multimaterial structure to a fully recyclable monomaterial solution in the sense of a circular economy.'   The solution utilises two CIRKIT coatings: CIRKIT GreaseBar: An inline-printable grease barrier coating. CIRKIT HeatGuard: A coating that enhances sealing efficiency and heat resistance on film surfaces, also inline-printable.   These coatings, combined with full polyurethane inks suitable for mechanical recycling, enable the mono-polyethylene bag to achieve the same performance as traditional multimaterial structures while being fully recyclable. Importantly, the inks and coatings are solvent-based, deinkable, and inline-printable without sacrificing print quality.   'Together, we have succeeded in developing an innovation that is circular, delivers on performance and maintains current process efficiencies due to inline and high-speed conversion,' said Habib. 'This shows that, by joining forces, we are in a position to make recyclable monoplastic packaging a reality and thus counter the still wide presence of multimaterial laminated structures with future-oriented flexible packaging solutions made for circularity.'   Siegwerk's expertise spans the entire packaging life cycle, from raw material selection to recycling. This allows it to partner with companies to redesign packaging structures for sustainability according to current guidelines.   Source: Packaging Gateway.

07/05/2024

Worth begging for

Treats and chews are a hot category for pet specialty retailers catering to dog and cat owners. Pet owners want options with which they can reward their beloved animals but are often still seeking products that have added benefits or make for a healthy choice.   "Over the past two years, we saw sales of collagen sticks skyrocket, but not enough to oversell bully sticks or more traditional chews," said Marcus Maximo, CMO at Natural Farm, a manufacturer based in Atlanta. "This makes me believe the trends are still on adding value to popular chews such as bully sticks, collagen or yak cheese by bringing to the market more unique shapes and size variations, combining proteins and adding flavors. Anything that brings value and quality and at the same time makes them more affordable is part of the trend."   When shopping for treats and chews, Maximo said pet owners will look at how safe a product is and what benefits it might provide to their pet. Others factors include the label, how clean the ingredients are and how reliable the company is, he said. "It is always a mix between benefits and safety when shopping for treats and chews," Maximo added.   Natural Farm recently introduced two products. Its Stuffed Cheek Roll is an alternative to stuffed bones, which always raise some concern as they can splinter, Maximo said. It comes in 5 to 6 inches or 9 to 10 inches and in different flavors. The second product, Power Cheese, is part of Natural Farm's Power Chew line.   "It is an alternative chew to traditional yak cheese," Maximo said. "This product combines a hard cow milk cheese on the inside with beef pizzle on the outside. This is a win-win chew, packed with protein that lasts longer than traditional yak cheese. It is made by Natural Farm in our facilities in Brazil so we can guarantee quality, transparency and safety, which is something you can't find with traditional yak cheese from Nepal."   There's no doubt that yak products are all the rage. Sherry Redwine, owner of Odyssey Pets, a pet store in Dallas, said that the biggest trend she's noticed is yak chews flooding the market. "It seems everyone and their yak are getting on this bandwagon," she said. "They now come in flavors too, like strawberry, pumpkin and blueberry. And, of course, collagen chews are hot hot hot—and not going away anytime soon."   Redwine said she has also seen private label products gaining traction in this category. "There are now companies out there doing things on a smaller scale so that single-store independent retailers can now get in on the action," she continued. "It reinforces your brand and keeps your name top of mind with your customers."   Cost is a factor in chew purchases, said Jason Ast, co-owner of Just Dog People, a pet store in Garner, N.C. Pet owners are willing to invest in a good chew, but they want to feel they are getting value out of it. "Customers are always looking for the best bang for their buck," he explained. "They want long-lasting chews that are affordable. This is definitely the No. 1 thing people are looking for when shopping for dog chews. Customers also want to know their treats or chews were made in the USA."   Ast said that they've also seen a surge in puppies in their area and that many of those pet owners are looking for puppy-safe chews. "That means chews that won't cause puppy teeth to fall out prematurely, and they also want chews that won't break off and end up choking their new fur baby," Ast said.   Kim McCohan, chief happiness officer at Bend Pet Express, a retailer with locations in Bend, Ore., said that any alternatives to rawhide—but that still fall into the "solo-ingredient category"—are sought after in chews. "[Earth Animal's] No-Hides are popular but due to their manufacturing process could be financially out of reach for some people," she said. "That is when many turn to cheaper collagen rolls."   Alan Snyder, CEO of Frankly Pet, a manufacturer in Milwaukee, said he's noticed functional treats trending. "Everyone loves indulging their pets, but consumers are seeking products that also contain beneficial ingredients to address specific issues such as supporting dental health, mobility and joints, digestive health and more," he said. "Collagen is an ingredient that's very popular at the moment as it helps build up bones, joints and muscles in addition to supporting a healthy coat, skin and nails."   Frankly Pet is introducing a new peanut butter flavor to its line of collagen rolls. Made in the USA with American-grade beef, Peanut Butter Chew Rolls feature 90 percent protein and 100 percent collagen.   Amy Cairy, vice president of marketing for W.F. Young, maker of Honest to Goodness treats, noted that the emphasis on treats and chews these days is on healthy options. "We have also seen a heightened awareness of the need to 'diversify the diet' as pets, and their people, could all use more fruits and veggies in their daily lives to support overall health," Cairy continued. "This is leading to increasing demand for more plant-based treats to help pet parents add healthy and beneficial options to their treat cabinet." W.F. Young's new Honest to Goodness Plant Snacks for dogs are all-natural, plant-based treats that promote functional health and overall wellness. They are available in six recipes including Happy Feet with Apples and Cinnamon, Way to Glow with Coconut and Flax, Mellow Belly with Pumpkin and Cinnamon, Golden Years with Blueberry and Carrot, Buddy Boost with Cranberry and Pomegranate, and Good Vibes with Chamomile and Ginger.   Taking stock of sales trends in the cat chews and treats category, McCohan said that thanks to TikTok and one particular cat account, their stores have seen an uptick in small dental chews. "The cat in this particular account chews hard treats, and the super-close video and sound of this act are so popular that their account has taken off," she said. Redwine noted that single-ingredient, freeze-dried meat treats that are healthy and palatable for cats remain the biggest sellers in her store.   Selling more treats & chews   Making smart display and marketing choices can help drive purchases of treats and chews. As there are so many options on the market, retailers can help guide pet owners toward the right choice for them. Maximo said that with so many variations, functions and benefits to offer, he recommends displaying chews on a raw bar table. "This is not a new concept, but instead, I'd group them to communicate the simplicity of what they are, their main function, their benefits and then by size recommendations," he said.   As treats and chews are often an impulse buy for consumers, Cairy said she recommends creating fun displays and constantly changing them. "Adding seasonal flavors or packaging that fits your display theme can really spur purchases and a sense of discovery and newness for shoppers," she added. "For example, a 'Happy Spring' treat display could feature treats with brightly colored packaging or highlight plant-based formulas."   Snyder said retailers have many options when it comes to arranging a treats and chews aisle. "Organizing the products can be done in several ways," he said. "This could be by brand, by all-natural products, by function, made in the USA, treats for training, etc. This helps optimize the shopping experience for pet parents. That said, treats and chews are often impulse purchases, so displaying treats and chews on endcaps leading up to the register can help, too."   At Just Dog People, they always have Nylabones and Benebones on a visible wall area since they sell so well, Ast said. "Our body parts can be found on a central display, called the 'Body Parts Bar,' where we have 20 various chews and treats for our furry customers," he continued. "We've found that people enjoy strolling around the body parts bar while shopping—many people are amazed at some of the items for sale—duck heads, chicken feet, etc."   McCohan said she tends to display chews based on category at her stores. "If they are inedible, we display those together, while the edible chews are together," she noted. "One of our locations displays all the edible chews in baskets kind of on their side and at an angle. Customers can grab what they want out of the basket but see more of each. Another location displays them in metal buckets on a pole, so there are many height offerings. I will say the location with the baskets down low allows dogs to pick what they want, and I don't think we allow that enough for our pets."   To that point, Snyder added that it's advantageous to incorporate a "sampling station" in stores and rotate brands and products on a weekly or monthly basis. He summed up: "Not only would this allow customers visiting the store with their pets to try the treats before buying, but it would help further showcase the quality, texture, smell and taste of products, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction."   Source: Pet Product News. 

06/05/2024

‘Compelling’ case for vegan pet diets, study’s authors say

A new study of dogs that 'thrive' on a vegan diet, including some with recorded health improvements, is a step towards more sustainable pet feeding plans, its authors say. A leading academic advocate of the approach has claimed the case for it is 'compelling' following publication of the latest paper in the PLoS One journal. Meanwhile, the BVA has indicated that the findings of a long-awaited review of its diet policy could be published this summer.   Longest study   The latest paper from researchers based in California is thought to be the longest study of its kind into the effects of vegan diets on dogs. A total of 15 participating dogs were fed a commercially available plant-based diet containing pea protein for a year, having been served meat-based alternatives for at least the same length of time before that. The researchers said that approach enabled the dogs to act as their own controls during the study period. The analysis found 12 of them had maintained a normal body condition score during the research period, while three that were either overweight or obese when they enrolled reduced theirs.   Heart health   Vitamin D levels were normalised during the study period, after seven of the dogs initially presented with insufficient levels, while increased presence of L-taurine and L-carnitine was also recorded. The study further indicated that the use of pea protein as a main ingredient may have improved heart health in some participants, despite recent concerns of a potential link to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases. The authors said the paper offered evidence-based research of the merits of plant-based nutrition for dogs and was an 'important stepping stone' towards more sustainable feeding plans that they see as necessary on climate grounds. Lead researcher Annika Linde said: 'Evolutionary adaptations have resulted in a digestive system that enables dogs to maintain health on nutritionally complete omnivorous diets, including those free of animal ingredients.'   New evidence   She added: 'Our study offers new evidence on outcomes in clinically healthy dogs who thrive without consumption of animal-derived ingredients. Notably, foods produced independent of factory farming are also more sustainable and ethical.' The paper's findings have also been welcomed by University of Winchester professor Andrew Knight, who has been at the heart of recent calls for a rethink of wider professional thinking on the issue. He said: 'With 13 studies now demonstrating good health outcomes achieved by nutritionally sound vegan pet diets, and several others demonstrating major environmental benefits, a compelling case now exists for environmentally friendly vegan pet diets.'   Stance   Amid increasing interest in, and controversy surrounding, the deployment of non-traditional pet diets, the BVA set up a Companion Animal Feeding Working Group to review its stance on the issue last year. The body had previously declined to endorse either a vegetarian or vegan diet for pets, arguing that their usage increased the risk of pet owners failing to provide an appropriate balance of nutrients. But, although the group's work is still said to be ongoing, a BVA spokesperson told Vet Times they 'should have something to share' following the next meeting of the association's council in July. Asked whether that meant a final document was likely to be released around that time, she confirmed that was the case although publication after the following council meeting in September was also a possibility.   Source: VetTimes.

03/05/2024

Interzoo 2024 preview: The International flagship event for the pet supplies industry

As the largest and most important meeting place for the international pet supplies industry, Interzoo 2024 (7 –10 May, Nuremberg) will once again be a decisive platform for pet food professionals to gather information about new products and trends in the sector as well as to connect with long-time partners and explore new partnerships. A week that starts with Petfood Forum Europe on Monday, 6 May 2024, and continues with the four-day Interzoo covers the entire supply chain and creative power of the pet food industry through market insights, innovative special shows, and coverage of topical issues like sustainability.   As the industry's leading trade fair, Interzoo offers the most comprehensive product overview of all relevant segments in an expanding pet industry. Despite having a much larger exhibition space with an additional two halls compared to Interzoo 2022, the 2024 edition of the trade fair has exceeded the magical 2,000 mark for registered exhibitors and covers an overall exhibition space of well over 140,000 square metres. 'The sold-out Interzoo halls that break records with regard to exhibitor numbers, exhibition space, and internationality show the huge pulling power of Interzoo for the gradually growing international pet supplies industry,' says Gordon Bonnet, Managing Director of WZF and ZZF (German Pet Trade & Industry Association, the institutional sponsor of Interzoo). 'For trade visitors, there is no better opportunity on the globe to experience first-hand the incredible array of new products and exciting companies, to build networks, and to gain inspiration!'   International exhibitors   The strong international presence at the world-leading fair, which has an overseas exhibitor contingent of around 86%, ensures an unrivalled overview of the global market. After Germany, the countries with the largest numbers of exhibitors are China, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, the USA, Belgium and the UK. There will be a total of 15 national pavilions, from Brazil (two pavilions including one devoted to aquariums), Canada, China (two pavilions), the Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, the UK and the USA.   WZF has noted an increase in registrations for stand space from some European countries, e.g. from Italy (+31%), Poland (+27%), and Turkey (+26%). There has also been stronger demand from outside Europe, e.g. from the USA (+60%), India (+34%), and South Korea, which has almost doubled its display area. China, which only sent 29 exhibitors in 2022 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, accounts for the largest growth in the display area with a fifteenfold increase. 'The stronger demand across all continents shows how important Interzoo is as a showcase for innovation and a gathering place for industry decision-makers from all around the world,' says Dr Rowena Arzt, Director of Exhibitions at Interzoo organizer WZF.   Over 70 exhibitors from Spanish-speaking countries (+19 % compared to 2022) contribute to the great diversity of products at Interzoo 2024, covering a total of about 2.500 square metres of exhibition space. On top of that, the neighbouring countries Brazil and Portugal are present with 26 exhibiting companies and almost 1.000 square metres.   Pet food innovation at Interzoo 2024   As in the past, products for dogs and cats account for the majority of the exhibits, with 81.2 percent of all exhibitors representing this segment. The next largest product categories are small animals and rodents (14.1%), aquariums and terrariums (13.3%), ornamental birds (11.6%) and pet food technology (8.4%).1 The rising interest in products and services associated with petfood technology (32% of visitors at Interzoo 2022) is also acknowledged by the supporting programme of Interzoo 2024: The Fresh Ideas Stage in Hall 3 has established petfood as one of its four topics of interest. On the last day of the trade fair, the Stage programme ends with the Fresh Ideas Contest where start-ups from the pet industry will have the chance to present their business idea to the audience and the jury in a short pitch in anticipation of attractive prizes.   Many international visitors expected   In view of these record-breaking figures, Dr. Rowena Arzt assumes there will be a lot of international visitors: 'The importance of Interzoo as a leading international fair and compass for a diversifying sector makes it the most popular setting for cultivating international contacts, dialogue, and business.' Also, the diverse and up-to-date supporting programme is a big pull factor for a lot of industry experts who gain to seek knowledge about other markets and current topics.   On 7 May 2024, the first official day of Interzoo 2024, the supporting programme focuses on sustainability. On that day, the Interzoo Sustainability Session will present the results of the Interzoo Sustainability Study 2024. With the help of recent data, experts will explain the current developments and challenges related to the topic of sustainability in the pet supplies industry and show ways to enhance sustainable development. Best practice examples will serve as illustrations and provide the basis for an in-depth discussion.   The Interzoo Country Sessions highlight and discuss the most exciting and important developments in the various geographic pet supplies markets. At Interzoo 2024, industry experts will present market data, trends, and import regulations for countries and regions such as Brazil, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the US in short conferences. Following the presentations, there will be time for discussion and networking. Participation in the Sustainability Session and the Country Sessions is free of charge for visitors to Interzoo 2024. The presentations will be held in English. All sessions will take place in NCC East, hall St. Petersburg.   In addition to the Interzoo Sessions, the supporting programme offers many other exciting presentations and networking formats for the pet industry. The stand of Interzoo's honorary sponsor ZZF, for example, will offer multiple presentations, including dog grooming demonstrations.   Exhibit Top exhibiting countries by space Germany China Italy The Netherlands Turkey USA Belgium Great Britain Spain Poland France   Places 7-9 are quite close apart, with possible changes until the post-show audit of the Society for the Voluntary Control of fair and exhibition statistics.   Top growth among exhibitor nations with more than 2.000 square metres exhibition space: China USA Poland, The Netherlands, Turkey, Italy (all within a few minor percentages)   Source: Interzoo.

02/05/2024

Extrusion Seminar – Extru Tech 2024: An all-inclusive experience!

This seminar is designed for pet food industry executives, decision makers and leaders, offering a unique opportunity to explore the latest technological trends and growing demands in food safety. During three intensive days, the attendants will access to the program with a detailed theoretical-practical approach, spanning from pet food to aquaculture products.   The seminar program features specialized speakers who will approach a wide range of key topics, including critical points in extrusion plants, product formulations and technology innovations.   The strategic partnership with the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) guarantees a comprehensive and quality approach, where participants will be able to observe practical tests with various raw materials, through live broadcasts from the UABC pilot plant.   The seminar is supported by prominent sponsors, including JEM, Armstrong, KEMIN, Source Technology, Wenger, Marel, NARA, NorthWind, Schenck Process, Tietjen and KSE, Molinos Azteca. It will be a unique meeting, balancing networking opportunities, with learning and rest, in an ideal environment for this comprehensive experience.   Close to the event date, there are only a very few places available, so those who wish to be part can complete the registration HERE  and stay tuned for news on seminar social media: LinkedIn and Instagram.   We wish you an enriching and knowledge-filled experience! We hope this seminar opens the doors to new opportunities and challenges in the world of extrusion.   About Extru-Tech
Extru-Tech is a design and manufacture of high-quality extrusion systems for pet food, aqua feed and snacks industries global leader. Since 1985, the company has been dedicated to provide innovative and reliable solutions that help its customers to produce safe, high-quality food products. For more information, visit them on their minisite.

Source: All Pet Food.

30/04/2024

The truth about Salmonella and dog food

How worried should I be about Salmonella in dog food?
  It should go without saying, the presence of any pathogenic bacteria is unwelcome and, as 'pathogenic' suggests, carries risk. However, for a healthy, happy canine, Salmonella is typically a minor issue, with the majority of dogs showing few to no symptoms. The real concern lies in the possible transmission to humans, who are far more susceptible to the bacteria than their four-legged counterparts.
  How does Salmonella affect dogs? Salmonella is a type of bacteria that infects the gastrointestinal tract. If present in dogs, they are usually asymptomatic unless they have an already weakened immune system or are a puppy. However, even if a dog doesn't show signs of salmonellosis — the symptomatic infection caused by Salmonella — they can still spread the disease through feces or saliva, which can infect humans. The type of Salmonella that affects dogs is more likely to affect humans as well, making it a zoonotic disease — a disease that in transmissible between animals and humans.
How do I know if my dog has Salmonella? When the disease is seen in an adult dog, they typically have another infection or health problem at the same time. However, puppies are more likely to show symptoms of the disease whether they have an underlying condition or not.  Symptoms of salmonellosis include the following: Severe, sudden onset, watery diarrhea Bloody diarrhea (hematochezia) Vomiting Lethargy Fever Decreased appetite, with or without weight loss Dehydration Though rare, Salmonella can travel to the lungs, causing pneumonia, or to the reproductive tract of breeding female dogs, leading to loss of pregnancy. If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to the vet and follow the recommended steps to recovery.   Causes of Salmonella in dogs The most common sources of Salmonella are contaminated food, water, or the feces or saliva of an infected animal. 'Dogs can get Salmonella infection just like humans through contaminated foods,' says Laura Ward, DFA's nutritionist. 'While a healthy dog is often resilient, certain factors can increase susceptibility. Age, poor nutrition, underlying conditions such as cancer, pre-existing diseases, stress, and even antibiotic treatments are all contributors that can affect your dog's resilience against Salmonella.'   Does raw feeding cause Salmonella? The ingredients used in cooked and raw pet foods have an equal probability of being contaminated with Salmonella. The cooking process and HACCP should mean that Salmonella is killed in production facilities with good hygiene and safety controls. Other means of controlling Salmonella are used in raw food processing, such as HPP. Basically, all kinds of dog food have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, and proper hygiene and handling should be carried out to avoid the spread to humans. 'Washing your hands and exercising good food hygiene is important no matter what kind of food your dog is fed,' says Laura. 'Dogs which lick their owners, especially around their faces can also mean that Salmonella can be easily transmissible to their humans.  'Dogs now live more closely with humans than they ever have before, meaning that the opportunities for Salmonella and other bacteria to be passed on are many.'   Salmonella is more dangerous for you than your dog Even though your dog is the one consuming the contaminated food, people and other pets around the food can still contract the disease from exposure to contaminated food or their contaminated pets. It's extremely important to keep small children away from dog food at all times as little ones tend to put everything in their mouth. A recent report on one particular dog food recall stated that seven people were infected with Salmonella, six of whom were children one year of age or younger.   How do dogs spread Salmonella? Once Salmonella gets established in the pet's gastrointestinal tract, the animal can shed the bacteria when they have a bowel movement, and the contamination can continue to spread through their feces.  For this reason, it's particularly important to clean up your dog's poop in yards or parks where people or other animals may become exposed, in addition to cleaning items in the home. If you or your child show any signs of illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, extreme lethargy, or other concerning symptoms, consult your doctor and ensure all potentially contaminated areas are cleaned.   What to do if your dog food has been recalled If your pet food has been recalled, stop feeding it to your dog and throw it away in a secure container where other animals cannot access it. Do not donate the food or feed it to the wildlife. It's then important to clean and disinfect all pet supplies, including all storage containers, bowls, surfaces, scoops, bedding, toys, floors, and any other surfaces that the food or dog may have had contact with. Clean up all pet feces and thoroughly wash your hands after handling the product or cleaning up potentially contaminated items or surfaces.   Should I avoid a dog food brand that's been recalled for Salmonella? While you must throw out all recalled food, it isn't necessary to avoid the brand going forward, especially if it is honest and open about the contamination. It might be the case that the brand regularly and thoroughly tests for pathogens, which can be a positive sign. However, if you notice repeat cases of contamination, it may be a red flag and time for a change.   How to treat your dog with Salmonella  If you suspect your dog is infected with Salmonella, speak to your vet. They will likely ask what food your dog has consumed in recent days (it's a good idea to keep a note of their dog food at all times — maybe by photographing the packaging) and if they have been close to any infected animals. In most dogs who develop symptoms, providing them with plenty of fluid is usually sufficient to help their immune system fight off the infection. Treatments can include: At-home hydration Probiotics Intravenous fluids Antibiotics or steroids Blood transfusion    Overall, Salmonella in dogs isn't as scary as you may think and in the rare cases where salmonellosis occurs, it's usually treatable. The majority of the time, you won't even realize if your dog has been infected and they will be able to fight off the bacteria with their healthy immune system. However, if your dog's food has been recalled or you think they are infected with Salmonella, it's essential to take precautions to stop any spread.    Source: Dog Food Advisor

29/04/2024

The importance of One Health for pet and human health

Humans and pets share the same environment, and this interaction will impact their health. As it is considered a member of the family, water and food containers, toys, beds, and all other items are close to the human family items. In some cases, feeding occurs side by side. Therefore, it is crucial that we take care of the health and hygiene of animals and the environment. Humans are in contact with urine and feces when cleaning the environment, and animals often perform their physiological needs indoors.   Taking care of hair, skin, and oral hygiene is extremely important to minimize exposure to undesirable situations, such as allergens and unwanted microorganisms. Animals can be hosts to parasites, such as fleas and ticks, and effective control of these parasites is vital for the health of pets and the people who live with them. Vaccination is an effective way to protect pets' health and helps prevent diseases that can affect humans, so it's crucial to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date.   As for pet food, a nutritionally complete and balanced diet prevents diseases, strengthens the immune system, and improves intestinal health, contributing to the prevention of zoonoses. "I am passionate about the pet industry, and I believe that this industry was born with the concept of One Health. The pet industry can transform waste from the food industry into nutritious and safe ingredients for pets. Biorigin's yeast-derived products are the best example of this, as some come from the food industry and the sugar cane industry, which have several benefits for animal health in addition to being safe and with full traceability. Our yeasts are ingredients of natural origin and support the pet industry in developing foods that follow the trends and needs of pets, such as humanization, premiumization, and specific nutrition, in addition to being part of a sustainable chain." is what Thaila Cristina Putarov, Global Animal Nutrition and Health Business Manager at Biorigin, says.   Several scientific studies demonstrate the benefits of the human-animal bond, such as reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness and promoting general well-being. Improved mental health is one of the significant benefits of the relationship between humans and pets. According to a survey by The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI – 2021) with pet owners in the US, 87% said they experienced improvements in mental health after adopting a pet, and more than one in five owners have had a pet recommended for their health by a doctor or therapist.   The One Health concept encourages research and innovation in animal nutrition, seeking to develop safer, healthier, and more sustainable pet foods. Biorigin has been offering ingredients of natural origin for 20 years to meet the demands of the pet food market, providing solutions that help improve intestinal health, pet immunity, and the attractiveness of food. As with our products, MacroGard, scientific and commercial reference, is the source of beta-1,3/1,6-glucans most studied and used in animal feed to maintain health and well-being. It has proven to be an effective tool for skin and hair health, bone health, weight control, and pet immunity. The prebiotics ActiveMOS and HyperGen are rich in mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) that function as substrates for the microbiota and are essential for maintaining intestinal health and local immunity. Additionally, Biorigin's yeast extracts can also make food tastier for pets. To learn more, read our article on palatability and discover the PalaUp line.
  Source: Biorigin.

26/04/2024

How to treat (and supplement) pets like part of the family

These savvy consumers increasingly seek high-quality products to support the holistic well-being of their pets. Common areas of focus include mobility and joints, dental and oral wellness, healthy ageing and general well-being. As an indicator of this mounting opportunity, functional treats for dogs and cats in the United Kingdom each have a forecasted CAGR of more than 12% through 2026.1 Pet supplements are also predicted to show steady growth, with the UK's overall pet health and supplement market estimated to grow by a CAGR of 8.6% through 2026.1 The introduction of functional treats has boosted consumer interest in the pet supplements segment. Soft chews are outpacing other pet supplement formats in terms of growth as functional treats deliver a guilt-free reward with the added advantage of wellness benefits — much like gummy supplements for humans. Flavour is key to capturing pet satisfaction: taste profiles often centre around chicken, fish and other meats, as well as fruits and vegetables. For people and their pets, fun and functional wellness products are dynamic drivers of potential.   Where human and pet nutrition converge Functional ingredients that are highly popular among humans can be just as useful for their furry companions. This commonality facilitates the development of a coherent product offering for the entire family, such as microbiome solutions. Consumers worldwide are gaining awareness that the gut microbiome helps to maintain overall well-being for themselves and their pets. Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics can all support a healthy gastrointestinal environment, as well as the skin and oral microbiomes. However, consumer understanding of biotics and which products are effective is still relatively nascent. Plus, the less information a consumer has about biotics, the less likely they are to purchase them. Remarkably, of surveyed Europeans, Polish consumers are the most knowledgeable about the gut microbiome and biotics related to cats and dogs … and 81% have purchased biotics for their pets at least once.2 Most people who purchase biotics do so because they've received a professional recommendation and want to help their pet manage a specific condition. Approximately one in three European pet owners have purchased biotics at least once a year because of a recommendation.2 In many cases, they use biotics to support their pet's digestive or gastrointestinal concerns. There is a clear opportunity for brands to help inform more consumers about the advantages of biotics in pet products. Expanding awareness through marketing and packaging, as well as veterinary advocacy, can help to increase the adoption of these wellness products.   A window of opportunity Positive endorsements from a trusted source go a long way in terms of informing consumer purchasing decisions. European pet owners primarily rely on veterinarians, pet stores and websites about pets to research new foods, treats and/or supplements for their dogs and cats.2 On top of that, 95% of functional treat purchases are highly influenced by the product's attribute and primary health benefit claim.1 Consumers perceive claims such as clinically tested, scientifically studied and vet recommended as evidence of a product's effectiveness.3 And nine out of 10 European consumers say a veterinarian is their number one trusted source of information about new pet products.2 Scientifically robust benefit claims are also necessary to convince trusted key audiences such as veterinarians, pharmacists and specialist retailers that new wellness products dedicated to dogs and cats do what they say. Furthermore, compliance with European regulations is critical for successful product launches. Brands can get a running start with a white label manufacturer that offers innovative, turnkey formulations that are designed to address pet parent demands. Consumer insights show that soft chews are the clear leader as the preferred treat format in Europe, followed by sticks and biscuits.2 Toppers and mix-ins are also gaining interest. These formats currently have greater availability in the marketplace because they are easy to use and convenient for pet owners. But unique formats can also unleash opportunities; 27% of German pet owners say they would buy functional treats as a squeezable paste.2 No matter what the format is, functional products must preserve active ingredients throughout their shelf-life.   Overcoming functionality challenges Soft chews are typically manufactured with classic extrusion equipment, although this high-heat process might negatively affect colours, flavours and functional ingredients. Unlike others in the industry, ADM creates turnkey and tailor-made soft chews with a cold extrusion process that omits the use of heat, water or gumming agents. This preserves the texture, flavour and benefits of all the ingredients and enables suppliers to bring a superior soft chew to market. The quality and type of functional ingredients can also help to ensure they remain active during transit and storage. For example, extreme heat from extrusion and baking can diminish the efficacy of live probiotics. Postbiotics, which are a preparation of inanimate micro-organisms and/or their components, can confer a health benefit on the host despite challenging processing conditions.4 Thus, postbiotics may be a useful alternative to probiotics in certain wellness product applications.   Pioneering research in pet nutrition As the field of microbiome solutions continues to mature, research regarding the use of biotics and their effects on canine health is just beginning to emerge. Sophie Nixon, PhD, Head of Clinical Research for Pet and Animal Well-Being at ADM, has overseen an exploratory, first-in-species study with adult dogs to evaluate the effects of daily supplementation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT8145 (BPL1) in both live probiotic and heat-treated postbiotic forms.5 Data indicates that both the probiotic and postbiotic versions of BPL1 can safely be supplemented in healthy adult dogs, with changes observed in faecal short-chain fatty acids, bacterial composition and faecal metagenome (compared with controls). A further clinical study is ongoing to assess additional physiological outcomes. Additionally, inactivated Bifidobacterium longum CECT7347 (ES1) may support gut barrier function according to in vitro data.6,7 In addition, the efficacy of the live probiotic Bacillus velezensis DSM 15544 as a zootechnical additive (a gut flora stabiliser) was confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).8 Pioneering science such as these trials will spur the development of pet products that feature highly sought-after wellness claims and comply with European regulations, providing consumers with trusted options to support the wellness journey of their pets.9 Evidence suggests that demand for functional pet products and supplements is growing in the European market. Half of European pet owners report purchasing functional treats at least every 2 months and approximately six in 10 consumers say they would be interested in buying some type of functional treat for their dog(s) and/or cat(s) in the future (58% of pet owners living in Germany, 60% in France and 63% in the UK and 69% in Poland).2 Microbiome solutions present an intriguing opportunity for brands to deliver on evolving pet owner demands and take advantage of an emerging product category with extensive development potential. By leveraging ADM's large portfolio of ingredients, formulation expertise, end-to-end support and ongoing clinical research, pet brands will have what it takes to gain credibility and differentiate themselves in the marketplace.
  References www.euromonitor.com/pet-care-in-the-united-kingdom/report. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (Chicago, IL, US), ADM Outside Voice, proprietary research conducted via Morning Consult (2023). https://store.mintel.com/report/americas-pet-owners-market-report-2021. https://isappscience.org/behind-the-publication-understanding-isapps-new-scientific-consensus-definition-of-postbiotics/. Manuscript undergoing peer review: BPL1® is a trademark registered for Biopolis SL in the EU and other countries. P. Martorell, et al., 'Heat-Treated Bifidobacterium longum CECT-7347: A Whole-Cell Postbiotic with Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Gut-Barrier Protection Properties,' Antioxidants 10, 536 (2021). ES1 (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CECT7347) is used by ADM Biopolis under license from CSIC. In the UK, this strain is named Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (DSM 15544) and, in the EU, it's named Bacillus velezensis DSM 15544. Local regulations must be reviewed to confirm the permissibility of ingredients for each category.   Source: Nutraceutical.

25/04/2024

AFB is traveling all over the globe in 2024!

We are excited to announce that we will be participating in six different tradeshows and expos across the globe this year! These events are crucial for us as they enable us to connect with our customers, vendors, and other important industry contacts. Moreover, these customer-facing pet food industry events help us to showcase our latest research, global resources, and palatability products and solutions. We would love to meet you at one of these events!
  Petfood Forum April 29 – May 1 in Kansas City, Missouri USA In just 13 days, the AFB Team is traveling to Kansas City! Make sure to stop by our booth 1300, to learn how our experts, services, and products can meet your specific needs with our consultative approach. While you are at the show, stop by the poster presentations in the Future of Pet Food Pavilion, and check out AFB's poster entitled 'Kibble Size and Its Impact on Feline Palatability' by Greg Hibbard, Senior Scientist, AFB Product Development. Greg will be there to talk about the palatability study findings – it might surprise you. Be on the lookout for the future whitepaper on Palatants+.
  Interzoo May 7 – 10 in Nuremberg, Germany The next stop will be in Nuremberg for Interzoo, which is the world's leading tradeshow for the international pet industry! Every two years, Interzoo attracts thousands from all around the world, to see a diverse range of products for pets. And we will be there in Hall 6, booth 321. Stop by to meet our Global Sales, Marketing, and R&D Teams. A special presentation will be given at our booth – an Eat & Learn experience to connect the sensory relationships we have with certain flavors, and how they relate to our pet's enjoyment of their foods, supplements, and treats. Check out the details here.
  Fenagra June 5 – 6 in São Paulo, Brazil Then the AFB Team is off to São Paulo for one of the largest events for the Latin American pet food market – Fenagra! The event has moved from Campinas to a much larger facility for 2024. Our commercial team wants to meet with you to learn about your unique pet food needs and how palatants play a part in your products. Visit us at Booth E30, or set-up a meeting by emailing [email protected].
  Foro Mascotas June 26 – 28 in Guadalajara, Mexico The global tour continues to Mexico at the Expo Guadalajara for Foro Mascotas. Our booth G2 will be staffed with AFB's Global Marketing and Sales, so stop by to discuss your pet food product needs. 'We have been participating at Foro Mascotas for 10 years. It's a great opportunity to talk face-to-face with our customers to learn about their needs and reach out to potential customers to expand our presence in México. Over the years, Foro Mascotas has grown to 80 booths and 1,350 attendees from 15 countries.' – Ana Mendes and Jeanette Cano, AFB Mexico.
  CIPAL (Congress of the Pet Food Industry in Latin America) September 25 – 26 in Puerto Madero, Argentina Staying in Latin America, we meet again for CIPAL! This show is held every other year and is a great place for learn about new trends and technologies from the pet food industry in Latin America. Look for us at booth G1 to learn how AFB uses scientific approaches and advanced technologies to help customers maximize pet food performance.
  Pet Fair South East Asia October 30 – November 1 in Bangkok, Thailand Now we travel to the other side of the globe to exhibit for the first time at Pet Fair South East Asia! We are very excited to be a part of this event, as we have expanded our global reach into this region. Our first production facility and regional headquarters in the Asia Pacific region will be in Samut Prakan, Thailand. We are targeting to start commercial production in summer 2024. Remember to find AFB at the show to find out more information on how our new Thailand facility can help you improve the palatability of your pet food products. Or don't wait until October – contact Bas Melssen at [email protected] today.
Source: AFB

23/04/2024

Interzoo 2024: History in the making

What does Interzoo represent for the global pet care market? Interzoo is the world´s leading trade fair for pet supplies. It serves as compass and lighthouse for the worldwide pet care sector. As a meeting place and source of inspiration for the pet industry, Interzoo is showcasing and addressing the developments and trends of tomorrow. The high internationality among both, visitors and exhibitors, facilitates companies to build and develop their international supply chains and global networks. This way, Interzoo serves as the flagship event for the international pet supplies industry.
  How has Interzoo developed from the first edition until today? Interzoo's success story began in 1950 at the annual association meeting of the Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe Deutschlands e.V. (ZZF, German Pet Trade and Industry Association). Until 1959, the so-called "Zoo Fair" was a purely national event, but it was so well received that the exhibition opened-up for companies from abroad by 1959. In the following years, the trade fair expanded more and more – starting from 15 exhibitors and 100 trade visitors in 1953 to more than two hundred exhibitors in the 1970s. In 1968 the trade fair was finally named 'Interzoo'. In response to the immensely increased demand for exhibition space, Interzoo moved to Nuremberg in 1988 and is organized in partnership with NürnbergMesse. Since then, exhibitor and visitor numbers reached new dimensions, culminating in an exhibitor record of more than 2,100 exhibitors for Interzoo 2024.
  What are the most striking facts and figures in terms of exhibitors, countries represented and expected visitors? - Over 2,100 companies from 69 countries will showcase their products and solutions in 14 exhibition halls that cover a display area of more than 140,000 square metres. The strong international presence at Interzoo with about 86% of the exhibitors being from abroad, ensures an unrivalled overview of the global market. A very notable increase in registrations for stand space can be registered from countries such as Italy (+31%), Poland (+27%) and Turkey (+26%). Among the exhibiting countries with the largest exhibition size are Germany, China, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey and the USA. On the visitor side, we are aiming for 40,000 trade visitors – this would be another record. Petfood continues to be a strong product segment at Interzoo. The segment of petfood technology in particular sees a steady increase to now about 200 exhibitors. Compared to Interzoo 2022 this means the number of petfood technology exhibitors has increased by 46 percent and compared to 2018 the number has even doubled!   What are the most important events of the supporting programme for petfood professionals? - This year´s Interzoo supporting programme offers a rich portfolio of sessions, special shows and demonstrations. Starting with Petfood Forum Europe on Monday, 6 May 2024, we will kick-off a week covering key topics of the global pet supplies industry. Petfood Forum Europe one day prior to Interzoo provides an additional forum for the important topic of pet food ingredients, packaging and processing technologies. It is therefore the perfect prelude to an exceptional Interzoo 2024 where the petfood segment again plays a crucial role. During 7-10 May, we will organize six Interzoo Academy Sessions: The Interzoo Sustainability Session with results from the new Interzoo Sustainability Study, one session on social media marketing within the pet industry and four sessions on different geographic markets: Europe, Brazil, South-East Asia and the USA. On top of that, the Fresh Ideas Area in Hall 3 will be a further highlight of the trade fair. Here, start-ups and innovative companies present their business ideas int the segments petfood, accessories, technology and sustainability. More product highlights can be seen in the Product Showcase, located at Entrance Mitte, offering an initial overview on the diverse product world for pets. And finally, the Interzoo Party on Thursday, 9 May, will be a prime opportunity for networking within a unique Bavarian atmosphere.   What will be the most important innovations and trends in the pet supply industry? - We see several trends within the pet industry such as sustainability or new pet-tech to improve the health of pets. We worked together with the exhibitors to reflect those trends in the programme of the Fresh Ideas Stage. For sure, the Fresh Ideas Contest on Friday, 10 May, will show some of these ideas.   Since the previous success of special formats such as the Product Showcase and the innovative idea presentation platform, the Fresh Ideas Stage, what will be new this year?
- Interzoo 2024 builds on those successful formats and expands them. This year, hall 3 will be the centre of the start-up activities: More than 70 start-ups will showcase their innovative solutions for the pet industry on an area of more than 700 square metres. Also, we have enlarged the Fresh Ideas Area and added a networking area, making it a centrepiece and a highlight of Interzoo 2024. In addition to the more than 30 speaker slots on the stage, the networking lounge will be home to Meet & Greet formats, for instance with petfluencers. The Interzoo App has new, additional functions. It is thus an indispensable tool before, during and after the trade fair and offers a ticket wallet, a trade fair planner, in-depth hall plans and a networking feature.
Source: Interzoo. 

22/04/2024

We enable the green transition

When speaking of our environment, climate crisis, environmental pollution and resource scarcity are three of the most pressing challenges of our time. And time is the crucial factor here: the world needs to change – now. We all need to change.

In order to create a better future for our children and grandchildren, we must build a new economy. A greener one. We at ANDRITZ are doing everything to drive this change: We enable our customers to make the world a greener place with our sustainable solutions. To do this, they can choose from a wide range of technologies in all kinds of fields from decarbonization to recycling and waste-to-value systems on through to pollution control – and we are constantly working on further innovations to tackle more and more of today's and tomorrow's challenges. At the same time, we are, of course, also striving to reduce our own carbon footprint: We plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 50% compared to 2019 by the end of 2025. Hence, we implement measures to improve energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy sources at our production sites. Apart from that, we are continuously minimizing the environmental impact of our locations regarding water consumption and waste production – here too, the plan is a 5% reduction compared to the previous year. But all this is not a new phenomenon, it is not a trend for us. We have been engaging in innovative technologies for more than 170 years now. With our passion and our spirit we are improving things, step by step, day by day: we have always been engineering for the change.
  All our efforts have one common goal: a better future. We need to address the following three pivotal points to ensure that this change is successful: decarbonizing industries and mobility to mitigate climate change, transforming the economy into a true circular economy to use resources responsibly, and protecting our environment. We must strive to keep the environment as free from pollution as possible, safeguarding our air, water and soil to preserve biodiversity and ensure a healthy ecosystem for future generations. Source: Andritz. 

19/04/2024

Symrise Pet Food's palatant plant located in Chapecó – SC obtained the FSSC 22000 Certification

We are pleased to announce that our newest and largest production facility for liquid and powder palatants located in Chapecó-SC, Brazil, has achieved FSSC 22000 certification. This certification is a testament to our commitment to quality, food safety and excellence in pet food production. FSSC 22000 certification is an international recognition granted by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) that validates the implementation of a robust and effective Food Safety Management System (FSMS). This standard is based on the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and complies with the highest international standards.

    Why is this certification important? For Symrise Pet Food and the pet food industry, achieving FSSC 22000 certification represents a critical step in the commitment to excellence: Customer Trust: Demonstrates to our customers our unwavering commitment to product safety and quality, giving them peace of mind that they are receiving reliable ingredients. Continuous improvement: we implement a management system that allows us to identify and control potential risks, ensuring the safety of our products at every stage of production. Strengthening the supply chain: we reinforce the trust and reputation of our company within the supply chain of the pet food industry. Compliance with international standards: allows us to comply with the most demanding legal and regulatory requirements globally. Pet Food It is proud of this achievement and continues to work to maintain its position as a strategic partner of pet food manufacturers. FSSC 22000 certification is a clear testament to our commitment to food safety and customer satisfaction. Symrise Pet Food is a global leader in high-value, sustainable solutions that improve pet well-being and guardian satisfaction. The company offers multiple products and services that improve palatability, pet nutrition, and pet food protection. Symrise Pet Food is present on 5 continents with 1,750 employees, 32 sites and 4 expert measurement centers with 1,100 dogs and cats.

Source: Symrise AG. 

19/04/2024

LAIKA, a vet-to-vet solution for the veterinary community

Built with veterinarians for veterinarians, the project is guided by a belief in the power of AI to augment and enhance human capabilities, aiming to offer veterinarians a reliable partner in their mission to care for pets. It incorporates a sophisticated two-layer AI system, with the initial layer focusing on data-driven diagnoses and the second layer providing direct interaction capabilities. This blend of technology is designed to support veterinarians in making more accurate and efficient diagnoses. So far, LAIKA has been embraced by 104 clinics in our pilot phase (far surpassing the original target of engaging 25 clinics), underscoring the demand for such an innovative tool. Veterinarians appreciate LAIKA as their right-hand assistant—a general support for diagnoses, disease information, dosage queries, and more. It's becoming clear that LAIKA is on its way to becoming the veterinarian's best friend, enabling them to perform at 100% efficiency and beyond. LAIKA promises to redefine pet healthcare, making advanced diagnostics and care accessible to all. Future plans include expansion across Italy, France, and other EU countries shortly. For more information, visit: https://laika.aitemsolutions.com/#/home

Source: All Pet Food.

18/04/2024

Common black fly larvae added to list of alternative protein source in animal feed

The black soldier fly is a common, widespread fly of the Stratiomyidae family. After a meeting with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry's Agricultural Product Standards Committee on Thursday, Deputy Agriculture Minister Anucha Nakasai said the committee had approved six new or updated items in agriculture standards. The items include BSF larvae for animal feed, updated durian farming methods, good hygiene practices (GHP) for egg collection centres, good agricultural practices (GAP) for growing orchids, GAP for sesame farming, and guidelines for analysing risks of food-based antimicrobial resistance drugs. Anucha said these standards are crucial for elevating the quality of Thai agricultural products and bringing food up to international standards, ensuring safety and building consumer confidence both domestically and internationally, as well as promoting Thailand to become the world's kitchen. Better agricultural standards will also help farmers sell their products with a bigger profit margin, thus enhancing their living standards, he said. Anucha added that one of the key topics at the meeting was the standard for BSF larvae as animal feed. The committee acknowledged that BSF or black soldier fly larvae could serve as a good source of protein that is easy to raise, has low breeding costs and few natural enemies. After hatching, the larvae grow fast, consuming a variety of organic materials and only producing organic, decomposable waste that makes the raising process sustainable and environmentally friendly. BSF larvae are also high in nutritional value, making them suitable as a key ingredient in feed for fish, chicken and pig farming. The meeting on Thursday also upgraded the regulations for mushroom manufacturing, in place since 2016, to standards that will ensure the production of quality mushrooms. Currently, there are more than 60 companies registered for large-scale mushroom farming.

Source: The Nation.

17/04/2024

Industry round-up: latest efforts by pet food players to fuel production capabilities

Petsource Petsource, a Scoular subsidiary that manufactures pet food, has invested $75 million (€69M) in tripling its production capabilities. Scoular partners with pet food manufacturers to aid the industry's strategy growth, and this investment aims to help its growing customer base and provide space for new customers seeking production. The invested amount has added 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space for freeze-fried pet food ingredients and created 75 new jobs. Petsource President Amy Patterson comments, 'Strong demand, growth in our customers' businesses, and our desire to continue to provide them high quality, innovative solutions drove the project.' 
  Purina's expansion in North Carolina and Iowa As part of a $450 million (€413M) project—one of its largest investments yet—Purina expanded its footprint in North Carolina by opening its new factory in Eden on March 26. The new facility will serve consumer demand in the eastern and southeastern United States. It was built by repurposing 80% of a former brewery to create a 'world-class pet food facility.' The company's production process will also see an overall boost with the installation of the first-ever vertical dryer installed in a Purina U.S. facility, automated warehousing systems and a one-of-a-kind Manufacturing Experience Center designed to introduce modern manufacturing. A company spokesperson tells GlobalPETS, 'Our growth strategy includes expanding and enhancing operations at our existing facilities, and we're actively pursuing a project to increase capacity at our factory in Fort Dodge.' This 80,000-square-foot facility in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was given the green light after Purina received approval from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board.  Through a $175 million (€161.3M) capital investment, Purina will add a new product line and create 50 jobs through this 'capacity-building project.' The IEDA Board has also approved Purina tax benefits through the High-Quality Jobs (HQJ) program.
  Purina in Hungary Nestlé Hungária is pumping HUF 55 billion ($151M/€139.7M) into its 2020-established Purina facility in Bük, striving for its total annual capacity to reach 500,000 tons by 2025.  The latest investment will add a new unit and create 130 jobs. By utilizing local raw materials, it will enhance regional competitiveness and market security for domestic farmers. 'The Hungarian Government is contributing to this investment by providing the infrastructure necessary for operation by modernizing and developing the road and water network, which will also benefit the inhabitants of the region,' comments Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 
  General Mills  The American multinational will construct a 729,120-square-foot facility for its Blue Buffalo pet food division in Kansas at Olathe's I-35 Logistics Park to facilitate storage and distribution capabilities.  General Mills confirms to GlobalPETS that it expects to commence the construction of the 57-acre site by next month. The Johnson County project is also expected to create 81 new jobs.  To supplement growth, the site developer, Scannell Properties, is requesting the city to issue $71 million (€65.4M) in industrial revenue bonds and a 10-year, 50% property tax abatement.
  Kemin Nutrisurance Brazil-based global ingredient manufacturer Kemin Industries has opened a new spray-drying facility in its Vargeão, Santa Catarina, headquarters. Along with a new Innovation Centre, which is set up to provide customer production and supply solutions, Kemin has become the largest pet food manufacturing plant in Latin America by volume capacity for producing dry and liquid palatants.  The two-fold expansion is expected to support the company's South America, Asia and Europe markets.

Source: GlobalPETS

16/04/2024

Domestic Dining

Premium cat foods that are made in the USA continue to fare well on the market, with transparency and ingredient tracking an important selling point.
"Many consumers have become interested in providing better nutrition for all of their pets, not just their dogs," said Janet Scott, owner of Rawz Natural Pet Food, a manufacturer in York, Maine. For manufacturers, made in the USA is a point of pride and indicator of quality. "Consumers desire made-in-the-USA products overseas and at home in the U.S.," said Holly Sher, president and owner of Markham, Ill.-based Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company. "The made-in-the-USA flag is correlated with quality and peace of mind." Retailers say most consumers are not aware of the difference between made in the USA and sourced in the USA. "And boy are they surprised when we tell them all about it," said Pattie Zeller, pack leader at Animal Connection All Natural Store for Pets in Charlottesville, Va. "We spend a lot of one-on-one time with customers and do nutritional consulting. We talk about sourcing and why it makes a difference, too." Animal Connection is big on transparency. For example, Zeller is particularly fond of Open Farm's commitment to transparency, including QR codes on packaging that show ingredient sourcing. Tabitha McKinney, senior category manager for dog and cat food at Feeders Supply Company in Louisville, Ky., agreed that made in the USA and sourced in the USA are one and the same in many customers' minds. In the past, these phrases would also be associated with a higher price tag, she said. "In some cases, this is true," McKinney said. "However, in most cases, made in the USA items are comparable in price to items made elsewhere, at least in the food arena."
  Making food in the USA: Benefits & challenges For cat food manufacturers, there can be pros and cons to sourcing ingredients in the U.S. Some benefits include: Maintaining supplier relationships. "[Rawz has] been able to work with the same manufacturers since we started our business in 2015," Scott said. "We have wonderful relationships and a great deal of trust in them, which certainly makes the process of making our foods in the U.S. worth it." Speed and logistics. "Making our food in the U.S. reduces lead times and logistical hurdles and helps us differentiate ourselves from the competition," said Grant A. Berry, director of sales for Bixbi, a manufacturer in Boulder, Colo. High quality standards. Because the U.S. has strict regulations and standards for pet food, manufacturers can be assured that their products are meeting specific safety and nutritional requirements, Scott said. Environmental impact. "Not only does sourcing locally allow [Evanger's] to control the supply chain tightly, often picking up our raw materials in our fleet of trucks, but it also helps reduce our carbon footprint as a company," Sher said. On the other hand, for manufacturers, some cons to sourcing ingredients in the U.S. can include: Higher costs. "Some ingredients cost more in the U.S. than outside the U.S.," Scott said. "Additionally, labor costs tend to be higher than in other countries, which can impact the overall cost of production." Ingredient availability. Some ingredients are not readily available in the U.S. to meet manufacturer needs or specifications, Scott said. Ingredient availability can also vary by season, Berry noted. While Bixbi focuses on sourcing most ingredients in the U.S., the company sometimes sources globally to ensure consistency. At press time, Rawz planned to release a new Limited Rabbit Recipe for Cats at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla., in March. The grain-free kibble features a freeze-dried raw rabbit coating on every bit and is free from eggs, potato, corn, rendered fat, dairy, wheat, soy and canola oil, Scott said. "Sourcing within the U.S. is something that's very important to us, and we try to source domestically whenever possible," Scott said. "However, we have very high specifications for some of our ingredients, including high protein, and therefore we must source certain ingredients outside the U.S. to meet these specifications." Rabbit is one protein that Rawz has found to be difficult to source in the U.S., but the company has trustworthy suppliers in France and Italy, Scott noted. "It's important to us that we're transparent with our customers, which is why shoppers can see a complete list of sources for every single ingredient we use when they visit our website," Scott added.
Today's shoppers seem to be understanding of the fact that some ingredients are sourced or processed in other countries, McKinney said. On the other hand, Evanger's chooses not to source ingredients outside the U.S. "Using 100 percent USA-sourced ingredients is everything to our company and is always our priority," Sher said. "We source most of our meat and farm fresh fruits and veggies within 50 miles of our Markham, Ill., plant to ensure freshness of our premium dog, cat and ferret foods." One of Evanger's latest additions is EVx cat foods, a restricted diet line with solution-focused formulas including Bland Diet, Urinary Tract, Weight Management, Low Phosphorus and Senior & Joint Health. "It was and continues to be very well-received by our retailers and customers, with more and more pet parents looking to their neighborhood indie pet retailer owner to help guide them on health decisions as well as solve problems with the most common health challenges," Sher said. Manufacturers of U.S.-made premium cat food say they hold themselves and their suppliers to high standards. Bixbi puts its focus on high-quality ingredients, transparent testing, and meeting and exceeding standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Berry said. The company prioritizes sustainable sourcing, such as cage-free chicken and wild-caught tuna. Its dry and freeze-dried foods are made at a family-owned facility and put through rigorous testing. Raw ingredients are tested based on their type and origin. Foods are batch tested for contaminants like salmonella, listeria, E. coli, yeast and mold—and also for nutritional content including protein, fat, moisture, fiber, minerals and amino acid levels. Products also undergo routine testing for heavy metals and environmental toxins. "We want your pet to get the most out of every bioavailable ingredient we craft our food with," Berry said. "Therefore, our recipes are thoroughly tested for maximum nutrient absorption and industry-leading digestibility results." Along with quality and transparency, Rawz places an emphasis on creating high-meat, minimally processed diets that are similar to feeding raw. "While we believe that the best way to feed an animal is with a raw diet, we understand that not everyone feels that same way, nor can everyone afford to feed raw," Scott said. When evaluating suppliers, the company researches and looks for options with a good reputation and transparent processes. "We've been using most of the same suppliers for the almost 10 years that Rawz has been in business, and we have a great deal of faith in them to deliver the best products for our customers," Scott said.
  Trustworthy partners  Just as trust between suppliers and manufacturers is important, so is trust between retailers and manufacturers. "We spend a lot of time evaluating brands and ask 'the hard questions' because our customers expect us to know the product inside and out," Zeller said. When deciding which products to carry, Zeller looks for quality ingredients, human-grade and humanely raised or wild-caught proteins, independent third-party testing results and nutritional profiles. For dry diets, she only considers products made in the U.S. or Canada. She also considers sales support, loyalty programs and store event support. "[For example,] Petcurean's commitment to quality ingredients is impressive," Zeller said. "Our sales rep, Charles Eiler, is great about engaging with customers when he's visiting the store." In addition to quality standards and testing, McKinney looks for brands that differentiate themselves in some way, such as incorporating something unique or offering solutions-focused diets. One major way that Rawz differentiates itself from other pet food manufacturers is its commitment to philanthropy. "We're a family-run business that has been in the pet food industry for 64 years," Scott said. "We started with Old Mother Hubbard, and then Wellness and have now created Rawz, so we certainly have a lot of experience when it comes to product development." One hundred percent of the company's profits are donated to the Rawz Fund, which supports organizations that help those living with brain or spinal cord injuries get the services—and service dogs—they need. The founders of the company and the fund, Janet and Jim Scott, found the inspiration for their cause close to home. Both of their sons suffered life-altering injuries from unexpected accidents. During their recoveries, the Scotts were inspired by the profound connection both sons developed with the family's yellow Lab. "Our focus continues to revolve around the recovery and success of our children, as it would for any parent," the couple writes on Rawz's website. "We wanted to share this ability with all individuals and families who are affected by injury and/or disability."

Source: Pet Product News

15/04/2024

Flagship event for the pet supplies industry: world-leading fair Interzoo 2024 sold out

More than two and a half months before it starts on 7 May 2024, the leading international trade fair for the pet supplies industry is sold out – despite having a much larger exhibition space with an additional two halls compared to Interzoo 2022. As the largest and most important meeting place for the international pet supplies industry, Interzoo 2024 (7 –10 May) will once again be the world's most-used platform for new products and trends in the sector. As the industry's leading trade fair, Interzoo offers the most comprehensive product overview of all relevant segments in an expanding pet industry. At the beginning of February 2024, Interzoo organizer WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH) announced a new record, with the number of exhibitors exceeding the 2,000 mark. Due to the consistently high demand, the remaining exhibition space has now also been allocated. Well over 2,000 companies from about 70 countries will showcase their products and solutions in 14 exhibition halls that cover an overall exhibition space of more than 140,000 square metres. 'The sold-out Interzoo halls that break records with regard to exhibitor numbers, exhibition space and internationality show the huge pulling power of Interzoo for the gradually growing international pet supplies industry,' says Gordon Bonnet, Managing Director of WZF and ZZF (German Pet Trade & Industry Association, the institutional sponsor of Interzoo). 'For trade visitors, there is no better opportunity on the globe to experience first-hand the incredible array of new products and exciting companies, to build networks, and to gain inspiration!'
  Unique market overview The strong international presence at the world-leading fair, which has an overseas exhibitor contingent of around 86%, ensures an unrivalled overview of the global market. After Germany, the countries with the largest numbers of exhibitors are China, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, the USA, Belgium and the UK. There will be a total of 15 national pavilions, from Brazil (two pavilions including one devoted to aquariums), Canada, China (two pavilions), the Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, the UK and the USA. WZF has noted an increase in registrations for stand space from some European countries, e.g. from Italy (+31%), Poland (+27%) and Turkey (+26%). There has also been stronger demand from outside Europe, e.g. from the USA (+60%), India (+34%) and South Korea, which has almost doubled its display area. China, which only sent 29 exhibitors in 2022 due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, accounts for the largest growth in display area with a fifteenfold increase. 'The stronger demand across all continents shows how important Interzoo is as a showcase for innovation and a gathering place for industry decision-makers from all around the world,' says Dr Rowena Arzt, Director Exhibitions at Interzoo organizer WZF.
  Product segments at Interzoo 2024 As in the past, products for dogs and cats account for the majority of the exhibits, with 81.2 percent of all exhibitors representing this segment. The next largest product categories are small animals and rodents (14.1%), aquariums and terrariums (13.3%), ornamental birds (11.6%) and pet food technology (8.4%)1.   Many international visitors expected In view of these record-breaking figures, Dr Rowena Arzt assumes there will be a lot of international visitors: 'The importance of Interzoo as a leading international fair and compass for a diversifying sector makes it the most popular setting for cultivating international contacts, dialogue and business.' Starting with the Petfood Forum Europe on Monday 6 May 2024, the week's activities at Interzoo will map the entire supply chain and creative power of the pet supplies industry through market insights, innovative special shows, and coverage of topical issues like sustainability.   Additional information can be found in the Interzoo App and online on the Interzoo Website Also, you can see the supporting programme HERE   1 Data based on product category allocation of exhibitors in registration process. Source: Interzoo

12/04/2024

PAYPER receives ISO 9001 certification for quality management

We are pleased to announce that PAYPER has been certified to the internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015. The certification for PAYPER's quality management system was awarded on March 7, 2024, and issued through Bureau Veritas, a leading global certification entity. PAYPER's certification covers a broad range of our operations, from engineering to sales, R+D, purchase, manufacturing, warehouse management, commissioning and services such as customer support and spare parts management. So, it covers all internal processes of our organization including the interactions with our suppliers and customers. The rigorous criteria of the certification ensure ongoing analysis and improvement of product quality so that our solutions for bagging, palletizing and wrapping are even more aligned with customers' needs.
  'Acquiring ISO 9001 accreditation validates our ongoing commitment to high standards of quality and excellence in all aspects of our business. Moreover, the certification process has been an opportunity to identify areas for improvement and ultimately strengthen our business.' Josep Mª Godia, Managing Director at PAYPER.
  At PAYPER, we are proud to reach this important milestone and remain dedicated to upholding our commitment to excellence for our valued customers.
  What is ISO 9001? ISO 9001 is a globally recognized certification standard that defines the requirements for establishing a Quality Management System (QMS). It was developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This certification provides a framework for organizations to define, implement, maintain, and continually improve their quality management processes and procedures. The ISO 9001:2015 standard is based on numerous quality management principles, such as a robust emphasis on customer satisfaction, a process-oriented approach, active involvement from top management and an ongoing commitment to improvement. Compliance with ISO 9001 demonstrates an organization's ability to consistently provide products and services that meet regulatory requirements and focus on customer satisfaction. Many organizations worldwide seek ISO 9001 certification to demonstrate their commitment to quality and improve their overall performance. Download PAYPER's ISO 9001:2015 Quality Certificate Source: PAYPER.

11/04/2024

All Pet Food: Celebrating a decade of connections

At All Pet Food, we started this journey a decade ago with the clear misión of generating meaningful links that add value to the pet food industry. Since then, we have focused our efforts on creating solid bridges between suppliers and manufacturers, promoting the sector strengthening and the supply chain efficiency.
Thus we present ourselves as 'connectors', because we believe in union as a hub to drive each company, promoting collaboration, listening our clients needs, offering personalized solutions and evolving alongside an industry that required it. In this video, Pablo Porcel de Peralta -CEO- and Iván Marquetti -Sales Manager-, both All Pet Food founders partners, share in first person the experience and growth in this period of time, as well as their future projection.
 
  Throughout these 10 years, we have witnessed the constant transformation of the pet food industry, which has inspired us to think about our positioning. Starting as a website, becoming leaders in information and developing channels such as our specialized magazine, conferences, events and market analysis, we accomplished to generate a different, dynamic and avant-garde network, which connects the most important participants in the sector. Currently, we have presence in key markets such as Europe, the United States, Mexico, Central and Latin America, and we have more than 400,000 annual visits to our website. In this opportunity we express our gratefulness to the great community we have had the privilege of working with during these ten years, it is an essential and necessary part of our path to continuous improvement. We invite you to follow us on our social media to be announced of all the news we have prepared for this celebration. Let's continue growing up together for more years!

Source: All Pet Food.

09/04/2024

Partner in Pet Food’s private-equity owner halts sale talks

The private-equity owner of Partner in Pet Food has ended talks with potential buyers of the Hungary-based business. A report from The Financial Times this week, quoting unnamed sources, suggested investors Advent International and CVC Capital Partners had made a joint bid for Partner in Pet Food after making individual approaches. Budapest-based Partner in Pet Food has been owned since 2018 by private-equity peer Cinven Group. One of The Financial Times' sources said Cinven had previously been looking to value the company at around €2bn ($2.16bn). However, a source for Just Food, who asked not to be identified, said today (28 March) Cinven had decided to pause the discussions with bidders, deeming the offers for Partner in Pet Food to be undervalued given the market potential. Approached by Just Food, Cinven declined to comment, as did Advent. CVC Capital Partners has yet to respond to a request for comment. Partner in Pet Food, set up in 1999, sells into more than 30 countries in Europe, according to Cinven. The company supplies wet and dry pet food for cats and dogs to over 250 customers, including retailers, specialist pet chains and online customers. It employs more than 1,400 people, Cinven says. Bank of America and Goldman Sachs were working on the proposed sale of Partner in Pet Food, according to a Bloomberg report today, which added interest had been received from private equity and trade buyers. Goldman Sachs had not responded to Just Food at the time of writing to comment on that speculation, while Bank of America declined to comment. Partner in Pet Food had also not give a response. Former Unilever executive Gerald Kuehr was named Partner in Pet Food CEO in 2020. In 2021, the company snapped up two manufacturers in Poland – Mispol and Werbliński. Poland is one of ten European markets in which Partner in Pet Food has sales offices, according to its website. The company has 12 manufacturing facilities. The most recent year for which the group has posted annual sales is 2022, when it generated sales of around €793m. Source: Just Food

08/04/2024

Truly Green or Greenwashed: One way pet owners can discern which pet brands are sustainable

"Green", "neutral," and "small carbon footprint" are no longer simply cool catch phrases to have on product packaging. These days, more and more consumers demand these attributes from the brands and products they purchase. However, consumers often find it hard to tell if their purchasing decisions are truly beneficial for the environment, as these very same terms can be vague and misleading. Fortunately, many brands and manufacturers in the pet market are responding to a consumer cry for transparency on these issues and taking steps to reduce the carbon footprints of their products, from ingredient sourcing right down to the packaging. One organization that is key to helping pet brands toward their sustainability goals is the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC). It is a nonprofit that helps brands work with other responsible partners along the value chain and gives consumers the assurance that their hard-earned money is supporting sustainable and fair practices. Tempo Flexible Packaging is among the companies that have earned accreditation from PSC, having done so in late 2023. "Getting the accreditation from PSC helps solidify what it means to take steps to create a better future … and how genuine we are about our vision to be the preferred partner for sustainable flexible packaging in North America," said Optimist & CEO Leonardo Giglio. To acquire the accreditation, Tempo completed an in-depth review of its business operations and passed a third-party verification audit, the company reported. To keep the accreditation moving forward, it is required to demonstrate year-over-year improvements on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and continue doing its part to create a better world for future generations of people and their pets.

Tempo's vision is to be the preferred partner of sustainable and socially responsible flexible packaging solutions in North America. As part of this vision, it is important to the company that it not only produces packaging designed for a circular economy, but that it ensures that its business and manufacturing practices contribute toward a better future. While the PSC accreditation is a formal recognition of the company's efforts, Tempo has been a pioneer in sustainable packaging design since 2015. That year, it received a PAC Global Sustainable Design Award for its first HarmonyPack—a recyclable pouch designed for a circular economy. "We knew we had to create a new path for Tempo and for flexible plastics because it was the right thing to do," said COO Lee-Anne Giglio. "We could not only add value to our clients and the end consumer, but also contribute to a better system and a better product for future generations." Today, the company's research and development team has developed HarmonyPack solutions for various categories, including all aspects of the pet industry. In addition to pursuing the PSC accreditation, the company has strategically expanded its production capabilities and manufacturing facilities over the last year. Tempo is already a vertically integrated, full-service supplier and the expanded space will house Tempo's customer service, pre-press, sales, marketing, and sustainability teams. This frees up valuable room for additional production space and enables new flexible packaging options such as extra-large, pinch-bottom pouches that can hold up to 30 pounds of product. Tempo is very fortunate to have built 54 years of exceptional partnerships within the pet industry and wants to offer brands support, knowledge, and, most importantly, transparency in the product life cycle and supply chain. The Pet Sustainability Coalition Accreditation not only gave the company that confidence and a standard to grow from—it also gave Tempo, and its industry partners, a powerful way to demonstrate that there is action behind the company's words.

Source: Pet Product News

05/04/2024

ZOOMARK Knows No Bounds: From Bologna to Bangkok

Zoomark is strengthening its collaboration with Pet Fair South East Asia, the leading fair for the pet market in Southeast Asia, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 30th to November 1st. The new strategic alliance aims to promote B2B events in their respective countries, attracting visitors to each other's markets. As part of this exclusive collaboration, Zoomark represents a privileged connection between Italian companies and the Thailand fair. Zoomark will coordinate the attendance of Italian brands at Pet Fair South East Asia to offer businesses both visibility and opportunities within the Asian markets. Italian brands interested in exhibiting in Bangkok can rely on Zoomark to book their individual exhibition space or reserve a stand in the Italy Pavilion. This presents a unique opportunity for visibility for all companies seeking new partnerships and for meeting key operators in the area (distributors and buyers) to export to Southeast Asia. The 2023 edition of Pet Fair SEA saw the participation of 281 exhibitors from 40 countries and 10,000 professional visitors from 74 countries. The pet markets in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore are experiencing rapid and significant growth (with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 9% for the period 2024-2029), driven by increasing pet ownership, rising per capita income, and urbanization. It is, therefore, the ideal time to enter these markets.
  Promoting the Excellence of Made-in-Italy   "Our longstanding collaboration with Pet Fair South East Asia is an example of how Zoomark has always aimed to create a network of strong international partners," says Pascale Sonvico, Sales and Show Office Manager at Zoomark. 'We are delighted to renew our commitment and seize this new opportunity to support and promote the excellence of Made-In-Italy in the Southeast Asian markets, ensuring the participation of Italian brands and amplifying the visibility of our exhibition."   Pascale Sonvico, Sales and Show Office Manager at Zoomark.   "We are extremely pleased to have consolidated our partnership with Zoomark through the organization of the dedicated Country Pavilion for Italy," says Johannes C. Kraus, Senior Project Manager at Pet Fair South East Asia. "We feel honored to have been recognized by one of the leading events in the international pet market as the reference platform for the industry in Asia. We are confident that the Italian companies participating will be able to enter or strengthen their presence in the Southeast Asian markets."   To join the Italy Pavilion or participate with your own stand at Pet Fair South East Asia 2024, please contact [email protected]. For updated news on Zoomark 2025 CLICK HERE Zoomark is the international trade fair for pet food and pet care scheduled at BolognaFiere from May 5th to 7th, 2025. In the last edition in 2023, with over 68,000 square meters of exhibition space spread across 7 pavilions, it hosted 1,060 exhibitors from 57 different countries and 9 foreign collectives and welcomed 27,950 visitors, 62% of whom were from abroad.   Source: Zoomark

04/04/2024

Might pet food provide better prospects for lab-grown meat?

The noise surrounding cultivated or lab-grown meat is increasing all the time but the level of activity involving the end product is not yet justifying the hype. Hurdles, including the high cost of producing meat from animal cells, gaining regulatory approval and convincing customers and the end consumer that it's something they need and want, are either still to be successfully cleared or yet to be approached. For all of the food-tech, or just plain tech, businesses looking to make a name for themselves and for all of the investment money that has flowed into what some see as, depending on the level of hyperbole, the future of food and the saviour of the planet, months and years go by without many of these businesses being much further advanced than when they started out. In November 2020, US-based cultivated-meat business Good Meat became the first company to win approval to sell meat created in a laboratory from cells when it was given the green light by Singapore's regulator. The company, part of Eat Just, has since won similar approval in the US, alongside another company, Upside Foods. However, as Josh Tetrick, the company's founder, told Just Food in December: 'Ultimately, we want to make millions of pounds of cultivated meat but we need to do a lot of work on things like cell density and reducing the cost of the growth medium.' Tetrick said his business was making good progress but added: 'There's no doubt it is a massive challenge to be able to produce it on a large scale. This is a significant challenge for cultivated meat.'   Lab-grown meat and pet food If the companies that have already won regulatory approval and have an end product on sale – albeit in a very limited way – see it as a 'massive challenge', what hope for everyone else? Well, there are signs that cultivated-meat firms may have found a new target, one that would allow them to get their product to market more quickly, to cut down on cell-growth costs and require a less rigorous level of regulation: pet-food. In November, Czech Republic-based Bene Meat revealed it was targeting the EU pet-food market and claimed to be the first to have listed its cultivated cells on the bloc's European Feed Materials Register. No approval is required for animal feeds as long as they are safe and comply with existing regulations. The Prague-based business, backed by medical devices company BTL, has been working on the development and technology of cultivated meat production since 2020.   Meeting the needs of pet-food manufacturers Bene Meat said its pet food will be 'full of pure, high-quality animal protein, without the need for a single animal to die in its production'. Its product, like those of other cultivated-meat manufacturers, is produced in a laboratory in bioreactors by removing cells from a living animal and then growing them in a nutrient-rich medium. Roman Kříž, the company's managing director, said in November: 'We know that at this stage of the research we have already met the needs of pet-food producers, who are constantly looking for ethically and economically meaningful ways to satisfy their demanding customers, pet owners, with their products.' Price – especially of the growth medium – has often been a barrier to manufacturing at scale but Bene Meat said it has developed the technology to 'produce cultured meat in such a way that the resulting price is competitive in comparison with the prices of products made from traditionally-sourced raw materials'. 'There is no inherent reason why it [cultivated meat] should be costly. It's more a question of teething problems and problems of realisation,' Tomáš Kubeš, the company's head of strategic projects, says. 'Bene Meat intends to be a one-stop-shop so we have our own medium and cell lines.' Without giving away company secrets, Vendula Kucerova, Bene Meat's head of sales and marketing strategy, adds: 'We have a cost-effective medium which means we can bring it to the market. Our medium with no FBS [foetal bovine serum] is something different.'
FBS is a by-product of the meat industry and is usually collected from blood at commercial slaughterhouses. Understandably, companies might want to distance themselves from this particular growth medium.   Structural issues Kucerova makes another point about costs when it comes to using cultivated meat for pet food.
'There is a structural issue in trying to create something close to normal meat. For pet food you don't need to do that. It is in the form of processed meat,' she says. Therefore the theory goes that the growth period is shorter, which would be useful when trying to scale-up production. There always seems to be a 'jam tomorrow' element to when cultivated meat products will finally emerge into the daylight but Kubeš is confident Bene Meat is getting close. 'We are already talking intensively with [pet-food] manufacturers and hopefully in Q1 we will start small-scale production trials. 2024 will primarily be for testing,' he says.
'We have built a facility for the pilot scale trial and also hope to have an industrial scale facility by the end of the year to allow us to produce on a commercial scale.'   Assessing pet-food makers' demand for lab-grown meat But why would pet-food companies want lab-grown meat for their products?
Kucerova says: 'Trends have suggested there might not be enough meat in the future and that will impact prices. So, the demand from pet-food manufacturers is quite high. They are looking at alternative protein sources. From feedback, we have found they want alternative protein at an affordable price.'   "Demand from pet-food manufacturers is quite high. They are looking at alternative protein sources"
Vendula Kucerova, Bene Meat   Her view would seem to be backed up by the development of pet-food based on alternative protein sources such as crickets. Last month, Ÿnsect was granted authorisation by the Association of American Feed Control Officials to use de-fatted mealworm proteins within dog nutrition. It is the first time mealworm-based ingredients for pet food have been approved in the US. US-based Hill's Pet Nutrition – owned by Colgate-Palmolive – is to test products for regulatory review and market evaluation based on animal protein created through fermentation by Bond Pet Foods. The companies have also announced a second joint development agreement to create an additional animal protein for potential use in Hill's products. The aim is to 'develop a source of more sustainable animal protein to fulfil the dietary needs of dogs and cats'. This search for alternative protein among pet food manufacturers has not been lost on Canada-based Cult Food Science. In August, Cult Food Science announced a deal with Everything But to use the South Korean start-up's cell-cultivated chicken in its pet-food brands, which include Noochies, Marina Cat and Indiana. The regulatory pathway for pet-food in the US requires approval from the Center For Veterinary Medicine, a branch of the US Food and Drug Administration. In a statement at the time, Cult Food Science said: 'Our collaboration with Everything But is illustrative of our commitment to shaping the future of food at a truly global scale. These ingredients will allow us to reach even more customers with innovative products.' Expanding on its plans in a recent conversation with Just Food, Cult Food Science CEO Mitchell Scott says it is also partnering with another cell-based meat company. 'We are also working with Umami Bioworks from Singapore. We are shipping from Singapore and have a co-packer in the US. We are looking at creating a pilot facility in Boston with Umami,' he says. 'The first product will be Marina Cat, a cultured-snapper product. We're really excited to have a product that can be tasted and tested and hope that will generate additional interest and investment.'   Initial scepticism Scott admits he was sceptical about the idea of using lab-grown meat for pet food at first, largely because of how much it would cost to produce. 'My thoughts at first were that it doesn't make sense but, when I dug into it, I got excited and we saw an opportunity,' he says. 'There is a much quicker regulatory pathway [than food intended for humans]. And, on the cost thing, we can harvest cells mid-term because it doesn't have to have the same structure as meat if it is getting mixed in.
These are not necessarily 100% meat products which helps to make them profitable. Pet food is already a mix of stuff which is fine as long as it's high protein. And, from a consumer point of view, it's not animals eating other animals and it's also sustainable.'   "Given the demand for premium, speciality pet-food the time is right now"
Mitchell Scott, Cult Food Science   Scott believes Cult Food Science could be at the start of a growing trend. 'If it's profitable for us and makes sense at the scale we are doing it, the larger pet-food companies may look at doing it,' he says. 'It's about bringing the product to market and proving there's a demand there.
And some of the cultivated-meat firms are starting to have these conversations as it may mean they can get a product to market in six months rather than a few years. Given the demand for premium, speciality pet-food the time is right now.' Analysts and investors have been quick to pick up on the potential for lab-grown meat and pet-food to have a symbiotic relationship. Lever VC, a New York- and Hong Kong-based investment firm, was one of the first to see the potential of cultivated-meat businesses and recently led a $7m funding round in US-based Clever Carnivore, which is producing cultivated pork sausage with plans to unveil its prototype product, the Clever Bratwurst, this year. On the potential market for cell-based protein in pet food, Nick Cooney, Lever's managing partner, who has previously spoken about Clever Carnivore's 'astonishingly low cost of production' and 'phenomenal science', says he has come round to thinking the idea could have legs.   "It will take a while for cultivated meat to get to a price point where pet food can work"
Nick Cooney, Lever VC   'Prior to this [involvement with Clever Carnivore], we would have been sceptical of cultivated meat for pet-food from a price point of view but Clever Carnivore has made me think again,' he says. 'Not one of the businesses we have looked at has even come close to what Clever Carnivore is doing in terms of production costs.' Cooney stresses that, even so, 'it will take a while for cultivated meat to get to a price point where pet food can work, even within the premium segment'.
But he thinks ongoing premiumisation in the sector is an important factor here and add that 'cats and dogs are less discerning customers as long as it tastes good'. 'And there is a good story to tell in terms of sustainability,' he says.   Easier path to market Hannah Cleland, a research analyst at Just Food parent GlobalData, can see why pet-food has triggered interest from producers of lab-grown meat. 'Cultured pet-food could find an easier path to market than cultured meat is finding for human consumption as there is significantly less red tape for approval of sale for pet-food,' she says. 'On the consumer end however, the biggest drawback will be the cost. Currently, pet owners are predominantly unwilling to commit to more sustainable choices for their pets with 81% globally saying they hadn't bought environmentally friendly/ethical pet-care products between April and June 2023. 'The number one reason cited for this was that sustainable pet products are deemed too expensive. That said, Bene Meat's claim that its cultured pet food is competitively priced against traditional pet food could be a breakthrough in the market.' If the producers, investors and analysts are right, the noise surrounding cultivated meat soon may well be dogs and cats voicing their approval. Source: Just Food. 

03/04/2024

Nestlé Purina PetCare celebrates grand opening of Pet Food Factory in North Carolina

The grand opening celebration is the culmination of more than three years of work to bring the more than $450 million operation to life and establish the first Nestlé manufacturing facility in the state, company officials said. 'Demand for our products continues to grow and opening this new facility—our first manufacturing operation in North Carolina—allows us to better serve our consumers, particularly in the eastern and southeastern parts of the country,' said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO of Purina in St. Louis. 'Our new factory in Eden is a huge step to continue meeting that growing demand, and the latest example of the continued investment being made across our U.S. manufacturing network. We're grateful for the support and partnership across the region, and are confident we're building a facility, and a passionate team, that will represent this community proudly for generations to come.' The Purina factory in Eden has already created more than 300 new positions, with plans to add more personnel in the future. Between 2020 and 2025, Nestlé is on track to invest $2 billion in Purina's factory and capital expansion projects to enhance its manufacturing footprint, officials said. A 24th factory is currently under construction in Williamsburg Township, Ohio, and is expected to be fully operational in the next 12 months. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper recognized the significant investment and commitment from all parties to make the facility a reality. 'We continued to believe that the brewery in Eden could be used for a new manufacturer and we are excited that with this grand opening Nestlé Purina is ready to make a new home in North Carolina with 300 new employees,' said Governor Cooper. 'They will find here a well-trained, dedicated and diverse workforce along with support for their efforts to have this new plant embrace renewable energy and sustainability.' The grand opening celebration also featured North Carolina State Senator Phil Berger who spoke alongside several other Purina leaders including chief technical officer Nolan Terry, manufacturing vice president Casey Hansen and Eden factory manager Will Steiner. Rockingham County economic development director Leigh Cockram also spoke on behalf of the region. The new 1.3-million-square-foot Purina facility in Eden, which repurposes 80 percent of a former brewery's existing structure, features several modern technologies which transform and enhance the overall production process, including the first-ever vertical dryer installed in a Purina U.S. factory as well as automated systems in warehousing and the freezer space, officials said. The new facility also features a first-of-its-kind manufacturing experience center, designed to introduce modern manufacturing to the next generation of workforce, officials said. 'We have been looking forward to this day for a very long time and are so grateful for the contributions of so many incredible associates who've been working hard to bring this factory to life,' Steiner said. 'So much amazing collaboration has gone into this project, but what's most exciting is we can now really get to work and produce many of our pet food brands that pets love and owners trust. We have a great team in place to bring Purina's quality and safety standards to life in Eden.' Nestled on 1,350 acres extending to the Virginia state line, the new Purina factory in Eden, North Carolina, marks the 23rd Purina manufacturing operation in the U.S. Eden will operate as a zero waste for disposal facility. Across its manufacturing network, Purina is working to conserve water and achieve 100 percent renewable electricity at its factories by 2025. The grand opening event featured donations from Purina to local organizations granted through its Trust Fund, which was established by company founder William H. Danforth and supports partners working to positively impact communities where Purina has operations. Purina made a $30,000 donation to expand industrial and applied technologies programs at Rockingham Community College. The funds support the opening of a new center for workforce development building, enhancing the community's current and future workforces with training opportunities to better support high-technology employment opportunities, officials said. The 3D printing room inside the new structure will also be named in honor of Nestlé Purina. The check was presented to Mark Kinlaw, president of Rockingham Community College. Purina's $10,000 donation to Dan River Basin Association supports the organization's Tails on Trails initiative, designed to encourage pets and people to explore nature together. The program will host bi-monthly guided hikes designed with pets in mind and provide printed maps of dog-friendly trails around Rockingham County; as well as an online map featuring dog-friendly trails across the entire 16-county Dan River Basin. The check was presented to Tiffany Haworth, executive director of Dan River Basin Association. Purina also recently delivered a donation which helped renovate and reopen the Purina Bark Park inside Freedom Park in Eden; helped fund the installation of an electronic kiosk at the Rockingham County Veterans Park; and supported Help, Incorporated and the opening of a new facility, the SquareOne Family Justice Center, which provides crisis care to abuse victims in a centralized location. The local team regularly supports Rockingham County Animal Shelter and Friends of Eden Animal Rescue with donated product, and also helps feed the K9 officers of the Eden Police Force. In 2023, Purina invested more than $30 million to support programs that aim to bring and keep pets and people together and to forge partnerships that help communities and the environment thrive. Source: Pet Product News

01/04/2024

The story behind Hill’s Prescription Diet ONC Care — Nutrition designed specifically for pets with cancer

As part of its purpose to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets, Hill's Pet Nutrition recently launched Prescription Diet ONC Care — the first dry & wet pet food from Hill's designed specifically for pets with cancer.  When Hill's Pet Nutrition debuted its Prescription Diet food 75 years ago, it became the world's first veterinarian-prepared food for the nutritional management of canine disease. Today, Hill's Pet Nutrition, a division of Colgate-Palmolive, continues its legacy of improving the health and well-being of pets with a food that's backed by science, innovation and technology.  The impetus to create a food specifically for pets with cancer came from veterinarians and scientists at Hill's Pet Nutrition, who understand dogs and cats with cancer struggle to get the nutrition they need. 
    'One of the insights we received from veterinarians is how frustrating and debilitating cancer management is for pets and pet owners,' said Leslie Hancock, Chief Medical Officer and Worldwide Director of Clinical Nutrition Research at Hill's Pet Nutrition. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.  'Cancer treatments often make pets feel sick, and often lose their appetite as a result,' Hancock added. 'On top of suffering from cancer, pets are also suffering nutrient deficiencies from the lack of a balanced diet.'  To respond to this feedback, team members at Hill's Pet Nutrition brought their findings to the company's upstream research and innovation team, which works to find new, cutting-edge technologies that can positively impact pet health.  'And what do you know? They had already been working on technology that would improve the palatability, or preferred taste, of pet food with microbiome technology that helps address the impact cancer and treatment can have on the intestinal microbiome and stool quality,' Hancock said.  By utilizing this technology and improving palatability — through the optimization of macronutrients like protein and fat, and processing the food in a robust manner — Hill's Pet Nutrition created a food that even the most unwilling of appetites, especially those of pets with cancer, would eat.  'Prescription Diet ONC Care's unique formula allows for small meals to make a big impact,' said Madison Amundson, Associate Scientist at Hill's Pet Nutrition.  In February 2023, scientists at Hill's Pet Nutrition, including Amundson, published findings about Prescription Diet ONC Care's effectiveness in Veterinary Sciences, an international scientific, peer-reviewed journal. Among the results, dogs showed a high acceptance of Prescription Diet ONC Care within the first day — with continued eating enthusiasm over the next month.  Though Prescription Diet ONC Care has been providing nutrition to dogs and cats for just the past six months in certain markets, members of the Hill's Pet Nutrition team have already received positive feedback.  'We underestimated its popularity and what it can be,' Hancock said, adding that veterinarians have prescribed Prescription Diet ONC Care for pets who have issues receiving a balanced diet, like those who suffer from other causes of reduced food intake (otherwise called anorexia or dysrexia).  Going forward, team members at Hill's Pet Nutrition will continue studying the impact of Prescription Diet ONC Care and refining and improving the food. But this achievement hasn't been lost on the team at Hill's Pet Nutrition.  'Prescription Diet ONC Care has been a fascinating exploration into how we can take applied food science and create a diet with a positive therapeutic intent,' Hancock said.  'It just kind of gives a good overwhelming feeling that this product is finally out there to help those who really need it,' Amundson added. 'This is a new milestone in the oncology world for a food that's really designated for pets with cancer.' Hill's Pet Nutrition Prescription Diet ONC Care is now available in North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Japan. By the end of 2024, the food is expected to launch in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Source: Colgate-Palmolive.
 

28/03/2024

Supply chain rating: Symrise recognized for climate protection in its supply chain

Symrise has been making efforts for years to ensure that its suppliers increasingly satisfy strict climate protection criteria. 'With more than 5,000 suppliers and widely ramified supply chains, it is essential that we have the right framework conditions in place,' says Bernhard Kott, Chief Sustainability Officer at Symrise. In line with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, the company subjected all its suppliers to a sustainability risk assessment. Moreover, Symrise aims to procure 100 percent of its strategic biological raw materials from completely sustainable sources by 2025. Helmut Frieden, Vice President Corporate Sustainability: 'We have set ourselves other ambitious goals as well. For example, by 2030, we intend to bring the greenhouse gas emissions generated by our own business activities down to net zero.' Just as in the previous year, the Holzminden-based company's commitment earned it a top A grade from the non-profit organization CDP in 2023. 'This excellent result in the rating motivates us to continue our chosen path. In the future, we want to increase the number of suppliers who define their own environmental targets as part of the CDP Supply Chain Program. After all, sustainable raw materials sourcing exerts a substantial impact on our long-term success. More and more customers and consumers are attaching importance to transparency and traceability in the supply chain,' says Bernhard Kott. Symrise assumes a leading role in the supply chain Since 2018, the non-profit organization CDP has used its Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) to evaluate the cooperation between companies and their suppliers regarding climate issues. Some of the assessment criteria include: how the company integrates climate matters into its business strategy, what targets the company has set in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, how high the emissions in the supply chain are (Scope 3 emissions), and how the company incorporates suppliers into its climate protection measures. The Supplier Engagement Leaderboard identifies companies that are actively cooperating with their suppliers on climate protection. An organization's average upstream emissions are around 11.5 times greater than their direct operations. Because of this, organizations have much greater potential to reduce global emissions by influencing their supply chains. 'As a Supplier Engagement Leader, Symrise is demonstrating supply chain leadership, a prerequisite for the transition towards a net-zero, nature-positive future,' says Simon Fischweicher, Director of Supply Chain and Reporter Services, CDP.

Source: Symrise.

22/03/2024

Record-breaking attendance for VICTAM and GRAPAS ASIA 2024

The event, held from March 12 – 14 at BITEC in Bangkok, welcomed 315 international exhibitors from the animal feed, pet food, aqua feed, as well as the rice, grain and flour processing industries. This year's event showcased an array of innovations and facilitated key industry connections, underscoring its role as Asia's most comprehensive exhibition for these sectors. VICTAM Asia and GRAPAS Asia experienced an unprecedented 42.5% increase in visitors from the last edition in 2022. This growth indicates the growing interest and importance of the event in the sector. This edition's success marks a significant milestone in the industry's recovery from the Corona period, showcasing resilience and renewed post-pandemic growth. The exhibition was honored to host a diverse array of industry leaders and decision-makers, including top executives from over 40 leading companies such as AMP International, Bogasari, Cargill, and CPF Worldwide. The organization also welcomed ASEAN investors, presidents of relevant associations, ambassadors, and university professors. During the exhibition, visitors could also attend a high-quality and extensive conference and technical seminar program. A total of 141 speakers from 14 countries delivered compelling presentations on a wide range of topics, ranging from the future of livestock feed to innovations in shrimp farming, feed safety, and milling technology. The Victam Foundation hosted the 3rd International Feed Technology Congress (IFTC) with Wageningen University. Chairman was professor Leo den Hartog and dr. Mai Anh Khoa (Thai Nguyen University – Vietnam), dr. Nazri Nayan (Universiti Putra Malaysia), dr. Pairat Srichana (CP Group), and dr. Thomas van der Poel (WUR) spoke about the developments and challenges in the ASEAN feed industry. Another interesting conference was the 'Flour Milling Maximized', where the continuous transformation of the wheat processing industry was discussed by Adi Witono (Bogasari), Peer Hansen (Eye-Grain Aps.), Sirichai Songsermpong (Kasetsart University) among others. During the Thai Feed Mill Association (TFMA) conference, Mr. Pornsil Patchrintanakul (President TFMA) , Dr. Witthawat Songsujaritkul (Trouw Nutrition Thailand), Mr. Amnat Chidthaisong (King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi) spoke about modernizing and exploring the future of livestock feed in 2024 and managing the carbon footprint in feed. After the conference there was a greet and meet between the Thai feed millers and exhibitors, where millers could address their needs and challenges in their feed mills. The "Networking Night" at VICTAM Asia successfully brought together over 250 industry professionals, including leadership from the Thai Pet Product Industry Association (TPIA) and more than 40 media representatives from Thailand and abroad. This event served as a platform for attendees to connect with leading exhibitors and discuss the latest technological advancements in the livestock industry, demonstrating the significant interest and engagement across the global community. The next edition of VICTAM Asia and GRAPAS Asia together with Health & Nutrition Asia is scheduled for March 10 – 12, 2026, at BITEC, Bangkok. For more details, please visit www.victamasia.com.

Source: VICTAM Asia.

21/03/2024

Case Study: BSM Partners increases formula palatability while decreasing formula cost

The challenge Raw material supply and pricing are two of the primary drivers of increases in pet food prices that have skyrocketed since late 2020 and early 2021. Pet food manufacturers are faced with critical choices. Reformulating to reduce the ingredient cost of their products still leads to added costs if pet food packaging must be updated and decreases in product performance, either in product appearance, palatability, or functionality. Increasing the MSRP can cost loyal consumers, especially for premium products that are already demanding a high market price.
A startup with ultra-premium cat food products came to BSM for their expert formulation team, hoping to find the following solutions: Decrease formula cost. Increase formula palatability. The solution BSM Partners' Product Innovation Practice utilized their formulation and product development expertise to streamline reformulation. While cost-savings projects focusing on reformulation can yield ingredient savings, there is always a concern that the cost-savings on ingredients will be outweighed by other changes.
The client had unique packaging that was not expensive to change and had already done extensive ingredient testing, which enabled the BSM Partners' team to move quickly and implement the following approach: Reformulated product, prioritizing optimal nutrition for cats and increasing the nutritional quality of the formula while decreasing overall formula cost. Focused on palatability enhancing formula changes, like increasing organ meats. Coordinate palatability testing to confirm with cats directly.
- Paired preference testing against old formulas.
- Acceptability testing. The result All formulas saw a significant cost reduction. The client tested multiple formula options, with the second round of reformulations testing most favorably in the cat feeding panels. Not only did the product cost less to produce and feed better than their initial launch formula, but it also provided more optimal nutrition for cats.    
  Highlights 16 - 52% reduction in price across all formulas. 2:1 preference in cats for the new formula. BSM Partners BSM Partners is a leading pet and human food consulting firm. BSM Partners is a collective of professionals across various industries, backgrounds, and life experiences. We leverage our shared expertise for our clients and draw on our deep connections in the industry to help them succeed. We are prepared for every challenge a business might face. From product development to replenishment, we have it covered. Our services include research, consumer insights, product innovation, food safety and quality, regulatory, nutrition, veterinary, transformation, operations support, and engineering. With BSM Partners as part of your team, nothing is impossible!

Source: BSM Partners.

20/03/2024

Cats’ noses appear to function like powerful aroma analysis equipment

Published in PLOS Computational Biology, the study was funded by Waltham Petcare Science Institute and led by Ohio State University, Monell Chemical Senses Center and the University of Pennsylvania.   These new findings deepen our understanding of the domestic cat's enhanced sense of smell, aiding new strategies to meet cats' food preferences.   Researchers created an anatomically accurate 3D computer simulation of a domestic cat's nose to understand how cats smell. They used a variety of techniques to create the simulation, including high-resolution micro-CT scans to generate an accurate model of a cat's nose. The simulation of air and odor flow through the virtual cat nose revealed similarities with a parallel coiled gas chromatograph.   In basic gas chromatography, the substance being analyzed is vaporized and carried by a steady flow of gas through a tube. Different chemical components in the substance interact with the tube in distinct ways, which enables them to be separated and identified.  In a cat, its complex nasal structure is made up of multiple tubes, like a parallel coiled gas chromatograph, making the process even more efficient than the basic chromatography technique.   'We have partnered with leading institutions to further understand cats' sense of smell', says Dr. Scott McGrane, sensory science expert at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. 'Computational Fluid Dynamics (or CFD) is usually used to solve engineering questions related to how fluids flow.  In our case, we have applied CFD to study airflow and how aroma compounds move through the cats' nose.  Cats' noses have a complex structure that enhances their ability to smell, akin to the snail-like coiled cochlea which we know enhances hearing sensitivity'.  'This new research shows a cat's nasal structure is about 100 times more efficient in detecting aroma compounds than having a single straight tube, which most amphibians have', Dr. McGrane added.  The study and findings deepen our understanding of cats' enhanced sense of smell and present the potential for future computational and behavioral studies on the palatability of cat food, including in the area of new sustainable protein sources.  It's a topic we are exploring through our sensory science work, which aims to further our understanding of the sense of smell and taste in cats and dogs.  Our recent research has discovered new insights into the taste perception of pets by studying the sensitivity of taste receptors using a range of approaches, including computational modelling. One study looked into bitterness and its relationship with toxicity for dogs, while another explored the kokumi taste receptor of cats, which is described as a taste enhancer rather than a taste on its own.   We are committed to using scientific research to gain a better understanding of how cats and dogs experience and enjoy the food they eat. It means we can continue meeting their needs nutritionally, while at the same time ensuring they savor their meal, for happy pets, as well as healthy pets. 

Source: Whaltam PetCare

19/03/2024

PLP Systems: International Fairs and Conferences continue in 2024

The 2023 trade show season has been a great success for PLP Systems, leader with its liquid and powder dosing technologies. Operating across various sectors such as: livestock, milling, pet food, aqua feed, enology, food & beverage, fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, cosmetics, and the concrete industry, the company participated in nine fairs across Europe, Asia, and South America, covering all the sectors in which it operates and sharing its expertise and innovation. Now, the company is gearing up for an equally eventful 2024, offering a comprehensive range of machinery and components for dosing, greasing, mixing, spraying, and homogenizing liquids, powders and additives. PLP Systems looks forward to meeting clients, partners, and professionals at various events worldwide. CFIA, Rennes: March 12-14. As one of the most important agri-food fairs in France, PLP Systems will showcase its expertise in food coating and micro-dosing technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to discover the MDP batch micro-dosing system for powders. Victam, Bangkok: March 12-14. PLP Systems is excited to participate in this comprehensive trade show and conference for the animal protein production supply chain and livestock industry in Asia. Managing Director Marco Prati will hold two conferences organized by International Pet Food. On March 11th, he will provide insights into our coating technologies at the Petfood and Aquafeed Extrusion Conference. On March 13th, he will provide insights on handling minor ingredients and additives in feed production at the Build My Feedmill conference at the Build my Feedmill conference. GIC, Piacenza: April 18-20. The only Italian fair dedicated to the concrete industry is an opportunity for PLP Systems to showcase its latest technologies for complete premix production lines and precise dosing systems for liquids, powders, and additives. INTERZOO, Nuremberg: May 7-10. Returning after a two-year wait, INTERZOO is one of the world's major pet food fairs. PLP Systems will present its flagship technology for the pet food sector: the MT, a complete machine for coating and greasing pellets, kibbles, and other granular products. SOLIDS, Parma: June 5-6. Following the success of the previous edition, SOLIDS Italy returns as a powerful network of professional fairs for granular material, powders, and bulk solids technologies. PLP Systems looks forward to presenting its micro-dosing technologies. Foro Mascotas Pet Food Internacional, Guadalajara: June 27-28. Participating in one of the most important pet food industry fairs in Latin America, PLP Systems is eager to explore the latest trends in this evolving and growing market. CIPAL, Buenos Aires: September 25-26. Organized by All Pet Food, this congress aims to update on the latest trends in the Latin American pet food industry. PLP Systems will present its innovations, including high-precision dosing systems and machines for coating and greasing products. EUROTIER, Hanover: November 12-15. The world's largest event dedicated to animal production, provides an opportunity for PLP Systems to assert its leadership in providing complete and efficient solutions for the rapidly evolving global livestock industry. The 2024 trade shows will once again be an opportunity for PLP Systems to strengthen its position with dosing, greasing, spraying, and more. The company looks forward to meeting you in person in Europe, Asia, and Latin America!

Source: PLP Systems.

18/03/2024

How an AI-Powered dog food brand secured $2 million in seed funding after launching its first product

Mahsa Vazin is no stranger to innovation. The scientist started her career at the Redwood City, California-based Impossible Foods, where she worked in research and development. But once she adopted her dog, Paco, she started to think about how she could use her knowledge in the field of nanoscience to ensure he got the best nutrition possible--leading her, in 2021, to found PawCo, a San Francisco-based plant-based pet nutrition brand. Vazin bootstrapped the company to create its core ingredient: GreenMeat, its plant-based meat, which it developed using artificial intelligence to optimize both its nutrition and palatability. In 2022, PawCo officially launched. In February, the company announced a $2 million seed raise led by Elevate Ventures, which Vazin hopes will further drive PawCo's growth. The plant-based pet food market, valued at $26 billion in 2021, is projected to grow to $57 billion by 2032, according to the global market intelligence company Future Market Insights. Vazin shares how the company secured its funding and what it plans to do with that capital.
  What prompted this round of fundraising? When and how did you go about it? "We bootstrapped and launched our first product about a year ago, then we started talking to 100 investors and built a great network, and went from $0 to $1 million ARR within a year, and the growth was exponential. We found an early product-market fit, and we believed this is the right time to scale the operation and launch new products. The $2 million seed funding round, led by Elevate Ventures, as well as other angel investors such as Arash Ferdowsi, co-founder of Dropbox, helps us take PawCo to the next level and prepare to raise our Series A in nine to 12 months."
  What was your fundraising journey like? "The tipping point was when we won the in-prize pitch competition out of 450 startups (that attended globally) in August 2023 and showed exponential growth in our revenue and metrics. After that, we received enormous inbound interest to invest in this round. In addition, we used our extended network of advisers to get introductions to strategic investors, actively investing in the pet industry and consumer goods industry. Even though the market situation was not the best, we were able to close the round within weeks and we are on the right track to raise our Series A in the next nine to 12 months."
  What do you plan to do with this funding? "With this funding, we'll be able to scale our operations by opening a second production facility [a Midwest location to complement the current facility in California]. Additionally, we'll further invest in growth, research and development, new recipes, and marketing tactics to drive awareness for the plant-based pet food category. We intend to solidify the plant-based pet food category through market expansions, new production facilities, and big product launches. PawCo is looking forward to growing and providing pet owners with healthy and nutritious options for their dogs, while also creating a product that's safer and more sustainable for the planet."

Source: Inc.

15/03/2024

AAFCO shares concerns regarding H.R.7380, the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), an independent organization that guides state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards, shares its concerns for the current version of the proposed federal legislation that would reduce state oversight and authority to review the marketing or labeling of pet food. H.R.7380, the 'Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2024' or the 'PURR Act' was introduced in Congress on February 15, 2024, with the intention of creating a more streamlined federal regulatory process that would prohibit state governments from directly or indirectly establishing, maintaining, implementing, or enforcing any authority or requirement relating to the marketing or labeling of pet food. AAFCO is concerned the proposed legislation, as it's currently presented, could have negative ramifications for consumer protection, reduce pet food label transparency, and jeopardize the safe advancement of pet food products. 'State feed programs are the first line of defense protecting consumers from misleading or mislabeled pet food products,' shared Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. 'Today, many state regulators proactively inspect pet food labeling before products hit the market to ensure that any marketing claims on the label or packaging are accurate and have the necessary scientific data to validate the statements. Under the new PURR Act, this important layer of consumer protection would completely go away.' Most state feed programs in the United States support the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by providing premarket reviews of pet food labels to ensure that permissible marketing claims are substantiated by data and are not false or misleading to the consumer. H.R.7380 would allow pet food manufacturers to distribute pet food products 'self-proclaimed' as safe without the ingredients or nutritional statements being verified by a government authority prior to the product being available for sale and consumption. AAFCO is also concerned with the 'ingredients sometimes present' language currently included in H.R.7380, which states that manufacturers may use words on packaging such as 'and/or,' 'contains one or more of the following,' or other words indicating that an ingredient may not be present in the pet food. If passed, this would allow manufacturers to change or omit ingredients without disclosing this information to consumers. 'Many consumers purchase pet foods and treats based on the dietary needs or allergen requirements of their pets. Lack of transparency would leave consumers unable to know for certain which ingredients their pets may or may not be consuming, leading to potential health risks,' added Therrell. Currently the FDA and state governments work in partnership under a national integrated food safety system that allows the FDA to utilize the expertise and resources of state feed programs to strengthen pet food safety inspections and protect consumers against unsafe, fraudulent or misleading advertising and labeling practices. 'While there are certainly opportunities to improve efficiency and bring more innovation to the marketplace, it must be done in a safe and transparent manner. Engaging states and those intimately involved in the day-to-day oversight of pet food products is imperative to truly creating a modernized regulatory system,' concluded Therrell. About AAFCO The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 110 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals. Its members are charged by their state or federal laws to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of animal feeds and feed ingredients. 

Source: AAFCO.

13/03/2024

The innovation revolution in pet food

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Business challenges Nowadays, one of the main challenges for producers and manufacturers is the availability of labor. We are not the only market dealing with this problem. However, it represents a significant obstacle for pet food manufacturers to achieve their goals of meeting the growing pet owners' demands. The need for trained workers and the responsibility to maintain safe manufacturing practices and work environments are today, in an increasingly demanding and demanding context, fundamental issues. But not all is lost! In contrast to this problem, we know that the industry is experiencing an increase in demand driven by the growth of pet ownership. This represents an important opportunity for manufacturers to take the opportunity to develop new products and offerings for those new to the market. Product innovation Meeting the changing needs and demands of pet owners is of great importance. Animal food manufacturers are constantly immersed in a process of product renewal to provide food that is in line with the values ​​and expectations of consumers. We have known that, for some time now, sustainability is one of the main factors owners have in mind when selecting food for their pets. Awareness, both personally and for their pets, regarding the ecological impact of the products they purchase is increasingly high, and that is why they look for alternatives in pet food that promote environmentally friendly practices, focusing on the reuse of plastics and the sustainability of the production chain. This reflects a mentality that is more friendly to the natural environment and more ecology-oriented. Additionally, consumers are paying more attention to the ingredients that contain the products they choose. Pet owners carefully scrutinize ingredient lists, seeking transparency and opting for natural, healthy ingredients that contribute to their beloved pet's well-being and health. The push for development Lately, research has ceased to be the only factor driving the development of new products, beginning to share its space with unique ingredients and human food trends. Nowadays, it is easy to predict that when we see a new product gain popularity on human plates, it will not take long to reach the pet food shelves. The biggest difference between these two markets is, without a doubt, their palatability. For instance, there have already been cases of companies that, following human trends, have sought to develop snacks or supplements for pets in the form of chewable candies, also known as 'gummies,' and they have not worked since they stuck to pets' teeth. We already know having the best product in the world is useless if no animal is willing to eat it. Customization in production Product customization has been increasingly creeping into our industry. At first, in a more superficial way, such as personalizing large feed bags with the pet's name or putting together product packs for a specific animal. As people seek increasingly personalized paths to well-being, we find new proposals such as specially formulated foods, personalized probiotics, and the use of precision-based production. Technology Using HPP to improve production As pet food manufacturers look to meet the demand for safe, clean, and nutrient-dense products, High Hydrostatic Pressure (HPP) technology is emerging as a viable solution. Its ability to achieve food safety goals, offer clean labels and produce pet foods with a similar profile to raw foods makes it a technology with immense potential in the future of the industry. The data suggests that HPP technology could find applications in products like kibble, freeze-dried foods, and wet foods. This technology appears to be a compelling alternative to traditional high-temperature methods. Its advantages, such as maintaining nutritional integrity and obtaining the "raw profile" preferred by pets, are increasingly attracting industry attention, not only from large companies but also from medium-sized ones, which are already showing significant growth in their plans to use this technology.   Technology for everyday life Technology is not only being used to improve production and the final product, but it is increasingly impacting the small actions and everyday objects of pets' routine, such as automatic feeders, smart toys, GPS collars, and physical activity trackers.   Innovation: a topic on everyone's agenda The industry's challenges in terms of innovation arise from the pet food-producing field and extend to all the ecosystems that make up the industry. If we use our intelligence, knowledge, and technology to our advantage, we will be able to find new and innovative alternatives to answer the demands of both food and supplements, considering the trends, needs, and owners' lifestyle changes. The companies at the forefront that can quickly identify the new underlying human needs and wishes with respect to their four-legged animals will be those that, this year, will be able to gain a prominent place in their market and sector.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

12/03/2024

Black Soldier Fly Larvae as an alternative protein source in pet diets

The use of insects as a protein source has gained considerable popularity in the pet and human food industries as the consumer agenda focuses more heavily on sustainability.3 Insects are commonly consumed as human food in many cultures around the globe.4-6 Of the insects most commonly being produced on a commercial scale, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have been given considerable attention, as they are cheap to raise and possess a unique nutritional composition.7,8 The utilization of BSFL as a sustainable protein source in feed for swine, poultry, and aquaculture has been studied extensively, and researchers are beginning to study BSFL in feed for companion animals as well.3,9,10 According to previous studies, the environmental impact of BSFL production is far less than that of conventional livestock production.11,12 Black soldier fly larvae have the unique ability to transform organic waste such as cow manure, sewage sludge, restaurant waste, and fish offal into valuable biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, however, the nutritional composition of BSFL will differ depending upon their diet.13,14 Recently, BSFL, as an alternative protein source in pet food, has been the subject of much investigation. Many studies have been done to evaluate the nutrient composition of BSFL, noting a high-quality composition of nutrients.15 Black soldier fly larvae are considered a complete protein for humans, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids.21 In addition, BSFL has one of the highest amino-acid scores compared to conventional protein sources such as fish meal.16,17On average, BSFL contains approximately 400 grams of crude protein per kilogram of dry matter (DM) and 300 grams of crude fat per kilogram of DM.9,18 A recent study showed similar results when comparing BSFL (36.5% inclusion) and venison as the primary protein source in extruded dog kibble.15 In dogs, acceptability of dry kibble containing BSFL is good, with dogs accepting foods containing up to 20% inclusion rate of BSFL; however, acceptability is lower in cats, with acceptance up to 5% inclusion.19,20 When evaluating the sustainability, nutrient composition, digestibility, and acceptability of protein products to use in pet food, BSFL is comparable to conventional meat products. While adequate studies have shown that BSFL is an acceptable alternative protein source in pet diets, more studies to evaluate processing, digestibility, and palatability would be beneficial.17 By: Ada-Miette Thomas
Source: BSM Partners References American Pet Products Association. (n.d.). Industry trends and stats. APPA. https://www.americanpetproducts.org/research-insights/industry-trends-and-stats Sutton, A., Costa, N.D. 2023. The role of black soldier fly larval protein and fat in companion-animal nutrition: challenges and opportunities from an industry perspective. Animal production science. Wang, Y. S., Shelomi, M. 2017. Review of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) as animal feed and human food. Foods. 6(10):91. Paul, A., Frederich, M., Megido, R. C., Alabi, T., Malik, P., Uyttenbroeck, R., et al. 2017. Insect fatty acids: A comparison of lipids from three Orthopterans and Tenebrio molitor L. larvae. J. Asia-Pacific Entomology. 20(2):337-340. Paul, A., Frederich, M., Uyttenbroeck, R., Hatt, S., Malik, P., Lebecque, S., et al. 2016. Grasshoppers as a food source? A review. Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement, 20(AgricultureIsLife). Paul, A., Frederich, M., Uyttenbroeck, R., Malik, P., Filocco, S., Richel, A., et al. 2016. Nutritional composition and rearing potential of the meadow grasshopper (Chorthippus parallelus Zetterstedt). J. Asia-Pacific Entomology. 19(4):1111-1116. Star, L., Arsiwalla, T., Molist, F., Leushuis, R., Dalim, M., Paul, A. 2020. Gradual provision of live black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to older laying hens: Effect on production performance, egg quality, feather condition and behavior. Anim. 10(2): 216. Schmitt, E., Belghit, I., Johansen, J., Leushuis, R., Lock, E. J., Melsen, D., et al. 2019. Growth and safety assessment of feed streams for black soldier fly larvae: A case study with aquaculture sludge. Anim. 9(4):189. Barragan-Fonseca, K.B., Dicke, M., van Loon, J.J. 2017. Nutritional value of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) and its suitability as animal feed– A review. J. Insects Food Feed. 3(2):105-120. Makkar, H. P., Tran, G., Heuzé, V., Ankers, P. 2014. State-of-the-art on use of insects as animal feed. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 197:1-33. Smetana, S., Schmitt, E., Mathys, A. 2019. Sustainable use of Hermetia illucens insect biomass for feed and food: Attributional and consequential life cycle assessment. Res. Conserv. Recylcing. 144:285-296. Gligorescu, A., Fischer, C.H., Larsen, P.F., Nørgaard, J.V., Heckman, L.H.L. 2020. Production and optimization of Hermetia illucens (L.) larvae reared on food waste and utilized as feed ingredient. Sustain. 12(23):9864. Van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., Mertens, E., Halloran, A., Muir, G., Vantomme, P. 2013. Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security (No. 171). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Tomberlin, J.K., Cammack, J.A. 2017. Black soldier fly: Biology and mass production. Insects as food and feed: from production to consumption. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, the Bosch, G., Zhang, S., Oonincx, D. G., & Hendriks, W.H. 2014. Protein quality of insects as potential ingredients for dog and cat foods. J. Nutr. Sci. 3(e29):231-246. Penazzi, L., Schiavone, A., Russo, N., Nery, J., Valle, E., Madrid, J., et al. 2021. In vivo and in vitro digestibility of an extruded complete dog food containing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as protein source. Front. Vet. Sci. 8:653411. Loho, L., Lo, D., Romulo, A. 2023. Amino acid analysis and physiological properties of protein concentrate made from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens). In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 1200(1):012028.  Bosch, G., Swanson, K.S. 2021. Effect of using insects as feed on animals: Pet dogs and cats. J. Insect Food Feed. 7(5):795-805. Abd El-Wahab, A., Meyer, L., Kölln, M., Chuppava, B., Wilke, V., Visscher, C., Kamphues, J. 2021. Insect larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein source of canine food and its impacts on nutrient digestibility and fecal quality. Anim.11(9):2525. Yamka, R.M., Koutsos, E.A. and McComb, A., 2019. Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae as a protein and fat source in pet foods. Petfood Forum, Kansas City, MI, USA, pp. 8-9. Paßlack, N., & Zentek, J. (2018). Akzeptanz, Verträglichkeit und scheinbare Nährstoffverdaulichkeit von Alleinfuttermitteln auf Basis von Hermetia-illucens-Larvenmehl bei Katzen [Acceptance, tolerance and apparent nutrient digestibility of complete diets based on larvae meal of Hermetia illucens in cats]. Tierarztliche Praxis. Ausgabe K, Kleintiere/Heimtiere, 46(4), 213–221. https://doi.org/10.15654/TPK-180372 Miron, L., Montevecchi, G., Bruggeman, G., Macavei, L. I., Maistrello, L., Antonelli, A., & Thomas, M. (2023). Functional properties and essential amino acid composition of proteins extracted from black soldier fly larvae reared on canteen leftovers. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 103407.

11/03/2024

Are Vegetarian Diets for Cats and Dogs Safe?

 A Vegetarian Diet for Cats The cat is an obligate carnivore and has highly exacting nutritional needs, for this reason we advise owners to think very carefully before providing a vegetarian diet for their cats, and to ensure they get advice from a veterinary nutritionist. There is some commercial 'complete' vegetarian cat food available on the market. If a cat owner is intending to feed one of these products, we would recommend the owner discusses this option with their vet in the context of the individual needs of their cat. Cats have high requirements for protein and amino acids which their bodies breakdown very rapidly. If resources run low they're unable to reduce the rate of breakdown which makes them particularly sensitive to deficiencies. The particular importance of taurine (an amino acid exclusively found in animal-based proteins) in cat nutrition is well documented. It is an essential nutrient for cats and deficiency can lead to blindness and/or heart failure. Cats have minimal ability to synthesise su­fficient taurine to meet their needs and therefore require a dietary supply which is found exclusively in animal derived materials. Whilst synthetic supplements are available, these can vary in bioavailability and there is no margin for error. Arachidonic acid (an essential fatty acid) is another example of a nutrient required by cats only available from animal sources, along with preformed vitamin A (retinol) as cats cannot utilise sufficient quantities from the pro-vitamin A of vegetables. Cats also need to sustain good levels of vitamin B12 found naturally in meat. A Vegetarian Diet for Dogs Dogs are omnivores and can adapt to a well-balanced vegetarian diet. There is a wider range of commercially prepared 'complete' vegetarian dog foods available and for the majority of owners this is the safest way to feed a vegetarian diet. Once again, we advise that these feeding options are discussed with the vet or animal nutritionist.   Vegan diets for Pets Vegan foods (no animal products) should be carefully checked by a vet or animal nutritionist as they may be deficient in arginine, lysine, methionine, tryptophan, taurine, iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin A and some B vitamins2,3. Meticulous attention to detail would be needed to assure nutritional adequacy and palatability.   Home Prepared Vegetarian Diets for Cats and Dogs Studies have shown that nutritional errors are commonplace in many homemade diets1; providing a nutritionally balanced, homemade vegetarian diet is a complicated task that would require meticulous planning and a specific formulation from a vet or animal nutritionist – particularly for cats. A survey of 86 vegetarian dogs in Germany, Switzerland and Belgium found that over 50% of the dogs were fed diets deficient in protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc and vitamins D and B122. Dietary deficiencies can have a significant impact on long term health and well-being.
Source: FEDIAF   1 University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine 'Homemade dog food recipes can be a risky business, study finds' (15 July 2013) 2 A Field Study on the Nutrition of Vegetarian Dogs and Cats in Europe. Jan 1998-Dec 1999. E. Kienzle, R Engelhard. 2 Dwyer JT. Nutritional consequences of vegetarianism. Annual reviews of nutrition 1991: 11: 61-69. 3 McDonald P, Edwards RA, Greenhalgh JFD, et al. Evaulation of foods – protein. In: Animal Nutrition, 5th ed. Harlow (Essex), UK: Longman Scientific and Techincal, 1995.

05/03/2024

FreezeM raises $14.2M in Series A to accelerate market expansion in the insect protein industry

NAHSHONIM, Israel, Feb. 15, 2024-- FreezeM, an Agri-tech pioneering biotechnology company that offers Breeding-as-a-Service (BaaS) for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) protein factories, announced today the closure of $14.2 million in Series A funding.
The funding round was led by a group of seasoned industrial investors and the prestigious European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund), along with FreezeM's existing investors and partners. The funding will be used to accelerate the growth of the company's breeding hubs network and commercialize its novel solutions at scale, accommodating the rapidly increasing market demand. FreezeM aims to simplify BSF reproduction and increase protein yield through the supply of its PauseM® product to BSF protein producers, tapping an estimated $3.96 billion market by 2033 according to Meticulous Research forecast. This innovation plays a vital role in boosting insect protein production capacity for livestock and pet food while implementing a circular economy, conserving precious global farmland, and reducing ocean depletion. Traditionally BSF breeding is a major bottleneck in industrial scale insect protein production, requiring unique bio-expertise to tackle inherent colony instabilities and technological gaps. While there are vast off-the-shelf engineering solutions for rearing and processing, breeding challenges can't be addressed by machinery alone. As the insect farming industry matures, it follows a similar trajectory to other established agricultural market segments, moving towards supply chain specialization and segmentation.
PauseM® is developed to overcome the fundamental challenges of insect breeding, thereby giving our customers' competitive edge in the market. By eliminating these industry constraints, PauseM® not only promotes sector growth but also facilitates scaling of the global insect protein industry. PauseM® is a ready-to-use product, containing life-cycle 'paused' BSF neonates with an extended shelf-life of 14 days and consistent high survival rates of over 90%. PauseM® is shipped to BSF protein facilities worldwide, stored on site and flexibly used according to production needs. This technology paves the way to a new decoupled BSF protein production model, separating the breeding phase from rearing and processing phases for the first time in the insect farming industry. The adoption of PauseM® as an outsourced ongoing breeding supply enables increased protein production efficiency, reduces Opex and Capex and streamlines seamless scalability. FreezeM takes the breeding hurdle out of the equation, streamlining insect protein production and making it more efficient and accessible from new entrants to veteran market players. The newly established decoupled protein production model marks the first time the breeding phase is separated from the rearing and processing phases in the insect farming industry. The company currently supplies PauseM® globally, catering to small to large-scale BSF protein factories. "The current funding round will enable FreezeM to embed our technology globally at scale and accelerate the growth of our breeding hubs in Europe and Israel, thereby driving successful commercial expansion. Our technology unleashes the insect market from its shackles and will propel the insect protein market to fulfill its true potential," said Dr. Yuval Gilad, Co-founder and CEO of FreezeM.   About FreezeM Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the Weizmann Institute of Science by three institute graduates Yoav Politi, Idan Alyagor and Yuval Gilad. FreezeM's mission is to make insect farming simple and accessible using novel breeding solutions for the emerging BSF farming industry. Since its establishment, the company has developed multiple biotechnological breakthroughs for enhancing sustainable, streamlined insect protein production. FreezeM was awarded several prestigious grants from the European Commission and the Israeli Innovation Authority, and participated in leading innovation consortiums in Europe and Israel. Source: FreezeM.

04/03/2024

Grub’s up! Insect protein as pet food

Dog owners: how many times have you seen your pup chase a spider across the carpet and gobble it up? Dogs and cats are happy to eat insects in the wild; now they have the chance to eat them every day. Insect protein is on the rise as an alternative to animal protein in pet food. But is it nutritious enough for your furry friend? Read on to find out more about the rise of insect protein in pet food, its benefits, and how Sciantec can help.   How insect protein in pet food is taking wing   In 2019, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) publicly endorsed the use of insect protein in pet foods. Some insects, such as crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts, provide more protein than even meat and chicken eggs. However, research on how nutritious insects are is limited, and there are plenty of barriers to overcome before insect protein in pet food is widely accepted. The biggest barrier is legislation because processed animal protein in feed has been banned since the 90s. However, the EU is gradually starting to relax legislation. In May 2017, the EU partially lifted the feed ban rules regarding the use of insect processed animal proteins to be used in aquafeed. In September 2021, they could also be fed to poultry and pigs. At the end of last year, they also authorised insect waste (frass) for use in fertiliser to spread on our crops. There is also an EU non-for-profit organisation called the IPIFF: the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed. This trade body represents 80+ members involved in insect feed and food, such as insect farms, on a legislative level. With these hurdles starting to be cleared, experts suggest that the market is now set to increase exponentially in less than 10 years. Some even project production to soar from about 10,000 metric tonnes today to 500,000 by 2030. The buzz around insect protein Now that the safety of insect protein seems to be more secure than before, we must ask if it is nutritious enough for our pets. Insects like crickets, mealworms, and black soldier flies offer stacks of rich, healthy proteins for your animal's diet. Farmed species can also contain high fat/oil content, mineral content, and vitamin levels, and have fantastic amino acid profiling. There is also some evidence that insects accumulate low quantities of heavy metals, mycotoxins, and pesticides. So, we might find the idea of eating creepy crawlies unpleasant, but the potential nutritional value of insect protein for animal feed is clear. To be sure, producers must undertake analysis from a specialist animal feed laboratory. How Sciantec can help We service several customers who use insect protein in pet food products. Nutritional analysis can include amino acid and fatty acid profiling, species specific energy calculations, crude protein, total oil, moisture and dry matter, crude ash, and more, helping our customers to ensure the safety and quality of their products. We also test for undesirable substances and contaminants to help producers remain compliant and safeguard public and animal health. With over 30 years' expertise in animal feed analysis and our extensive experience in the agriculture sector, we work closely with customers to undertake specialist research like determining the nutritional value of insect protein. We also deliver microbiology services to check feed and ingredients for Salmonella, E. coli, and other Enterobacteriaceae and help keep animals, livestock, and humans safe from disease. If you want to undertake nutritional or undesirables analysis, or you have a specialist project that we can help you with, contact us to discuss your requirements. Source: Cawood.

01/03/2024

Kemin Nutrisurance opens first Innovation Center and second Spray Dryer in South America

VARGEÃO, Brazil , Feb. 26, 2024 - Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, recently opened an Innovation Center and second spray-drying facility at its regional headquarters in Vargeão, Santa Catarina, Brazil, making the Kemin Nutrisurance location the largest pet food manufacturing plant in Latin America by volume capacity for producing dry and liquid palatants. Kemin Nutrisurance, the pet food and rendering technologies business unit of Kemin Industries, has been expanding its Research and Exploration Services to enhance co-creation with customers to support them at every stage of pet food production. With its first Innovation Center in Brazil, the business unit can provide fast and accurate solutions for current and future palatant and protein customers in South America. "Our first Innovation Center in South America will greatly strengthen our Research and Exploration Services in the region," said V Lucatelli, General Manager – South America, Kemin Nutrisurance. "We can now offer customers a local laboratory to improve and evaluate the performance of current and future products, as well as improve cost efficiency, to bring top innovations at the speed the pet food industry demands." The Innovation Center and second spray dryer are part of the global business unit's continued growth in South America and the Latin American market. In 2008, Kemin purchased the property and has since invested in renewable energy sources while still increasing its capacity and capabilities, including Kemin Nutrisurance's Research and Exploration Services. This new expansion allows the Vargeão facility to not only supply the South American market, but also support Kemin Nutrisurance's palatant needs in other regions, such as Asia and Europe. "With greater emphasis on Research and Development (R&D) support for our customers, we can utilize our data and analytics to fine-tune our products and services to find fast and accurate solutions that better serve the market," said Dr. Jason Shelton, Global Vice President – R&D, Kemin Nutrisurance. "By bringing our Research and Exploration Services to the regional level through an Innovation Center, we can create a local customer experience that focuses on specific needs at the speed required by a rapidly evolving industry." The Innovation Center and spray drying facility were recently inaugurated during a ribbon cutting with Kemin Nutrisurance President Kimberly Nelson and Kemin Industries Worldwide Group President David Raveyre. Kemin Nutrisurance's newest additions at the South America headquarters are now open with expanded solutions for customers in the region's pet food industry.   About Kemin Industries Kemin Industries is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel, and animal vaccine industries. For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed, and health-related products. Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States. 

Source: Kemin Industries.

29/02/2024

Upcycling in traditional products

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Faced with these numbers, the upcycling technique becomes increasingly relevant in industries such as the food industry, which absolutely needs to take measures regarding raw materials and waste treatment.   What is upcycling? Upcycling, known as upcycling or creative reuse, consists of the use of products, waste materials, or waste to manufacture new ingredients or products of higher quality, ecological, and economic value. Thus, through recycling, healthy, and nutritious foods and ingredients are prevented from becoming waste, giving them a second chance to be consumed. Ingredients that can be recycled help pet food manufacturers improve their efforts to build sustainability. The products of this type most used in the industry have been, at least until now, those made from extracted meat by-products. Although converting meat by-products into protein-rich sources instead of throwing them away is something positive, nowadays, the most innovative ingredients and materials are those capturing the attention of pet food consumers concerned about the planet's sustainability. Many certified recycled elements can be easily integrated into any recipe, giving the new product a competitive advantage in sustainability. The main challenge is that these usually have the same nutritional properties as other more conventional, but not the same appearance. To work with them, it is essential that the processing and control systems take these variations into account, as well as formula design. Rescuing these ingredients not only helps eliminate food waste throughout the supply chain but also reduces demand for 'virgin' crops. But, when we talk about the inclusion of new ingredients and by-products, we must also talk about education and awareness. In the case of pet food and its relationship with cereal ingredients such as wheat, corn, and rice, commonly used as sources of carbohydrates, there is debate about how much of these nutrients are necessary for pet feeding. Although the pet nutrition industry struggles to eradicate misconceptions about these ingredients, the challenge still exists and, consequently, affects the use of these new proposals in food formulas. The truth is that recycled products prevent nearly one billion pounds of food waste worldwide each year, and this number may continue to grow as consumer demand for recycled products increases, which, Obviously, will be achieved through information and awareness. Currently, you don't have to look hard to find proposals from entrepreneurs or small manufacturers who, instead of working with large suppliers and processing plants, choose local farms and suppliers as they trust the quality of their raw materials, especially when we talk about those considered waste or by-products. The good point is that most of these elements can be easily integrated into any recipe, making a product (and its entire chain) more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gasses and using waste from other industries or chains in pet food formulas without risking quality, as may be the case of pumpkins used for decoration at Halloween or apple pulp from a cider factory.   According to the UFA (Food Upcycling Association): 'Recycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have reached consumption. They are sourced and produced through verifiable supply chains and have a positive impact on the environment.' This entity has already certified more than 200 ingredients as recyclable in the food sector, many of which have applications in pet food and treats. Examples of materials and ingredients used in upcycling: Sweet potatoes or other types of tubers that come from local organic farms and that have rare shapes that are not as aesthetic as those hypermarket chains seek to sell. Ends and pieces of meat and seafood that have not been sold in the supermarket. Fruits that, like tubers, are bruised or with amorphous shapes. Alternative proteins such as cricket, spirulina, or silver copi, an overpopulated fish. Used barley from local breweries. Eggshells. Salmon oil, produced from fresh salmon trimmings, such as the head, spine, and skin. By-products from the production of french fries or potato starch are applied in formulas to gain texture, shape croquettes, and improve digestion.
  Conclusion Recycled ingredients have revolutionized the pet nutrition landscape as a way to add value to elements that would otherwise go to waste while also supporting pet health. Various agricultural products and wheat-based ingredients, including blueberries, sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, carrots, and various flours, are currently used in the North American pet food and treat industry to capitalize on sustainability as a consumer priority. Converting by-products into pet food ingredients reduces food waste and makes more efficient use of the resources needed to produce human food. Renaming these recycled products could help pet owners accept them.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

28/02/2024

The unexpected new ways pet brans embracing sustainability

Consumers are interested in purchasing more sustainable products and "remain concerned about climate change and related sustainability issues," according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Pet retailers can stay in step with customers by offering an array of products that recognize these concerns. Claudia Loomis, president of CB Pet Market, a small chain of pet stores in New Jersey, said that while her shoppers are showing more interest in eco-friendly and sustainable products, they are looking for a range of product attributes. "Sustainably sourced as a standalone feature will not be enough to sell the product," Loomis said. "For example, one of our most popular-selling dog chews are antlers. These are sustainably sourced as they are naturally shed by deer, elk or moose. But they are also a proven long-lasting chew with some nutritional value, making it a product pet parents can feel good about purchasing on several levels." Christina Reville, marketing coordinator for Healthy Pet, which operates production and distribution in Jesup, Ga., said that the company creates small-pet bedding and cat litter from sustainably sourced, responsibly rescued natural plant fiber. Reville said it's cleaner and healthier for the entire family—two factors that are important to pet owners. "Every year, Healthy Pet diverts millions of pounds of unused wood, pulp and paper remnants from landfills," she said. "These upcycled materials are crafted into our plant-based pet products. Plus, all finished product is biodegradable, making them better for pets, home and planet." In 2023, Healthy Pet began producing its Ökocat natural cat litter in a 100-percent recyclable paper bag after consumer research revealed that the natural litter and Ökocat consumer has a strong desire for 100-percent recyclable packaging. "Starting in October of 2023, the current box packaging began transitioning to new double-wall paper bags with a recyclable handle to directly answer the requests of our consumer," Reville explained. "Customers can expect to see the bags on shelves in 2024." According to Jane Wasley, head of marketing for Healthy Pet, the consumer demand for eco-friendly litter packaging isn't being addressed by very many companies. "Very few natural brands are meeting natural litter consumers' wants on packaging, with many still being in heavy non-recyclable, non-biodegradable plastic bags or poly pouches," Wasley said. Spencer Williams, CEO of West Paw, a pet treats and accessories manufacturer in Bozeman, Mont., said that the company has recycled almost 150,000 pounds of dog toys and spun more than 16 million water bottles into dog beds and toy stuffing. West Paw's Seaflex toy line reclaims ocean-bound plastic. In addition, the company's freeze-dried and air-dried dog treats are crafted with humanely raised and sustainably sourced ingredients and made in the USA. "We think not only about the finished product, but also about the materials, the whole supply chain and how it's made," Williams said. "We continue to bring new innovation to our treat line with a growing focus on regenerative beef production in Montana. New products will be coming out throughout 2024 that we're very excited about at West Paw. Many will continue our focus on regenerative practices that capture carbon, naturally sequestering it back into the soils." Jason Ast, co-owner of Just Dog People, a pet store in Garner, N.C., said that he and his customers appreciate how West Paw recycles old products to create new products "ready to be enjoyed again." "We also like Paw 5," Ast continued. "They say their snuffle mat removes over two pounds of textile waste from landfills. They also hire women in Ghana, teach them skills and help elevate their lives." Larry Wright, CEO of The Green Pet Shop, a manufacturer of pet accessories in Deerfield, Ill., said that all of the company's products have some type of eco-friendly component to them. "Our mission statement is to manufacture eco-friendly products that solve problems, are unique, and that help pets, their pet parents and the planet, at competitive prices as compared to non-eco-friendly products," Wright said. "At our company, we are all aware of the issues involving climate change and the danger it poses to our planet and future generations. We all take our responsibility to the planet seriously and are all involved in designing, testing and bringing these products to market." For 2024, Wright said The Green Pet Shop is introducing a line of leashes and collars that will piggyback off of the success of the company's Pooie Vuiton waste bag line. The new line, Bonejour by Green Pet, will be made from recycled canvas. Austin and Kat, a Seattle-based manufacturer of pet supplements, is also committed to sustainability in producing its chews, oils and toppers. "Our approach involves selecting farms, suppliers and producers that uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring both quality and sustainability," explained founder Kat Donatello. "We're passionate about running our business in environmentally friendly ways, from sourcing eco-friendly packaging to reducing our carbon footprint at our Seattle Makery. We've also embraced sustainable manufacturing, considering the full life cycle of our products from raw materials to end-of-life, to minimize environmental impact."   CONSUMER PREFERENCES Interest in sustainability may be heightened in certain categories. Loomis said that sustainability in "anything the pet eats" gets the most notice at CB Pet Market. This includes pet treats and food. "Customers naturally want the most wholesome products for anything being consumed," she said. "We would like to see more supplements being made from whole and natural ingredients. We are beginning to see transparency in sourcing ingredients in the supplement category, but some of the traditional supplement brands we carry are [synthetic]-based vitamins and minerals. I would like to see more natural supplements, like green-lipped mussels as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Again, supplements are ingested by our pets, so it is good to keep them clean, wholesome and as bioavailable as possible." Jenna Harrison, store manager for NorthPoint Pets & Company, a pet store in Cheshire, Conn., said that the store's biggest request for eco-friendly products is in home-compostable poop bags. "I do wish there were more home-compostable—not biodegradable—options available," she said. "People are looking for creative ways to reduce their waste output and environmental impact, and pet care is no exception." Ast agreed and said that poop bags are the eco-friendly option they get asked about most at Just Dog People. "I would say 90 percent of the people who shop for poop bags prefer 'quick biodegradable' options," he said. Reville said that Healthy Pet's research has revealed consumers want a "healthier home," which affects their buying habits across many categories—and products. "Whether it's buying organic pet products, nontoxic and plant-based cleaning products or paraben-free beauty products, more and more consumers are looking for products that help them live a cleaner, healthier lifestyle, even when it comes to their pets," she said. "We continually educate our retailers and consumers about the importance of switching to natural, sustainable products and the impact that it has on the planet." Retailers can play a valuable role in helping to alert customers to eco-conscious options, Loomis noted. "Brands that tout ethically sourced, fair trade and sustainably sourced are generally a bit more pricey than other brands, and often the call-out on the product packaging is not prominent enough to have a customer notice it on their own," Loomis said. "So, the role of the sales associate is important. The associates need to be knowledgeable about the products so they can point out the different features. When comparing two similarly formulated dog foods, for instance, and trying to help the customer make their choice, it is helpful to call out if the protein source in the food is sustainably or ethically sourced; that could be the differentiator that tips the scales to that brand for the customer." But not all efforts will pay off. Sometimes it's merely a matter of the interest level in a retailer's specific area. Ast admitted that at Just Dog People, they made a concerted effort to push a specific eco-friendly, sustainable dog food choice this past year, giving it prominent, upfront positioning and valuable space on the floor. They also created an attractive display, gave away free samples and ran a contest—all to sell only one bag of dog food. "This says more about the demographic makeup of our customer base than it does the quality of the product," he said. "From my experience, the interest in sustainability and eco-friendliness differs greatly depending on where you are in the United States. We are based outside of Raleigh, a large city. I believe if you were to ask dog owners in downtown Raleigh what they thought of eco-friendly dog products, they would have a range of knowledge and opinions. But outside of the city, the focus on eco-friendliness and sustainability simply may not be as big a concern." Yet that doesn't mean attitudes won't evolve. "Even so, the pet industry has been a hotbed for eco-friendly and sustainable innovation, so we are likely to see interest continue to grow," Ast added.

By: Lindsey Getz.
Source: Pet Product News.

27/02/2024

AFB International announces new Vice President of Global Research and Development

ST. CHARLES, Missouri, Feb. 12, 2024 – AFB International, a subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, named Dr. Michael Ceddia as Vice President, Global Research & Development. Dr. Ceddia will advance AFB's scientific leadership, strategic direction, and science and technology initiatives. Together, these capabilities will further discover and develop companion animal palatability to help AFB improve customers' performance and achieve their business needs.

In addition to Science & Technology, Dr. Ceddia will also lead Global Regulatory, Quality, Project Management, and Technical Insights. Prior to AFB, Dr. Ceddia has held a variety of Executive Leadership roles within Research & Development in consumer products, pet food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical companies. 'Mike brings great leadership experience and strategic customer focus. We are excited for him to join AFB and we look forward to the advancement of innovation, science-based solutions, and technical services to better partner with our customers,' said Dale Spence, Interim President, AFB International. 'I'm excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the AFB Global R&D Team,' said Dr. Ceddia. 'I look forward to helping the company expand our new innovation and new product development while continuing to deliver a high level of technical service to our customers. I am eager to bring my knowledge and experience to the team and help drive the company's ongoing growth. With AFB International's commitment to innovation and excellence, I am confident that we will continue to achieve great success together.'   About AFB International AFB International was founded in 1986 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with a vision to create the best palatants and make pet food taste great. Today we are an international company with resource centers and production facilities designed to service pet food manufacturers across the world. Our portfolio of palatants are formulated to deliver optimal performance for each customer's unique needs.   About Ensign-Bickford Industries Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate focused in space & defense, pet food science, and biotechnology. They participate in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects.

Source: AFB International.

27/02/2024

Two essential parameters for pet food launching

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

The fierce competition in the pet food market not only highlights the need for differentiation and excellence in pet food formulation but also emphasizes the importance of validating their effectiveness. Carrying out digestibility tests and fecal score evaluation is one of the crucial methods for evaluating the nutritional pet food quality.   Two essential parameters for pet food launching   Digestibility test The digestibility test is a crucial tool in evaluating the efficiency with which animals use and absorb food nutrients. This method provides a deep understanding of the digestion and absorption capacity of essential nutrients, which is essential for optimizing diet formulations and ensuring adequate nutrition for living beings. By analyzing the digestibility rate of various components present in food, such as proteins, fats, and starch, the digestibility test contributes significantly to the development of more efficient and sustainable feeding strategies, benefiting pet food products. Fecal score evaluation Assessment of fecal score in dogs and cats is a practical and valuable method for monitoring the digestibility of food consumed by these animals. The fecal score refers to the consistency and appearance of feces, being a visual indication of gastrointestinal health and digestive efficiency.
This method involves assigning an appropriate score to stool, usually on a scale from 1 to 5, based on characteristics such as consistency, color, and shape. When applied to food digestibility studies for dogs and cats, fecal score plays a crucial role. Well-formed stools with adequate consistency indicate good nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, excessively soft stools, diarrhea, or other abnormalities can be attributed to poor diet digestibility. Fecal score assessment is often performed in experimental feeding studies in which animals are subjected to different diets. By comparing fecal scores over time, researchers can infer the relative digestibility of different food ingredients or formulations. Diets that result in better-formed and more consistent stools generally indicate better use of food nutrients. Visual examination of the fecal score can complement the assessment of digestibility. This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of food on the gastrointestinal health of dogs and cats, allowing adjustments to formulations to optimize nutrition and digestibility, thereby promoting pet health and well-being. Evaluating these parameters before launching a pet food product onto the market can give you advantages in comparison with competitors, evaluating whether the processing was done correctly, and identifying in time the need for changes in formulations. A demonstration in practice would be excess carbohydrates in the diet, for example, which leads to accentuated lactic fermentation, and the feces appear pasty with a light color and acidic smell (without a rotten smell). The same occurs when the feed is poorly processed. Normally, to manufacture dry food, a process called extrusion is used, which consists of applying steam and pressure to a crumbled mass, forming those granules that we technically call 'kibbles.' In this process, starch is essential for making the feed expand. However, if it does not undergo good cooking (or gelatinization) there is a risk of causing osmotic diarrhea in the animal fed with the feed in question. (Saad et al., 2014). The use of ingredients with lower digestibility directly impacts the fecal score. Ingredients such as soybean meal, widely used in standard or economical pet food manufacturing, contain 20% non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Soluble PNAs can reduce the digestibility of nutrients and energy in the diet due to the increase in the viscosity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the reduction in food passage time, making it difficult for digestive enzymes to access the food bolus and interfering with diffusion and transport of nutrients, resulting in loose stools and large quantities. To minimize the adverse effects of ingredients with less digestibility, their use can be restricted to small inclusions. Otherwise, additives, such as enzymes or adsorbents, can be used. In the case of diets with raw materials rich in NSP and its influence on the fecal characteristics of dogs and cats, for example, the inclusion of a zeolite-type adsorbent additive adjusts the diet fecal score, since this additive, when passing inert through the GIT, adsorbs water and gases and reduces the elimination of ammonia, which improves the fecal characteristics and odors of animals. The animal's fecal score after consuming a feed plays a significant role in consumer satisfaction and can directly influence the repurchase decision. Thus, the digestibility and consistency of the fecal score reinforce consumer confidence in the product. If the food provides healthy and regular digestion, owners tend to associate this quality with the brand, thus strengthening customer loyalty.
Brand trust is crucial for repurchase, as consumers look for products that consistently meet expectations in such a competitive market.

26/02/2024

Swiss giant Nestlé to upgrade its Pet Food plant in Bük with a huge investment

The minister said that the Swiss-based food company will set up a new production unit and build two new automatic production lines at its site in Bük, where "it will be able to produce 500,000 tons of pet food a year from 2025, with 85 percent of these products being exported".  The HUF 55 billion investment is expected to create 130 new jobs. Although the company will not receive government financial support, the state will provide the necessary infrastructure improvements, such as modernizing the road and water networks. The project is an important part of Nestlé Hungária's overall five-year development period from 2020 to 2025, which will see investments worth a total of HUF 300 billion (EUR 771 million), creating around 600 new jobs, the politician stressed. Péter Szijjártó noted that in today's uncertain times, reliable partnerships are becoming increasingly important, and this is how the cooperation between Hungary and Nestlé can be characterized, "as the company has made a major contribution to the economic development of Hungary over the past three decades".  He said that the Swiss company, with 344 factories in 77 countries around the world, also makes sure that its employees are proficient in the latest technologies, and its training program for this purpose has been supported by the government with HUF 193 million (EUR 495,929). The minister emphasized that the food industry is one of the most modern sectors, as competitiveness calls for continuous innovation in the face of increasingly stringent health, quality, and food safety requirements. Accordingly, the company has contributed not only to the quantitative growth of the Hungarian economy, but also to its qualitative development, as it has always brought state-of-the-art investments and continuously modernized its production. He also pointed out that "the factory in Bük buys more than half of the raw materials it uses from domestic suppliers, thereby benefitting Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises".  Nestlé's Purina factory in Bük. Photo via Facebook/Nestlé.   Szijjártó stressed that the investment will further strengthen the domestic food industry, which has not only been able to maintain its operations despite the crisis, but has also consistently set new records. He added that this is evidenced by the fact that the sector's production value was HUF 3,800 billion (EUR 9.7 billion) in 2020, compared to HUF 6,500 billion (EUR 16.7 billion) last year. He pointed out that over the past ten years, the sector has seen 72 major investments worth HUF 1,000 billion (EUR 2.5 billion). Finally, he touched on Hungarian-Swiss economic relations, pointing out that 900 Swiss companies employ more than 30,000 people in Hungary. 'And bilateral relations have always been based on mutual respect, and there is no open issue of dispute in our relations,' he highlighted. The Managing Director of Nestlé Hungária also spoke at the press conference. Péter Noszek underlined that this is the largest food industry investment in Hungary that will more than double the plant's production capacity from nearly 200,000 tons in 2019, to 500,000 tons from 2025. Source: Hungary Today.  

26/02/2024

GEA achieves key milestone: Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validates 2040 net-zero target

'We are proud of the validation by the SBTi,' said CEO Stefan Klebert. 'This shows that we are taking a pioneering role in climate action, because our net-zero pathway is not just ambitious but also in line with latest climate science.' 'The SBTi validation of our net-zero target puts GEA at the forefront of the mechanical engineering sector,' says Chief Sustainability Officer Dr. Nadine Sterley. 'To achieve our climate targets, we have drawn up a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan 2040. This sets out how we will further accelerate the transformation of our operations, our product portfolio and our supply chain.' GEA's Climate Transition Plan 2040 specifies timings, the measures to be implemented as well the investments needed to achieve the net-zero target. The detailed Climate Transition Plan will be presented in March 2024. At the next Annual General Meeting on April 30, 2024, GEA plans to hold an advisory vote by shareholders on the Climate Transition Plan 2040 – the first of its kind within the DAX Index family of companies. "This shows that we are taking a pioneering role in climate action, because our net-zero pathway is not just ambitious but also in line with latest climate science."- Stefan Klebert, CEO GEA Climate targets In December 2023, GEA announced its upgraded climate targets.

Short-term target 2026:

Reduction in GHG emissions from our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 60 percent by 2026. This target was originally set for 2030.

Medium-term targets for 2030:

Reduction in GHG emissions from our own operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 80 percent (previously: 60 percent reduction) by 2030. Reduction in product related GHG emissions (Scope 3) by 27.5 percent (previously: 18 percent reduction) by 2030.

Long-term target 2040: net zero.

Source: GEA. 

23/02/2024

Odor control technologies comparison

Biofilter Technology Process air, which contains an annoying odor, is treated using a filter material, normally woodchips, and eliminated by microorganisms located therein, and can reduce various compounds such as sulfides, ammonia, and amines when present in low concentrations. Then, the clean air is released into the atmosphere, leaving the residual drainage (nitrates and sulfides) as a contaminant that must necessarily be treated, because, otherwise, they continue to cause negative odors. This system can treat flows of 1,000 to 50,000 m3/h, and requires water for its operation and a large area for its implementation, using little electrical energy. To avoid damaging the filter material, periodic maintenance should be considered. When it comes to processing air with a high dust content, it is mandatory and necessary to treat it, for example, using a gas scrubber. It is considered a good technology due to its cost/efficiency ratio, obtaining results with up to 85% of odors eliminated. Regarding investment costs, and even though they may vary by brand, manufacturer, or model, those generally range between USD 700,000 and USD 1,000,000.   Ozone and UV Light Treatment Technology Airflow, which must be less than 20,000 m3/h, first passes through the UV lights, where the ammonia, sulfides, and amines are decomposed, and then the remaining compounds are broken down with catalysts by injecting ozone (O3). Removing dust from the air during the process is crucial as it will damage the effectiveness of the UV light. That is, highly contaminated air can considerably affect the efficiency of the system due to the flow density. On the other hand, it uses electrical energy for its operation, and the air must either not exceed 60°C or the humidity be greater than 85%. This treatment allows good results, reaching levels of 70 to 90%. In this case, investment costs are considered between USD 200,000 and USD 400,000, with high annual operating costs.   Non-thermal Plasma (NTP) Technology Technology capable of treating flows ranging from 5,000 m3/h to 250,000 m3/h depends on the system: in the case of direct NTP, normally 20,000 m3/h can be treated, but it could be up to 250,000 m3/h with indirect NTP. These devices use ambient air to generate free or active oxygen (O1), which has a high oxidation power with the molecules that contain the annoying odor. To obtain them, the air must pass through a stage of filters to rid them of impurities and then go through the cabinet with non-thermal plasma modules, where the dissociation of the molecules is achieved, and the aforementioned oxygen radicals are obtained. These are injected into the outlet duct where the annoying odors come from, and in just 1 second, the odor molecules react and oxidize, becoming imperceptible to our noses. Unlike other technologies, non-thermal plasma does not use water or chemicals for its operation, so it does not generate a secondary contaminated by-product. It only requires a minimum of electrical energy. In addition to the large flow rates it can manage, there is no restriction on the humidity or temperature that the process air can have.
Optimal results are achieved, reaching up to 95% of odors eliminated. These systems easily adapt to existing installations, thanks to their flexibility and the little space they take up. Regarding investment levels, these range from EUR 120,000 to EUR 250,000.   Scrubber technology The air coming from the process, which contains the annoying odor, comes into contact with the stream of water and drip-type chemicals. This way, the odors react or are dissolved into the liquid and the air is released into the atmosphere clean. Scrubbers, also known as gas scrubbers, can treat air flows that contain dust without using filters. They can treat flows ranging from 1,000 to 60,000 m3/h, achieving good results from 50% to 70% of controlled odors. A great disadvantage of this system is that strict control of the contaminated water generated after the process is required, and it also occupies a large area for its installation. The investment can reach up to USD 500,000 with high operating costs of up to USD 150,000 per year. Conclusion As a summary, see a comparative table of the technologies presented with their advantages and disadvantages, considering the following as a score: 5 highly positive, 4 positive, 3 medium, 2 negative, and 1 highly negative. The choice and installation of the appropriate system will depend, on the one hand, on the industrial process that needs to be treated, considering the components of the contaminated air, and, on the other hand, on the levels of odor control that must be achieved to comply with current regulations in each country.   By: Clivio Solutions.
Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

22/02/2024

PET-TECH: cutting-edge technology and startups for the pet industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

In turn, the pet universe seems to become the best friend of investors looking for new technological opportunities. More and more startups are entering the market with innovative game-changing offerings.
As the trend of treating pets like family members gains momentum, the pet tech industry is growing significantly, and venture capital firms are quickly recognizing the potential of this industry. Today, the pet industry is witnessing a rise in business initiatives aimed at the diverse needs of today's pet owners. Areas such as health and well-being, food and nutrition, technology, and pet services, and much more are the areas that attract all attention. Recently, startups in the industry have multiplied, and new ones continue to appear, mainly those of the DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) style.
  Why join the pet-tech sector? Pet humanization Digital natives spend more time searching for online solutions for their pets. They are spending more and more money on personalized solutions that fit their pets' needs. Today, it is not uncommon to see that owners buy more expensive products if they are ecological, organic, or kinder to the environment or the natural pets' growth. Just as in human nutrition, the boom in personalized food packages continues according to the consumer's requirements, tastes, or eating plans. In the pet food industry, this trend is only growing. The startup Butternut Box, for instance, has received £280 million in funding to continue its project to prepare and deliver healthy meals and snacks for dogs, according to TechCrunch. Other sectors attracting funding are the design of personalized meals by weight and needs of each pet and alternative proteins with vegan, cellular agriculture, precision fermentation, and insects. Disruptive healthcare models The high costs of veterinary care have always been a problem and, in many cases, an impediment when it comes to adopting or acquiring a pet or not. This is being addressed by the emergence of new comprehensive and lifetime insurance plans that are expanding the available and accessible options. The case of Get Joy, for example, has already expanded beyond food and has entered on-demand veterinary services after generating an initial round of funding in January 2022. There are also other successful cases, such as pet friendly, which promises personalized 'human-safe' subscription boxes for flea and tick medications and supplements with custom packaging featuring pets' pictures. Additionally, we are increasingly finding telemedicine platforms that connect owners with veterinarians, subscription delivery services, and wearable health monitors to track vital signs and detect early signs of potential health problems. A new pets' well-being era Human trends such as gut and mental health, immunity, oral and skin care, and anti-aging through supplements and other products have also extended to pets. A simple search online will yield pet spa-like salons with services like manicures and pedicures, body treatments like massages, and more. Toothbrush wipes, new products to clean tear stains, and ear cleaning products of natural origin are other products on the rise. Witch hazel, for example, has historically been used for skin care in humans and is now beginning to be seen in skin care and cleaning products for the face, eyes, and ears of pets. Apps and digital products The pet health app segment is expected to account for more than 25% of this market share by 2032. Many smart devices are already being developed to monitor pet health, such as the Dearbuds PE technology, launched in February 2023 by Linkface, which, through a digital device, controls the humidity levels of the ears of dogs and cats to avoid and prevent infections. Even the company behind the famous GoPro cameras is already thinking about this market. The Fetch Dog Harness model allows you to capture images from different dogs' perspectives while they run, play, or dig holes in the ground. Conclusion In the current macroeconomic environment, offering unique products or services that work to add real value and solve consumer problems is essential to establish yourself and gain market share. The industry is already clear that owners now demand the same for their pets as they would for themselves or any other family member.
The trends we have invested in for years in consumer brands are transforming the pet industry at an even faster pace, and investors are increasingly interested in participating in the capital allocation of innovative projects. The pet startup ecosystem is driven by a passion for pets and a commitment to innovation. Hand in hand with these emerging ventures, it will be possible to reinvent pet care, combining technology, personalization, and social impact to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for both pets and their owners. With each new venture, the industry grows and offers more possibilities to improve the lives of man's best friends.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine. 

21/02/2024

What food category does my pet need?

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

Years later, the well-known "Ken-L Ration," canned horse meat, was born in the United States, and thus the first wet diet appeared. Later, in the 1940s, nutrition programs for life stages began. In the fifties, the first therapeutic diets came out, and in the seventies, we saw the first personalized diets by race. It was not until 1980 that the National Research Council published nutritional requirements for dogs and cats. Thanks to this, the nutritional bases are established, along with other guides such as AAFCO or FEDIAF, to provide balanced nutrition to pets. The following are, in very general terms, some examples, since the specific amounts may vary depending on the food formulation: Dog nutritional requirements: Proteins
Puppies: Minimum 22%
Adults: Minimum 18% Fats
Puppies: Minimum 8.5%
Adults: Minimum 5.5% Fiber
Varies depending on the specific formula needs. Vitamins and trace minerals
Specific to the dog's needs and life stage

2. Cat nutritional requirements Proteins
Puppies: Minimum 30%
Adults: Minimum 26% Fats
Puppies: Minimum 9%
Adults: Minimum 9% Fiber
It varies depending on the specific needs of the food. Vitamins and trace minerals
Specific to the cat's needs and life stage. Over the years, a wide variety of foods have emerged. With this, the market has had to organize into types or food categories to provide the consumer with the nutrition they are looking for to meet the needs of each pet.  In many countries, pet foods are subject to regulations and standards set by authorities. This includes ensuring that foods meet certain nutritional standards and clear labeling. An important point to consider with any food type is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate daily amount based on your pet's age, size, and specific needs. Currently, there is a clear definition of food for dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, etc. However, the nutritional requirement varies depending on factors, such as age, size, activity level, and specific pet needs. So, in addition to species, pet food should be classified by these subcategories. Within the wide variety of pet food categories, there is one established with the economic capacity of each pet parent (in addition to the digestibility of its nutrients): Economy, Standard, or Premium, in very general terms. Within each segment mentioned above, there are other more complex subcategories. Let's talk about some of these: Dry food
This type is the most widely sold in the world and usually contains a balanced mix of essential nutrients. It is produced under the extrusion process to achieve certain physicochemical characteristics. Some nutrients, especially micronutrients, can degrade with processing and time, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding expiration date and storage. Wet food
This type has a high-water content. Some pets prefer it because of its texture and flavor. It is recommended as a diet supplement of dry foods to promote dental health, as wet food may not be as abrasive. Semi-moist food
It is a combination of the above. BARF food (an acronym for "Biologically Appropriate Raw Food")
It consists of raw foods such as meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. It is based on the idea of being more like the one an animal would find in nature. The raw diet may lack some essential nutrients, so it is important to consider supplements, as well as make sure to maintain high hygiene standards to avoid bacterial contamination. Breed-specific foods
Foods formulated to meet the particular needs of certain breeds. Foods for specific life stages
These can be for puppies, adults, or seniors. Foods for pets with special dietary needs
We can mention, for example, grain-free, hypoallergenic, or foods for pets with weight problems. Snacks and treats
These are small portions of tasty foods for training or as a reward. They are not substitutes for the main meal. Nutritional supplements (vitamins and minerals) They are designed to ensure that the pet receives all the necessary nutrients. Not all animals need supplements. We should remember that a pet will eat the food their owner selects for him and, usually, it will be the same for long periods of time. This food must be balanced and provide all the nutrients so that a pet remains in good health and well-being. Pet parents now have access to more food options and information, and research on pet nutrition has become more advanced and available. As we have seen, there is a category designed by years of research for each specific pet. These foods are prepared to cover each and every one of the nutritional requirements of a dog or cat, considering various factors, including the species, life stage (puppy, adult, senior), size (small, medium, large), breed, activity level, and any special dietary needs.  It is important to note that food choice should be based on the specific needs of each individual pet, as today, food categories that nourish the pet 100% are available for everyone.

By MVZ. Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet. Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

20/02/2024

Petsource by Scoular’s $75 million expansion helps customers grow, opens door to new ones

SEWARD, Nebraska (Feb. 13, 2024) –  Petsource by Scoular has completed a $75 million expansion that delivers extra capacity to help current customers grow and space to accommodate new customers seeking production at the state-of-the-art facility.  The tripling of capacity also enables customers to more efficiently introduce new products to the market, with the expansion providing an additional 70,000 square feet of freeze-dried pet food ingredient manufacturing space. Freeze-dried products are among the fastest-growing pet food categories.  The expansion of Petsource's Seward facility created 75 new jobs, with more hiring planned. Petsource now employees over 150 people, making it one of the top 10 largest employers in Seward County, a business hub in southeast Nebraska. Petsource is an indirect, wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Scoular.  Petsource has been a leader in streamlining the manufacturing of freeze-dried pet food products. Petsource was among the first nationwide to bring the manufacturing steps together under one roof when it opened in 2020 – providing everything from recipe development to raw meat processing, freeze-drying, and packaging – creating an end-to-end solution for brand owners to help support their growth initiatives.   'We are excited we can deliver additional capacity for our customers, both current and future, and support their growth plans,' said Petsource President Amy Patterson. 'Strong demand, growth in our customers' businesses, and our desire to continue to provide them high quality, innovative solutions drove the project.'  New customers have been seeking both Petsource's integrated production process, and its food safety and quality standards, another factor setting it above many competitors.  'Scoular thrives both on helping our valued customers grow and helping our communities prosper,' CEO Paul Maass said. 'We are proud to continue to invest in the state we have called home for over 130 years.'  Scoular has partnered with pet food manufacturers for decades and will continue to invest to support the marketplace's growth. The Petsource expansion is a critical component to larger strategic growth plans supporting the pet food industry.  'I am thankful for Scoular's 130 years of business impact in Nebraska and I congratulate them on Petsource's growth over the last four years in Seward County,' said Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen.  Petsource – bolstered by the expansion – has helped spur job growth, residential construction and other economic development in Seward County, said Jonathan Jank, President & CEO of the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership. He also credits Petsource with helping draw other businesses to the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus where it has served as an anchor since first starting operations there over three years ago.  'Petsource has been a tremendous employer not just in our county but in the region,' Jank said. 'They have been a best-in-class employer and we are excited for them to continue growing in our community.'     About Scoular      
  Scoular is an employee-owned, over $10B agribusiness leading the way since 1892. We buy, sell, store, handle and process grain and ingredients by leveraging our global networks and expertise in international trade and transportation. Employing 1,400 people in more than 100 offices and facilities in North America and Asia, we provide safe and reliable solutions to farmers, grain processors, renewable energy producers and manufacturers of animal feed, aquafeed and pet food as well as food, beverages and supplements. Scoular, headquartered in Omaha, ranks 49th on the Forbes list of America's largest private companies.      Source: Scoular.

19/02/2024

How a $12.3 million investment will impact GFI’s pet business

Global Food and Ingredients (GFI) has entered a definitive agreement to raise $12.3 million (€11.3M) through an investment in equity and debt for its pet food subsidiary Big Sky Milling. This would include an initial funding round of $11.8 million (€10.8M), followed by an injection of $0.5 million (€0.4M) into the corporation by 35 Oak Holdings, a company shareholder.  According to a company statement, proceeds are then expected to refinance existing loans by GFI's core ingredients division and unlock liquidity to invest in the further growth of the operation. Big Sky was created in 2023 for Toronto-headquartered GFI to transfer all of its pet food ingredients assets and businesses serving the North American pet food industry, aid product expansion and make new investments. 'Under the Pet Food Transaction, GFI will transfer all of the assets and liabilities associated with its pet food ingredients division to a newly formed and wholly owned subsidiary ('Pet Food Co'),' says the company. GFI will sell a 49.9% equity stake in Pet Food Co to 35 Oak for approximately $3.2 million. Once the transaction concludes, GFI's core ingredients division will agree with Big Sky to generate recurring annual revenue of a minimum of $180,000 (€165,500).   Driving the business GFI recorded revenue of $17.6 million (€16.1M) in the 3 months ending September 2023. According to company data, plant-based pet food ingredients and 2 other categories—split peas and downstream retail packaged products—accounted for 43.7% of total revenue. The same 3 categories accounted for 40.5% of revenue share for the first half of its fiscal year (FY) 2024.  In the same quarter, 35 Oak Holdings also cleared a $3.0 million (€2.7M) advance toward the Big Sky transaction.   Source: GlobalPETS

16/02/2024

Wet Pet Food Quality

Wet pet food is a popular choice among pet owners, with more than 6.5 billion kgs sold in 2022¹. Pet owners often see wet pet food as a more premium option than traditional dry kibble diets.
They expect their preferred wet pet food brand to be palatable to their pets and have the same appealing aroma, color, and texture every time they open a can or pouch. Consistency in these qualities is particularly important for pet food manufacturers to maintain their brand image. Flavor, aroma, color, and texture can be affected by key parameters of pet food production, including processing conditions, pH, grind size, and thickeners.   Kemin: Your partner in wet pet food Testing solutions in wet pet food is more complex than in dry foods. Kemin has invested in a wet pet food pilot facility to provide partnership opportunities with customers seeking solutions to their wet pet food challenges. This facility is used to build pilot-scale wet pet food batches of loaf or chunk in gravy formulas in cans, trays, and pouches. This facility offers an opportunity to leverage Kemin's expertise across the value chain to help address several key challenges, including palatability, biogenic amine formation, and color retention. At Kemin, we care that our solutions work in pet food matrices and have minimal impact to product integrity and quality standards. Therefore, pilot-scale wet pet food runs can be tested for many success criteria, including palatability, texture, viscosity, pH, color, weep, and aroma analysis, depending on customer needs.   The right texture  While each wet pet meat dough manufacturing process may be unique, it has been observed that meat grind and disintegration quality affect loaf pâté texture or hardness. It has been observed that cats preferentially eat diets with significantly softer loaf pâté texture versus a harder one. Pet parents may also prefer the look of a softer loaf pâté versus a hard, brittle one². Loaf pâté quality is a metric Kemin measures on diets manufactured at their Wet Pet Food Pilot Plant. Kemin Texture Testing³. A texture analyzer with a ball probe can simulate the feel of meat in an animal's mouth and on their model diet. Diets with various meat cutting shear were manufactured at the Kemin Wet Pet Food Pilot Plant and compared to a commercially available Turkey and Giblet Loaf Pâté diet using Tukey Honest Square Differences statistical analyses, with a p-value less than 0.05 to distinguish texture differences.
The Turkey and Giblet Loaf Pâté recipe with minimal meat grinding and cutting shear had a significantly harder loaf pâté than two times and three times more shear [Figure 1]. Compared to desired texture of the benchmark loaf pâté diet, it is observed that too little cutting shear created a significantly harder loaf pâté. Using two times and three times more cutting shear made similar texture hardness to benchmark loaf pâté.       Achieving the ideal "look"   Just like cooking a steak or chicken breast releases juices, meats in a wet pet diet release water during sterilization cooking through the retort process. Meat scientists refer to these juices as weep, syneresis or expressible moisture. Loaf pâté diets sometimes have too much liquid weep, which may thin out the gravy or gel. Too much weep can adversely affect consumer perception, as some consumers view quality wet pet diets as having thick liquid like a gravy or gel. Often thickeners like starches, gums, and proteins are added to diets and special processing is used to enhance soluble proteins and reduce liquid weep. Literature from Kansas State University confirmed that wet pet diets containing only the ingredients necessary for complete and balanced nutrition may be too thin to rapidly fill cans, have sedimentation challenges, and express too much liquid after sterilization cooking. The type and quantity of thickeners must be balanced to achieve the right 'look', including the right amount and thickness of the liquid in a wet diet. Both 'Thick to Thin' and 'Thin to Thick' ingredients are necessary. 'Thick to Thin', Guar gum is a popular ingredient to add to nutritious wet pet meat doughs to thicken it, maintain a homogenous mixture, and to rapidly fill cans. After sterilization cooking, wet pet diets with added guar gum resemble diets with no guar gum. In other words, viscosity and thickness provided by guar gum assists in cooking but not to maintain a thick liquid after cooking. 'Thin to Thick', Other thickeners, gums, and proteins are added to nutritious wet pet meat doughs to enhance their qualities after sterilization cooking. These gums are considered 'Thin to Thick' ingredients, among them kappa carrageenan, xanthan gum, and locust bean gum. These thickeners offer some viscosity before the cooking step but have been observed to thicken remaining liquid and to significantly reduce liquid after sterilization cook.   Overall palatability   After optimizing look and texture, the last step is to ensure that the wet diet is palatable enough to encourage enthusiastic consumption by the target customer- the pets. There are many factors that impact palatability including texture, ingredient type and quality, processing and the type of palatability system that is used. Freshness + Palatability. Ingredients are carefully selected by availability, quality, price, flavor, and processability to meet market needs. Many wet pet manufacturers use both fresh and frozen meats to make their product, which has advantages and disadvantages. Frozen meats have a significantly longer shelf-life and provide ingredient flexibility and availability. On the other hand, frozen ingredients can be difficult to grind or disintegrate, require more energy to activate than fresh meats, and require storage management. Fresh meats can be less expensive and are easier to process than frozen but are difficult to preserve more than a few days and challenging to minimize microbial growth. Aged, fresh meats grow micro-organisms which impact meat dough quality by developing biogenic amines and shortening mandate time – the time between seaming cans and starting sterilization cook process – for wet pet manufacturers. Figure 2 shows that cats prefer lower biogenic amine diets, which can be achieved by using fresher meat or utilizing an antimicrobial treatment to help maintain fresh character.

    Use of a Palatability Enhancer. Wet pet food is often perceived to be highly appealing to cats, but some cats may be reluctant or refuse to eat a diet altogether. Pet food manufacturers can elevate the profile of wet cat food diets by adding palatability enhancers to the finished diet. Figure 3 shows that the addition of a dry palatant in the chunk component of a chicken-based chunk and gravy diet was statistically preferred to a control diet with no palatant. Palatability performance increases with increasing palatant application rate. All rations were made in the Kemin pilot plant.     Moreover, palatant addition to the wet cat diet can transform an amalgam of animal proteins into a product with a clean, unified consumer aroma. Palatants tested in the Kemin Pilot Plant have changed the perception of cat wet pet diets from one that is gamey or pungent to more pleasant meaty flavors or aroma typical of the retorted foods industry. CONCLUSION There are many factors that can influence the overall consumer experience of a wet pet food brand. Understanding how to make a consistent, appealing product is key to satisfying loyal customers and further gaining market share with new customers. Pet food manufacturers should consider the value of partnering with suppliers that understand the complexities of wet pet food production and make solutions tailored to their specific needs.   By: Gregg Schieffer, Ph.D Associate Scientist-Palatants, Kemin Nutrisurance. Source: Kemin Nutrisurance. 

  1 Euromonitor, 2022. 2 Hagen-Plantinga, E.A., Orlanes, D.F., Bosch, G., Hendriks W.H., van der Poel, A.F.B. Retorting Conditions Affect Palatability and Physical Characteristics of Canned Cat Food. J Nutri Sci. (2017), 6, e23, 1-5. 3 Dainton, A.N., Dogan, H., Aldrich, C.G. The Effects of Select Hydrocolloids on the Processing of Pâté-Style Canned Pet Food. Foods. (2021), 10, 2506-2519. 4 Kemin Internal Document: (SD-23-25564). 5 Kemin Internal Document: (SD-22-25122).

15/02/2024

Pet supplements on the rise

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Over time, as countries have gradually eased restrictions and fear, pent-up demand and fiscal stimulus measures facilitated market growth in various sectors. Currently, we are witnessing a fusion of pre-pandemic strategies with the accelerated adoption of digital technologies, shaping a new era of market dynamics. Among the products that are developing the most, we find the pet supplements sector, so much so that an analysis by Grand View Research predicts it will reach 1,050 million dollars by 2027.   Current market situation   When we talk about supplements, we are talking about vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, amino acids, or other dietary ingredients.
Although the pandemic already seems like something of the past for many, the truth is that some sectors or markets, as is the case with this one in particular, owe a lot to it for the boom they experienced. Free time, little social life, the adoption of more pets, and the increase in time spent with them have made people not only more aware of the health of their animals but also have time to inform themselves about how to sustain it and enhance it over time. This is when the word supplements appears for many owners, and they begin to consider these products as an alternative to adding to the diet of their dog and cat children. The pet food supplementation industry primarily works with vitamins, nutritional supplements production, storage, and distribution among other nutritional supplements that may be critical to a pet's health and growth, including birds, dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals. Products are extensively researched and quality-checked before they are available on the commercial market with the goal of ensuring animal welfare and promoting healthy growth throughout their lives. Some supplements have generic applications, while others address specific problems, such as digestive problems, joint pain, or skin conditions. And while the industry is facing tremendous growth, it is also facing new challenges and complications. Microbiome health ingredients, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, are of an ingredient category where the most research is being done these days. Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics generate significant interest in both humans and animals. Specific research is very important in this class of ingredients because the intestinal microbiome of different animal species can vary considerably.   Investigation and development   The increasing rate of pet ownership drives market demand. Several reasons, including personal decisions and medical factors, are causing a growth in the number of people who choose to have pets, such as remaining child-free by choice, the impossibility due to advanced age, and the economic instability that threatens more than an international population. Some of the most common side effects due to supplement consumption include allergic reactions, overdoses, and digestive problems. Some of them may be more serious than others. However, it is one of the main restrictions on the industry's growth. One of the key opportunities to pursue development is the investment obtained for study, development, and innovation. Currently, there is a significant lack of innovation in product development in the supplements sector at an international level. And, if we observe how people's lifestyle and eating consumption habits (and, consequently, their pets) change, it is expected that this will impact the needs, problems, and diseases that arise or disappear with the passing of time. Therefore, more investment is necessary to obtain more resources in understanding the segment to achieve generalized and specific product development without side effects.   The importance of knowing pet supplement consumers
  Knowing the humanization process that has been strongly impacting the entire pet market, it is not surprising that, with the increasing attention paid to product labels, many ingredients that appear in human supplements have moved into categories of pets. If we talk specifically about supplements, we can already identify in the industry that consumers of pet supplements have stronger or more pronounced tendencies and preferences than the average pet owner. These owners (and those in charge of the pet food purchasing decision) who buy supplements are characterized by proactively seeking information about nutrition. The most reliable source for them is their known veterinarians and, secondly, Internet sites: the same sources for seeking advice and information on human nutrition.
Other very reliable sources for pet owners when it comes to obtaining information about any product type or service for their pets (veterinarians, toys, food, exercise) are their friends and family. This is a key factor for all those companies that want to retain customers because they are the ones who, free of charge, share and recommend (and, therefore, spread) the brands they trust.
  Conclusion   The supplements market has a lot of potential today if we analyze and consider all the trends that reach the pet food industry due to the demands and needs imposed on human industries. To achieve sustained growth, it is essential to promote development, research, and innovation.

Source: All Pet Food.

14/02/2024

Pet food definition, according to categories

By Candela Bonaura

Diet is a fundamental part of health, life quality, and slowing down physiological processes such as aging, prevention, and even treatment of multiple illnesses. And even though nowadays we have plenty of information on the nutritional requirements of pet animals, it is difficult to reach a consensus. In this article, we discuss some concepts based on my analysis study and experience with my patients, considering that dogs and cats are carnivorous and, as such, require a greater supply of protein and ingredients of animal origin in most of their stages and states. Food categories Depending on their degree of processing: We will have ultra-processed foods (UP = dry or canned food or any other food intended for consumption by pets that is manufactured by carrying out a thermal or pressure processing step) or minimally processed (MP = fresh, frozen or any other food intended for consumption by pets, manufactured without thermal or pressure processing or one of them). By the % of water, we can divide them into dry (8-12% water), semi-humid (15-30% water), and humid (around 70% water). Depending on their function: complete foods (which cover a pet's whole nutritional needs) or supplements (for example, snacks or treats). Depending on its manufacturing type: they can be commercial or homemade foods (cooked, BARF, or raw). Depending on their age: Puppies (age will depend on animal size, up to 12-16-24 months) mainly focused on learning, immunity, development, and growth. Adults (from 12-16-24 months to 6-7 years of age), depending on animal size, whose main objective is balance and maintenance.Gerontes (+ 6-7), who seek a quality of life, promoting health by slowing down aging and the appearance of typical age-related diseases (kidney, heart, joint care, intestinal balance, nervous system health, etc.). Natural foods: They lack artificial colorings, flavors, and antioxidants while having a lower degree of processing. This represents a better life quality, greater digestibility, and use of certain nutrients. Functional foods: They include the so-called nutraceuticals or functional ingredients in their formula, which exert different functions or purposes in the body, such as joint protectors, immunomodulators, probiotics, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, etc. These give the food added value beyond what is strictly nutritional. According to its quality: Ultra-premium, super-premium +, low super-premium or super-premium, premium, standard, or Economy. To enter a category, a food must meet most of its characteristics (beyond what a label says).

Ultra-premium or super-premium + Purchased at veterinarians or pet stores Foods with high-quality ingredients High nutritional density and greater digestibility Extensive portfolio that answers pet needs at different stages, sizes, and special requirements. With the greatest nutritional innovations on the market (functional ingredients +++) Size differential with kibble differential (in size and composition) Less fecal matter production Very digestible elements (a higher proportion of ingredients of animal origin and in the first orders) Greater benefits for the individual, such as shinier hair, more vitality, and better health Minimum digestibility of 80-90% Average protein and fat: 35-40/15-17, respectively Minimum animal protein of 70% Nutrient range with the highest industry standard Smaller portions needed No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives High technology to take advantage of all ingredients' biological value

Super-premium Found at veterinarians or pet stores High-quality ingredients High nutritional density and digestibility Extensive portfolio that answers pet needs at different stages, sizes, and special requirements Nutritional innovation (functional ingredients) Size differential with kibble differential (in size and composition) Less fecal matter production Greater benefits for the individual, such as shinier hair, more vitality, and better health Very digestible elements (large amounts of ingredients of animal origin) Minimum digestibility of 80% Average protein and fat of 30-40/14-16, respectively. Minimum animal protein of 60% High industry standard nutrient range Smaller portions needed No artificial colors or flavors

Premium May contain artificial colors and flavors More fat and calories Made with animal or vegetable flour A mix of flavors, variety, and croquette shapes. Ingredients that protect joints, improve intestinal health and facilitate digestion Digestibility of 70-80% Average protein and fat of 24-34/10-15, respectively Animal protein is close to 40-50% Usually have an average price

Standard - mainstream Low density (provided by proteins and fats) Low fat and protein content Digestibility less than 75% Target of consumers concerned about the price Protein source mixture of meat meal and other non-animal sources Low-quality ingredients Smaller portfolio (no size differentials, sometimes even stages, no special care products) Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives Average protein and fat of 20-30/10-12, respectively Animal protein <40%

Economical Low density (provided by proteins and fats) The lowest fat and protein content on the market Digestibility is less than 60% Target of consumers concerned about the price Protein source is a mixture of meat meal and bone powder Lower quality ingredients Smaller portfolio (no size differentials, sometimes even stages, no special care products) Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives Average protein and fat of 20-27/8-10, respectively Animal protein <30% Poorly digestible fibers 9. Therapeutic: These are foods intended for a specific stage of an animal or need. They can be temporary or permanent, aimed at preventing, helping, or treating a specific disease. They are another clinical tool, a therapeutic one, sometimes the main one of a treatment (DIETOTHERAPY). Although there is no specific legislation, we must consider the digestibility, type of meat or meat flour, differential of kibbles or sizes, portfolio, colorant presence, antioxidants, or palatability as important aspects when selecting the appropriate product for a pet's needs. Product price, in general, is determined by the ingredients used (which are or should be organized in descending order), energy density, protein quantity and quality, and nutraceutical addition. We must be able to guarantee complete food that covers the requirements of an animal according to their needs, stage and size, digestibility (maximum nutrient use), good energy intake (3000-5000 Kcal), palatability, and safety.   By: Dr. Bonaura M. Candela.
Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

12/02/2024

UK and US officials highlight the potential of pet food in South Korea

Both countries believe the market offers exciting business opportunities for pet firms. This was in response to a request from South Korean authorities for a new Export Health Certificate (EHC), an official document confirming that exports meet the health requirements of the destination country. Both parties, including existing exporters of pet food to South Korea, engaged in technical discussions to confirm compliance with the new requirements. The UK's interest in South Korea's pet industry is not new. In 2019, the country's Department for International Trade highlighted South Korea's pet industry as 'one of the fastest growing pet food markets in the world.' The Asian country is the 13th-biggest economy in the world, and its import demand is set to grow rapidly. According to the Department for Business and Trade, the UK's total trade (imports plus exports) with South Korea was £16.1 billion ($20.1B/€18.6B) in the 12 months ending June 2023.    Regional and technical expertise The British government acknowledges the 'key role' that attachés play in breaking down market access barriers and reducing the complexity and burden of trading requirements for agri-food products. "Bringing together regional and technical experts who can provide valuable market intelligence means we can resolve market access issues and drive growth at a faster pace", it says.  They have brought together regional and technical experts to resolve market access issues to aid the process. Earlier in 2023, the Korean government announced a plan to expand the country's pet industry to ₩15 trillion ($11.4B/€10.3B) in 3 years' time.   Opportunities for US companies The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently included pet food as a business opportunity for agricultural products in the Asian country. The International Agricultural Trade Report published in December 2023 acknowledges that South Korea's global pet food imports rose from $239 million (€220.6M) in 2018 to $347 million (€320.3M) in 2022.  According to these insights, the US is the country's second biggest pet food supplier, accounting for 21% of all imports in 2022. Despite inflation pushing the price of pet food up between 10% and 20%, the US government considers that the unfavorable US dollar/Korean won exchange rate has led South Korean traders to search for "more affordable alternative suppliers to meet import demand." Dog and cat food originally had a 5% tariff rate, but now these products enter the country duty-free due to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) signed in 2017.   Source: GlobalPETS

09/02/2024

VICTAM Asia 2024: Celebrating Over 30 Years of Innovative Events in the Animal Feed Industry!

PRESS RELEASE DATED: January, 2024.
From its humble beginnings in 1991, VICTAM Asia has evolved into a prestigious event spanning over three decades. Today, it stands as Asia's premier showcase for the latest innovations in the animal feed, health and nutrition, and grain processing industries.
VICTAM Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia, and GRAPAS Asia 2024, organised by the Victam Corporation and VNU, continue to offer an unparalleled platform for the latest developments within these vital sectors.
  Reflecting on the success of the 2022 edition, Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of the Victam Corporation, notes, "Following the challenges of restarting major events after the COVID-19 era, VICTAM Asia 2022 turned out to be a successful event. Spanning over 5,800 sqm, it brought together 231 exhibitors from 33 countries and attracted 6,121 visitors from 64 countries. Notably, more than 21% of these were key decision-makers in their respective fields. For 2024, we are building on this foundation to deliver an even more impactful experience."     According to a report by Future Market Insights, the animal feed processing equipment market anticipates growth, reaching US$ 34.8 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 4.2%, the relevance of this event becomes increasingly significant. The Asia Pacific region, in
particular, stands at the cusp of transformation, fuelled by rapid economic growth and urbanisation, making it a critical market for industry stakeholders. The 2024 edition of VICTAM will focus on key themes such as advancements in feed milling technology, the evolving aquafeed sector in Asia, and the latest in grain, flour and rice processing technologies, alongside critical sustainability initiatives. We are proud to host
eminent exhibitors like Amandus Kahl, DSM, CSI Group, and Van Aarsen, who are at the forefront of these developments. Alongside VICTAM Asia, Health & Nutrition Asia is organised by the VIV worldwide team.
This event offers a comprehensive look into innovation in nutrition, pharmaceutics, and hightech animal health solutions. The two events strengthen each other, providing a holistic view of the industry, and serves as a unique trading platform for professionals in animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals, genetics, and related fields.

This event is a key opportunity to engage with industry leaders in Asia's expanding animal feed and health sector as well as the rice and grain milling industries. Network with innovators, gain insights from global leaders, and be at the forefront of emerging trends in Asia's rapidly expanding animal feed and health sector. Also learn from the best in the industry during the conferences and technical seminars which are organized simultaneously with the exhibition.   If you want to attend this event, complete the registration HERE.   Join us at VICTAM Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024 from 12 - 14 March 2024 at BITEC Exhibition Center, Bangkok, Thailand.
Visit our website www.victamasia.com and www.vivhealthandnutrition.nl for more information.

Source: Victam Asia.

09/02/2024

ŸNSECT: The first company to obtain authorization to commercialize mealworm proteins for dog food in the United States

The first long-term study (6 months) conducted on dogs demonstrates the nutritional benefits of defatted mealworm flour, with a high content of proteins rich in essential amino acids, the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, fibers, vitamins, and minerals.
As a substitute for some commonly used animal proteins, mealworm proteins can significantly contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of pet food.   Paris, January 24th, 2024. As one of the strongest players in the production of insect-based proteins and with the first customer received their delivery in December 2023, Ÿnsect sees its commercial prospects rapidly expanding with the opening of the American pet food market.
The AAFCO, the American authority responsible for the safety of animal food, has, for the first time, authorized the commercialization of an ingredient derived from mealworms (Protein70) for dog nutrition.
Studies conducted in the United States of America in collaboration with Summit Ridge demonstrate both the safety of Tenebrio molitor flour and its nutritional benefits. With this first authorization in the American market, Ÿnsect is poised to actively contribute to reducing the environmental impact of pet and dog nutrition. 'We are very proud to have obtained the very first authorization for the commercialization of mealworm-based ingredients for pet food in the United States. It is the recognition of over 10 years of research for the benefit of animal health. This authorization opens the doors to the immense American market just as we are preparing to deliver our first pet food customers from our Amiens farm.' Shankar KRISHNAMOORTHY, CEO of Ÿnsect .   First Authorization for the Use of Tenebrio molitor in Pet Food in the United States   After 2 years of evaluation, the AAFCO, the organization responsible for the safety of animal food in the United States, has, for the first time, authorized the commercialization of Ÿnsect ingredients based on Tenebrio molitor, specifically defatted Tenebrio molitor meal (Dried Mealworm Meal), intended for dogs.
This authorization was granted based on a comprehensive scientific dossier, including a 6-month trial introducing mealworm-derived ingredients into the diet of dogs. The results demonstrated both the safety of the product and its nutritional benefits as a substitute for commonly used animal proteins. As of October 2023, the FDA's scientific committee provided a favorable opinion.
The official journal publication in a few weeks will validate the rigorous process of the American authorities.   The pet food market in the United States is valued at over $42 billion.   Americans are particularly devoted to their pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), nearly 4 out of 10 American households have a dog (48%), totaling over 65 million dogs across the United States. In 2022, the market for pet products was valued at approximately $136 billion, with $42 billion dedicated solely to the pet food market, as reported by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This market continues to grow, with a roughly 5% growth rate, according to a recent report by TechNavio experts. 'American pet owners are very attentive to the well-being of their pets, including providing appropriate nutrition. Our discussions with key players in the pet food market led us to anticipate significant development in alternative meat proteins in this market.' Philippe Pichol, SVP Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ÿnsect.   Proven Nutritional Quality   As part of the authorization request submitted to the U.S. authorities, Ÿnsect, in collaboration with Summit Ridge Farms, a leading reference in the world of scientific studies in pet food, conducted an extensive 6-month study highlighting the impact on dogs of a diet rich in mealworm-based ingredients. This study ensured the safety of a diet containing up to 30% mealworm proteins. It also demonstrated a very high level of protein digestibility, exceeding 80%, in line with industry professionals' recommendations (FEDIAF and AAFCO). Additionally, Ÿnsect collaborated with Professor Kelly Swanson from the Animal Sciences Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study its defatted mealworm flour from Tenebrio molitor. The study showed protein quality comparable to high-quality animal proteins traditionally used in pet food manufacturing, such as beef, pork, and salmon, is superior to standard poultry meal and common plant proteins.   Reducing the Environmental Impact of Pet Food, a Major Challenge   Most pets are carnivores and require a protein-rich diet. The pet food industry has been engaged in research and innovation for several years to reduce the environmental impact of pet diets, gradually incorporating alternative proteins.
While Tenebrio molitor flour, Protein70, from the Sprÿng brand has demonstrated its nutritional benefits, it can also help reduce the environmental footprint of pet food by replacing other protein sources. As mealworms are raised from agricultural by-products in cereal-producing regions, their environmental footprint is lower than many other traditionally used ingredients. For example, 1 kg of Sprÿng Protein70 flour emits half as much CO2 equivalent as lamb or soy flour, and 22 times less than beef flour.   About Ÿnsect   Ÿnsect is one of the global leader in the production of insect-based proteins and natural fertilizers. Founded in 2011 in Paris, France, by scientists and environmental activists, the Next40 member and B Corp-certified company transforms insects into high-value premium ingredients for pets, plants, and humans. Ÿnsect provides an ecological, healthy, and sustainable solution to meet the growing demand for protein and plant consumption.
Using pioneering proprietary technology protected by over 430 patents, Ÿnsect produces mealworms in climate-positive vertical farms that benefit biodiversity, aligning with the +1.5°C scenario of the COP21 Paris Agreement and the EU's 'Fit for 55' goal.
Ÿnsect operates several production sites including the world's largest vertical farm. The company has raised over $625 million from major global investment funds, banks, and public institutions. Ÿnsect exports its products worldwide.
For more information, you can visit their website HERE. Source: Ÿnsect.

08/02/2024

The veterinary profession and its impact on climate change

Climate change involves long-term changes in temperatures and weather patterns. Certain shifts can be natural, including changes in the sun's activity or major volcanic eruptions, however, since the 1800s, human activities have been a main contributor of climate change. This is primarily because of the large amounts of burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The burning of these fuels releases greenhouse gases that act like a blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing a rise in temperatures.1 The rise in global surface temperatures has seen a 2º F increase since the 1800s. this might not seem like a huge difference, however Margo Mosher, global sustainability director, Mars Veterinary Health, explains how significant this can really be. In her joint session with Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), director of veterinary science at Banfield Pet Hospital, Mosher stated, 'Two degrees Fahrenheit may not sound like a lot, but if you think about it similar to the context of our body temperature when you have a fever—so our typical temperature is maybe around 98.6º F, if we increase that just 2 degrees up to 100.6º F, we're probably not feeling very well. And so, we can think of this similarly with climate change and really the significant impact that just a couple of degree change can have.'2 Therefore, when the earth temperature rises, the following could be at crucial risk:3 Biodiversity loss Drought Food security Wildfires Extreme heat Sea level rise Floods Coral reef decline
  What is veterinary medicine's impact?
  The world's healthcare systems account for 4% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and veterinary medicine is a portion of that 4%.4 Providing care for pet patients has a carbon footprint from using electricity, anesthesia, medical supplies, and even veterinary professionals and pet owners driving to the clinic. According to IVC Evidencia, a European veterinary care provider, medical supply and pharmaceutical purchases used for veterinary practices is one of the leading contributors to the veterinary carbon footprint.5 This is the area in which veterinary professionals can have the most impact in reducing their carbon footprint.   What you can do   Conference travel: Dr Morrison explained how commuting to work and travel for conferences can add to a veterinary professional's carbon footprint. She suggested attending virtual meetings, however, 'If an in-person meeting is necessary, then is there a more sustainable option, rather than flying? Is there an option for things like rail or train travel or electronic vehicles? If flying is necessary, what are the most sustainable options to consider here? There's direct versus connecting flights, and these have different carbon footprints.' Work commute: Morrison also posed the option of taking public transportation to work if that is a viable option. However, she did mention that this can also be a personal choice for each individual. 'The first thing to do is have some discussions with your teams. Investigate what is available in your area and see what people would consider in changing with commuting to the practice…maybe there is a fun or creative way to encourage biking to work—again, in areas where that is feasible and that will vary from place to place,' she said. Virtual care: Offering telehealth can also offset clients commuting to the clinic. This can be beneficial even if just a portion of appointments can switch to an online format. Telehealth can also reduce the use of medical supplies, which has a large impact on the overall veterinary footprint. Electricity reduction: Another small change practices can make is reminding associates to reduce electricity around the practice when possible. Turning off lights when a room is not in use or unplugging equipment that does not need to be on can be simple efforts made daily. Anesthetic gases: Anesthetic gases used for procedures have different environmental impacts. Mosher recommended prioritizing the needs of the patient first, but to consider using lower impact gases, such as sevoflurane, and using lower flow techniques to reduce the impacts anesthesia has on climate change. Sustainable purchases: Because medical supplies can be a major contributor to veterinary medicine's carbon footprint, Mosher suggested selecting suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability (when possible) and consolidating orders and deliveries. Waste management and recycling: Waste management can be tackled by starting with prevention as the most preferred method, and when that is not an option, going down the line of reusing, recycling, recovery, and disposal being the last option remaining if necessary. For veterinary medicine, consider what in your practice that can be eliminated, reused, or recycled. For example, reducing paperwork and going digital with patient records can be an option in preventing waste.   Reaching for a climate friendly future   Mosher and Morrison's overall advice for reducing your practice's carbon footprint is to discuss with your team and see what will work within your means.
Engage your team and get everyone involved so each member of the team is making a difference. If certain members of your team are more passionate about climate change than others, let them take some of the lead and lean into their personal interests in improving the practice's efforts.
Celebrating small wins in the progression and becoming more sustainable is also important to recognize on this climate journey. Combating climate change is a collaborative endeavor. Before wrapping up, Mosher shared a way to calculate your practice's carbon footprint by using the 'CoolClimate Network' website powered by the University of California, Berkeley. This can also share more tips for reducing your footprint. If interested, veterinary professionals can also access resources on Banfield or Mars Veterinary Health's website.   Source: DVM 360.   References What is climate change? United Nations. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change Mosher M, Morrison JA. Climate change and the veterinary profession. Presented at: Veterinary Meeting & Expo; Orlando, Florida; January 13-17, 2024. Climate change: 5 charts from the IPCC report that show why every increment of warming matters. World Economic Forum. March 23, 2023. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/climate-change-ipcc-emissions-risks-net-zero/ Protecting the planet and its people: healthcare's climate action roadmap. World Economic Forum. June 2, 2021. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/06/healthcare-climate-action-roadmap/ The positive pawprint: Sustainability report 2023. IVC Evidencia. 2023. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://ivcevidensia.com/getmedia/70832551-51b0-4fd2-9651-b0e2d5eac222/IVC-Evidensia-Sustainability-Report_2023.pdf

07/02/2024

Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Bond Pet Foods Make Strides in Developing Sustainable Protein for Pet Food

Separately, the companies announced a second joint development agreement to create an additional animal protein for potential use in Hill's products. The collaboration between Bond and Hill's, announced in late 2021, aims to develop a source of more sustainable animal protein to fulfill the dietary needs of dogs and cats, company officials said. 'Hill's is known for its leadership in precise, complete and balanced, science-based nutrition. We are excited to continue our relationship with Bond and support their truly novel approach to produce animal proteins in a more sustainable way that meets our high-quality standards', said Dave Baloga, executive vice president, science and technology for Hill's Pet Nutrition. The two metric tons produced by Bond represents a major milestone toward commercializing its fermentation technology for pet food applications, officials said. The scale of the delivery will allow Hill's to formulate a variety of products at its Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kan., for evaluation. That data will be used for the ingredient's eventual review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine, as well as to prepare prototypes for market evaluation, officials said. 'Producing tons of product at the 45,000 Liter scale is a major milestone in the Bond-Hill's collaboration', said Rich Kelleman, founder and CEO of Bond Pet Foods. 'Additionally, Hill's commitment to expand on our work together demonstrates the opportunity we collectively see in Bond's ingredients for their and the pet industry's food future'. According to Bond, its precision fermentation platform is safe and established—building off a process that has been around for more than half a century to make everything from enzymes (rennet) for cheese manufacture to vitamin B12. The process has been carefully reimagined to more efficiently produce proteins like chicken, turkey and beef for pet food applications, without the need to raise and process farm animals. In the U.S. alone, 74 million dogs and 56 million cats in households currently consume large amounts of animal-based protein, according to the companies.
As a result, as noted in a 2017 study published in the scientific journal PLUS One, pets account for up to 30 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions associated with domestic meat consumption. This represents both CO2 and additional greenhouse gas emission from animal production.

Source: Pet Product News.

05/02/2024

Hungarian owners are paying 33% more in pet care than 5 years ago

Financial service company Cofidis has investigated pet consumer and ownership habits in Hungary and found that dog owners spend HUF12,000 ($33.78/€31.09) per month on food.  Pet care and veterinary costs are around HUF47,000 ($132.32/€121.75) per year. Compared to their 2018 survey, Cofidis' most recent results mark an almost 33% increase in pet expenses.  According to Euromonitor, Hungary saw the most significant rise in pet care product prices in Eastern Europe (22%). 40% of Hungarians own a dog   The survey, carried out in October 2023 with a 500-participant sample size, found that 4 out of 10 Hungarians have a dog at home. 50% of Hungarians think it is easier to interact with others with a dog, 55% believe that life is better with a pet and 67% say that a dog reduces loneliness.

Source: GlobalPETS

02/02/2024

Spray dried plasma in pet food: The multiple functions of a unique ingredient

The connection between human and pet food production is very important to optimize the use of by-products and minimize environmental impacts. Practically all by-products generated from the processing of meat for human consumption are properly used in the production of rendered animal protein ingredients and other applications in various industrial areas, thereby strengthening the application of a circular economy. Despite its relevance, advancements in the qualitative aspects of ingredients for use in pet food are needed because the quality is still very variable. Furthermore, the development of high nutritional standards for the food segment, such as food safety, high nutritional quality, and the use of ingredients that have functional properties have been a major challenge for the pet food sector today. In this respect, fresh ingredients, enzymatically hydrolyzed and dehydrated by more refined processes, such as lyophilization or spray drying have shown a growing increase in their use in formulations by the Pet Food industry.   Image 1: Estimated excretion of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) for each kilogram of ingredient ingested, considering the digestibility of the ingredients (Table 1).   The spray-drying process consists in drying liquid products in a spray drying tower, equipped with hot air circulation that generates a hot air circulation that, when in contact with micro-drops of the liquid sprayed in the system by the atomizers, makes the dehydration of the product, keeping its solubility characteristics and better preserving the nutrients and functional properties of the ingredient. Some animal by-products are commonly processed this way, such as egg powder, plasma, hydrolyzed protein sources, milk, and whey, among others. This form of processing provides digestibility coefficients that can be higher than 95% (Song et al., 2015), when compared to digestibility coefficients between 80-90% found in ingredients dehydrated by conventional processes. In addition to reducing the excretion of nutrients into the environment, for dogs and cats, in practice, since fecal volume is a relevant aspect, this means an extremely significant reduction in the amount of stool produced by animals when consuming foods with high digestibility content. In Table 1 some comparisons of digestibility coefficients of conventional ingredients such as egg and plasma produced by spray-drying are presented and in Figure 1 a simulation of the amount of dry matter excreted by animals with each of these ingredients is presented, in order to show how much in practice these differences in digestibility can reduce the fecal output of animals. It can be observed that fecal excretion can be reduced up to 75% with the consumption of highly digestible ingredients.   Table 1: Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) and Crude Protein Digestibility (CPD) of conventional (Meat and Bone Meal; Standard Poultry Meal) and spray-dried (Egg powder and Animal Plasma, SDAP) ingredients.   Plasma is a by-product of pork and beef slaughterhouses, obtained from the bleeding process of animals considered safe for human consumption, followed by the addition of anticoagulants, and subsequent centrifuging of the blood, to separate the plasma and cellular fraction (red blood cells and platelets), followed by decontamination with ultraviolet light and drying, usually by the spray-drying process. This production process maintains the solubility of the ingredient and its functionality to be used in extruded and wet pet food for dogs and cats. Image 2 shows a schematic diagram of the production process of this ingredient.   Image 2: Summary production schematic of porcine or bovine spray drying plasma production (SDAP). Courtesy APC LLC, Ankeny, IA.   Spray-dried Animal Plasma (SDAP) is used in human, animalfeed, and in pet food and can be used for various purposes, as shown in Table 2.   Table 2: Major functions and effects of Spray-dried Animal Plasma (SDAP) observed in pet food.   In wet pet foods, due to the high content of moisture, fat and the possibility of phase separation, the main technological application of SDAP is as an emulsifying and binding agent to improve water retention in the product, texture, juiciness and homogeneity (Polo et al., 2005; Polo et al., 2007; Polo et al., 2009). In dry pet foods processed by extrusion, its technological properties have not yet been studied, but it is likely to have action as a structure-forming agent and emulsifier, due to high solubility and composition. Regarding the nutritional composition, the SDAP, as a blood component, it is a very nutritionally rich ingredient, with emphasis on the levels of amino acids and minerals, presenting higher levels of essential amino acids, even when compared to the egg, which is a protein source reference in quality. In addition to this, the SDAP has bioactive components that provide its biological functionality. The SDAP's high amino acid concentration also represents other functional aspects associated with this ingredient, achieved due to the presence of immunoglobulins, bioactive peptides, growth factors, enzymes and metalloproteins, which confer immunomodulatory properties (Balan et al., 2021; Kanagaratham et al., 2020; Hammer et al., 2003), prebiotic (Miró et al., 2017; Moretó et al., 2020; Perez-Bosque et al. 2016), anti-inflammatory (Pérez-Bosque et al., 2016; Moretó et al, 2020) and neuroprotective (Garcia-Dust et al., 2020; Miró et al., 2017; Rosell-Cardona et al., 2021). Because of these multiple functions of SDAP in animal and human nutrition, which match the current demands for quality, nutrition, functionality, and sustainability, the next issues of Pet Food Brazil Magazine will present the other chapters of this article, which will discuss separately the role of SDAP in dry and wet pet food processing (Part 2), nutritional value (Part 3), and functional properties (Part 4), showing the main practical applications of this ingredient, based on information available in the literature.   By: Ricardo Souza Vasconcellos Source: APC   References Balan, P., Staincliffe, M., & Moughan, P. J. (2021). Effects of spray-dried animal plasma on the growth performance of weaned piglets—A review. In Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (Vol. 105, Issue 4, pp. 699–714). Blackwell Publishing Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13435 Carciofi, A.C. (2008) Fontes de Proteína e Carboidratos para cães e gatos. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, v.37, Suppl., 27-41. Garcia-Dust, A., Miró, L., Pérez-Bosque, A., Amat, C., Polo, J., Pallàs, M., Griñán-Ferré, C., & Moretó, M. (2020). Dietary spray-dried porcine plasma prevents cognitive decline in senescent mice and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Journal of Nutrition, 150(2), 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxz239 Kanagaratham, C., el Ansari, Y. S., Lewis, O. L., & Oettgen, H. C. (2020). IgE and IgG Antibodies as Regulators of Mast Cell and Basophil Functions in Food Allergy. In Frontiers in Immunology (Vol. 11). Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.603050 Miró, L., Garcia-Just, A., Amat, C., Polo, J., Moretó, M., & Pérez-Bosque, A. (2017). Dietary animal plasma proteins improve the intestinal immune response in senescent mice. Nutrients, 9(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9121346 Moretó, M., Miró, L., Amat, C., Polo, J., Manichanh, C., & Pérez-Bosque, A. (2020). Dietary supplementation with spray-dried porcine plasma has prebiotic effects on gut microbiota in mice. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-59756-z Pérez-Bosque, A., Miró, L., Amat, C., Polo, J., & Moretó, M. (2016). The anti-inflammatory effect of spray-dried plasma is mediated by a reduction in mucosal lymphocyte activation and infiltration in a mouse model of intestinal inflammation. Nutrients, 8(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8100657 Polo, J., Rodríguez, C., Ródenas, J., Morera, S., & Saborido, N. (2007). Use of spray-dried animal plasma in canned chunk recipes containing excess of added water or poultry fat. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 133(3–4), 309–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2006.04.008 Polo, J., Rodríguez, C., Ródenas, J., Morera, S., & Saborido, N. (2009). The use of spray-dried animal plasma in comparison with other binders in canned pet food recipes. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 154(3–4), 241–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2009.08.009 Polo, J., Rodríguez, C., Saborido, N., & Ródenas, J. (2005). Functional properties of spray-dried animal plasma in canned petfood. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 122(3–4), 331–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2005.03.002 Rosell-Cardona, C., Griñan-Ferré, C., Pérez-Bosque, A., Polo, J., Pallàs, M., Amat, C., Moretó, M., & Miró, L. (2021). Dietary spray-dried porcine plasma reduces neuropathological alzheimer's disease hallmarks in samp8 mice. Nutrients, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072369 Song, M., Kim, S., Kim, Y., Park, J., Kim, Y. (2015) Value of Spray-dried egg in pig nursery diets. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, v. 42, n.3, 207-213.

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)

31/01/2024

Quality Control in the Pet food industry through cutting-edge solutions

However, this trend presents significant challenges. Quality control and laboratory analysis processes are often slow and expensive, resulting in production delays, loss of raw materials, reprocessing of batches, and, consequently, the loss of time and valuable resources. All of this has been an obstacle to the efficiency and competitiveness of companies in the industry. The solution to these challenges lies in near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy technology, which has revolutionized the way the pet food industry approaches quality control, ingredient analysis, and process control. NIR instruments allow multivariate analysis to be performed in less than 10 seconds, providing accurate data for critical parameters such as moisture content, protein, fat, fiber, and ash, among others. As a result, not only is the quality control process significantly accelerated, but a substantial reduction in costs associated with traditional laboratory analysis is also achieved, giving companies the competitive advantage they need to stand out in the industry.   Pet food manufacturing process: critical points   Within the framework of the pet food manufacturing process, there are critical stages identified that require special consideration to achieve efficiency and productivity to obtain a final product of excellence. We cannot reach a good final result if our raw material does not meet the requirements. NIR instruments can quickly provide us with the information necessary to decide whether a batch we are receiving meets them or not. Each food has its recipe, and each variety has its nutritional composition. NIR equipment can help us confirm if the mixture or formula was correctly made prior to entering the extruder. After drying, it is common to apply coatings with fats, oils, or flavorings to make them more palatable, and, in some cases, vitamins and minerals can also be added to strengthen the nutritional content. NIR equipment can monitor the fat or oil content at this stage. Prior to packaging, and after the cooling process, obtaining an accurate reading of the humidity value of the product is essential to prevent common problems, such as the growth of mold or other types of fungi, which can cause deterioration of the product, affect its quality, and lead to significant economic losses. The ideal task for an NIR instrument will not only give us an accurate reading of the humidity value, but also allow us to verify that our final product meets the nutritional requirements we communicate on our packaging. PerkinElmer has been leading the market for years with its DA 7250 analyzer, the third generation of NIR instruments in the company's more than 60-yearhistory. This equipment combines Near Infrared Reflectance technology and a diode array (DA) detector, allowing accurate and reliable results in less than 10 seconds. Thanks to its excellent signal-to-noise ratio, large analysis surface area, and light range used with superior penetration capacity, grinding of raw materials or pre-treatment of samples before analysis is not needed. In addition to its speed in obtaining results, the DA 7250 stands out for its efficiency, simplicity of use, robustness, simple maintenance and cleaning, as well as its extremely friendly operating environment. It also has two online and inline versions, the DA 7440 and DA 7350 respectively, fully compatible with each other in terms of calibrations.     Mathematical models, prediction, and security in the results   Thanks to spectral data from more than 15,000 dry dog ​​and cat food samples from worldwide manufacturers (including kibble, biscuits, tricks, and more), calibrations have been developed to model relationships between NIR spectra and reference chemical results. This has been achieved using Honigs™ Regression (HR) types and Artificial Neural Network Regression (ANN) algorithms, as well as the application of a temperature stabilization pretreatment.

    As an example, the following table shows data from calibrations carried out for samples of dry food for dogs and cats:   The great product variability incorporated in the calibrations, added to the aforementioned characteristics and virtues of the instrument, guarantee accurate and robust measurements over time. The models can be used for whole and ground pet foods with similar prediction accuracy. In parameters such as humidity, protein, fat, fiber, and ash, these models are very precise, with similar differences to the deviations obtained between the two reference laboratories. In conclusion, in a market with increasing demands in terms of quality, nutritional value, and cost, NIR instruments are a powerful solution that offer fast, accurate, and robust results for all stages of the production process, reducing costs and leading to the efficiency and quality of our product at optimal levels.   By: Leonel Fulcheri - PerkinElmer
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

30/01/2024

State of Pet Homelessness Project: A global data initiative for understanding pet homelessness

The project provides data-led insights into issues which may impact pet homelessness in different countries. These insights can guide individuals and organizations working to tackle pet homelessness, and help them make a real difference.
  Methodology
The State of Pet Homelessness Project reviewed 930 sources to select 180+ data points, conducted nearly 30,000 surveys with pet owners and non-pet owners, and interviewed over 200 pet professionals working in the field of pet homelessness.
The Project reflects the state of pet homelessness at a specific moment in time when the research was conducted.
About the Project     Tackling pet homelessness helps both animals and people – bringing the benefits of the human-animal bond to more people and ensuring every pet gets the sustained care and nutrition they need to thrive.

Pets that don't receive the care they need are at risk of poor health and compromised welfare. Measuring the scale of pet homelessness is a complex task. To address this challenge, Mars partnered with leading animal welfare experts and organizations to launch the State of Pet Homelessness Project, a global data initiative. To bring transparency, awareness, and insight to the challenge of pet homelessness, we have set out to build a data set that can offer insights into a range of attitudes and behaviors that impact the issue.

The Project spent 7700+ hours gathering data, conducted surveys of pet owners and non-pet owners and expert interviews in over nine months of fieldwork.

You can visit the website HERE   Source: State of pet homelessness Project and Mars PetCare

25/01/2024

The interview - Juan Gomez-Basauri

1. Which challenges have you faced in your professional career? There are different and varied challenges during each stage of a professional career, from moving to a new place, or a new city, leaving old friends and colleagues, making new friends and colleagues, balancing work, and family, to learning very quickly from mistakes and understanding new cultures. I think most of us will have gone through one or the other, but the way we face each of them is what makes the difference, what makes us who we are. It's what defines us. 2. Why did you make the decision to open your own technology consulting business in 2023? My style has always been to be highly entrepreneurial, especially when it comes to positioning new technologies and innovations in the market.
I was very fortunate that, in previous roles, my responsibility was to be that of a business champion, that is, leading the charge for new products and technologies, building from scratch, as we would say. However, there comes a time when one needs to step out of their comfort zone if there is a desire to keep growing both professionally and personally. That's the reason why I founded Magellan LLC. 3. What are your company's goals? Magellan LLC is a business dedicated to providing innovative, science-based technologies and consultative solutions to the agri-food, nutrition, and human and animal health businesses. 4. What solutions do you provide and why? The key is how you listen to your customers and answer their needs, which will define the solution and the service.
From product innovation to the design and execution of research projects, through the development and application of new bioactive and nutritional compounds, we listen extremely well to the needs of our clients and respond to them. 5. What's your vision about the pet food industry development in the upcoming years? The pet food business is an exciting area, but, like any other industry, it is bound to change, to evolve.
There is a close connection between people and their pets. We care about them as much as we care about ourselves. There is an emotional component in the bond between human beings and animals. The industry will strive to find new, functional, and proven nutritional technologies and new feeding formats in order to provide health and well-being to our companion animals because they are part of our families. 6. How do you think trendy topics, such as sustainability and product customization, are being addressed by the market? Sustainability is a driving force for business. However, how much of what we are actually doing is truly sustainable? Sustainability must include environmental, social, and economic factors. Everyone must do their part, as we are all linked, we are all connected as individuals and companies, from transportation to packaging, from supply chain to life cycle assessment, and with full transparency in all processes.
Companies must encourage and embrace innovation to find better technologies and processes that can be truly sustainable, and that, in the end, is what will make a difference. 7. In your experience, what will be the most significant challenges during 2024? I'd say change and disruption and how we adapt to them, from raw materials and supply chain challenges to changing consumer spending patterns, to name a few. The market is evolving, and companies will have to adapt and do it quickly. This, in turn, will accelerate innovation and provide opportunities for launching new products and services. 8. What trends you could say will growth the most? Predicting specific trends involves a certain degree of uncertainty. However, several trends are shaping the pet food market and will continue to evolve in the coming years.
As we mentioned before, sustainability and transparency are some of them. We will continue to see advances related to microbiome diets and the health benefits they bring will be the basis for personalized diets and foods. Interest in alternative sources of protein and energy will increase. Cellular agriculture and its applications will find their market niches. We should not discount AI (artificial intelligence) and how this technology will be a game-changer in the pet food industry. Currently, from his technology and consulting business, Magellan LLC, Juan continues the legacy of what, he affirms, he has been fortunate to receive throughout his professional path: 'Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have good mentors and people who believed in me, from my parents and family to my teachers during my college years and professional career. That is what I have practiced and will continue to strive for with Magellan LLC.'   Source: All Pet Food Magazine.

23/01/2024

5 things you need to be an effective leader in the Pet Food Industry

Stay informed
  It's extremely important to understand your place in the market, where you are now, and what are the growth possibilities.
This actually applies to every industry, and what we did, at Aker BioMarine, is to invest in deep market research that would help us understand all of these.   Another way to stay informed and gain a deeper understanding of the overall market is by attending industry events. If I have an opportunity, I always come to conferences such as Interzoo or Petfood Forum and just 'listen' to the markets.  Now, the best hands-on method is to visit customers and hear their challenges in the pet food production and distribution processes.
I do that quite often, and sometimes it not only gives me precious information but also guides me toward the right way I can help the customer. For example, one time, right after a customer visit, we decided to organize technical training for the team of one of our biggest Scandinavian customers.   Get inspired   It's also highly important to find ways to get inspired. For me, Aker BioMarine's mission in general is a real inspiration and, of course, the most important one is that all our ingredients come from a sustainable source - the Antarctic Krill. The fact that we can help the planet and the oceans thrive it's outstanding. I recommend reading this interview I had with Martita Mestey about the growing challenge of food insecurity and how to use the oceans more sustainably.  Our team also inspires me every single day. I love we can all work closely together, share our experiences and learn from each other. I believe teamwork can only bring great results.  I am also inspired by the actual results of the QRILL Pet products on my dogs. I have two dogs that have been eating pet food and supplements with krill for many years, and I can see with my own eyes the change in them. They are full of energy, with shiny coats, and their overall appearance is healthy.  The fact that I can see for myself the benefits our products have on my pets is the best inspiration you can ask for as a leader.
    Inspire   I think the best way to inspire your employees is to trust them. And I trust my team completely. This means they can make decisions without involving me. Every day I do my best to empower them to make decisions on their own, without 'micromanaging' them. They are closer to the customers than I am, which means they can consider their needs better than I can.  There is also another great side effect you can get when you apply this inspiration method. If you trust your team they will trust you back.  "If you trust your team they will trust you back."   Make experiments   At Aker BioMarine, we do a lot of experiments and we dare to take chances. For example, to increase brand awareness and promote the sport of dog mushing, we created our own QRILL Pet Mushing Team.  There have been also moments when our customers reached out and challenged us to do some new experiments, and not only on the production side. So, one of our first and biggest customers convinced us to be part of their marketing strategy and marketing activities. We said yes and that was only the beginning - now we practice account-based marketing with almost all our customers.   Understand markets   If you want to sell internationally, you need to think strategically. And that is what we do here at Aker BioMarine and QRILL Pet. Understanding the pet food market in detail can also help our Human and Aquaculture departments. Many aspects from the Human side of our business apply to QRILL Pet too, for example, the humanization trend 'What is good for me, it's good for my pet'. Many pet owners, myself included, know how important is to have a healthy diet so I also want that for my dogs. I always buy the best pet food for them with ingredients that have proven health benefits.   Another benefit of knowing in detail your markets? Well, you understand that you can't use the same sales or marketing tactics or even use the same channels for your product everywhere. For example, recently, we got a big Chinese customer, who produces not only for his pet food brand but also for many other brands. So now, through this customer, we can build brand awareness in the Chinese market in general.

Source: Qrill Pet

22/01/2024

New published research shows pet ownership is good for our cognitive health as we age

In a team led by Professor Erika Friedmann - Department of Organizational Systems and Adult Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing - data was collected and analyzed from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Ageing (BLAS). This is currently the longest running scientific study of ageing in humans. For a period of up to 13 years, regular cognitive assessments were carried out on 637 adults over 50 years of age. 185 of those adults were pet owners. Analysis of the assessments found some key differences between pet owners and those without pets. Primarily, pet ownership and dog walking were found to support the maintenance of cognitive health. Cat and dog owners were also found to enjoy better short-term memory recall compared with their pet-free counterparts. Another difference was between dog owners themselves: those who walk vs those who don't. For dog walkers, cognitive deterioration was slower. The results of this study strengthen growing evidence of the many physical and mental health benefits of pet ownership. So far, these benefits include improving heart health, improving confidence in children, encouraging healthy ageing and even reducing pain following surgery. By continuing to advance HAI research, we continue to highlight the importance of pets to society - and the need for us to keep our pets healthy and serve our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™

If you want to read the full study, CLICK HERE

Source: Waltham - Petcare Science Institute

19/01/2024

International Rendering Symposium to Explore Rendered Products’ Impact on Global Biofuel, Food and Animal Food Production

Hosted by the North American Renderers Association (NARA) and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), the symposium will begin at 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, and continue through Friday morning, Feb. 2, in room B-405. The cost of registration is $250. The Symposium is organized by focus area into four sections. Topics to be covered on Thursday in the 'Poultry and Pet Food Section' include Lifecycle Data on the Sustainability of Rendered Products for Pet Food; The Pet Food Market in Latin America; and The Use of Animal Proteins in Chicken and Egg Production. This will be followed by the 'Low Carbon Intense (CI) Ingredients Session.' Sessions will include discussions on Impacts of CI Scoring on the Food, Feed and Fuel; The Truth About Food vs. Fuel – What the Historical Data Shows; and a Market Outlook. A networking reception will be held on Thursday at the conclusion of the afternoon's presentations. Day two kicks off with the 'Aquaculture Section' which will cover Lifecycle Data on the Sustainability of Rendered Products for Aquaculture; The Use of Rendered Proteins and Fats in Aquaculture; and a Latin America Aquaculture Market Review. The final 'International Section' will feature the topics Global Anti-Oxidant Supply; China: Making Moves to Reduce Food Loss & Waste; and International Market Intelligence. Each section will be followed by a panel discussion. The 2024 IPPE will be held Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 and is a collaboration of three trade shows – the International Feed Expo, International Poultry Expo and International Meat Expo – representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by USPOULTRY, the American Feed Industry Association and the Meat Institute.     For more information about IPPE, including registration details, lodging and other education offerings, visit the website.  Contact: Victoria Broehm, (AFIA)
Sarah Little, (Meat Institute)
Kris Early, (USPOULTRY) About IPPE
The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) is a collaboration of three shows - International Feed Expo, International Meat Expo and the International Poultry Expo - representing the entire chain of protein production and processing. The event is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the Meat Institute and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY).   About AFIA
Founded in 1909, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), based in Arlington, Va., is the world's largest organization devoted exclusively to representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the U.S. animal food industry and its suppliers. The organization's membership is comprised of more than 650 domestic and international companies that represent the total feed industry-manufacturers of commercial and integrated feed and pet food, ingredient suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, industry support and equipment manufacturers. AFIA members manufacture more than 75% of the feed and 70% of the non-grain ingredients used in the country. AFIA is also recognized as the leader on international industry developments and holds membership in the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF).   About the Meat Institute
The Meat Institute is the leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. Formed from the 2015 merger of the American Meat Institute (AMI) and North American Meat Association (NAMA), the Institute has a rich, century-long history and provides essential member services including legislative, regulatory, scientific, international and public affairs representation. the Meat Institute's mission is to shape a public policy environment in which the meat and poultry industry can produce wholesome products safely, efficiently and profitably. Together, the Institute's members produce the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb and poultry and the equipment, ingredients and services needed for the highest quality products.   About USPOULTRY
U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is the All Feather Association progressively serving its poultry and egg members through research, education, communications and technical services. Founded in 1947, USPOULTRY is based in Tucker, Georgia.   About NARA
The North American Renderers Association (NARA) represents the interests of the North American rendering industry to regulatory and other governmental agencies, promotes the greater use of animal byproducts, and fosters the opening and expansion of trade between foreign buyers and North American exporters. In addition to its U.S.-based headquarters, the association maintains offices in Mexico and Hong Kong, and has market consultants in strategic locations around the world. NARA publishes a bi-monthly trade magazine, Render. For more information, visit the website.   Source: IPPE

18/01/2024

ALL PET FOOD joins AFIA PET FOOD CONFERENCE as Media Partner

The American Feed Industry Association's covers a variety of topics from regulatory issues to the technical aspects of pet food production to product claims, marketing and nutrition.  The program is designed for pet food and pet treat manufacturers, and those supporting the industry, such as ingredient and equipment suppliers. The Conference will take place at the GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER and, since 2007, attracts more than 350 attendees. Our dedicated All Pet Food team will be actively participating as a Media Partner. We aim to enhance the overall experience by offering essential marketing and communication tools tailored for the pet food sector. Through our presence, we aspire to serve as a bridge between sector members, fostering connections and facilitating meaningful interactions. During the conference, we invite you to read the latest issue of the All Pet Food Magazine with an interesting topic and technical articles usefull for the pet food market. Being part of this prestigious meeting, alongside other influential media partners and leading industry suppliers, holds immense importance for us. We are eager to engage with all the community to exchange experiences, and get connections to contribute with the growth of the industry. Looking forward to see you there!   Source: All Pet Food

17/01/2024

United PetFood announces planned acquisition of Vital PetFood Group

The takeover of the first plant in the Nordics is part of the planned growth strategy of United Petfood. Vital Petfood Group is a pet food business with many years of experience in the production of dry & semi-moist food for cats and dogs. The intended acquisition still needs to be approved by the Danish Competition Authorities. "Thanks to the acquisition of Vital Petfood Group, our network of production sites will be able to offer flexibility and brings our production more and more closer to our customers also in the Nordics', according to the management of United Petfood. 'There has been a lot of consolidation within the pet food production industry during the recent years. We wanted to find a new owner to continue developing our petfood production in the long run. This divestment enables us to focus and further strengthen our branded businesses within Nordic Pet Care Group. Being one of the leading European producers of pet food, United Petfood was an obvious choice of partner and new owner of VPG. We are confident that VPG will benefit from United Petfood's European customer footprint as well extensive experience with operating multiple pet food production sites. Furthermore, we expect United Petfood to be able to utilize VPG's strong position in the Nordics, and the Danish market, in particular. We look forward to continue and expand the collaboration with United Petfood and keep on producing Best Friend products at the Ølgod factory for the years to come', according to Nordic Pet Care Group CEO Mika Holappa.

Source: United PetFood

16/01/2024

FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood announces Sonia Franck as New Secretary General

Prior to joining FEDIAF, Sonia Franck was Secretary General of IML Innovative Medicines Luxembourg, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the association.
Under Sonia's leadership, IML flourished, establishing a new five-year strategy, restructuring its management, diversifying revenue streams and elevating the association's visibility. Expressing enthusiasm about her new role, Sonia Franck said: 'I am honoured to have been appointed by FEDIAF and I am looking forward to immersing myself in the pet industry and engaging with members. I am keen to further strengthen FEDIAF's reputation as the leading authority in the European pet food sector.' Rosa Carbonell, President of FEDIAF, welcomed Sonia to the team: 'We are thrilled to have Sonia join our ranks. Her outstanding track record, coupled with her passion for pets, aligns perfectly with FEDIAF's mission. Sonia's expertise will be instrumental as FEDIAF continues its journey of collaboration with authorities, regulators, and academics to ensure Europeans have continued access to safe, nutritious, and high-quality pet food." Sonia Franck joins the accomplished FEDIAF team, which includes Alice Tempel Costa Deputy Secretary General & Technical Director along with Aleksandra Prandota, EU Policy & Regulatory Affairs Manager plus external support from James Ramsay, Public Affairs & Strategic Communications Manager. I also extend my thanks to Alice, for her dedicated work overseeing operations at FEDIAF during the transition period. With this robust team in place, FEDIAF is poised for continued success in representing the pet food industry throughout Europe.' For more information please visit HERE or CONTACT US!

15/01/2024

Regenerative agriculture in pet food, a door towards a circular economy in our industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

More and more professionals and environmentalists are saying that continuing with the current production models is a path of no return toward the destruction of our planet. As an example, we can name Philip Lymbery in his book Farmageddon, where he argues that farm animals currently eat more than a third of the world's agricultural crops and waste most of them as feces and heat.   What is regenerative agriculture?   Agricultural production has increased in recent decades. However, the nutritional value of crops has been declining. According to a study from the University of Texas, the content of phosphorus, iron, calcium, protein, ascorbic acid, and riboflavin in crops has decreased between 9% and 38% compared to data taken between 1950 and 1999. The most likely reason for this is that over-tillage (the process of preparing the soil for crops) has killed off the microbes and fungi that make it biologically active, which increases crops' nutritional value. Regenerative agriculture is, first, a response to this type of problem. It is an agricultural production approach focused on managing land use to build healthy soils, promote biodiversity, and improve ecosystem services with the aim of producing more sustainable and resilient systems. Their practices seek to increase soil organic matter, reduce erosion, and promote soil health and fertility through cover crops, crop rotation, composting, reduced tillage, and agroforestry, among other techniques. This way, creating a more holistic and interconnected system that supports healthy and resilient ecosystems can improve productivity and profitability. However, its great potential lies in the fact that it has the great capacity to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural practices. Regenerative agriculture is an agricultural production management system that creates positive outcomes in soil health, ecosystem function, and biodiversity.   Key benefits of regenerative agriculture   If we talk about the benefits of regenerative agriculture, we must discuss its main goal, sustainability, but also its nutritional quality. • Emissions from agriculture still are one of the most difficult ones to reduce, and climate change is an international problem that, within our industry, we can begin to mitigate with this practice. • This agricultural production model can help improve crops' nutrient density, promoting healthy soil usage and reducing chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This would result in materials with a higher content of essential vitamins and minerals, which ultimately provides better quality raw ingredients for consumers. Very often, these are the cattle later used for food production, both for humans and pets, so the derived products will be healthier and more nutritious. The University of Washington carried out a study that demonstrated that crops from this production model have higher levels of nutrient density than those from standard models. Research shows that farms that use regenerative farming practices, such as no-till farming (planting crops without disturbing the soil beforehand), cover crops (working with vegetal species to improve soil health rather than for harvest), and rotations of various crops (changing the raw material grown on the same plot of land) produced crops with higher levels of vitamins and minerals than conventional farms.   Mindset change: Short-termism is not the only way of analyzing a situation   One of the main challenges we find when changing the current forms of production is the problems that can develop in the supply chain. When seeking to implement a change in the way of doing things, clashes will inevitably occur. In this case, wanting to have eco-conscious or sustainable business practices meets the costs of some of those practices right now, and how not only businesses but also consumers care about them. We also must consider that inflation and economic movements impact our industry, which makes many decision-makers prefer to wait or not risk too much. The key, in this sense, is to be able to generate collective conversations with the message that these changes may not necessarily be positive in terms of profit for companies or costs for consumers but that they are a bet to take care of the future, where we will see, at its best, the results of today's decisions. Another aspect to consider in the discussion is the number of points in the supply chain that go into creating a single final product. Furthermore, these differ depending on how the products and the value chain are built. The perspective with which we currently look at this issue is based on efficiency and profitability, but perhaps we should give up a bit of our attention on that focus to start thinking in terms of resilience. The biggest number of issues when implementing change arise around disruptions in those supply chains that ultimately create disruptions for the consumer, distributors, and vendors. What will happen 30 or 60 years from now if we can no longer produce today's raw materials because we make more decisions around profitability than environmental impact? To be able to bring the lens to the here and now is crucial. This way, by analyzing the present to achieve a better future, we will be able to set short-term profitability aside and choose measures and actions aligned with our companies' values. Thus, the short-term "benefits" have much more to do with building a brand and its ideals, and the positive, regenerative results are positioned a little more toward the future. Of course, every day more companies and organizations understand this perspective, but we need empirical science to confirm with data what really happens to the land and crops once regenerative agriculture is applied.   Regenerative agricultura: it's time to take action   Sustainability came to life when we realized that much of what we do in agricultural production, our value chains, and our products have a negative impact, depending on how we work and make decisions. The first proposal, that of sustainability, is focused on not creating a negative impact on our activities. On the other hand, regenerative agriculture proposes to go further and not only not produce it but also improve what we leave behind. As an industry, the possibility of addressing these problems as soon as possible is in our hands, if we want to protect all the agents involved in them, including our only planet Earth.   By All Pet Food Source: All Pet Food Magazine

12/01/2024

GEA explores potential of insect protein for animal feed

Since 2017, GEA has been supporting Future Green Solutions in carrying out research on processing black soldier larvae into nutritional animal feed by providing them with expertise, and a separating decanter. The Australian start-up believes the insect alternative to soy and fish protein and grains, could offer customers a sustainable long-term solution. Traditionally, for the fish farming industry,​ animal feed manufacturers have focused on fish meal made from fish not used for human consumption, while for the livestock industry​ grains like corn are the main source of feed. However, as a result of caps on fishing, an unpredictable climate that is putting pressure on the supply and cost of grains and the demands of consumers, they are being forced to explore more sustainable sources. According to Luke Wheat, CEO, Future Green Solutions, this is where protein rich insects like the black soldier fly, which have the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and can be grown in small spaces, come in: "We take farm waste and use the black soldier fly larvae to digest it. The insects are then processed into animal feed and what is left is used as a fertilizer. We're adding value to waste and then putting it back into the food stream as high value protein. The insects are produced in a controlled and methodical way that's not affected by changes in the climate."   Proven GEA technology enhances research   As part of the collaboration with Future Green Solutions, GEA supplied a three-phase separating decanter, which Dirk Sindermann, Head of Process Technology Renewables, Business Unit Separation, Separation and Flow Technologies, describes as the heart of the processing line: "The decanter is responsible for separating the protein in the insects from the fat, which is one of the most important steps." The decanter, along with the expertise provided by the Sales Support, Renewables & Process Technology Renewables teams in Oelde, Germany, as well as colleagues from GEA Australia, has allowed Future Green Solutions to go from a start-up conducting research to getting closer to the commercialization phase.
The decanter allows the company to produce a product that is low in fat and high in protein, making it much more valuable within the market.   High potential industry   For GEA, the collaboration is an opportunity to get a foot in the door in an industry which Dirk Sindermann describes as having big potential: "The insect for protein industry is still very young and start-ups in particular are experimenting with different methods for the best possible production of proteins from insects. Through this collaboration, we can collect important data and gain experience." "In the future, the production of insect proteins will take place on a large scale and due to our extensive and longtime expertise in recovering proteins from all kinds of sources – vegetable or animal based - GEA is the perfect partner for this growing industry.' –Dirk Sindermann, Head of Process Technology Renewables at GEA. Currently, Future Green Solutions continues to conduct trials and increase its production.
However, the company aims to open its first commercial facility within two years and is in talks about an agreement with a buyer that would keep several facilities running.   Why Australia?   The legislation around both the processing of insects for the food industry and the animal feed industry differs around the globe. GEA chose to partner with an Australian company because the country has more flexibility when it comes to feeding the insects farm waste or waste from canteens. "Right now you cannot take the same approach in Europe, it's much more limited because of the legal framework. However, the Australian government has given Future Green Solutions a number of grants and is interested in pushing this type of development", says Dirk Sindermann. For Luke Wheat, when looking to the future, he says GEA's involvement continues to be invaluable: "We spent a lot of time on research and development of our process. But the key to moving forward has been GEA's separating decanter. My experience with GEA and GEA's people in Germany and here in Australia has been nothing but a pleasure. GEA understands the vision of where the insect industry is moving to and can see that it's a huge business opportunity.' –Luke Wheat, CEO, Future Green Solutions.   Source: GEA Group

11/01/2024

Circular Economy: The packaging challenges in the pet food industry

By María Candelaria Carbajo

The truth is that the packaging that we had on the market 10, 20, or 30 years ago, when in many places the recycling system was just beginning to have relevance, has changed significantly, and there are strong indications that it will continue to do so. A few years ago, the same pet food companies began to analyze their packaging to find a way to achieve new, more efficient proposals in terms of sustainability and circular economy.   But what are we talking about when we talk about the circular economy?   A circular economy is an integrative approach that seeks to minimize waste generation and maximize resources reuse, recycling, and regeneration.
In contrast to the linear 'use and dispose of' model, a circular economy encourages the creation of closed systems where products, materials, and resources are kept in circulation for as long as possible. It promotes a systemic change from the traditional model towards a more sustainable and regenerative one. The challenge, then, is not only focused in terms of sustainability but also on finding the most practical, functional, and attractive packaging for each product that hits the market.   The current situation in the pet food industry   Our industry has witnessed significant growth in recent decades, which has consequently led to an increase in the production of plastic packaging. These offer durability lightness, and practicality but also contribute substantially to environmental pollution and waste accumulation.
This market, like any other, generates waste and pollution on a daily basis, so trying to reduce it by working on one of the aspects with the greatest negative impact, the use of plastics in packaging, seems to be the most efficient option in the short and long term. Often, there is a disconnection between what happens to a package at the beginning of its useful life when it is designed, and what happens at the end of its life. Currently, gaps of 5 and up to 10 years can be found between the environmental recovery situation for which a container is designed and what really happens with it when it goes on the market. Considering the present context, not only of our industry but of the planet in general, it is undeniable to recognize that packaging plays an essential role in the food supply, protecting and maintaining the products from processing and manufacturing to distribution, handling, and storage to reach the final consumer.
Without efficient packaging, food distribution would be completely incompetent and, therefore, much more expensive. The functions of a food package, both human and pet eats, can be described as protection and containment, preservation, information, convenience, and service. These are, directly or indirectly, essential for physical, chemical, and microbiological food safety. In pet food, the requirements for a packaging system intended for a fresh, frozen, dehydrated, thermal, or aseptic processed product, in terms of barriers to oxygen, humidity, light, and so on, are all different. Reviewing the international situation, it is possible and clear to identify the efforts different companies and organizations are already making to find alternatives to a problem that will only increase, such as: Scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material with considerable potential for application in food packaging. The team is studying bacterial cellulose, an organic compound derived from certain types of bacteria that appears to be a sustainable, readily available, and non-toxic alternative to plastics. Analyzing the waste generated by plastic pet food containers, Dow, a leader in materials science, Nestlé Purina, a leader in the safe food market for animals, and the Avina Foundation, a civil society organization focused on addressing the social challenges in Latin America, created the Pegada Limpa project. The proposal is to encourage the creation of a recycling chain for pet food containers, promoting the conversion of 300 tons of circular plastic and positively impacting the income of approximately 5,000 collectors in Brazil and Argentina. Other alternatives under development focus on biogas energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, modern biodegradable waste can skip eons and go directly to energy production via landfill gas recovery systems. Gas from decaying organic matter can be captured and burned. Like natural gas, biogas contains mainly methane and carbon dioxide, both greenhouse gases if they escape into the atmosphere. However, when they are held trapped in a properly constructed landfill, that biogas can be used to generate electricity. In this case, the bioplastic waste of one person in the industry could serve as electricity for others.
  What to focus on?   Active development of sustainable alternatives to traditional pet food packaging materials, such as biodegradable and compostable materials, edibles, and smart packaging technologies. By adopting these revolutionary options, the pet food industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint. Improving waste collection, classification, and recycling to minimize environmental impact. Seeking collaboration between involved parties. Governments, pet food manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and consumers must work together to create a sustainable ecosystem. Promoting sustainable change along with consumer education. We must encourage pet owners to make informed decisions and opt for sustainable packaging solutions to raise awareness of the benefits and environmental impact. Asking governments for measures that facilitate the transition towards a circular economy in the pet food packaging industry, with, for example, mandatory recycling programs or ecodesign requirements.
  Pet food packaging: pursuing a more circular economy for our industry   It is well known that industries need to be increasingly aware of the impact on the environment and the well-use of resources. And, even though it is true that society has evolved towards a way of consumption that can be considered unbalanced and disproportionate with very harmful materials to the environment, awareness is also needed about the importance of generating and promoting change.
Material suppliers and packaging producers, the recycling industry, food companies, the waste management sector, the public sector, and consumers are all collectively and individually responsible for environmental impact success. Today, the circular economy presents a revolutionary opportunity for the pet food packaging industry to address the waste problem. By embracing sustainable packaging innovations, improving waste management practices, fostering collaboration, and educating consumers, we can create a more sustainable future for our industry.   By All Pet Food Source: All Pet Food Magazine

10/01/2024

Category 3 Animal Fat - an important Pet Food Ingredient

Animal by-products (ABPs)   Animal by-products (ABPs) are materials of animal origin that people do not consume. When they do not enter the human food chain, in Europe, animal by-products are classified into three categories: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 depending on the source of the raw material and the intended use[i]. The pet food industry can only use Category 3 ABPs. Category 3 ABPs are from animals declared fit for human consumption. These are ideal pet food ingredients due to their high nutritional and energetic value and should be used in the best possible way to preserve resources. Category 1 and 2 animal fats are forbidden for animal feeding for safety reasons but allowed for biofuel production.   The Vital role of Category 3 animal fats in Pet Food   Category 3 animal fats are essential raw materials for our pets' diets. They provide a source of energy and palatability but above all essential fatty acids.
They are subject to strict requirements on sourcing and collecting, animal origin materials processing, and control. Category 3 animal fats cannot be easily replaced as a pet food ingredient.   The EU & The Pet Food Industry's Waste Hierarchy   FEDIAF firmly believes that food, such as Category 3 animal fats, which is not intended for human consumption, should be repurposed according to the food waste hierarchy, i.e.: pet food (re-use animal feed) rather than energy (recovery) as indicated below[ii]. This sits well above energy use in the EU's own hierarchy of most-preferable options for food waste disposal.   The Pet Food Industry and the Future   Unfortunately, there is increasing pressure due to Category 3 animal fats being used in other sectors such as biofuels, which are much lower in terms of waste hierarchy. The Pet Food Industry will continue to communicate the importance of Category 3 animal fats in pet food. They are vital ingredients, which contribute to our circular business model and they cannot easily be replaced. For further information: REGULATION (EC) No 1069/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No  1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation) LINK 1 LINK 2 Source: FEDIAF - European PetFood

09/01/2024

Waste to Energy Plant uses Scalebreak-Mp on Dump Condenses - Get Sparkling Clean Results

Within these facilities, preventive maintenance equipment is imperative to efficient operation. We are sharing a story from one of our customers that utilized Goodway's ScaleBreak to perform a chemical tube cleaning in a waste-to-energy plant on the East Coast. In this plant, a loss of efficiency in the dump condenser was detected, initiating a cleaning work order for a scheduled shutdown. The dump condenser is one of the many pieces of equipment found in these facilities where preventative maintenance is imperative to efficient operation. These condensers recover excess heat generated by steam before it is uselessly put into the atmosphere.  During fluctuating steam loads, turbine start-up, turbine trip off, or bypass, the excess steam that would ordinarily be vented can be diverted to a dump condenser for recovery as they act as a standby and/or emergency heat sink for the mainstream
flow to the Turbine. However, when steam formed deposits accumulate on condenser tube surfaces, it creates an insulating barrier, which minimizes efficient heat transfer of the condenser.  The solution used was Goodway Technologies ScaleBreak-MP (Multi-Purpose), a citric based biodegradable descaling solution which dissolves 2.5 pounds of scale per gallon. Since the condenser tubes were stainless steel, the cleaning required a compatible descaling solution to ensure the stainless steel would not be damaged. The condenser had a total volume of 3,854 gallons including waterboxes and piping. The scale thickness ranged between 1/16' of scale throughout the tubesheet. The decision was made to utilize 660 gallons of ScaleBreak-MP (a 17% mixture) and circulated for 8 hours. The results were perfect as shown in the tube pictures, ScaleBreak-MP completely removed all the scale accumulations. Contact the experts at Goodway Technologies to ask how we can help your facility restore efficient equipment operation and reduce energy consumption. By Goodway Technologies Source : All Pet Food
 

08/01/2024

How do we create a circular food industry?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Focused on the pet food industry, this production model aims to minimize food waste as much as possible by maximizing the use of co-products, such as feeding livestock. Today it is already known that the optimal use of ecological remains requires animals that consume them with bodies capable of converting said remains into new food of animal origin. The proposal underlying the initiatives is to stop seeing certain by-products, such as meat ones, as 'waste' and begin to perceive them as a source of food or nutrients for certain animals or stages of a food production chain. But what else can be done to minimize food waste and promote fully circular global food systems? Industry experts say it is about optimizing both information and supply chains. Various organizations are researching how to turn food waste into animal feed, as 14.7 million tons could be safely used for animal feed instead of going to landfills only in the United States. In the case of pigs, for instance, they have a large stomach, which allows them to turn food by-products and waste into meat, while ruminants can turn grasslands into milk and meat. On the other hand, poultry is possible by-product converters in meat and eggs, but they require a high-quality intake to achieve it. Many environmentalists also see potential benefits in a circular food system that recycles potential waste products through livestock production. For its part, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that more than 13% of world food production loses between the production and wholesale stages of the supply chain, with an additional 17% wasted in the final sale instance to the final consumer. Additionally, food loss and waste contribute between 8% and 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. 'We need to work on recovering resources for circular food production.' 'We need to work on recovering resources for circular food production.'    Booming Trends   Some aspects of circular feeding could be seen as in full swing, such as the rise of interest in insects as a source of protein, algae, and even single-celled organisms to recover an even higher percentage of nutrients from produce that might, otherwise, be lost. The truth is that, in general terms, a great openness is easily perceived on the part of livestock producers and breeders in general, who tend to be predisposed to adopt any safe, effective, and affordable ingredient. Therefore, increasing the adoption of circular feeding systems depends, to a large extent, on factors such as accessibility. However, nutrient recovery is not new in animal feed. Recycling waste from food processing and other industries to create feed ingredients is critical, and repurposed feed, which would otherwise be inedible to humans, provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional, resource-intensive raw materials. Working in circularity directly impacts on: People Currently, less than 2% of valuable nutrients are recycled in food by-products and waste. By reusing them as fertilizer, animal feed, or raw materials for textiles and plastics, we can spur innovation, open new ways for business, and reduce environmental damage. This shift towards resource utilization presents immense opportunities for sustainability, employment, and economic prosperity. Nature We need to redirect the industry toward regenerative food production. For that, we should re-evaluate what and how we grow. Currently, more than 75% of food derives from only 12 plant and five animal species due to agricultural industrialization. Failure to address this problem will have profound consequences both for human and planet health.
By diversifying farming systems and ensuring a symbiotic relationship with nature, we can mitigate these risks and foster a more sustainable and resilient future. Weather Minimizing food loss and waste is crucial. At all stages, from field to table, much food is discarded nowadays. If food waste were a country, it would rank as the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases worldwide! By addressing this issue, we can make significant progress in mitigating climate change and creating a more sustainable future. It is about placing more and more emphasis on circularity in food systems to minimize waste and create a closedloop model where all resources are used efficiently and sustainably. In this paradigm, waste from one stage of the food supply chain would be reused as a resource for another, creating a continuous cycle of use and reuse. 'Unleashing the potential of commonly wasted resources is essential and urgent.'   Will we be able to create a circular economy for our industry?   The waste generated by society will decrease in response to climate change and food insecurity. For that, we need to start considering new alternatives. Today, the pet food industry already belongs to a circular economy in which some leftovers from the human food industry are used. That is an efficient way of using the planet's resources. But more education is needed to highlight these efforts and improve circularity connections. If we work for it, future generations will count on an efficient and responsible animal agriculture industry concerning the environment and its resources.   By All Pet Food Magazine.

05/01/2024

Fiber Innovations - Time to shine

Gut Health Feeding complete foods rich in natural fiber is undoubtedly good for a pet´s health – a fact that is backed up by an array of scientific studies. As components of pet food and functional ingredients, specific fiber sources are primarily known for their ability to keep a pet´s digestive system healthy and balanced. Clinical studies have shown that supplementing dry and wet cat food with cellulose fiber helps to reduce typical hairball symptoms and to raise fecal hair excretion in cats. Preventing obesity As in humans, pet obesity numbers continue to increase year by year. According to the Association for Pet Obesity (APOP), nearly 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Weight management foods enriched with concentrated cellulose fiber can help to better control weight in cats and dogs without affecting food palatability. Dental care Oral health is another top concern among pet owners. Approximately 70% of cats and 80% of dogs develop some form of oral health problem by the time they are three years old. Clinical studies have proven that dental foods and snacks enhanced with specific cellulose fibers work more effectively to promote oral health in dogs when compared with fiber-free control products. Standardized quality Consistency, texture, and uniformity of pet food products are key quality attributes that are important to consumers but may be difficult to maintain. Given the variable nature of ingredients and the complexity of the manufacturing process, creating the right consistency can be a challenge for the manufacturer. Well-known binders such as spray-dried plasma (SDP), wheat gluten, or egg white/albumin commonly are used in so-called restructured meat products like chunks and in all 47 meat applications for their high swelling, water retention, and emulsion capabilities. With a series of long-term pilot scale tests at their Technical Competence Center in Rosenberg (Germany), JRS demonstrated that a favorable cost-benefit is achieved by partially replacing conventional binders with functional cellulose fibers.
Regardless of the type of meat ingredient tested, replacing 2% SDF with 1% cellulose helps optimize the key parameters in a steam tunnel process and improves the textural parameters of the chunk before and after retorting. Fiber as a tool Fiber research is also currently underway into capturing product quality features in dry grain-free products with high meat inclusion in order to overcome typical extrusion challenges such as stickiness, reduced throughput, or poor product integrity. Natural products for the future As pet food trends follow our tastes and expectations discovering the functionality of simple, natural plant fibers is a key field of innovation.
These special natural fibers can help develop vegan meat alternatives giving the substitute products the right consistency and the desired structure. Moreover, many pet owners are exploring raw feeding with product convenience being a strong argument for consistent purchase. Natural plantfibers can make raw pet food firmer and more comfortable to handle while contributing to good digestion. Energy Savings Opportunities Each pet food and treat product format offers opportunities for cost savings and improvement in overall efficiency, especially during a global energy crisis, this fact is the focus of every entrepreneur. Specialized cellulose fibers have proven to make production processes more sustainable. In dry pet food, the drying time in production can be reduced by 50% making way for lower power consumption and relieving the bottleneck in drying, allowing for higher product throughput. Tailored Fiber Solutions With enormous demand across the pet industry for innovative products, manufacturers are looking for unique marketable, and functional ingredients. Specialized plant fibers can be considered the pet food technologist´s toolbox for providing a wide range of functionalities across the whole spectrum of pet food products: dry to wet, frozen to sterilized, and even dietary supplements such as tablets. As a leader in fiber products, JRS offers a comprehensive range of fiber ingredients that are suitable for all manufacturing processes and formulation options. Fibers that can help create sustainable pet food for better differentiation and improved pet health.   By: Dr. Astrid Bosse. JRS Petfood & Aquafeed Source: All Pet Food Magazine

04/01/2024

Brian Streit has returned to Wenger as Senior Vice President–Innovation & Process Solutions.

After 15 years in milling and pet food manufacturing, Brian joined Wenger in 2012 as Director of Pet Food & Aquatic Technology and represented Wenger for 10 years. During those years, Brian became well known in the Pet Food and Aquatic Feed industries for his process knowledge and creative problem solving, helping numerous customers globally develop new products and refine their manufacturing processes. Now back with Wenger, Brian will work across multiple business units within the Wenger Group with intentional customer-centric strategy focused on the needs, wants & desires of our customer base.   Please join us in welcoming Brian to the Wenger Group leadership team. Source: All Pet Food 

03/01/2024

Raising the Bar in Pet Nutrition: ANDRITZ's Twin-Screw Extruders for High-Meat Formulations

The Rise of High-Meat Pet Food Pet owners today are becoming more mindful of what goes into their pets' bowls, and the high-meat pet food trend is a result of this growing awareness. High-meat pet food refers to formulations that contain over 30% fresh meat content. This demand stems from a desire for better digestibility and premium nutrition for pets. However, this shift presents its own set of hurdles, particularly in achieving the right cooking temperatures due to the moisture and fat content in raw animal ingredients.   Challenges in High-Meat Pet Food Production Creating high-meat pet food formulations comes with unique challenges. The variability in raw animal ingredients complicates the manufacturing process, demanding careful handling to maintain consistency. As Niels Bengt, Sales Director KA, LATAM at ANDRITZ, explains, "Dealing with the diversity of raw animal ingredients requires innovative solutions to ensure uniform processing, which is vital for preserving the nutritional quality of the final product." As a result, the production of high-meat pet food often requires the employment of twin-screw extruders, known for their superior capabilities compared to single-screw counterparts. These extruders offer advanced kneading and mixing capabilities, pivotal for upholding the desired texture in high-meat formulations. Yet, the pursuit of elevated throughput rates while adhering to compact machine dimensions adds an additional layer of complexity to the manufacturing process.   Striking the Balance Between Efficiency and Nutritional Integrity In the face of these challenges, ANDRITZ's twin-screw extruders, ExTS 616 & 718, emerge as a transformative solution for high-meat pet food production. Specifically designed to excel in extruding pet food enriched with elevated meat inclusion ratios, ANDRITZ's twin-screw extruders ensure optimal starch utilization, affording unparalleled formulation flexibility and optimized feed conversion ratios. The synchronized, high-shear twin screws guarantee the complete material discharge, minimizing waste and expediting recipe transitions. "Our twin-screw extruders are crafted to tackle the intricacies of high-meat pet food production. We are resolute in our commitment to efficiency while upholding nutritional integrity. ANDRITZ's twin-screw extruders stand as the definitive solution that not only meets but surpasses the challenges of high-meat pet food production," says Niels Bengt, Sales Director KA, LATAM at ANDRITZ. "Our approach is centered on achieving a harmonious synergy between the seamless functioning of our machines and the preservation of the vital nutrients within high-meat formulations. With precise control over cooking temperatures and meticulous handling of diverse ingredients, our twin-screw extruders stand as a testament to our dedication to delivering pet food that not only excels in quality but also upholds the nutritional essence of each ingredient," Niels Bengt adds. This distinctive approach has been expertly crafted to tackle head-on the intricate challenges that arise from incorporating raw animal ingredients into recipes. By providing pet food producers with meticulous control over cooking temperatures, ANDRITZ's solutions effectively address the nuances associated with different ingredients, ensuring that each element is handled appropriately. This attention to detail serves as the linchpin for safeguarding the nutritional richness present in high-meat pet food formulations, ultimately resulting in a final product that not only offers exceptional palatability but also remains an optimal source of nourishment for our loyal animal companions.   From Conscious Consumers to Circular Economy Moreover, as societies worldwide increasingly embrace environmental consciousness, consumer interest in the food supply chain has surged due to growing sustainability concerns. Transparency in sourcing and production is no longer sufficient; consumers now demand an understanding of how food production impacts the planet. This scrutiny extends even to pet foods and treats. As the world transitions toward a circular economy, driven by the urgency to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce landfill waste, it's essential to recognize the role of rendering as a form of recycling. Rendered ingredients include proteins sourced from animal muscles, organs, and bones not suitable for human consumption but perfectly safe for animals. This holds particular significance as approximately 50% of an animal is unsuitable for human consumption, and without rendering for alternative uses, this portion would go to waste. Therefore, integrating fresh meat into pet food aligns with the principles of the circular economy, promoting resource efficiency. ANDRITZ's twin-screw extruders play a significant role in advancing this circular economy in the pet food industry. By efficiently processing raw animal ingredients and minimizing waste, ANDRITZ machines contribute to a more sustainable pet food production process, while maintaining the nutritional quality that pets deserve.   The Way Forward: Nourishing Pets and the Planet Simultaneously As the pet nutrition industry evolves, the high-meat pet food trend poses challenges that require innovative solutions. ANDRITZ rises to the occasion, ensuring efficient processing of fresh meat ingredients while upholding their nutritional value. Beyond efficiency, ANDRITZ's twin-screw extruders exemplify a commitment to sustainability, ushering in a more environmentally conscious era for pet food manufacturing. Niels Bengt, concludes, "Our solutions not only address the demands of the pet food industry but also contribute to a more sustainable future. By providing highly efficient machinery that produces high-quality, high-meat pet food, we're meeting the needs of pets, their caring owners, and our planet." In the future, ANDRITZ aims to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation to further enhance pet food production. "Our innovations are not just products; they are promises of a brighter, more exciting future for our customers."   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

02/01/2024

United Petfood makes strategic acquisition to support wet pet food production

The Dutch producer offers expertise in high-quality meat chunks in gravy wet food for dogs and cats, which the company distributes worldwide. United Petfood is expected to benefit from De Haan Petfood's 60-plus years of experience in wet pet food production. According to United Petfood, the acquisition 'opens up new avenues' for the company to help it meet growing demand for wet formats. De Haan Petfood, located in Nieuwkoop, the Netherlands, specializes in the production of wet dog and cat food in the form of high-quality meat chunks in gravy. With over six decades of experience in the production of canned wet food for worldwide export, the United Petfood said it brings significant expertise to its family. 'We are pleased to be joining the UP family and we are convinced this will allow us to consolidate our business success. On a commercial level we can pool our resources while existing UP clients get access to an experienced manufacturer of canned wet food.  We will also be able to share our know-how and experience on an operational level. Following the takeover Eddy Nijhof will remain in place as the site's Managing Director, guaranteeing service and continuity for existing business relations, according to De Haan Petfood. The purchase of De Haan Petfood follows several other acquisitions by United Petfood, including its acquisition of Turkish producer Lider Pet Food in February. by United petfood Source: All Pet Food 

29/12/2023

Interview to Zach Bearson- Cozzini Marketing Director

Zack Bearson took his time to introduce the company and equipments as well as its solutions for the pet food sector and producers, in Latin America. Cozzini has a geat reputation within the sector and are currently market leaders in pet food systems, badging and delivery of ingredients and many other services like emulsion preparation equipment.     Please don´t miss the opportunity to know more about this exciting company and its novel solutions intended for pet food producers.   By: All Pet Food  

22/12/2023

Interview to Vanni Antonello - Application Manager at GEA Group

Under what premise and purpose does GEA currently work and design products and services? At the heart of GEA's services and products lies the customer, with their expectations, needs and product. That is the main goal when designing our systems and, in so doing, we set ourselves apart from other market players while keeping a special focus on the following: Design: Utmost flexibility: in today's rapidly evolving market, it is more necessary than ever to be able to rely on highly flexible systems and machinery designed to meet our customers' current and future needs. A single technology partner: having a single contact person during the key stages of the process, from handling raw materials to packaging, involves working with specialists who can solve the various issues that arise and transfer their knowledge to their customers' staff. Tailormade approach: customers have various requirements, but by drawing on its expertise in designing and manufacturing systems and machinery, GEA can meet customer demands promptly and efficiently. Service: The extensive network of GEA enables our sales staff and specialist technicians to support our customers at all times and provide assistance at short notice. In addition, we offer customer service packages such as: Health check: one of our specialized technicians will visit the plant twice a year to inspect its condition and maintenance, check operational efficiency, and recommend which spare parts need to be ordered depending on machine conditions (in this day and age, unplanned downtime is a cost that must be absolutely avoided). Differentiating service offering with various packages: bronze, silver and gold, with an increasing number of services that can be agreed with the customer in order to keep the costs of routine maintenance and, at higher levels, extraordinary maintenance under control.   According to your vision and experience, what is the key to a successful process in pet food? Reliability, sustainability and automation. These three elements are what make the difference in a competitive market such as the Petfood market. Reliable machinery, which enables customers to obtain quality product without production downtime to avoid profit loss. Sustainability, which is to be achieved by using energy-efficient systems. And state-of-the-art automation, which allows the parameters of the system to be promptly adjusted in order to maximize its output.   How do you see medium-term development in the pet food processing area? Flexibility will become increasingly crucial for making strategic choices regarding products and, consequently, technology as well. The petfood market is increasingly influenced by trends that are driven by taste preferences as well as dietary and medical/care requirements. Pet food can no longer be considered merely as food, but rather as a supplement to medical treatment that can be used to address animal health problems, and is highly recommended by vets.   What proposals will the company present in terms of innovation in 2024? When it comes to technological advances, GEA focuses not only on researching new machinery but also on solutions that can improve the current state of the art, so that we can equip our customers with the means to keep up with the latest market trends. With this approach in mind, GEA is making major investments in sustainability by developing energy-saving solutions that consume less water, as well as in automation by developing sensors which, by incorporating artificial intelligence, will allow customers to make their systems more productive and autonomous.   Source: GEA Group

21/12/2023

Northwind Receives kansas Department of Commerce award

We are delighted to announce that NorthWind Technical Services has been named a Northeast Region Award of Merit winner in the Manufacturing/Distribution category for the 2023 To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The recognition was presented by Ernie Beaudet, Northeast Business Development Project Manager. The To the Stars Competition, an annual event hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce, recognizes businesses for their exceptional contributions to the Kansas economy and local communities. Ernie Beaudet highlighted NorthWind's outstanding achievement, noting, 'In the Manufacturing/Distribution category, NorthWind Technical Services stands out as one of the 37 Merit winners statewide. Out of 4,470 businesses, this places NorthWind in the top 1% of Manufacturing/Distribution enterprises in the State of Kansas.' Mike Bosworth, CEO of NorthWind, expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating, 'Being acknowledged by the Kansas Department of Commerce is a testament to our hard work and commitment. These awards reinforce that we are consistently moving in the right direction, always striving to deliver excellence.' by Northwind Source: All Pet Food

20/12/2023

Talking about 'numbers': how much does it 'cost' to own a pet?

By Candela Bonaura

When deciding to adopt or include a new member in the family, considering the pet in the family economy is important. But why? Because pets are living, sentient beings with needs to satisfy. We must understand that pets depend 100% on their guardians. It is not common to talk about this topic with guardians during one or more vet appointments, but we could turn it into a healthy habit, which will allow them to have orders and a monetary fund for the care of their pets, and to foresee situations that may require a greater demand, such as an emergency, hospitalization, complementary studies, or treatment.   Bills to consider: Food can be homemade, commercial, maintenance, functional, or therapeutic. Treats such as snacks or candies should also be under this category. Health, which may contain insurance, includes 'planned' expenses such as check-ups, maintenance of the complete health plan, unforeseen events, basic or complex complementary studies, hospitalizations, and surgeries. Cleaning or leisure can include ethologists, trainers, walkers, baths, spas, toys, scratching posts, and gyms. These items, although they might seem like it, are no less important. Being able to provide pets with all their needs is fundamental for their health, especially if we think about the impact of stress, and the large number of diseases that originate in its presence, especially as cats are very predisposed to suffer from it. These expenses make up the list of must-haves to guarantee pet well-being. Prices will depend on the quality of the items or the particular needs of the dog or cat. Beyond the expenses, the unconditional love that our pets and patients provide is invaluable, so giving them the love, time, and care they need to prevent diseases, preserve their health, and improve their life quality is priceless and fundamental. In recent years, there has been enormous interest and awareness generation about our impact on the planet, which is why sustainability and circular economy are also considered in the veterinary field. Sustainability represents a way of living in balance with our environment and preventing a shortage of resources that could put life at risk. The circular economy is a production and consumption model that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, renewing, and recycling existing materials and products as much as possible, thereby generating added value. It proposes a new look at our way of producing, consuming, and disposing of to optimize the planet's resources and produce less and less waste. It is an alternative model to the linear economy. It proposes a concept of the seven R's of redesigning, reducing, reusing, repairing, renewing, recovering, and recycling. To collaborate, some alternatives and actions can be carried out regarding our pets. For example: pet food containers, insect protein-based foods, etc., are some of the main sources. In the last aspect, there is still a lot of research on its amino-acid composition and the medium-term impact on pets' health. More than eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to the environmental organization WWF. That's the reason why the Clean Footprint project was born: to close the recycling cycle of these packages. This circularity initiative develops and implements solutions that act on the main challenges of each stage of the chain: from 100% recyclable or reusable packaging development to promoting the correct disposal of packaging by consumers and the incorporation of post-consumer plastic in new products. The important thing is that a social conscience has been generated that leads us to take greater environmental care and the impact of living in it, and pets do not escape this! Did you know about these topics? Do you have any ideas about it?   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

20/12/2023

VNU joins with VICTAM to push investment in animal feed and complete animal health businesses, through VICTAM Asia event and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024, this March !

VICTAM Asia and Health & Nutrition Asia are two leading trade fairs organized by two organizers specializing in the livestock industry . The event is scheduled to take place from 12-14 March 2024 at the BITEC Bangkok Exhibition and Convention Center, presenting a trade negotiation forum for the animal feed production industry. Complete animal health and nutrition Within a special interview event at The PARQ building, Bangkok, we were honored by the organizing committee to come and talk on the topic 'The Future of Animal Feed & Health' , trends in animal feed and animal health in the future. Ready to reveal information about this year's event, special highlights, and the collaboration between the two organizers to create a platform for showcasing the most influential products for the animal feed and animal health industries in Asia. Along with giving the media group an opportunity to ask in-depth questions about issues of interest.   In-depth look at animal feed business trends at VICTAM Asia Mr. Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of VICTAM International, representative from VICTAM Asia , said: "With the success of 2022 as the world's leading trade show and conference for the animal feed manufacturing industry, presenting innovations in an area of 5,800 sqm., with 231 exhibitors from 33 countries around the world. We welcomed 6,121 attendees from 64 countries around the world, with 21 percent being real buyers in the industry." According to reports by Meticulous Research®, Future Market Insight, and Mordor Intelligence™, the global animal feed production and processing market is currently expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR) of 4.2 percent, reaching USD 23.1 billion in 2023, and expected to reach USD 34.8 billion. US dollar by 2033, which such growth It is driven by many factors, such as increased trade in the livestock sector. The increasing world population has resulted in increased demand for animal products. It is high quality food. High security Has high nutritional value There is a high level of aesthetics in consumption, causing manufacturers to procure modern machinery and technology to meet market demands. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market and dominates the global market with the largest number of animal feed manufacturers and machinery suppliers . This is due to increased economic growth and rapid urbanization. From such information, VICTAM focuses on and follows future trends to invite entrepreneurs and real buyers in the industry , along with highlighting through product exhibitions and seminars in 2024 under the theme Progress. Technology: Animal Feed Production and Processing; Asia's Aquatic Feed Industry: Innovation and Sustainable Growth; Advances in Technology Production and processing of rice - flour - grains , and sustainability theme, along with leading exhibitors in the industry that are ready to match business such as Ag Growth International, Kasetphand Industry, Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik etc.  Find every solution in the animal health and nutrition business for every farm at the Health & Nutrition Asia event Mr. Tom Faulkner Senior Project Manager VNU Europe, said: "Health & Nutrition Asia ( Health & Nutrition Asia ) is the trade show for the animal health - animal nutrition industry in Asia. Focuses on business negotiations between related parties in Asia. Organized by the VIV worldwide team , the same organizers as VIV Asia , Asia's number 1 trade show for products and technology for the livestock industry, Health & Nutrition Asia showcases innovations in nutrition, pharmaceuticals and high-tech animal health solutions. as well as many academic seminars from both the public and private sectors. Packed throughout 3 days between 12-14 March 2024 at the BITEC Bangkok Exhibition and Convention Center, organized together with VICTAM Asia ( Victam Asia ) for the 2nd time." For the investment sector in the business of animal health care and nutrition, livestock farms are the starting point for the production line. The introduction of animal care technology is extremely important because it directly affects the quality and well-being of farm animals. Whether it is feeding animals through an automated system to get the right amount of nutrients / Breeding and genetics to trim, add and strengthen the breed / Food additives and feed ingredients for replacement and supplementation Nutrients necessary for quality growth / Advanced technology in animal health / Scientific laboratory equipment / Pharmaceuticals, drug product processes for animals and veterinary medicine, etc. According to the report of The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group, the market size of the global animal health industry is discussed. The market is expected to reach a value of USD 37.8 billion in 2023 and the market is expected to reach a value of USD 49.5 billion by 2032 , growing at a CAGR of 2.9 % during the year 2024-2032 within this period It is expected that there will be more new companies in the industry. which is in line with market needs Investment portfolios are consolidated and expanded. Including business cooperation to drive the market that is continuously growing. Industry leaders or large companies have also begun to adopt a variety of cutting-edge innovations to address evolving challenges and improve the industry. Focusing on pets and livestock at the event Health & Nutrition Asia and VICTAM Asia. Ready to present manufacturing companies from many countries, exporters, distributors. Many experts and investors from across Asia gathered in one place. Ms. Panadda Kongma, Director of Agricultural Business - Livestock and Operations Department of VNU Asia Pacific, added, "The two organizers have joined forces to create a unique trade negotiation platform this time to create opportunities for those involved in the business sectors of animal feed, nutrition, medicine, genetics, animal health treatment, veterinarians, etc., all of which can be discovered at Health & Nutrition Asia, while technology production of animal feed business will be presented at VICTAM Asia, the only trade show for professional players in the animal feed production and animal health care industries in the market with the fastest growth rate, such as the Asian region Visitors will meet 250+ leading international entrepreneurs. 35+ seminars and seminars , and we are ready to welcome key visitors and buyers from all over Asia." In terms of knowledge within the VICTAM Asia event and Health & Nutrition Asia 2024 presents seminars for those interested in and working in the animal feed and animal health industries. With cooperation from the media association that comes to present and update new trends in the industry. From experts both within the country and from various countries such as Monitoring and Prediction in Factory, Perendale Publishers Ltd that presented a seminar on the topic about Flour milling for animal and aquatic animal feed , Kasetsart University that presented a seminar on the topic 2 nd Animal Genomics and Bio resource for ESG & SDG, Watt Global Media with topics related to strategies for creating production for animal feed , AFFIA Association that is ready to present new knowledge about future insects and animal nutrition Including other associations and organizations such as Department of Fisheries , World Poultry Science Association (WPSA), GMP+ International, IFTC, Korean Animal Health Products Association (KAHPA) and Veterinary Association of Thailand. under royal patronage who are ready to share knowledge and discuss with all visitors to drive sustainable development of the livestock sector For those interested in attending the exhibition, please contact us! For those interested in visiting in groups (10 people or more), please contact Ms. Pitchapa Panmanee - Marketing Communications Department (VNU) Tel.: 02-1116611 ext.: 331. For more details about the event and registration, please visit the website . Media please contact Mr. Chaiyachet Phak Poonphon - Marketing Department, Expolink Global Network Co. Ltd. Tel. 096-931-4578. Mr. Saengthip Tae Chapatiphandee - Marketing Communications Manager, VNU Asia Pacific Company. Tel.: 02-1116611, ext.: 330.   About VICTAM Asia The world's leading trade show and conference for the animal feed manufacturing industry. Focused on presenting technology and machinery for producing animal feed. Including machinery for producing and processing rice, flour, and grains, as well as covering important and necessary accessories and systems used in animal feed mills, organized by VICTAM Corporation.   About Health & Nutrition Asia Trade show for the animal health-animal nutrition industry and animal feed in Asia for business negotiations. Organizers of VIV worldwide focus on presenting innovations in nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and animal health solutions with advanced technology.   Source: VICTAM Asia

19/12/2023

Chewy Receives FDA Warning for Illegally Selling Pet Drugs

The Food and Drug Agency (FDA) is warning nine animal care companies against using illegal antimicrobials in their products, according to a notice on Thursday. These antibiotic products for animals such as aquarium fish and birds are illegally being sold over-the-counter, and are only legally accessible through a prescription from a veterinarian. They contain amoxicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, and erythromycin, among other drugs.  Among the companies the FDA named is Chewy, a popular service that sells pet supplies, food, treats and toys online. It saw tremendous success over the COVID-19 pandemic, with some of that momentum carrying on. The company reported more than $10 billion in revenue in 2022.  'These unapproved animal drugs pose a two-fold risk to public health,' said Tracey Forfa, J.D., director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. 'First, these products haven't been through the FDA drug review process, and we don't know whether they're safe or effective, or even contain what the label states.  By using unapproved drugs, not only does an animal owner risk further harming their pet, delaying proper treatment may also contribute to growing antimicrobial resistance, along with the harm that comes from delaying proper treatment. 'Second, inappropriate use of medically important antimicrobials contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, which affects both human and animal health,' Forfa continued.   The notice says that they are only accessible from a veterinarian because they have training in what drugs will be best to treat a specific problem in an animal, and 'judicious use of antimicrobials reduces the risk of developing antimicrobial resistance and helps ensure better health outcomes.' The FDA is advising people using any of the products mentioned in the warning letters to get rid of them. The companies have 15 days to respond to the warning letters with information about how they will address the FDA's concerns. Along with Chewy, companies that have received warnings from the agency include: American Aquarium Products Aquanest Biotic Aquarium Pharmacy LLC California Veterinary Supply Kraft Drug Midland Veterinary Services LLC Silver Lease LLC Valley Veterinary Clinic LTD by The Messenger 
 

18/12/2023

Alternative pet food, gaining ground in pursuit of a circular economy

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Why consider insects as a possible protein source for pets? Insect-based pet food uses, as the name suggests, insects as the primary source of protein, rather than beef, poultry, or fish. Global human population growth is projected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. In turn, pet ownership is also increasing, with a current estimation of more than 1 billion pets worldwide. Consequently, there is a rapidly increasing global demand for protein as a nutrient source. In addition, due to pet humanization, there is some concern about the direct competition between food production for both living beings. Today, food consumption by the world population of dogs and cats represents about a quarter of the environmental impact of production. In fact, in 2020, a study found that global greenhouse gas emissions from pet food were equal to those of the 60th highest-emitting country in the world. Knowing these numbers, it is imperative to prioritize both global food security and environmental impacts related to food production and consumption. Insect-based protein is presented as a great sustainable alternative with high nutritional quality to develop in the pet food sector. Some of the most used insects currently in this type of proposal are black soldier fly larvae, crickets, and mealworms. These insects are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals, making them an excellent source of pet nutrition. Most pet food brands are developing this type of pet food focused on dry dog ​​food, followed by the wet food sector, also for dogs. The insect-based alternatives present for cats are considerably fewer.   Advantages of insect-based pet food production Some of the reasons insects are increasingly being incorporated into new pet food recipes and formulations have to do with the nature of their primary production: Insects have a very high feed conversion efficiency and can be raised in organic side-streams, as plant by-products of human food production systems, thus recycling low-value food waste into high-value protein and fat. They require significantly less water and produce fewer carbon dioxide and ammonia emissions, compared to traditional protein sources. They need much less physical space. For example, commercial insect-rearing facilities using vertically integrated farming techniques can produce 1 ton of insect larvae every two weeks on 20 square meters of land. In addition, insects, depending on their species, can be a great source of essential nutrients, including amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins.   Current consumers' perception One key factor to inserting this type of protein into the market, in addition to scientific research and development, is nothing more and nothing less than communication and marketing. Good advertising campaigns and awareness about the benefits of insects as a protein source can be great drivers of market growth in the short and medium term. As these shares increase, the perception by pet owners is expected to improve, and this, in turn, will fuel the sector's growth. In fact, in a recent study, more than 50% of pet owners who participated stated that they were willing to feed their dogs this type of food, while, in another, more than 90% of the participants expressed a positive opinion about it.   A possible future, based on insects? Today, we know that insect-based pet foods offer numerous environmental benefits compared to traditional meat-based options. Like any relatively new proposal, it needs more scientific evidence to back it up, and this depends not only on governments but also on the institutions themselves. To achieve this, it is essential to foster partnerships and active communication with veterinarians and professionals, both for new studies and to find new ways to improve consumer perception to promote insect-based pet foods. Some insect species can provide rich sources of highly digestible amino acids, fats, and minerals for pet nutrition. Its sustainability benefits, at levels of commercial insect crops compared to traditional livestock farming, are already demonstrated and constitute an interesting development area worldwide, which could even be transferred to human food. Adopting systematic marketing, producing more scientific evidence, and informing the consumer are 3 essential keys that, if used consciously, will increase the time it takes to market for successful adoption of these foods.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

15/12/2023

Protect your pet food from oxidation, naturally

In this article from Symrise Pet Food's blog you'll find a description of the mechanisms behind oxidation and also some tips to take advantage of antioxidants and naturally fight for freshness.   You are invited to learn more HERE! Source: Symrise Pet Food

14/12/2023

Innovative FEED Act introduced in US House of Representatives

The Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives on December 7, a step toward establishing a regulatory pathway for a new category of animal feed additives. The bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate in June. The Innovative FEED Act would amend the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to allow for a new category of animal food substances that act solely within animals' gut microbiomes or in the feed they are digesting to provide a wide range of benefits, giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power it needs to ensure regulations keep pace with scientific innovation in feed, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) said in a press release. 'The AFIA is excited that the Senate has already introduced the Innovative FEED Act and now, with the House introduction, the bill has the bipartisan and bicameral support we hoped for,' AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman said. 'Now, we urge Congress to act quickly on the bill. The legislation will be the spark needed to drive nutritional innovation that improves animal health and production while addressing public health challenges. We need this modernized regulatory oversight instead of the current policy of overregulation. Any delay in enacting this legislation continues to put U.S. agriculture at a disadvantage compared to our global counterparts whose regulatory systems have evolved with the times.' The FDA's Center of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates animal foods with drug claims, including environmental benefit or production claims and claims about the effects on the animal's microbiome. Many in the animal feed industry agree CVM's regulations are overly burdensome and that some rules are inconsistent and arbitrary, and that they put U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage. They also say the regulations put U.S. dairy and beef producers at a disadvantage because they don't have broad access to these methane-reducing feed additives. Dozens of countries have already safely approved and started using these feed ingredients on farms, resulting in improved animal production, well-being, reduced pre-harvest food safety concerns, and a smaller environmental footprint, AFIA said. 'Competent authorities of our global competitors in Europe, Asia and South America already have updated their policies to allow feed products on the market that demonstrate increased efficiency in meat production as well as byproduct and waste reduction,' said David Fairfield, senior vice president of feed at the National Grain and Feed Association, in a statement. 'To compete in the global market, farmers and ranchers in the United States need access to innovative zootechnical animal food substances to improve animal production and well-being, diminish pre-harvest food safety concerns, and boost sustainability opportunities.' The AFIA has urged the FDA to modernize its outdated 1998 Policy and Procedures Manual Guide 1240.3605, which has hindered animal food manufacturers from clearly indicating non-nutritive benefits on labels without navigating the FDA's arduous drug approval process. There is a wide range of feed additives that have been shown to reduce enteric methane emissions by between 2% and 12% per year. These include seaweed, fatty acids, 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP), oregano, tannins, nitrate, biochar, cinnamon, garlic and saponins. 'These ingredients have novel benefits that make a positive impact on our food production system, such as improving feed efficiency and reducing human foodborne illness," Fairfield said. "This legislation would provide food manufacturers with a pathway to make truthful, non-misleading production, environmental and well-being claims for animal foods that have been substantiated to provide such benefits more efficiently.' The Innovative FEED Act will bring about the necessary changes to ensure these additives are reviewed for safety and effectiveness as food additives, not drugs, and can more quickly come to market for U.S. farmers and ranchers to choose to use, AFIA said.  By AFIA Source . All Pet Food
 

13/12/2023

Small actions also contribute to a circular economy

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

The circular economy is a production and consumption model that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, renewing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. It aims to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste management, and pollution. It is defined in contrast to the traditional linear economy. It is a strategy that aims to reduce both the entry of virgin materials and waste production, closing resourcing economic and ecological flows. The analysis of physical resource flows comes from the industrial ecology school of thought, in which material flows are of two types: biological nutrients, designed to be reintroduced into the biosphere without technical incidents, and nutrients, which are designed to circulate with high quality in the production system but do not return to the biosphere. Currently, in the pet food market, there is a wide variety of pet food seeking to meet nutritional needs. We see on the store shelves food for young, adult, old, sporting, sedentary, large, or small breed animals, and the like. This variety of foods supports a circular economy, as they provide a precise nutrient supply without excess. There is no waste of nutrients on the part of the pet. Pet food production has different stages: Raw material selection. Feed formulation. Food Manufacturing. Handling of finished food. Many of these production stages are already part of a circular economy. Let's reflect on the food formula. The objective of formulating a balanced pet food, or 'pet food,' is, first of all, to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs or cats. Nutrition is not in conflict with the circular economy, and it is possible to contribute through pet diets in different ways. Pet food has been using by-products and secondary products from the food industry processing for a long time and is always looking for new windows of opportunity. Let's talk, for example, about the sources of fatty acids, particularly omega-3. There are sources of both animal and plant origin, for instance, flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 (C:18:3), and this metabolite must be converted into DHA (C22:6) to meet the needs, but unfortunately, the dog or cat is inefficient in this process. Due to the above, it is common for pet food manufacturers to resort to other sources rich in omega 3-DHA to be added directly to the food, and the traditional sources are of marine origin, the so-called oily fish. This source of DHA can be a fish meal or fish extraction, but this requires large-scale ocean fishing and, therefore, makes it an unclean, inconsistent, and unsustainable source. It does not contribute as a circular economy resource. However, there are other sources of DHA based on seaweed as an alternative that are manufactured industrially without compromising the flora and fauna of the oceans and, in addition, are more consistent and sustainable. This source can contribute to a pet food strategy committed to the circular economy. In my previous article, 'How do you design a feed formula', I talked about the importance of raw material selection in the design of a premix. This contains nutrients that are added in very small quantities to the total diet of the food, and speaking of raw materials of the premix, there are different sources of trace minerals. Some of them, due to their high bioavailability, become an alternative to contribute to the circular economy. For example, as seen in Table 1, organic, or hydroxy, sources of trace minerals have greater bioavailability of the nutrient in question, for example, zinc from a hydroxy-zinc source can be twice as bioavailable as a zinc oxide source (217.9%). That is to say, if we use a hydroxyzine source, a smaller amount of the raw material will be required to cover the zinc requirement than if a zinc oxide source were used. Table 1. RBV: Relative Bioavailability Value of a Hydroxy-mineral vs. an Inorganic or organic one.   On the other hand, a hydroxy source also has an environmental impact, as seen in Graph 1. An inorganic source of Cu produces a greater number of metals in salts soluble in aqueous media, which makes it a less environmentally friendly mineral source. Small contributions help pet food contribute to a circular economy. Although a trace mineral is at levels of parts per million (ppm) within the balanced feed, and at this level of inclusion, it would seem insignificant, in the end, it is adding to the efforts of a circular economy.   Graph 1. Leachable copper level with different copper sources   Finally, the production and management of balanced feed must have a plan of good manufacturing practices to minimize waste, operating costs, and capital investments. The circular economy is a strategy for sustainability that seeks to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the production of waste, closing material flows. The circular economy has economic, social, and environmental benefits.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

12/12/2023

Spanish pet food producer achieves global safety, quality certification

VILANOVA DE AROUSA, SPAIN — Spanish pet food producer Nugape Pet Food announced Dec.7 it has received a notable quality and safety certification from International Featured Standards (IFS). The IFS Food certification, which is also applied to food products for human consumption, highlights the company's dedication to safety, quality and traceability in manufacturing dog and cat food, according to Nugape. The IFS Food certification necessitated a rigorous auditing process conducted by independent representatives of AENOR, a local certification firm, in the areas of governance, quality and safety, resource management, operations and product analysis. The company's factory in Northwestern Spain produces a variety of pet food products under the Cebican, Sandegal, Danna and Dousti brands, which are exported to more than 40 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Nugape employs quality analysis technologies such as NIR spectroscopy to ensure the safety and quality of its products. It is also committed to sourcing local raw materials. According to Nugape, the certification comes as one of several initiatives the company is overseeing to expand capacity and improve its environmental sustainability. It recently launched a new packaging line that will take production capacity to 1,200 bags per hour. This expansion is expected to help Nugape reach an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons of pet food. On the sustainability side, the company is currently working on the installation of two environmentally friendly operational upgrades: heat pumps that reduce gas use and CO2 emissions, and 5,000 square meters (roughly 53,820 square feet) of photovoltaic panels for the use of renewable solar energy. Nugape also maintains the IFS Global Market certification.  by Nugape Comunication office  

11/12/2023

Czech company earns EU registration for cultivated pet food

Prague-based Bene Meat has become the EU's first cultivated meat company to be cleared for sale in pet food after receiving approval from the European Feed Materials Register. The milestone is the latest development in the burgeoning cultured pet food sector, which has witnessed new tech, new brands, as well as rebrands. Bene Meat announced in a press release  that it had been 'certified by the European Feed Materials Register to produce and sell cultured meat for pet food'. Originally Reuters and others (including this publication) reported this statement as an official EU regulatory approval. However, Dr Hannah Lester, CEO and Principal Consultant at Atova Regulatory Consulting, told industry publication CellAgri that while 'Bene Meat has listed their cultivated cells of mammalian origin in the EU feed materials register…so it is true that cultivated meat could be classified as a feed material,' it was important to clarify that this is 'not the same as an EU regulatory approval or certification' as reported by Reuters in an article about the news. According to Dr Lester, 'any feed business operator (FBO) can list a new feed material on the Feed Material Register if it is not already listed in the EU Catalogue of Feed Materials. The Feed Material Register does not grant approvals or certification.' She added that 'Feed materials that are safe and compliant with Regulation (EC) 767/2009 can be used in pet food. There is no separate approval process for pet foods, but there are different labeling requirements.' Robert E. Jones, President of Cellular Agriculture Europe, said in a statement: 'While it is exciting to see the potential of cultivated meat explored for multiple purposes in the food system, it is critical that accurate information is communicated about how new products are regulated. This was not an EU approval. The company in question has self-listed its cultivated cells in the EU feed materials register, which is managed by the industry-led EU Feed Chain Task Force, and they do not grant approvals or certificates. It is important to clarify that animal feed materials do not require pre-market approval and have nothing to do with the robust EU novel foods process our members will go through to bring delicious and sustainable cultivated meat and seafood to consumers.' A spokesperson from Bene gave us the following updated statement about the news: ' To confirm, Bene Meat is officially registered as an FBO producing cultured cells of mammalian origin in the Czech Republic and registered this new feed ingredient in the European Feed Materials Register. Bene Meat has also extensively discussed the subject with the European Commission and Czech Authorities, and verified the application of classification 12 for cultured cells of mammalian origins and provided them with necessary documentation, description of the material and cultivation process. In this regard, Bene Meat has satisfied all legal requirements to bring the feed material based on cultured cells of mammalian origin to the market and is legally allowed to do so.' Editor's Note: we have updated our reporting to reflect this clarification with statements from Dr Hannah Lester, Robert E. Jones and a spokesperson from Bene Meat. Bene Meat first to list its cultivated pet feed on official EU register The Czech startup was founded in 2020 to make cultivated meat for human consumption but has pivoted to pet food for now, providing cultured meat as a raw material to global pet food manufacturers. It has been developing its own FBS-free growth factors since 2021, and now plans to boost production to produce several tonnes of cell-cultured meat daily by mid-2024. 'Thanks to the obtained certification, nothing prevents us from taking further steps,' said Tomáš Kubeš, Bene Meat's head of strategic projects. 'We're negotiating with feed manufacturers to get this wonderful product into production.' Its tech can be adapted according to manufacturers' requirements, offering an ingredient that can be fully used in the making of any pet food product. 'We look forward to working with manufacturers, as we're doing it for them and their customers,' added managing director Roman Kříž. 'Manufacturers have a unique chance to gain an unprecedented competitive advantage in the market, thanks to the existence of our product.' Kříž told Reuters that the startup is able to scale up its manufacturing at prices that make its meat commercially viable on par with premium and super-premium pet food products. Bene Meat is emerging in a market with strong acceptance of cell-cultured pet food. A Czech survey by NMS Market Research found that 48% of citizens prefer cultivated meat in pet food for health and safety reasons, while 27% cited ethical and ecological factors as purchasing drivers for cultured meat for their furry friends. The startup now plans to test how the meat tastes to pets, and will scale up production in its Prague lab as well as a new facility it's on the lookout for. Bene Meat expects to introduce the first cultured meat for pet food in the EU in early 2024. Meatly takes on the UK Another company planning to launch cultivated pet food in Europe – starting with its home market in the UK – is Meatly. If you've never heard of it, it's because this is the new name of the startup formerly known as Good Dog Food. The company, which raised £3.5M in seed funding earlier this year, has just rebranded as it prepares to launch in the UK. Its chairman Jim Melon, executive director of Agronomics has previously said that it would be easier to earn regulatory approval for cultured meat for the pet industry, rather than for human consumption. Meatly was only launched last year, and makes cultivated chicken by 'taking a sample of cells from a chicken egg just once'. It has already secured 'key partnerships with manufacturers' – including with petcare retailer Pets at Home – to get its pet food on shelves soon. 'Our pets love meat, but old-fashioned meat – produced through factory farming – requires a huge amount of land, water, and antibiotics and is a key cause of environmental degradation,' said Meatly CEO Owen Ensor. 'We need cultivated meat now more than ever. Pet food is the natural starting point, given consumers' excitement. We're thrilled to be at the heart of the future of meat production in the UK.' A kinder seafood brand for pets More recent developments include the formation of Marina Cat, a cultivated pet food brand born out of a collaboration between Canada's Cult Food Science and Singapore-based cultured seafood producer Umami Bioworks. Marina Cat will combine Umami's cultivated red ocean snapper and Cult's patented nutritional yeast ingredient, Bmmune, to make a 'high-protein, low-calorie' feline treat that 'provides benefits to a cat's cognitive function, based on its high levels of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acid chains'. The startup aims to begin production this year, and expects its product to have widespread availability in 2024. 'My vision for the future is that we no longer have to slaughter other animals to feed our cats,' said Joshua Errett, Cult's VP of product. 'This brand brings me one very great step closer to making that a reality.' The AI opportunity More recently, Vienna-based BioCraft Pet Nutrition (formerly Because Animals) unveiled its proprietary AI and machine learning tool to accelerate R&D for optimal cell proliferation and nutrient production. The tool processes publicly available data and synthesises it into 'a picture of the biochemical machinery inside a cell'. It then analyses the data to identify nutritional inputs that can enhance cell growth, nutrient biosynthesis, or other biological processes key to cultivated meat production. 'The main costs and time sinks on the way to commercialization are R&D-related, and our AI has substantially streamlined this process, accelerated our progress, and reduced costs,' said BioCraft founder and CEO Shannon Falconer. 'In this application, AI can surpass the human brain for speed and efficiency, and helps us derive more complex conclusions by making more connections between more facts.' This came a few months after BioCraft had developed a chicken cell line for both cat and dog food, with the cultured chicken ingredient containing all essential nutrients found in conventional pet food, including high protein content, key vitamins, fats and amino acids like taurine. With the help of AI, BioCraft – which has previously unveiled cell-based mice meat – is engaging in fewer, more targeted experiments, to fine-tune its cell proliferation process and improve the health credentials of its meat. Additionally, it can identify less expensive inputs and ingredients, including those less likely to raise regulatory concerns. (So far, no company has received approval from the US Centre for Veterinary Medicine.) Why alternative pet food is crucial Pet food is a $144B market and one that's set to grow annually by 5.3% until 2028. But the industry carries a massive environmental burden. In the US alone, for example, manufacturing cat and dog kibble is equivalent to 25-30% of all animal-consumption-related emissions. And globally, dog and cat food emit around 64 million tons of carbon per year – that's the equivalent of over 13 million cars. In fact, according to one study, if cats and dogs were considered their own nation, they would rank as the world's fifth-largest meat-consuming entity. Moreover, health is an increasing priority for humans, and the continued humanisation of pets has led to a crossover of habits. This is where cultured pet food comes in. A 729-person study last year found that while 32.5% of Brits would be willing to eat cultivated meat themselves, they'd be more willing to feed it to their pets (47.3%). Of those who would try these proteins themselves, 81.4% would be happy to give them to their four-legged friends. A recent study exploring the environmental impact of vegan pets can provide an insight into the climate-friendly nature of cultured pet food too. The research suggested that if all dogs and cats went plant-based globally, it could help feed nearly 520 million people, save more greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those produced by entire nations, and free up land the size of several countries. Further research found that vegan diets can be just as healthy for cats as meat-based ones, shedding the 'obligate carnivores' universally associated with felines. It followed another study published last year that found that vegan diets are the healthiest and least hazardous choice for dogs. In fact, vegan cat food is a $9.2B market that's expected to nearly double by 2030, while the vegan dog food market is currently valued at £11.5bn ($14.1B), and projected to reach £21bn ($25.8B) by 2033, according to the Guardian. All the signs are there for the continued growth of alternative pet food, a category that also includes brands like Wild Earth (cell-based dog food) and Bond Pet Foods (cultured chicken for dogs and cats). These latest developments – notably the approval in the EU – are major markers of what's to come for this sector. This article was updated on November 10th 2023 to better reflect Bene's regulatory announcement. As per CellAgri's reporting and additional statements from Cellular Agriculture Europe, we have clarified our reporting to better represent the company's news. On November 13th 2023, we updated this article with a statement from Bene Meat. by Anay Mridul  -  AGreen Queen's resident news reporter. Originally from India, he worked as a vegan food writer and editor in London, and is now travelling and reporting from across Asia.  

07/12/2023

German pet market continues to grow

The pet supplies market in Germany continues to experience an upward trend with total sales of around 6 bn euros. This is according to figures from the Industrial Association of Pet Care Producers (Industrieverband Heimtierbedarf, IVH) and the Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe (ZZF).   Sales of pet convenience food in bricks-and-mortar stores surpassed those of the previous year by 6.5 per cent, totalling 3.685 bn euros. The segment covering pet requisites and accessories likewise experienced notable growth, with sales up by 4.6 per cent to 1.101 bn euros. German Pet Industry: Current Market Landscape Numbers of pet ownership in Germany rank in second place in overall ownership rates, making Germany one of the most promising markets for pet supply brands in Europe. However, inflation-induced prices are also affecting German pet owners, as prices for pet food and veterinary services have increased significantly over the last few months. Nevertheless, Mintel's German pet market analysis shows that the German pet industry overall remains resistant in spite of price rises. However, the premium pet food and non-essential pet products and services segments, e.g. toys are at risk of seeing a decline in German pet market growth as some pet owners are looking for cheaper pet food and are cutting back on discretionary spending. Pet Ownership in Germany: What Consumers Want and Why According to our experts' German pet market analysis the vast majority of pet owners consider being a pet parent an important part of their identity, and they value their pets as members of the family. Considering these sentiments, our report on pet ownership in Germany shows that many are willing to spend money on their pets despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, thus fueling German pet market growth during difficult economic times. In fact, almost half of German pet owners have not made and are not considering making changes with regards to their pet due to inflation. This indicates a good overall resistance of the German pet market and opens up opportunities for marketing to pet owners in Germany. Pet Ownership in Germany – Consumer Behaviour: The majority of Germans habour strong sentiments concerning their pets, in fact, 73% of pet owners strongly or somewhat agree that being a pet parent is an important part of their identity. German Pet Market Challenges: Pets represent a significant cost factor, and this might lead to decisions not to replace deceased animals. Beyond that, many pets are currently in danger of ending up in shelters due to the cost-of-living crisis and consumers no longer being able to stem the costs of taking care of a pet. Pet Marketing Opportunities: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced more flexible working patterns and they are here to stay, providing more Germans with the opportunity for pet, and especially future dog ownership. For 22% of Germans, the pandemic provided an opportunity to acquire a pet, and data from 2019-21 shows a notable rise in cat ownership. German Pet Market Opportunities The fact that pet ownership in Germany sports such high numbers provides chances for brands across various sectors to cater to German pet owners, e.g. with pet-friendly travel options to target activity-focused pet owners. However, the ability to own a pet is heavily dependent on one's lifestyle. A number of Germans who report not owning a pet, said that this is due to them being away from home too much, while others say their residence is not fit for pets. This opens up opportunities in pet marketing for leisure brands to attract animal lovers who do not own a pet by providing them access to animals. Despite the high regard Germans have for their pets, squeezed household budgets may dampen German pet market growth. Pet supply brands need to provide good value for money to be able to continue to provide competitive marketing to pet owners in Germany, e.g. by claiming greater product durability, or with multifunctional pet food promoting pet health. To discover more about the German Pet Market, read our Germany Pet Food Market Report 2021 or take a look at our extensive Pet Market Research by Dr. Jennifer Hendricks - Research Analyst – Consumer Lifestyle, Germany

06/12/2023

Agroloop commissions Bühler to provide proven insect-rearing tech for animal feed

Swiss company Bühler will deliver its proven crate-based nursery and rearing technology, enabling a quick ramp-up of the plant for commercial production. By the end of 2024, Agroloop plans to launch its first products, contributing to a more sustainable animal feed value chain. Industrial-scale insect plant Following its foundation in 2017 and the operation of a pilot facility, Agroloop got the green light to implement an industrial insect plant in Hungary in 2022.  Now, they have selected all execution partners and are working at full speed to construct the plant and get it operational.  In the new plant, Agroloop will produce more than 25,000 metric tons of black soldier fly larvae that will be turned into sustainable feed ingredients for the pet food, aquaculture and livestock sectors.  The plant is only the first step in Agroloop's strategy to make insect feed ingredients available for the Central and Eastern European (CEE) agribusiness.  'The abundance of food processing by-products presents a unique opportunity for Agroloop's multi-plant rollout strategy in the CEE region, ' says István Nagy, co-founder and CEO of Agroloop. 'We leverage our strategic partnership with the leading regional feed producer UBM Group to improve feed quality and sustainability by creating future-proof feed formulas. This enables Agroloop to focus on rapid expansion and solidifies our position as a key player in the region.'  Tech for short ramp-up time  Agroloop's insect growth technology has a big influence on plant yield, directly impacting the performance of business. Agroloop has chosen Bühler's nursery and rearing technology for their insect growth system, which has several years of track record in the insect industry.  'We've assembled a technology supplier portfolio to build our plant. Bühler is crucial in providing this design's framework and core components. By choosing Bühler's technology, Agroloop can enter the value chain with the highest standards,' says István Nagy.   Sustainable protein in demand   In pursuing sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, the CEE region increasingly turns to alternative sources for feed ingredients.  By incorporating insects into the feed supply chain, the region can address environmental concerns, reduce dependence on imported protein sources, and contribute to a circular economy approach. In addition, innovative feed formulations containing insects can optimize animal health and growth, thus leading to more efficient livestock production systems.  Insects can be reared on agricultural and food processing by-products, transforming these materials into high-quality protein. This approach reduces the environmental impact of this value chain and creates a closed-loop system where resources are reused and recycled.  The EU has previously depended on imported protein sources for animal feed, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction in other parts of the world. By embracing the commercialization of insect-based livestock feed, the region can increase feed efficiency, reduce reliance on external sources, and contribute to local and regional food security.  Andreas Baumann, head of market segment insect technology at Bühler, adds: 'The incorporation of insect ingredients in animal feed presents a compelling solution to the challenges faced by the livestock industry.' 'Besides providing nutritious and sustainable protein sources, insects empower local economies to become self-sufficient. That is why insect protein is key to a more sustainable and resilient food system.'  Yesterday, Food Ingredients First reported that the UK Edible Insect Association said that European Novel Food regulations impose an 'extremely high barrier to entry for edible insect companies and ignore the sector's potential to build a more sustainable food system.' In other insect-based developments, US-based scientists recently revealed they are targeting dairy waste reduction by mass-producing the black soldier fly that feeds on it and evaluating the insect's potential as a feed for livestock and domestic pets. ' by Bühler

04/12/2023

Countdown to Pet Food Conveyor Launch: Starting Up On Time and With Confidence

To move delicate pet food products or powders, most processors do extensive homework before purchasing a tubular drag cable conveyor to ensure that it meets their needs in terms of function and price. After the purchase, the conveyor must be expertly assembled and tested to ensure smooth production startup and continued performance. The challenge is that the typical third-party contractors installing various plant systems might need to become more familiar with specialized pet food conveyors and, thus, are more prone to make costly errors. A more prudent choice is using the OEM's team of experienced technicians. The OEM's experts have the advantage of designing the specialized conveyor and understanding its installation, operational requirements, and potential problem areas. 'If a tubular drag cable conveyor is installed incorrectly by a third party, it often needs to be completely pulled apart and rebuilt, which is costly and time-consuming. If the conveyor is run incorrectly, damage will occur, and components must be replaced. All this only delays startup,' says Terry Derby, Director of Parts and Field Service for Automated Handling Solutions (AHS). AHS is the service-focused subsidiary of Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has been designing, engineering, and servicing enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years and is in more than 65 countries. As a solution, pet food processors seeking superior conveyor performance from the start rely on expert-supervised installation and commissioning to ensure they will be ready to run products on time, at the necessary volumes. Today, a tubular drag cable conveyor requires considerable expertise to install. These systems gently move material through a sealed tube using a coated, flexible, stainless-steel drag cable pulled through on a loop. Solid circular discs (flights) attach to the cable, pushing the product through the tube without air.  'This type of conveyor is uniquely engineered to transport delicate materials gently. The tubes form a continuous loop that must be carefully assembled for a tight fit to ensure no misalignment or gaps between sections. While the modular components lend great flexibility to system design, each component must act in concert with the rest for proper conveyor functionality,' explains Derby. After selecting and purchasing a conveyor, the pet food processor's next step is installing it, which often requires professional assistance. Reliability Starts with Supervised Installation Whether relying on internal staff members for installation or contracting the job to an outside team of millwrights or skilled pipefitters, supervised conveyor installation can ensure proper system installation. Getting expert assistance is still essential during installation, even with the manual that has detailed instructions and QR-code links to videos for each conveyor component. 'Supervised installation is important to ensure that your system is installed properly so you don't run into maintenance problems due to an improper install,' says Derby. Derby insists that 'supervised installs are probably the most important support service we offer.' This step is often neglected when a less experienced third party performs the installation, which can escalate costs. At this point, AHS is frequently asked to complete final preparations and correct any problems before production startup, a process known as commissioning.  'When a processor brings us to their facility after declining a supervised installation, we often have to work backward for a day or two to correct issues. Having us there for supervised installation eliminates the need for correction and any idle contractors waiting on us for the repair, so it pays for itself,' says Derby. In the case of AHS, the company's technicians have logged hundreds, if not thousands, of hours on-site in various manufacturing facilities worldwide. This singular focus gives them the knowledge and expertise to streamline the installation process and prevent issues that can lead to system inefficiencies, product loss, or complete system failure. As part of the supervised installation, skilled technicians ensure the correct positioning of the conveyor's hangers and the proper torque for couplings. The system is properly cleaned to remove any metal fragments or foreign contaminants introduced during installation. In addition, the technician confirms that all conveyor inlets are in place and that all discharges are functioning. Even seemingly minor gaps or misaligned areas in the conveyor tubing can become a severe issue. 'If gaps are in the conveyor's tubes, the discs will 'catch' when crossing the joint, causing excessive wear on the cable and motor. If not corrected, this could lead to premature failure, production downtime, and added repair and replacement costs,' says Derby. According to Derby, another common wear item in tubular drag cable conveyors is sweeps, areas where the tube changes direction. He explains that sweeps are where the cable is under the most significant tension and where the discs rub inside the tube. Since sweeps show the first signs of wear, proper installation can reduce the wear and significantly prolong tube and cable life, simplifying maintenance. 'With a supervised install, processors can ensure that their conveyor is assembled correctly to enable seamless startup, reliable production, optimal output, and greater longevity for the system and its parts. Our reputation is on the line to get it right from the start,' says Derby. In addition, a supervised installation includes a full report outlining actions to correct any issues found. Due to the attention to detail, a supervised installation also preserves the standard warranty for the system's components. Of course, operators also play a critical role in conveyor performance. For this reason, having experts onsite can be one of the best ways to train the operators and maintenance crew on properly running, cleaning, and maintaining the system.    Reliable Production Requires Expert Commissioning When the installation is complete, the next step is to schedule commissioning. The average commissioning visit for a single-system installation usually lasts an entire day.  The onsite commissioning process readies the conveyor for total production and identifies any immediately correctable issues to keep the startup on schedule. At this point, the system must be installed entirely, including all mechanical and electrical components. The conveyor material must also be ready for introduction to the system. This is where a botched installation by a third party can come to light without supervised installation by the OEM. 'We are often asked to 'fix' poor installations by third-party contractors. We have had to tear whole systems apart. This frequently requires a complete rebuild and replacement of damaged parts, which adds cost, creates downtime, and delays startup,' says Derby. In the case of AHS's commissioning service, the technician conducts an inspection using a camera that runs through the entire system layout to ensure that everything is correctly assembled and ready for testing. The technician then performs a test run of the product, from the inlet feed through the sweeps to the discharge outlet, and verifies that it flows at the desired speed. 'Tailoring the conveyor to the material conveyed can require adjustments to fine-tune the process. With the commissioning, the goal is to increase efficiency, production volume, and reliability,' says Derby. He adds that 'checking the system's health' also uncovers any issues that might arise, which technicians can address to prevent production downtime. He points out that commissioning also extends Cablevey's standard warranty. As a final step in the commissioning process, the technician issues a report for the processor that documents all findings from the full-system inspection. Completing conveyor installation, commissioning, and start-up is only the start of the OEM's and processor's relationship since the system's lifespan can be decades. In addition to traveling on-site for emergency service calls, the company offers an annual service visit to conduct a detailed system inspection and address any issues, identify worn parts, ensure predictive maintenance is being conducted, and provide any additional training needed. This complete system audit aims to extend the conveyor's lifespan and prevent unexpected downtime. 'Our mission is to provide conveying equipment and ensure it performs as required, with minimal downtime and maintenance. Once a pet food processor buys a system, they become part of our family. We will continue to support them every way we can, even as their needs evolve,' concludes Derby. By Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California. Source All Pet Food

01/12/2023

Australian firm introduces flexitarian diets for dogs

Many pet parents are adopting one of pet food's hottest trends: raw, fresh and high meat diets. However, high meat diets typically have a high environmental impact. While many pet parents are resistant to turning their dogs vegan - although research shows they could - Planet A Pet Food helps people move to a flexitarian diet for their dogs.
 
Planet A launches Australia's freshest, entovegan dog food, combining upcycled veg and insect protein, with a food-grade plant-based meat analog, that's being used in restaurants and food service around the country.  "People have the idea that their dogs should eat meat, and a lot of it," says Planet A founder Amanda Falconer. "And they often say they're uncomfortable forcing their 'environmental' choices onto their dogs. When we created Planet A, we wanted to meet people where they were in their dog nutrition beliefs but also give them options to mix it up…just as they do for themselves. And that's because, even though I'm vegan myself, I know the majority of people are going to be meat reducers, not vegans." Even though dogs don't have a requirement for the ingredient - meat - but the nutrients it provides, giving dogs the pleasure of the taste and texture of meat was also important. Working with small animal nutritionist Dr Anna Sutton, Planet A Pet Food created nutritionally complete meat-free food that dogs love, featuring human food-grade plant protein, that looks and tastes like meat, but isn't.   The Planet A No-Meat Dinners also combine insect protein, food by-product ingredients together with sustainably harvested algae. Consumers just add water to rehydrate the food, so that it's fresh, when they need it. Food by-product ingredients include: Black solider fly larvae protein, produced using traceable pre-consumer food by-products, like bread from Bakers Delight, excess stock from Simplot and unconsumed food from McDonalds. The production of 1 tonne of insect protein powder creates 2.5 tonnes of insect fertiliser and utilises 14 tonnes of food by-products, preventing an estimated 28 tonnes of greenhouse emissions, resulting in a net offset of over 25 tonnes of carbon emissions per tonne of protein powder.  Vegetable powders from Australia's largest tomato processor, Kagome. They've developed LycoFibre®, an antioxidant-rich ingredient produced from tomato skins, and NinjinFibre® carrot fibre. About 25% of carrots used for juice is waste, and so Kagome's drying process converts 7000 tonnes of carrot pulp per year into 700 tonnes of value-added powder. Vegetable powders lightly dried from out of spec (size-wise) veg and the leaves of cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower. These are also used in human food snacks.  Up to a third of greenhouse gas emissions globally come from the food system and pet food accounts for about 25% of that and growing. About a quarter of all food grown never leaves the farm and Australia discards about 7 million tonnes of food every year. 42% of Australians have either reduced meat consumption or stopped eating it altogether. They have about 2.7million dogs between them.  By Planet A  

30/11/2023

Impressive registration figures for Interzoo 2024: World's leading pet trade fair continues to grow

Wiesbaden – Six months before Interzoo 2024, it is already clear that the world's leading trade fair for the pet supplies industry will be bigger than ever before in 2024. The stand registrations have surpassed the exhibition space of Interzoo 2018, the largest to date, therewith setting a new Interzoo-record for exhibition space. Exhibitors from 63 countries are registered for the pet industry's most international trade fair and at least 13 international pavilions will enrich the trade fair, including new country pavilions from thriving pet industry such as India, as well as a large number of European pavilions such as the pavilion from the UK, which first appeared at Interzoo in 1964. The most comprehensive product range in the pet sector Compared to Interzoo 2022, the 38th edition of the trade show (7-10 May 2024) will make use of two additional exhibition halls, then covering 14 halls in total. Despite the increased number of halls, there is already a shortage of free stand space: Only about five per cent of the exhibition space is still available "The continuing strong demand from exhibitors shows the importance of the event and confirms we're on the path to a great Interzoo 2024," says Dr Rowena Arzt, Head of Exhibitions at Interzoo organizer WZF – Pet Industry Services. 'Interzoo has become the world's leading trade fair for the pet industry due to a supporting programme that is at the pulse of the industry, numerous networking events with industry innovators and decision-makers, the world's most comprehensive range of products and services for pets and Nuremberg as an attractive location and exhibition venue in the heart of Europe.' Interzoo welcomes the pet world to Nuremberg A closer look at the excellent registration numbers further underlines the importance and internationality of Interzoo; features that have long made the trade fair a highlight in the marketing plans of big players. "We are delighted to welcome market leaders from all important segments of the pet industry to Nuremberg and are looking forward to celebrate the biggest Interzoo of all time," says Alexander Mattausch, Executive Director Exhibitions at NürnbergMesse. The Interzoo website already lists all registered exhibitors. Using the filter option exhibitors can be searched by animal segment and within the segments by product category. The pet food product segment is traditionally strongly represented in all animal segments, as are international market leaders from the accessories segment. A large number of international industry players from the aquarium and terrarium segments will be presenting their latest products in the categories of aquariums, terrariums, furniture, technology, lighting, accessories and furnishings. With regard to small mammals and birds especially pet food, litter and care products are expected to be well represented. In the garden animals segment, manufacturers will be presenting their latest innovations in the areas of garden ponds, winter feeding and hobby farming. Other product segments include equestrian sports and shop fittings. In addition, the thriving Petfood Technology product segment will be complemented both at Interzoo and on the day before, 6 May 2024, by the Petfood Forum Europe, organized in cooperation with WATT Global Media. The conference will bring experts in pet food, processing and packaging together. Supporting programme at the pulse of the industry The Interzoo supporting programme with sessions on countries and regions offers exciting insights into markets from all over the world and provides a stage for important trends in the global pet supplies industry, particularly with the Fresh Ideas Stage for start-ups and innovative products in Hall 3 and the Product Showcase in the entrance area of the trade fair. Exhibitor parties (Wednesday, 8 May 2024) and the Interzoo Party as a networking event for the international pet industry (9 May 2024) complete a supporting programme that is right at the pulse of the pet industry.  Information about the organizer WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services organizes Interzoo in Nuremberg in partnership with the German Pet Trade & Industry Association ZZF as the founder and honorary sponsor. WZF is the owner and organizer of the world's largest international trade fair for the pet industry. With more than 1,300 exhibitors and about 28,000 trade visitors from 129 countries at the last event, Interzoo is the undisputed world's leading international fair for pet supplies. Since 1988, WZF has engaged NürnbergMesse GmbH to operate the trade fair. Since the summer of 2020, Interzoo Academy has been offering specialist presentations on topics of interest to the pet supplies sector. WZF is a hundred percent subsidiary of ZZF. With its business fields trade fairs and events, media work and public relations, education and the issuing agency for identification markings for protected species WZF makes an important contribution to the economic and communicative development of the pet industry. by Interzoo Source: All Pet Food 

29/11/2023

Mycotoxins in dog and cat food: how to deal with them?

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

Mycotoxins are toxic substances resulting from the metabolism of some fungi and molds. For the development of microorganisms that produce these toxins, several factors are necessary, such as physical-chemical factors, type of substrate, temperature, and humidity of the storage place, in addition to the amount of water present in the grains and their pH (MAZIERO and BERSOT, 2010). Mycotoxins do not induce protective immunity since they are not antigenic, and therefore, their effects vary with the type, dose, and even the age, sex, and health of the animal. The main clinical signs reported in dogs and cats poisoned by mycotoxins present in their food are vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, abdominal pain, polydipsia, polyuria, ascites, anorexia, and development of chronic liver damage. In canine medicine, it is common to record mycotoxicoses that occur silently, which makes differential diagnosis difficult (SILVA, 2019; WITASZAK et al., 2019). The main mycotoxins and their respective target organs, identified in the canine species, are aflatoxins (AFLA) and fumonisins (FUMO) in the liver, deoxynivalenol (DON) in the digestive system, ochratoxin A (OA) in the kidneys, zearalenone (ZEA) in the reproductive system, patulin (PTA) in the liver and kidneys, and citrinin (CIT) in the kidneys and digestive system (SOUZA and SCUSSEL, 2012). Contamination of dog and cat foods with mycotoxins can occur directly or indirectly. The first occurs when some of the ingredients are previously contaminated, and even with the elimination of the fungus during the extrusion process, the mycotoxins remain in the food, since they are resistant to high temperatures. The direct form is related to food contamination by toxigenic fungi and the subsequent appearance of mycotoxin production (FERREIRA et al., 2007).   The mycotoxicosis scenario in pet food factories is quite challenging Given this, we need strategies that guarantee the high quality of the ingredients used in the manufacture of food for dogs and cats or find solutions that prevent mycotoxins from being absorbed by the animals' bodies. Implementing a comprehensive mycotoxin monitoring program in the pet food plant is essential. This program should include several steps, from careful selection of ingredient suppliers to accurate and reliable laboratory testing. To address the problem of mycotoxicoses it is essential to adopt an approach that includes the identification, quantification, and understanding of the mycotoxins present in the ingredients which will be used to manufacture dog and cat foods. This involves the use of precise methodologies that allow us to determine which mycotoxins are present, as well as their concentrations, helping to evaluate ingredient suppliers and the possible harm that may be caused to animals. Currently, the most well-known methodologies available for the quantitative analysis of mycotoxins in ingredients are high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa), lateral flow strips (LFD) and near-infrared spectroscopy technology (NIR). These methods allow detection at extremely low levels, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. It is important to highlight that the choice of a methodology is crucial to have a reliable analysis. However, the real value of managing mycotoxins found in ingredients used in the manufacture of dog and cat foods lies in the ability to interpret the results, evaluate their criticality, and implement corrective plans. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving mycotoxin monitoring. Real-time detection systems and predictive analytics based on artificial intelligence are being explored to identify potential risk points in production and enable proactive response. Mycotoxin adsorbent additive's introduction in pet foods has proven to be an effective solution to mitigate the risks of mycotoxins, mainly in factories that do not have control analysis at reception and in monitoring, the silos where these ingredients are stored. For an adsorbent to be considered efficient, it must present some characteristics: it must destroy, inactivate, or eliminate the toxin; not produce toxic or carcinogenic residues in final products or in foods obtained from animals that consumed a detoxified diet; and maintain the nutritional value and acceptability of the product (FREITAS et al., 2012). The adsorbent or chelating agent is an inert material without any nutritional principle, which could adhere to the surface of the mycotoxins present, causing their elimination through the feces of dogs and cats, preventing the toxins from being absorbed by the body. (MOREIRA et al., 2018). Aluminosilicates (clays) are the basis for the development of adsorbent additives. In the 1980s, the ability of certain clays (bentonites, zeolites, and others) to bind to food mycotoxins in the digestive tract of animals, preventing their absorption, was discovered. Currently, we have the most varied types of adsorbents available on the market, products based on volcanic rocks associated with other more technological and broad-spectrum compounds that combine the use of inorganic, organic, and yeast adsorbents. In addition to additives that support the immune system, they restore liver functions and help maintain intestinal integrity. When choosing a mycotoxin adsorbent, it is important to check the mycotoxin adsorption efficiency, which considers the percentage of adsorption and desorption in the intestine. This evaluation includes the stability of the adsorbent-mycotoxin bond and its effectiveness in different pH ranges since the product is expected to act throughout the gastrointestinal tract (Binder, 2007). pH values ​​vary throughout the digestive tract, from acidic conditions to basic conditions. Therefore, the binding capacity of products can be influenced by changes in pH, creating the risk that mycotoxins are adsorbed in one part and released (desorbed) in another part of the digestive tract (Zavarize, 2021). Furthermore, it is necessary to evaluate whether the adsorbent has a broad spectrum, that is, if it is effective for as many mycotoxins as possible. Another extremely important point to consider is the need for the adsorbents to have low inclusion so that they take up minimal space in the food formula and contribute an insignificant amount of mineral matter to the final product. This is especially crucial in premium, super-premium, and especially cat foods, where the amount of mineral matter tends to be lower, compared to dog foods, due to the adjustments necessary to avoid the formation of uroliths. Furthermore, it is essential that the adsorbents do not affect the palatability of the product.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

28/11/2023

What to Know About the Mysterious Respiratory Illness Affecting Dogs

A mysterious respiratory illness that has been sickening dogs continues to spread across the United States while veterinarians try to determine its causes and the best methods for treating it. The symptoms are similar to kennel cough, an upper respiratory infection, but can last much longer and, in some cases, prove fatal, according to veterinarians. Here is what we know:   What are the symptoms? The infected dogs develop a cough, fever, lethargy and intermittent loss of appetite. While infected, some dogs will develop pneumonia. Veterinarians have reported seeing blue and purple gums in those cases. Dogs with kennel cough may show some of these symptoms, such as coughing, lack of appetite, fever and lethargy. If it's kennel cough, the symptoms usually clear up in one to three weeks. With the latest respiratory illness, however, veterinarians are reporting that dogs can have symptoms for six weeks or more.   Where has this been reported? The illness has been found in at least seven states: Colorado, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Illinois, Maryland and Wyoming. It's unclear how many dogs in total have been infected, because there is no official count of the cases.   The cause is not clear It's unclear what causes the illness. Researchers are still running tests to learn more about the illness. There is some disagreement on whether the illness is caused by a virus or by bacteria. Dr. David Needle, senior veterinary pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory of the University of New Hampshire, said that he believed the illness was being caused by a bacteria, based on what he had seen in his area. Some veterinarians in Oregon hypothesize that it could be viral, because the dogs they have treated have not responded to antibiotics. 'I'm open to it being either, and I'm open to it being something we're not even thinking about,' said Dr. Kurt Williams, director of the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. Researchers strongly agree that dogs are most likely to develop the illness when they have been around other dogs. Dr. Lindsey Ganzer, a veterinarian and the chief executive at North Springs Veterinary Referral Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., said that all of the dogs she had treated for the illness had spent time in places with high concentrations of dogs, such as boarding facilities, doggy day care centers or dog parks. Dr. Ganzer said she feared that veterinarians might see an increase in cases as more owners board their dogs or send them to day care during the holidays. 'We're really hoping just with getting the word out there that people are less inclined to do that,' she said. 'The veterinary community as a whole is kind of scared.'   What should owners do? Don't panic, and isolate your dog if it is showing symptoms. Dr. Stephen Kochis, the chief medical officer for the Oregon Humane Society, said he did not want people to be alarmed by the new illness, because the overall number of dogs with respiratory illnesses had not increased. If dogs are showing symptoms, there are steps owners can take to be proactive, he said. 'All of us have gone through Covid,' he said. 'I would say if your dog is showing signs of respiratory disease, isolate them in the home, call your vet, get them seen.'   Source: The New York Times

27/11/2023

Mobile 'Smart Cart' Automates Food Conveyor CIP for Pet Food Manufacturers

To promote food safety and sanitary compliance, pet food manufacturers are increasingly seeking the ability to clean-in-place (CIP), an automated method of cleaning the interior surfaces of tubular drag conveyors without disassembly. Now, with the advent of mobile tools like an innovative 'smart cart' that quick-connects to any tubular conveyor and enables simple, customizable 'single button cleaning recipes,' CIP is becoming easier, faster, less labor-intensive, more repeatable, and almost fully automated. Tubular drag conveyor systems gently move product through a sealed, enclosed tube using a drag cable and circular discs pulled through on a loop, so they are ideal for delicate items. Designed to handle a variety of different forms and sizes, from kibble to seeds or pellets and nutrients, tubular conveyors maintain both quality and proper proportions. In a wet CIP process, the system is flooded with water, flushed, rinsed, cleansed, and thoroughly sanitized. Although the process is very effective, streamlining its automation and simplifying the process for all a facility's tubular drag conveyors has been a priority for leading innovators in the industry. 'The standard system required port hookups to water lines and installing piping. The processor also had to make decisions, such as which water temperatures to utilize, or whether to use a cleaning solvent - and the correct amount to add manually,' says John Adair, Engineering and Quality Director for Cablevey Conveyors, an Oskaloosa, Iowa-based conveyor manufacturer that has designed, engineered, and serviced enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors for 50 years, and is in more than 65 countries. To simplify the wet cleaning process, Adair and his engineering team at Cablevey have developed a small, mobile 'smart cart' with integrated water line hookups that a single technician can easily take to any tubular drag conveyor in a facility. The cart is specifically designed to be a fraction of the size of similar carts on the market to facilitate mobility. When the cart is in position and connected to water lines, the CIP process is automated and controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) that reduces the need for manual labor and virtually eliminates the risk of improper cleaning. 'Once it is set up, all you do is press a button, and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning,' says Adair. The smart cart is designed to store and utilize pre-programmed CIP recipes to flush various residual materials from the tubular drag cable conveyors in a facility before new production runs. The cleaning recipes enable even those with very little training to use the cart, which is helpful in today's tight labor market and allows the technician to move on to other tasks once the cleaning process begins. The use of easily executable recipes ensures a superior, repeatable clean that essentially 'error-proofs' the process. This is particularly important when the technician may be new or less familiar with the production equipment. 'Depending on the product conveyed, sometimes all you need is a wet rinse or a specific cleaning solvent. All that information is saved, so after the first cleaning, it can be automatically repeated. Just push a button to start the appropriate recipe, whether you have one conveyor running multiple products or dozens of conveyors running various products,' says Adair. To meet strict compliance standards, the smart cart also documents all critical CIP information, such as water volume and temperature, chemicals used, and cleaning time by date, in an easily retrievable data log. Since decreasing production downtime between conveyor cleanings is a priority for pet food manufacturers, Cablevey provides new capabilities with the cart that expedites the CIP process. Currently, the CIP process floods the tubular conveyor system but is not designed to clean the discs specifically. 'Operators would manually clean each disc and advance the system disc by disc when the discs had to be cleaned of particularly viscous substances,' says Adair.   Once it is set up, all you do is press a button and it will bring in the required amount of water at the correct temperature with the necessary amount of solvent for cleaning.   Now, as an option on the cart, a disc washer can be integrated with the conveyor turnaround to spray a pressurized cleansing solution on the discs. This helps to remove stickier substances that could remain after routine CIP cleaning. 'The disc washer sprays high-pressure water directly on the discs, so it acts like an automatic car wash. At the push of a button, the discs and cable are run through, and spray cleaned, which reduces CIP time and eliminates the need to manually clean the discs,' says Adair. To further reduce downtime, Cablevey also offers a new sanitary blower option. 'After the wet CIP process, a sanitary blower attachment on the smart cart can dry the discs and other parts of the system 75% faster than typical air drying,' says Adair. He points out that the faster the conveyor is cleaned and dried after a product change, the sooner it can be put back into service, which improves profitability. According to Adair, Cablevey's Mobile Smart Cart was already available since it was officially unveiled at Pack Expo, a premier packaging and processing show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in September. The event featured full-scale setups of machinery in action. The company also offered traveling demo smart cars to customers in September for free so clients could test drive the units. Pet food manufacturers can now purchase the demonstration unit used in their facilities, with hands-on training available immediately. While the pet food manufacturing industry is aware that automated CIP can improve conveyor system production uptime, barriers to implementation have slowed adoption. Utilizing a mobile smart cart with integrated water hookups will help manufacturers easily implement CIP in tubular drag conveyors throughout their facilities: expediting conveyor cleaning, production changeover, and sanitary compliance. By: Del Williams - Technical writer based in Torrance - California Source: All Pet Food Magazine

24/11/2023

Northwind´s expertise in pet food automation

Producing high quality pet food is what your brand is known for. At NorthWind, they help you maintain that reputation through innovative and reliable automation solutions. Their goal with every project is to have your plant running as efficiently as possible.   Plant Integration Your plant consists of many different pieces of equipment working together to produce quality pet food & treats. NorthWind specializes in tying all those pieces together to create one seamless control system.This full plant automation solution provides increased plant visibility and allows you to monitor your entire plant no matter where you are. They connect your plant floor to the rest of business by integrating to your ERP System.     Formula Management NorthWind's Formula Management software has the flexibility you need with an easy to use interface. BatchLOGIX® formula management software was built to handle the dynamic processes that are common with extruded pet food and treat plants. Reach maximum product consistency with formulas that contain both process & ingredient set points and handles both batching & continuous processes.   With BatchLOGIX, your recipes can be as flexible as you need them to be. Customizable set points for both ingredients and process equipment can be configured in the system. Historical data can be accessed through easily customized reports to target specific information using filters. Once created, reports can be exported to Excel, WORD, RTF, or PDF for sharing.   Traceability Track ingredients from the time they enter the plant to the time they leave. Trace ingredients through your entire manufacturing process with lot tracking, storage, and reporting capabilities. Lot numbers for liquid and dry ingredients can be traced through multiple systems from source to finished product.   Data Management NorthWind makes it easy to collect and use the data that is already available in your plant operation so you can make better, more informed decisions. They collect information about everything from critical control points and run parameters to ingredient usage and system alarms. With this information they provide KPI dashboards and setup equipment maintenance alerts. All information is stored and ready for analysis and comparison to real-time data. Their online web reporter tool makes this easy!   About NorthWind NorthWind is an automation company in Kansas providing controls and automation solutions to manufacturing facilities around the world. Their skilled team of engineers, programmers, and technicians have extensive process experience in addition to programming and design expertise in a wide range of industries. You are invited to know more! By: All Pet Food  

23/11/2023

Private Labels take a bite out of Europe’s pet food market giving retailers 34% share of €10.8 billion market

In a recent press release, the PLMA International Council reported that general growth in the market share of store brands was to be observed in 17 European countries. This is revealed by updated data from Nielsen IQ, which was commissioned by the PLMA. According to this, the value share increased by comparison with the previous year across all product groups by 1.7 per cent to 38.1 per cent in total. In 16 out of 17 countries, there was a rise in retailer's brands, with a slight decline only being registered in Switzerland. Considered from a global perspective, European countries continue to be among the biggest markets for private labels. New data from Circana, the leading advisor on consumer complexity and formerly IRI and The NPD Group, reveals that retailers have capitalised on the growing pet food category by launching more private label products. They increased their share of the €10.8 billion category by 18% (€3.6 billion) during 2022 across Europe's six largest markets (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, UK, and Netherlands). In the last quarter of 2022, this growth accelerated to 25% as pet owners continued to trade down from their favourite brands. Private labels now have 34% value share of the pet food category across Europe. It is especially high in Germany and Spain, where a wider range is available in discounter channels. Across total FMCG, private labels now make up 38% of value sales in Europe (€229 billion). Value sales of pet food have grown across Europe by 5.4% over the last four years to reach €10.8 billion in value sales. During 2022 that growth rate almost doubled to 12% (compared to 5.9% annual growth in 2021) driven by inflation and an explosion of pet ownership[1]. Innovation in pet food rose by a tail wagging 39% in 2022 compared to 2021 as more people took ownership of pets.  Ananda Roy, Global SVP, Strategic Growth Insights, Circana said, 'Led by manufacturers and retailers in the UK and Italy, there has been a lot of innovation around breed and age-based nutrition. This health and wellness focus taps into the boom in new pet ownership that started during the pandemic and allows manufacturers to follow the life of these pets as they grow. Other innovations include the use of human food ingredients such as vegetables and pulses as a source of high protein, low fat and balanced nutrients especially where traditional ingredients may cause allergies or sensitivities. As a result of the innovation boost, new product launches in pet food accounted for 9% of total pet food sales (for private labels and national brands). New product launches contributed a substantially higher percentage of sales in Germany (28%) and the Netherlands (11%) than the other European countries. Intense inflationary price increases (of around 12%) did not lead to the same declines in volume sales seen in across total FMCG (-1.1% for total FMCG in 2022) or other categories such as food, where consumers were forced to cut back on consumption as the cost of living crisis became embedded. Unit sales of frozen food for example declined by -4.1% and chilled -4.1%. Instead, pet food experienced a small uplift in unit sales of +0.4% (and 1.6 percentage points for private labels), suggesting that this category is resilient to inflationary turbulence. Households continued to buy their favourite pet food brands at the beginning of the cost of living crisis, even while they were switching to private labels. Eventually the availability of as good quality private labels and intense cost pressures have seen a growing number of shoppers switching from their favourite national brands. 'Pet food has traditionally been dominated by trusted national brands, so the strides retailers have made developing as good as quality alternatives that appeal to consumers' very real need to lower the cost of their shopping basket are remarkable,' added Roy. 'It highlights, once again, the growing regard for private labels; more consumers perceive them as being innovative and as good or better than many of the national brands that they compete with. The quality of private label pet food in particular, with specialised nutrition or the inclusion of high quality human food ingredients, differentiates private label significantly.' Other highlights of the analysis were:  UK and Germany led value sales growth. Value sales of pet food grew by +12.7%) in the UK and +11.3% in Germany, which in addition to other markets added €1.1 billion to the category. Price inflation was highest in the UK and Spain – With an average price inflation of 12% across the EU6, the highest in the UK and Spain (c15% over 2021 prices). Pet treats and toys grew by +13.1% in 2022, compared to the previous year, adding €50 million to the total €0.4 billion value sales as families looked for ways to show their love to their furry friends. Pet facts: During the last decade, the number of European households owning one or more pets has increased by approximately 20 million to 91 million households according to the European Pet Food Organisation. About Circana Circana is the leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through unparalleled technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world's leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We understand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand and outpace the competition. Learn more at www.circana.com. by All pet Food 
 

22/11/2023

NARA recognizes Pet Food Alliance coordinator

Martin is an associate professor in Meat Safety and Quality and a meat extension specialist at the Colorado State University's (CSU) Department of Animal Sciences. At CSU, Martin leads a research program focused on the safety and quality of meat and other meat-related products that aims to support industry partners. Additionally, she collaborates with meat and livestock industry members, and serves as the co-leader of Upskilling, a workforce and educational program at CSU's College of Agricultural Sciences that provides career pathways for those in the agri-food industry. In addition to her work at CSU, Martin also coordinates the PFA, a joint project facilitated through the university and FPRF. The alliance seeks to unite members of the rendering, pet food, laboratory and research, academia and technological industries in order to explore opportunities and create solutions to industry-wide challenges. According to NARA, Martin's ongoing commitment to the PFA, as well as her continued support of the FPRF and its initiatives, makes her a worthy recipient of the prestigious award. 'I am truly honored to receive the Fred Bisplinghoff Research Innovation Award from FPRF,' Martin said. 'I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the rendering industry through the Pet Food Alliance and thankful for the numerous industry partners who are willing to collaboratively develop solutions for industry-wide challenges.' Charles Starkey, Ph.D., vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs of NARA and director of research at FPRF, presented Martin with the award during NARA's 2023 Convention in Naples. By NARA

20/11/2023

Biorigin Celebrates 20 Years of Commitment to Quality, Excellence, Innovation and Sustainability

Biorigin has stood out over the years for its dedication to product excellence. The company has continually invested in research and development to provide innovative and customized solutions to meet the customers' specific needs and increase their production capacity. Biorigin's commitment to quality and excellence is reflected in its rigorous quality control and global certifications that ensure the consistency and safety of its ingredients. Innovation has been a fundamental pillar of Biorigin's journey over the last two decades. The company has constantly explored new solutions to create ingredients that improve food taste, quality, and the health of people and animals. Through continuous research and development, Biorigin has launched products that have notably benefitted the food industry. Furthermore, Biorigin's determination to promote the well-being of people and animals is demonstrated by its responsible business practices. Biorigin's primary raw material is sugarcane, produced by Zilor, which applies responsible agricultural practices and respect for the environment, ensuring full traceability of its products and reflecting its commitment to an ethical and sustainable supply chain.
Sustainability is an essential element of Biorigin's DNA. The company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and developing ingredients that contribute to the health and well-being of our planet, as shown by its constant pursuit of cleaner production practices, promotion of environmentally friendly packaging, and waste reduction. Biorigin's member of the Board, Maurício Da Barrosa, shared his excitement about this 20-year milestone: 'We are extremely proud of Biorigin's achievements over the past 20 years. Our journey has been defined by dedication to quality, excellence, innovation, commitment to the health and well-being of people and animals, and the tireless promotion of sustainability. We look forward to continuing our mission of creating a better world using biotechnology solutions.' As Biorigin celebrates two decades of innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainability, the company reaffirms its mission to be a trusted partner in the food industry. With a clear vision for the future, Biorigin remains committed to leading the way toward a healthier, more sustainable, and thriving world. For more information on Biorigin and its achievements, visit www.biorigin.net . About Biorigin: Biorigin is a biotechnology company that produces high-quality natural ingredients derived from the fermentation of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the human and animal food industries. Since its foundation in 2003, the company is committed to quality, excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Biorigin's mission is to promote the health and well-being of people and animals while fostering sustainable and responsible business practices. Headquartered in Lençóis Paulista, SP, Brazil, Biorigin operates globally and is acknowledged for its leadership in developing innovative biotechnological solutions. For more information, visit www.biorigin.net. Source: Biorigin By: All Pet Food 

16/11/2023

The Interview – Lucas Cypriano

Dear Lucas, to begin, could you tell us about the positions you currently hold in ABRA and WRO? What was the path taken to reach both positions? What are the main activities carried out in each of them? Since I graduated in 1998 as a Zootechnician until I started working at ABRA, I have always worked with the microbiological safety and quality of ingredients and animal feed. In 2011, I started working at ABRA as a Technical Coordinator. Since then, I have been helping companies with sector regulations, proposing adjustments to current standards, developing the AATQ Hygienic Manufacturing Program for Animal Meals and Fats (ABRA Qualidade), training technicians, and teaching courses for the sector. In 2012, ABRA nominated me to represent the association in the WRO, and in 2013 I was invited to be part of the SAP/WRO (Scientific Advisory Panel). In 2019, New Zealand invited me to take on the role of the first WRO Vice President that would be filled by them. And between 2019 and 2021, I was the first Vice President of the WRO. In 2021, I was elected President of WRO, remaining in that position until June 2023, when I was, again, invited to take on the role of WRO Technical Director, a position I currently hold alongside ABRA Technical Coordinator. Fun fact: in my personal life, I have been a Norwegian Forest cat breeder since 2008: I attest daily to what quality animal flour and fat, in a balanced diet, can do for our friends. The slaughter of animals generates parts that, for cultural reasons, characteristics of animal tissue, or regulatory ones, cannot be used for human consumption. For example, in many societies, they no longer consume: Liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, blood, tendons, cartilage, and other tissues, despite being very rich in nutrients. Feathers, hair, bristles, skin, and scales, among other tissues that have reduced nutritional value in their original form. Our sector recycles all these unconsumed tissues, processing them with technologies appropriate for each tissue, either maintaining or improving their excellent intrinsic nutritional value or subjecting them to technological processes that allow the use of nutrients such as, for example, through the action of enzymes or cooking under high pressure and temperature, which means exposing the nutrients and allowing their absorption. In all countries where WRO operates, the sector is highly regulated, with manufacturing and environmental rules that mean sourcing ingredients that are not only nutritious but also extremely safe.   Based on the transformation process described above, could you tell our readers what ingredients are generated for pet food production? Are new products being developed? The pet food manufacturing sector stands out for using the noblest and palatable ingredients manufactured by our sector, such as flour (processed protein) from poultry and pork viscera, blood meal, plasma, red blood cells, pork rind flour, fish meal, poultry oil, and fish oil. If we imagine that, in nature, carnivorous predators first consume the thoracic viscera (heart, liver, lungs) and others (kidneys, spleen, pancreas, mesenteries) rich in nutrients, these are exactly the parts most present in the raw and key material of the flour purchased by the pet sector. But it doesn't stop there: we know that dogs and cats love the taste of fried skin (chicharrón flour), and this is another ingredient widely used in diets. For physical reasons, in the process of manufacturing food kibbles, it is sought to prevent the material from being extruded from being rich in fats. Therefore, feed manufacturers add animal fats to the kibbles after extrusion, which, in addition to providing energy, brings an important benefit: a pleasant taste! Therefore, the rendering sector works alongside the pet food industry to offer our friends the best for our pets. Proof of this is the surprising increase in dog life expectancy, and especially of cats as strict (obligatory) carnivores. 20 years ago, a cat lived an average of 6 to 10 years. Nowadays, due to several factors, mainly current diets, it is common to see cats that reach the age of 20 healthy, something very rare in the past.   Considering the global problem of food waste, what are the multiple benefits generated by transforming it to reuse it and, therefore reducing it? Does this sustainable recycling process resemble the 'circular economy' production process? You see, the objective of any animal sacrifice is the production of products intended for human consumption, and slaughterhouses seek to improve their performance every day. What the recycling industry does is prevent this waste from being produced: we safely, responsibly, and sustainably process and recycle all animal tissues not wanted for human consumption. Regarding the concept of circular economy, FAO is currently designing it better. It is still unclear whether the pet food sector would be a circular economy, since once used in this type of food, this nutrient will never return to the chain. If flour and fat are used to feed poultry, pigs, and fish, part of these nutrients can be consumed as food for humans or recycled again in slaughter, considering the concept of circularity. However, animal meals and fats are among the most sustainable ingredients available to the pet industry: our products' carbon footprint is smaller than that of many "traditional" sources.   Without a doubt, renderers contribute positively to local, national, and international economies. How do you see the Rendering market currently in your country of residence? And what percentage of total production is destined for pet food? I am from Brazil, and the national rendering sector went through a major technological revolution during the 2000s. Locally, the sector contributes almost 60,000 direct jobs and a GDP of something close to 5 billion dollars, generating local opportunities, reducing environmental impacts, and avoiding raw materials waste with excellent nutritional value. Today, the sector has learned to segregate raw materials from slaughter, delivering the best of our products to the pet food sector. Today, in absolute volumes, the main market for our products still is manufacturing feed (58.2%) for monogastric animals (poultry, pigs, fish, shrimp, etc.) raised in Brazil. The pet food market is the second buyer (13.8%), with biofuels in third place (13.1%) and the cleaning and hygiene sector (10.3%) as the fourth one. Exports and other industries correspond to only 4.7% of the destinations of our products.   We want to thank you very much for your time and for all the information shared that will undoubtedly be very useful for those who are part of the pet food industry. Source: All Pet Food Magazine

15/11/2023

Plant-Based Omega-3 Vs. Marine Omega-3 - The Nutritional Differences

However, it is equally important to understand that not all omega-3s are the same. To determine the most beneficial omega-3 source for pets, it's first important to know the differences between plant-based and marine omega-3s. So, let's explore these differences and discover which source is best for our furry friends.   The two most important omega-3 sources To begin with, it is important to understand the fact that omega-3 fatty acids predominantly come from two sources - marine organisms like krill, which are rich in EPA and DHA, and plant sources such as flaxseed, which are rich in ALA.   Plant-based omega-3: A closer look Plant-based sources like flaxseed, walnuts, rapeseed, and chia seeds, contain omega-3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).  For ALA to benefit a pet's health, it must go through a series of complex metabolic reactions to convert into EPA and DHA which are anti-inflammatory. Unfortunately, this conversion process is naturally inefficient in dogs and cats.   Marine omega-3: The superior choice? Marine omega-3s, such as those derived from fish, whales, seals, and algae are usually in the form of triglyceride-based EPA and DHA. Krill, however, is a remarkable marine ingredient that is rich in phospholipid-based EPA and DHA. Known as the "molecules of life", phospholipids play a crucial role as natural, integral parts of all human and animal cells. These phospholipids make it easy for pets to absorb and integrate the omega-3s from krill into their vital organs, where they maintain the strength, flexibility, and integrity of the body cells.   The seven vital organs that marine omega-3s can have a positive effect on   The health advantages of marine omega-3s Marine omega-3s offer many health benefits, including: Skin and coat health: Omega-3s can enhance skin hydration and reduce inflammatory reactions, and alter lipid composition in skin and fur cells. Cardiovascular health: EPA/DHA modifies blood TG, HDL cholesterol, plaque development, heart rate, and heart muscle functions to reduce cardiovascular risks. Cognitive and visual development: DHA is vital for brain and eye development by being an important building block for the eye, cognitive and behavioral function. EPA and DHA are vital for reducing inflammation in brain tissue and diminishing the amount of neuronal loss in aging. Liver functionality: Omega-3s aid in lipid breakdown to prevent fatty liver, enhance insulin sensitivity, and have anti-inflammatory effects in the liver. Kidney support: EPA and DHA promote healthy kidney function by inhibiting inflammation and reducing blood pressure. EPA reduces the production of omega-6-derived pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. Joint health: Omega-3s reduce mobility issues and joint pain by inhibiting inflammation. EPA and DHA also reduce pro-inflammatory signaling molecules and occupy the same enzymes that painkillers (NSAIDs) block to give pain relief.   Recent research insights Recent research, including a study by Aker BioMarine on Alaskan Huskies, has shown the superior efficacy of marine-based omega-3s over plant-based sources in raising the omega-3 index, a measure of EPA and DHA levels in red blood cell membranes. More than this, a new study conducted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Aker BioMarine wanted to determine what is the most effective source of omega-3 for pets. The research involved 45 Alaskan Husky sled dogs over four weeks and tested three different omega-3 sources: krill meal, fish meal, and flaxseed, each at similar inclusion levels in the Huskies' diet. The findings were clear: krill meal significantly outperformed the other sources, even at a lower inclusion level of 3%, raising the omega-3 levels in the dogs from 1.3% to an average of 2.4%. Fish meal followed, increasing the levels from 1.3% to 1.9%, while flaxseed showed no significant impact.  Scientist Hanna Lindqvist concluded that the type of omega-3 added to pet diets does matter, and krill meal proved to be a more powerful ingredient, even in smaller quantities, demonstrating its potential to enhance the health benefits of omega-3 in pets. "The type of omega-3 added to pet diets does matter, and the phospholipid omega-3 in krill appears to be more effective than triglyceride omega-3 from fish or alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed."   Krill: A source for many other nutrients Not only is krill a great source of marine omega-3s, but it's also a great source of other essential nutrients, including marine proteins, choline, and astaxanthin. Moreover, Antarctic krill stands out as one of the most sustainable sources of marine omega-3s globally. Its sustainability factor adds to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who prioritize both the health of their furry friends and the well-being of our planet.   By: Qrill PET

13/11/2023

STATEC BINDER: A PIONEER IN THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY

Foundation and Company History   The company was founded in 2008 as a joint venture between two renowned companies, BT Wolfgang Binder, and BINDER+CO AG. Both companies had already been active in the packaging and processing industry since the 1970s and brought many years of experience and expertise to the partnership. The merger created a new player in the packaging industry, STATEC BINDER. Over the years, STATEC BINDER has impressed with over 1800 successfully installed plants on all continents and in over 85 countries, underlining its global presence and expertise. The company continuously expanded its product range, from stand-alone machines to complete solutions for customers. Thanks to innovation, teamwork, and the pursuit of perfection, STATEC BINDER has always been able to meet the requirements of global markets and provide customized solutions for its customers.   Innovation and Product Portfolio   A key factor in STATEC BINDER's success is continuous innovation and the development of customized solutions for its customers. The product range of STATEC BINDER includes fully automatic as well as semi-automatic packaging systems for bags from 5kg to 50kg, BIG BAG filling stations, palletizing systems, and bag closing systems, which are developed specifically for customers' needs. Whether it is bulk materials such as grain, animal feed, fertilizer, plastic granules, or other materials, STATEC BINDER offers solutions for a wide range of industries.   Quality and Customer Service STATEC BINDER places great emphasis on the quality of its products and services. The packaging solutions are manufactured in a production facility and are subject to strict quality controls to ensure they meet the highest standards. The company is ISO 9001 certified, which underlines its commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. In addition to product quality, customer service is another key factor that distinguishes the company. STATEC BINDER's customers appreciate the personalized advice, individualized customer services, and comprehensive support the company offers. Working closely with customers enables the company to better understand their specific requirements and challenges, and to offer customers an all-around carefree package once they have purchased the equipment.   International Success STATEC BINDER's reputation extends beyond Austria, reaching a global scale. The company exports its packaging solutions to over 85 countries worldwide and maintains an extensive network of distribution and service partners across various regions, ensuring exceptional onsite support and guidance for its customers. This international presence reflects the trust customers worldwide place in STATEC BINDER's products and services.   Conclusion STATEC BINDER is a company that stands out in the packaging industry for its innovation, quality products, and dedicated customer service. With a strong focus on the needs of its customers, STATEC BINDER remains a major player in packaging technology and will continue to play a significant role in the industry in the future.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

10/11/2023

ANDRITZ and Pet Food Innovation

ANDRITZ and the Future of Pet Food: Innovation and Sustainability at the Forefront The pet food market is constantly evolving, and the increasing demands require advanced processing technology solutions. ANDRITZ, as a trusted partner for hundreds of premium pet food producers globally, is at the forefront of this revolution. In a world where sustainability and digitalization are redefining industries, ANDRITZ stands out for its focus on both areas. The company not only commits to excellence in performance and quality but also prioritizes innovation and technological development. This is reflected in their goal to offer advanced technologies that result in efficient production, operational cost reduction, maximum energy efficiency, and environmental protection considerations. Backed by global specialists, ANDRITZ offers comprehensive solutions for pet food pelletizing, ensuring easy, safe, and efficient processes that quickly adapt to market trends. From raw material intake to the loading of finished foods, ANDRITZ equipment and systems stand out for their cutting-edge technology. These processing systems provide optimal results in food safety and traceability, ensuring both animal health and regulatory compliance. However, beyond technological solutions, ANDRITZ understands the importance of management and collaboration. With over 180 years of experience and a vast sales and service network globally, the company ensures a close and cooperative relationship with its clients. ANDRITZ's solutions are tailor-made, specifically designed to meet high production capacity and quality demands. This adaptability is made possible thanks to modular systems and multiple design features combined with specialized engineers' expertise. Process automation, another pillar of ANDRITZ, guarantees cost-efficient processing and consistent food quality. These automation systems offer complete traceability of ingredients and process parameters and represent a perfect fusion between technology and efficient operation. At the end of the day, ANDRITZ's promise is clear: "You know your product, we know productivity." With state-of-the-art technologies and a deep understanding of every process step, ANDRITZ positions itself as the undisputed leader in pet food processing solutions.   ANDRITZ's Highlighted Technologies for Premium Pet Food Production VAC 1000/1500 for Super Premium Food: Precise control in the inclusion of high-cost liquids and powders, achieving significant savings in the pet kibble manufacturing process. Uniform coating across all kibbles batch by batch. Possibility of a higher inclusion of oils when using vacuum vs. the natural limitation of working at atmospheric pressure. Both appearance and end-product quality superior vs. other solutions like rotary coaters. Possibility to create new formulations and products due to the wide working range our VAC model oilers allow.   Double Screw Extruder ExTs 616/718: Superior cooking control vs. single screw by achieving full starch utilization. Greater control and flexibility in the formulation by including a higher % of fresh meat or slurry. Superior mixing inside the extrusion barrels. Higher hygiene as it's self-cleaning. Greater working range in moisture percentage inclusion. Greater working range in fat percentage inclusion.   CZD High-Efficiency Dryers: Independent drying control in each CZD zone. The market's lowest humidity dispersion percentage upon exiting the dryer, achieving less or equal to 0.5%. Modular dryer, so for future higher requirements, the dryer can be expanded. Controlled and even product bed filling thanks to the. Significant energy savings due to air recirculation, temperature and exhaustion relative humidity control. Thanks to CZD's advanced automation control, it's possible to know in real-time the energy consumption associated with product drying.   ANDRITZ continues to innovate and adapt to the changing demands of the pet food market. With its focus on sustainability and technology, the company is positioned to continue leading in this field in the coming years.   By: ANDRITZ

10/11/2023

Famsun SJPS Series Twin-screw Extruder

FAMSUN Pet Food division is committed on machinery research, manufacturing, project engineering, factory construction and integrated solutions in pet food industry, create values for customers. As a leading integrated solution provider in pet food industry, FAMSUN undertakes pet food (dry food, semi-moist, extruded treats) and cat litter turn-key project. FAMSUN leads the market by technology, with experienced elite team and European & USA technical experts, through continuous innovation, to provide customers with professional, safe, systematic extruded pet food production solutions, customized environment-friendly and intelligent factory with high standards, high quality, high efficiency. They won the trust and praise from their partners/customers worldwide.   The SJPS SERIES TWIN EXTRUDER is one of the highly efficient pet food extruders in Famsun's portfolio. Specially designed for formulations with a high content of fresh meat, we detail some of its advantages for pet food producers: Easy operation PLC and touch screen for convenient control; by-pass provided for avoiding blockage; easy operation, precise and reliable.   High efficiency Optimal chamber groove and screw flight profiles, minimum SME input; efficient DDC conditioner and jacketed barrel with stabilized and facilitated extrusion, maximum energy utilization; unique suspending cutter, adjustment without down time.   More flexibility Modularized barrel and screw structure with many add-ons, adaptable to varied high-fat or -moisture formulations; controllable temperature, pressure and density, minimizing reconfiguration acquired.   You are invited to know more about FAMSUN PRODUCTS.   Source: All Pet Food    

09/11/2023

PLP Systems: When quality meets experience

The company focuses on developing customized systems talored to clients' specific needs, creating solutions for each project. PLP Systems invests as well heavily in R&D each year, to create new concepts and continuously improve existing technologies. Their dedicated team of engineers and techniciand are experts in dosing, mixing, spraying, coating and handling liquids and micro powder additives. Through R&D, PLP identifies key requirements and potential areas for innovation, they then design, test and optimize new solutions to meet demands for higher productivity, quality and sustainable processing. With a commitment to quality, PLP Systems builds all equipment to the highest standards. Each system is meticulously engineered and constructed from high-grade components to ensure maximum efficiency, reliability and a long operating life. Stringent quality control procedures and testing guarantee consistent performance and safety of all machines before shipping. After installation, PLP Systems provides full after-sales support and service to assist customers in getting the most from their investment. By establishing open and enduring customer relationships built on trust and understanding, PLP is able to support the long term success of their clients. Recently the company has increades its participation in fairs both in Italy and around the world, expanding its know-how, expertise and technologies to an even wider and more diversified audience. PLP Systems is convinced that through direct and human contact, lasting and solid relationships can be established. By continuously enhancing their knowledge and skills, PLP Systems will continue provide innovative and high-quality solutions to meet the changing needs of the pet food and feed industries.   About PLP Systems     By: PLP Systems

08/11/2023

Procens, the company that produces 100% natural insects’ protein flour and oil, through a circular economy model

The key to success? The development of bioplants for breeding black soldier fly larvae to convert food waste into quality protein for animal feed and biofertilizer for soil regeneration through a 100% natural and sustainable process. Recently, they sealed their alliance with VitalCan, a leading company in the sector, to develop innovative products based on natural insect ingredients. They also signed an agreement with a firm from Balcarce to convert their potato waste, peels, and defective fries, into an organic amendment to incorporate into potato crops.   Towards a circular economy in the pet food industry     Procens creates solutions for a market segment seeking new sources of healthy and sustainable insect-based proteins In the current context where sustainability is increasingly important, both for producers and consumers, collaborations such as the one achieved with VitalCan are a great step forward so that companies already established in the market can begin to offer balanced feed based on insect proteins in some of their products. Thus, this sustainable production model development in the industry remains at the center of the intentions, seeking to promote a circular economy that transforms food waste into high-quality protein for animal feed and organic amendment for crops. With its products, Procens makes it clear once again that, from the union of innovation, collaboration, and a clear purpose, initiatives can be generated to achieve systemic change and a regenerative economy. The company demonstrates how by-products can be transformed into new resources with high added value through local development, reducing the environmental footprint and benefiting society as a whole through the collaboration of an entire ecosystem. So, how does this process work to transform food waste into protein flour and insect oil?   Insect transformation plant The first step, as stated by Julien Laurencon, one of the founders of the project, is to recover food waste from potatoes, fruits, and vegetables for example. These are finely grinded and mixed, which allows them to obtain a balanced substrate to feed the larvae and ensure their optimal development. We achieve this without adding any chemicals or antibiotics, only with a natural fermentation process in which efficient microorganisms intervene. On the other hand, there is the breeding of flies (adults) in captivity and under controlled conditions. Flies live an average of ten days. This endemic fly, the Black soldier, (Hermetia Illucens) does not feed in its adult stage, so it does not carry contamination, and its only purpose is to mate and lay eggs. 'We give them ideal conditions, with 30 degrees of constant temperature, more than 70% humidity, and 12 hours of light and 12 of darkness so that they can reproduce. They lay eggs in a place adapted for this purpose, which are harvested daily to be hatched, recovering what is called a neonate, a newly hatched larva, tremendously efficient to biodegrade food waste. With our technological development, they reach maturity in only 12 days multiplying their weight by ten thousand, eating the substrate that we prepare from the mix of food waste.' This leads, then, to the biodegradation process: the larva eats and defecates the matter processed through its digestive system while accumulating protein and fat in its body to prepare for its pupation cycle to transform into fly. 5% of the eggs are recovered to maintain what we call the breeding stock (the colony of flies to continue having eggs, larvae, and flies); The remaining 95% goes to this growth process to finally harvest the larvae once they reach maturity. On the one hand, the biodegraded matter will be processed to become an organic amendment for soil regeneration (like a biofertilizer) that will allow reducing the use of chemical fertilizers while improving the biology of the soil and allowing carbon sequestration. On the other hand, the larvae are an excellent source of protein and fat. Fat is extracted through a centrifugation process. The product obtained is an oil of similar quality to coconut oil. The leftover dough is an expeller that is dried and ground to get a 58% protein flour used for animal feed.   - 58% easily digestible animal protein - 100% natural product: without antibiotics or genetically modified organisms (GMO) - High palatability - Hypoallergenic property - Alternative for animals with food sensitivities - Antioxidant potential   - 41% lauric acid, modulator of intestinal flora - 100% natural product: without antibiotics or genetically modified organisms (GMO) - High palatability - Has antimicrobial activity At Procens, for every 1,000 kilos of waste with which they feed the larvae, they achieve 150 kilos of fresh larvae that will become 50 kilos of protein flour and about 16 kilos of oil and generate 140 kilos of organic amendment.   Procens, a company that works to help transition to a more sustainable animal feed industry At this first stage, its products are aimed at pet food and fish, but in the future, it will also be found for pigs and chickens (in the early stages of breeding). Without a doubt, the company, which has just raised its evaluation to certify as a B Corp with a score of 106pts, well above that requested, is making a lot of progress on the Latin American continent to be able to promote a circular economy model where the current production does not negatively impact future capacities and is on the way to fulfilling its purpose of preserving, fostering and regenerating life on earth. For more information, visit their website.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

07/11/2023

ADM amplifies pet food production with $33m investment in Mexico

 Jorge Martínez, President of ADM's pet nutrition segment, underscores the strategic importance of Guadalajara, expecting the investment to triple the company's capacity in the burgeoning pet food market. ADM is deepening its footprint in the pet nutrition sector with a significant $33 million investment in a new production line in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Set to increase its workforce by 65%, the move bolsters the production capabilities for renowned pet food brands and paves the way for ADM's future product innovations. The company's decision to expand in Jalisco, a growing economic hub in Mexico, strategically positions it for broader reach within Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. ADM Invested $33M to build and open a new pet food production line at its existing facility in Guadalajara, Jalisco , Mexico  Jorge Martínez, President of ADM's pet nutrition business, emphasized, "Without a doubt Guadalajara is a strategic, economic location for ADM in Mexico. The integration of this new production line adds range and flexibility to our capabilities in Mexico and enables ADM to triple its capacity and give us wider international visibility within the pet food market."     The facility will be equipped with new technology such as automated systems to avoid the use of forklifts and manual hauling, and work practices are aligned with NOM-036, wich is a Mexican regulation on ergonomic risks factors at work  This venture embodies ADM's activities on sustainability, innovation, and community enrichment, setting an important step in the pet nutrition industry. The Mexican pet food market is foreast to expand in volume by 4 % and in value by 8% over the next five years , with ADM´s business anticipated to grow above those ranges, added Jorge Martinez. by ADM  

06/11/2023

Manufacturing execution system capabilities

MES solutions replace traditional paper-based manufacturing procedures and implements a proactive approach to manufacturing execution. Sometimes manufacturers implement reporting functionalities that fall within the scope of MES and sometimes a full-scale MES solution is integrated across the entire plant. Regardless of the size of the solution, the results of implementing MES include decreased costs and increased support for continuous improvement and lean initiatives. MES is used in conjunction with ERP and SCADA systems, bridging the daily plant operations to the rest of the business. Manufacturing Execution Systems can tie into existing batch management systems, such as BatchLOGIX®, and use the existing inventory and production information to give further insight into yield and production metrics. MES connects existing ERP systems, PLCs, and databases. The combined data from those sources can create unique metrics, reports and dashboards that streamline operations, improve productivity, and ensure quality. Using a versatile platform like Ignition Perspective, the capability exists to connect all those data sources, create flexible dashboards, custom reports, custom modules, and Ignition's platform is designed for mobile access. REAL-TIME DATA MES platforms provide real-time production information. This valuable information opens the door for quick production snapshots. Dashboards combine real time operating rates and statuses with features like historical run information and production goals. Doing this provides an efficient way for a user to quickly see production status and identify areas that need attention.   HISTORICAL DATA With comprehensive access to plant-wide data, MES offers extensive reporting capabilities. This is another area where the Ignition platform is helpful. Leveraging Ignition's Reporting module, information can be gathered from all the different data sources (ERP, Control System, and SCADA) allowing for the creation of tailored reports that effectively convey data for analysis. Through Ignition's broad array of device drivers, information from data from all parts of the plant can be logged and displayed in a central location. Additionally, the Ad Hoc trending tool proves to be a valuable asset, facilitating easy trend analysis of data points from all sources and saving those trends for later analysis.   PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS Centerlining includes adjustable thresholds for each device set the acceptability and alert levels for each indicator. Selected KPIs (key performance indicators) such as Right first time (RFT), Rework, Scrap, Process capability (Cpk), and Overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). With one click, the dashboard can provide a detailed analysis of causes of shutdowns and rejects, batch quality rates, and other production indicators.   COMMON MES FEATURES With all this data, both real-time and historical, there are many different modules that can be implemented. The goals and priorities of each plant and workstation guide which modules should be implemented or if a custom module needs to be developed. Below is a list of common modules. Scheduling Provides a global view of the planned production orders. This module can include changeover information, anticipated production time, equipment and materials needed with specific job details to complete the order. Work In Progress (WIP) Inventory Management Track and manage inventory through the different stages of production. MES accomplishes this by helping management fine-tune forecasting by providing real-time inventory audits. With the connection to the ERP system and the control system, validating the inventory levels between the two systems is now automatic. This eliminates the need to manually verify inventory levels on the production floor with what is on the books. The system can also verify materials will arrive in time to complete orders by looking at the delivery data on purchase orders and running it against the upcoming production schedule. Recipe Management A recipe consists of a list of ingredients, ingredient amounts and sequence for combining those ingredients, and the amount to be made (batch size). Create consistency from product to product and run to run as well as make the best use of resources to minimize waste and streamline the manufacturing process.  Production Tracking and Dispatch Manage the bidirectional flow of production data in real time between the ERP and the plant floor. Lot Tracking and Tracing From raw material receiving through final product, lot numbers are traced throughout the entire production facility. MES allows for quick recording of batches of raw material, semi-finished products, and finished products, utilizing product genealogy which tracks raw materials, equipment used, dates, quantities, lot, and serial numbers. Quality management and Control Manage the quality of manufacturing processes and units including quality deviations and exceptions. Integrate quality check reminders and recordings for QA. These can be as automatic as implementing density and moisture sensors or more manual with an alarm signaling the operator to complete quality assurance (QA) checks and record them in the system. Each records the information to the MES system for the QA team. Preventive Maintenance Optimize the planning of preventive maintenance operations to reduce the impact on manufacturing. OVERCOMING COMMON CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTING MES Implementing a Manufacturing Execution System is a large undertaking and to provide the best solution, collaboration between the integrator and the manufacturer must be frequent. A common challenge is providing the right information and tools to the right audience. When developing dashboards and reports, it is very important to remember who is using the feature and what the goals and priorities are. An operator will want to see different metrics and widgets than someone in a management role. When developing dashboards and reports it is very important to remember who will be using the feature. Separate dashboards for different groups can be created, or widgets can be dynamically hidden/shown depending on the log in permissions and who is viewing the application. Often facilities have used multiple integrators and software systems throughout the plant. This poses a challenge to gathering data in an accurate and efficient way, as there are a variety of sources. NorthWind maintains consistency wherever possible and keeps documentation on where metrics are pulled in from. Documentation is available straight from the MES project. The user can see a description of how a widget works and where the information is being pulled from, whether it is from BatchLOGIX database, a customer's existing ERP system, or a PLC Program. A key to overcoming these challenges is to have open and effective communication with plant personnel to ensure there is clarity on what information is needed. This starts with setting a detailed scope for each area of the system to avoid unnecessary and potentially costly distractions. NorthWind provides a detailed design/development/deployment process and holds meetings with the customer throughout each stage to discuss the project progress and steps to be taken to reach the next stage. Manufacturing execution systems identify inefficiencies and optimize production. This powerful system can be everything from Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) for one area of a plant to a fully integrated solution with a paperless plant floor and everything in between. Implementing these features takes deep process and control system knowledge and because every plant has different processes, machinery, KPIs, and process targets the best solution is going to be a tailored fit. At NorthWind we utilize production and process data for plant optimization with a manufacturing execution system developed for you, with you. Learn more about NorthWind's MES Solution. By: Sydney Bosworth Source: NorthWind Technical Services

03/11/2023

Symrise Pet Food Eco-friendly plant in Colombia celebrates its 3 years

The factory in Colombia was the first to apply these new standards, including LEED certification, one of the most prestigious certifications of sustainable building systems. Today, the company is proud to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of this plant model.     LEED Certification The factory built in Colombia obtained LEED Gold certification at the beginning of 2022. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) sustainable building certification system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and began implementation in 1993. It currently offers four types of certifications (Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum), according to 7 criteria: Sustainable Sites, Energy and Atmosphere, Water Efficiency, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Regional Priority, and Innovation. Christophe Salaün, General Manager of Symrise Pet Food Colombia, highlights the importance of Symrise Pet Food's choice to follow LEED standards: "Not only is it one of the most widespread green certification systems in the world, it is also one of the most demanding, reflecting Symrise Pet Food's commitment to a sustainable industry that truly preserves the planet's resources." Salaün adds: "Some examples of key actions implemented that meet LEED criteria include rainwater collection and use for sanitation facilities, high-level treatment for liquid disposal, optimization of site energy consumption through specific ventilation systems, heating and lighting, and the installation of photovoltaic systems."   Water and energy Two of the main aspects that contribute to an eco-friendly industry are the efficient use of water and energy saving. In this sense, for the Colombia plant, a water well 173 meters deep was excavated that allows pumping groundwater through its own treatment plant, capable of reintroducing much of the necessary water into the circuit. "In this way, we can reduce the amount we take from municipal water supply plants to the point that today we are taking about 90% of the water needed for production from the well," explains Christophe Salaün. On the other hand, rainwater is collected and used for sanitary facilities and the air purification process. In addition, it is used for irrigation of vegetation planted around and inside the plant. In terms of energy, the installation of 240 solar panels provides the facilities with 13% of the electricity needed. A natural ventilation system generates optimal climate control inside the building, while an intelligent control system monitors the site's water and energy consumption. Green areas on roofs and facades improve air quality, help reduce noise, and save energy. Finally, as environmental compensation, 1,020 trees at least 1 meter high were planted. CO2 emissions were reduced by 33%.   Closer, greener The Colombian plant serves the Andean region, supplying products to Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Before its construction, the region received products mainly from Argentina and Brazil. Following the company's motto 'The Closer, the Better,' which aims to be close not only to its customers but also to its suppliers, the Colombian plant saves gas emissions from transport: around 65% of sales are located less than 500 km or less than 8 hours by land transport, while about 52% of customers in the Andean region are in Colombia. The local selection of ingredients also provides a significant reduction of ecological stress in the production of the product – 50% of the raw materials used are in Bogotá. Eco-designed products In addition to setting eco-friendly building standards, Symrise Pet Food developed a tool that measures the environmental impact of the product throughout its production chain. Called the Eco-design Matrix, it evaluates and supports Marketing and R&D teams in improving the environmental impacts of products throughout their life cycle, from supply to delivery to the customer. This tool allows Symrise Pet Food to know the footprint data in each of the four main steps of the product life in which it has influence – sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and logistics– and from seven environmental impacts: carbon emissions, land use, water use, acidification, abiotic depletion, eutrophication, and particulate matter.   "With the Eco-design Matrix, we found a new driver of innovation," explains Anderson Conejo, LATAM Marketing Manager. "We can now select ingredients and design new products taking into account not only functionality and economic performance, but also environmental impacts over the life cycle." With this tool, Symrise Pet Food is now able to support customers who want to promote the sustainable development of their products. Joint effort After it was confirmed that July 2023 was the warmest month on record, the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, warned: "The era of global warming is over, and the era of global boiling has arrived." A concerted effort is now essential to combat climate change and achieve truly sustainable development. That is why Symrise Pet Food proposes to make this trip together with all the actors involved in the pet food industry. The challenge is not minor: the growing demand depends on a limited availability of raw materials. On the other hand, regulatory and sanitary restrictions on the production and export of products are another challenge that must be faced. Finally, pet parents today demand natural, ethical, and transparent products. Symrise Pet Food proposes to consider these difficulties as an opportunity for collaboration that not only results in a product of excellence, but that contributes to caring for people, pets, and the planet. Its goal is to work together to bring to market solutions that provide sustainable sourcing, are secure, and generate long-term value. The efforts poured into the Colombian plant have not gone unnoticed: it has recently been nominated for the awards for "Business Environmental Excellence" of the Ministry of Environment of the Municipality of Tocancipá. The local environmental authority reviewed the environmental data (carbon footprint, water, energy, gas, waste management, treatment plants, boiler) and made a tour of the plant. "We were informed that we are going to be nominated for the award for corporate environmental excellence," said Christophe Salaün. This nomination was made by the local environmental authority in November, after visiting all the companies operating in Tocancipá. 'The election will be in early 2024. We hope to have good news', added Salaün.   From this first model experience for the entire Symrise group, Symrise Pet Food is building its new plants (the most recent in Mexico and Brazil) following LEED standards, with the intention of contributing positively to a better world for future generations.     Symrise Pet Food is a global leader in sustainable high-value solutions that improve pets' well-being and owners' satisfaction. The company offers multiple products and services that improve palatability, pet nutrition, and pet food protection. Symrise Pet Food is present on 5 continents with 1,750 employees, 32 sites, and 4 expert measurement centers with 1,100 dogs and cats.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

02/11/2023

Innovation and Insight: The AAFCO Meeting's Impact on Pet Food Ingredients and Regulations

 Several terms and ingredient definitions changed, or were approved either tentatively or officially. Additionally, there was much discussion about low-copper and human grade claims. Read on to find out about how these changes might affect your business.  Below is a description of the terms and ingredient changes made by AAFCO.  Freeze Dried, also known as lyophilized or cryodessicated, is now a process term. Freeze drying involves a low-temperature dehydration process where the product is frozen, brought to a lower pressure, then has its water/moisture removed via sublimation. Shelf stability is achieved via reaching a critical moisture/water activity level.  The official definition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil has been expanded to include its use in adult dog food.  Meat and Bone Meal definition was updated and the tentative definition includes the statement, 'It is a source of protein in animal diets.' The language that was removed from the definition includes, 'It shall contain a minimum of 4.0% Phosphorus and the Calcium level shall not be more than 2.2 times the actual Phosphorus level' and the maximum crude fiber guarantee is no longer required. Alpha-Lipoic Acid was added to table 101.1. The ingredient received FDA-CVM's No Questions Letter, allowing its use as a nutritive antioxidant in adult dog food. (T60.119) Dried Cricket received a tentative definition and a motion passed to accept the ingredient. This definition will be voted on by the membership at the Mid-Year meeting next January. Most states accept tentative definitions so this ingredient will be allowed to be used in adult dog food, but there are some states that won't accept the use of dried crickets until the definition becomes official. There was a fascinating presentation by Mill on Dried Recovered Household Food and the motion passed to accept this as a new tentative definition for use as a poultry feed ingredient (T40.113). Revamping Standards: Fresh Takes on Ingredients and Regulatory Practices Common Food Index recommendations were passed for immediate inclusion in the OP and ODI. It includes a list of ingredients that are considered common or usual and can be utilized in pet food. Some examples include: shiitake mushrooms, asparagus and cherries. The protocol for accepting GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) ingredients has been revised. Once the FDA No Questions letter notice is published, it may be presented to the IDC for inclusion in section 101 at the next scheduled IDC meeting. There will no longer be a need to wait for the FDA to post the redacted notice. A workgroup was established to determine the feasibility of exempting AAFCO Ingredient Definitions from the tentative status requirement. The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will include a public comment period which will allow anyone to review information earlier. There is concern that the public comment period will increase time rather than reduce time by the estimated 6 months. There will be an update at the October IDC meeting. The Statements for Uniform Interpretation and Policy (SUIP) are under review by a workgroup within the Model Bills and Regulations Committee. SUIP 7 Chews, Bones and Toys for Pets and Specialty Pets was recommended to be incorporated into PF3(b) of the Model Bill but did not pass at this meeting. The IDC is now tasked with creating definitions for ash, acid insoluble ash, air ashed, sulfated ash, and a new feed term for rawhide.   Pet Food Committee Hot Topics The primary discussion at the Pet Food Committee revolved around a low copper claim addition to PF10 Descriptive Terms. (d) Low Copper A dog food that bears on its label the claim 'low copper,' 'low in copper,' or words of similar designation shall: (1) Be substantiated as nutritionally adequate for one or more life stages in accordance with Regulation PF7; and (2) Contain a maximum of no more than 15 mg copper/kg DM and no more than 3.75 mg copper/1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy; and (3) Bear on its label in the Guaranteed Analysis in accordance with Regulation PF4 a guarantee for the maximum amount of copper in the dog food. There was significant discussion regarding this addition. Various perspectives were presented, including a suggestion to change 'low' to 'controlled' so as not to be confused with drug language or with prescription diets formulated with copper levels below the minimum required. The argument against this was it matches the current 'low calorie/low fat' claims currently permitted in PF10. Additionally, a discussion surrounding challenges in establishing mineral tolerances occurred because there isn't data to support the numbers established by the workgroup. It was argued the amounts are lacking scientific merit and if this does move forward, the products should only be available in veterinary channels. The workgroup was charged with re-reviewing the expert panel report and deciding on language at or before the next meeting in January 2024.  Human Grade claim substantiation can continue to be submitted to each individual state or brands can choose to participate in the Process Verified Program (PVP) through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. USDA has received several inquiries; however, no company has received approval. The main challenges include development of the Quality Management Systems (QMS) manual and the PVP requirements. It was mentioned that companies were not aware of the cost, which is $155 per hour, plus travel costs. If a company does choose to go this route, annual re-substantiation is required. The workgroup is seeking volunteers to join and offer more guidelines or educational information on the process.  by AAFCO

01/11/2023

Innovation, sustainability and business in the animal nutrition and grain processing sector marked the first edition of VICTAM LatAm

The first edition of VICTAM LatAm brought together during three days – from October 3rd to 5th – the main Brazilian and international players, from industry professionals, technicians, academics, logistics operators, entrepreneurs, as well as producers related to these markets in an event that emphasized technological innovation, sustainability, networking and business.   VICTAM events have a long tradition of being the industry meeting point and the propeller of business and technical development in markets such as the Netherlands, Thailand and Turkey. Now the event reached Latin America, more specifically Brazil, with the goal of fomenting the interaction between local industry and international players. "We were positively surprised by the quantity and quality of visitation. We received more than 4,300 highly qualified professionals from the animal nutrition and grain processing industries from all over Latin America. We understand that this expressive visitation is a reflection of the quality of the companies from Brazil and other countries that are exhibiting in the show and of the quality of the technology innovations in equipment for the processing, storage and transportation of grains and animal feed shown here", said the Managing Director of VICTAM Corporation, Sebas van den Ende. The first edition of VICTAM LatAm also received many international visitors from several neighboring countries, including Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Colombia and even Mexico, who came to see equipment never seen in this region.   Innovation & Business Another factor that marked the VICTAM Latin American edition was the volume of business generated. "The debut of VICTAM Latam in Brazil was a great success. Our expectations were exceeded in terms of qualified audience, business generation and renovation of the booths for the 2025 edition. We received buyers from all over Latin America, who came to check out the machines and equipment, in order to make new purchases' evaluated the Managing Director of Interlink Exhibitions - promoter of VICTAM LatAm 2023 in Brazil , Cassiano Facchinetti. According to Facchinetti, next edition of VICTAM LatAm will take place in September 2025, with an increase in the exhibiting area, exhibitors' booths, and participation of new companies. "We can already say that VICTAM LatAm has become the largest and main event for this industry in Latin America!". VICTAM LatAm gathered in about 10,000 square meters, more than 150 national and international companies, representing about 250 brands, such as AGI, Andritz, Buhler, CPM, Equitec, Evonik, Famsun, Ferraz Máquinas, Kahl, Van Aarsen, Vantec, Wenger, Zheng Chang, among many others. These key players presented their cutting-edge solutions and technologies. Some of the innovations presented by the exhibitors were: Equipment and technologies for silo monitoring: Grunn, official representative in Brazil of Bin Master, Electro-Sensors (United States), Tandler, Siko, Kipp, Motrona, Meister (Germany), and Zimm (Austria), show novelties in equipment and technologies for monitoring silos. Sales director of Grunn, Letícia Fatichi said that the Brazilian market has a "huge potential for growth, since there is a significant lack of storage capacity". "If we consider the data from the National Supply Company in Brazil (CONAB), the country should have 40% more silo structures. But there is a challenge to face: incentive in Brazil the awareness regarding the importance of incorporating monitoring equipment safety into the industrial dynamics. Compared to the USA, Brazil registers an average of 4,000% more facility accidents. It is urgent to implement mandatory safety regulations," said the head of the company's sales department. Equipment and technologies for research and diagnosis: Developer of differentiated, high-value solutions for life science research and diagnostics, Bruker Corporation brought to the show microorganisms identification technology, such as fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and for origin traceability and hygiene control in food and beverage production lines. "Microbiology already has a great entry in sectors such as clinics and large companies, and the participation in events such as VICTAM LatAm opens the possibility of talking about the advantages of this technology", commented the technician in Sales and Application of Bruker do Brasil, Rodrigo Oliveira. Mixers, dryers, heaters: Companies such as Becker Metalúrgica Industrial and Forberg presented their complete lines of equipment. "We have already participated in editions of VICTAM held in the Netherlands, Thailand and Turkey, and we are now in Brazil because we understand that this is a huge market in which we want to participate. In only two days of the show we were able to make solid contacts with local companies that were interested in our product line", said Forberg's sales director, Vladimir Jozim. For Becker's Commercial Director, Antônio Carlos de Campos, who has visited VICTAM events in other countries, the Latin American version of the show is interesting because it creates perfect conditions to explore international partnerships. "It is important for the local market to have access to the trends, knowledge and technologies exhibited here; it is a great opportunity to step into a higher level of networking and business," he said. Animal feed additives: companies such as Atias Química and Evnik, dedicated to the production of animal feed additives, presented innovations in favor of the quality of creation. Vertical cultivation: One example of innovative processing was presented at the show by the Dutch Insect Engineers. The technology consists of an entire structure, equipment, and climatic system for the breeding of black soldier fly on a commercial scale. Machinery and equipment: Paraná Industrial presented its complete product line during VICTAM LatAm 2023. The company highlighted the Self-Cleaning Mug Lifter, which facilitates and improves product loading, ensuring a reduction in waste retention. Haver & Boecker, on the other hand, focused on equipment for bagging pet food. "During the show we had a very specialized audience, searching for animal nutrition solutions", commented the company's sales engineer, André Domingos.   Information, sustainability and competitiveness VICTAM LatAm 2023 also offered to the visitors an extensive program of conferences with seminars, workshops and debates. "We provide a complete experience in terms of innovation, technology, knowledge, networking, and business opportunities," said Sebas van den Ende. VICTAM and Perendale Publishers Ltd. held the Pet Feed and Aquaculture Feed Production Conference. In three days, leading experts in the sector addressed topics such as: the differences in the design of plants for the production of PET and aquatic feed; nutrition, sustainability and Circular Economy; the importance of probiotics in aquaculture; grinding, screening and particle size control in the optimal preparation of feedstock for aquaculture feed and pet food; micro-ingredients; pet food coating; pet food extrusion; food safety; ways to save energy in the feed milling and pelleting process; among others. In partnership with the global grain community GEAPS, the International Educational Program on Grain Quality, Processes, Storage and Equipment was carried out, in which topics such as technologies aimed at maintaining grain quality in a tropical climate were addressed; the protection of process equipment against dust explosions; combustible dust safety in the grain industry; solutions to problems in silo bridges; ways to maximize the production of bucket elevators; simulation technologies in the handling of dry bulk; among others. EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) participated in VICTAM LatAm 2023 as the curator responsible for the conference program that dealt with business opportunities in the animal protein chains (dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep), in the poultry and fish chains, animal nutrition, and grains (soybean, corn, and sorghum). The International Feed Technology Conference (IFTC), organized by the University of Wageningen, brought together a team of professors and PhDs who provided visitors with information on issues related to animal nutrition and feed technology in Western Europe; recent developments in pig and poultry feed; the main challenges for the dairy cattle industry in South America; mycotoxin control and food safety in South America. The non-profit International Responsible Soy Association (RTRS), which promotes production growth, trade and use of responsible soy, brought its Annual Conference to the event and discussed topics such as: national legislation in Latin America and how they compare to the new European Union regulation on deforestation-free products; how different countries intend to respond to the EUDR requirements; responsible production of responsible soy; sustainability and regenerative agriculture; among others. In the Theater at the exhibition floor a unique seminar, organized by Perendale and Victam took place, Feed Milling Maximized. This seminar presented three keynote presentations along with eight quick-fire updates on equipment and technologies used in modern-day feed milling that improve efficiencies while maximising output.   VICTAM LatAm 2025 has already set a date "We are very pleased with this first edition. We had great adhesion from leading companies in the sector and excellent visitation, a specialized public with decision-making power. Brazilian and Latin American markets have a great potential for business, which goes beyond the country's borders, and the companies from the countries present at the show, such as the United States, China, the Netherlands, Germany, India, are now convinced that it is strategic to participate in Victam LatAm to be part of this market", says the Managing director of VICTAM Corporation, Sebas van den Ende. The next edition of VICTAM LatAm will take place from September 16th to 18th, 2025, at the White Pavilion of Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo. "The volume of renovations exceeded the capacity of the red pavilion, where we are today. The 2025 edition will be 50% larger in square footage," says Facchinetti.   VICTAM LATAM 2025 September 16th – 18th Expo Center Norte - Pavilhão Branco - São Paulo/SP - Brasil.   About VICTAM Victam events are owned by the Victam Foundation, which is a Dutch non-profit organization dating back to 1964. The Foundation's goal is to provide financial support for innovative projects to non-profit applicants such as institutes, universities, and colleges. Also, the awarding of individual scholarships. The Foundation seeks positive contributions to the technological development of industrial sectors in the milling of grains and other raw materials in the broadest sense of the word and in the production of animal feed and human food. In 1965, the first Victam exhibition was organized in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The first event in Bangkok, Thailand, was launched in 1994 and in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2021. To learn more, click here.   Source: VICTAM LatAM

31/10/2023

HILL's PET NUTRITION opens new smart factory in Tonganoxie to meet global pet owner demand for science-led nutrition

Located on more than 80 acres, the 365,000 square foot, fully designed smart facility will increase the company's production capacity for canned pet food and provide a runway for continued expansion of Hill's Science Diet and Prescription Diet brands. "It's only appropriate that as we celebrate Hill's 75th anniversary, we are able to unveil the next chapter of smart manufacturing innovation in the pet food industry," said John Hazlin, President and CEO of Hill's Pet Nutrition. "The Hill's Tonganoxie plant helps set the stage for the continued growth of our science-led nutrition, increasing our capacity and our ability to better serve the evolving needs of pets and pet owners in the United States and around the world." The new Hill's Tonganoxie plant marks a step change in strategic automation and technological advancements in the pet food industry. The new Tonganoxie facility was fully-designed to be 'smart' – including: Artificial Intelligence to power a digital food safety vigilance system Automation and robotic devices Enhanced Food safety systems End-to-end digital process/safety monitoring The new technology and processes will help to improve speed to market by shortening the production cycle, while also offering long-term flexibility to innovate new formats and products that help deliver on the company's mission to support the health and wellbeing of pets. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at the plant today, said: "This investment by Hill's Pet Nutrition is a testament to my administration's success in creating a pro-business economy, including for the animal health industry," said Governor Laura Kelly (Kansas). "I'm delighted our unique Animal Health Corridor continues to expand, growing our economy and supporting communities like Tonganoxie." Among the more than 170 varieties of wet pet food the plant will make, it will produce Hill's Prescription Diet k/d, the world-renowned original science-based formula designed for the nutritional management of renal (kidney) conditions, pioneered by Hill's Founder Dr. Mark Morris Sr. in 1948, which marked the launch of the first veterinarian-developed pet food line intended to help manage specific conditions through nutrition. Hill's Prescription Diet k/d was recently upgraded this year with a new proprietary microbiome technology that helps reduce harmful waste products. "Hill's will utilize technology to work alongside Hill's staff and a new state-of-the-art Mission Control Center to provide unprecedented visibility and monitoring through every aspect of pet food making from ingredient intake to final packaging," said Chad Sharp, Director of Manufacturing for the Tonganoxie Plant. "The production process is an entirely "enclosed system" from ingredient mixing to cooking and container filling – designed to prevent food exposure to environmental contaminants." While investing in its operations, Hill's Pet Nutrition is committed to making science-led nutritional products in an environmentally responsible manner. The plant has been awarded LEED Gold certification, the first site to achieve that rigorous standard within Colgate-Palmolive. Among other features is a Water Reclamation System that reduces overall water usage by treating and recycling wastewater on-site to be repurposed for future use. Working in close partnership with the Kansas Department of Commerce, the Leavenworth County Development Corporation, the City of Tonganoxie, Evergy and Kansas Gas Service, Hill's chose the site for its excellent location, access to a talented and diverse pool of workers, a strong and welcoming community and proximity to distributors and suppliers. The project has created more than 100 jobs in Leavenworth County, Kansas.   About Hill's Pet Nutrition Founded 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill's Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill's Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill's Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. Here find more information about our products and nutritional philosophy.   Source: Cision PRNewswire

29/10/2023

World Cat Day

Cats are considered strictly carnivorous animals, so they have higher protein and essential amino acid requirements. Diets must meet the required nutrients, and also be palatable to encourage and maintain food consumption. A complete and balanced diet is not enough if the intake is not optimal for each animal. Cats have a developed sense of smell that helps them evaluate the nutritional content of food. This helps them choose favorable foods and reject unwanted or potentially harmful ingredients. If it detects an unpleasant aroma, the cat will not eat the food. When compared to other species, cats have fewer taste buds (approximately 470), they have a less developed sense of taste than dogs (1,900) or humans (9,000) for example. Additionally, cats do not perceive sweet flavors since they lack receptors for compounds such as sucrose, fructose or glucose. This gives the aroma of food a great importance, since it is the first filter that cats use to determine if a food is appropriate for consumption and if they will give it a chance and try it out. This strategy allows the cat to use organoleptic information to identify the composition and nature of the food. Cats will first smell the food and if it meets their standards, then they will try it. When formulating cat food, the use of flavoring additives helps achieve these two aspects: improving the aroma and generating flavor. The first has an initial impact and encourages the animal to try the food. After the cat tries it, its taste needs must be satisfied to ensure that it will continue consuming its food. This is where the importance of flavor comes in, since each animal must be fed until its nutritional requirements are met. Flavoring additives can be composed by a mixture of several compounds. Among them essential oils, oleoresins, artificial flavors, protein hydrolysates (liquid or powder), distillates or chemical compounds. These can be used in combination and must be designed according to each project, considering the form of application and objective of each product. Formulation may vary if it is targeted for canned or dry foods, for example. Hydrolyzed palatants are the most used by the industry. These bring proteins from various sources to a hydrolysis process, paying importance to the quality of these protein sources. As a result, a base with a large number of peptides and free amino acids is obtained. By knowing the composition of this base and generating a reaction process at specific and controlled temperature and time, different aromatic compounds are created as a result of Maillard reactions. These directly influence the smell and flavor, being highly palatable to our pets. Regarding this, we cannot ignore the concept of integral palatability, where several factors play part such as: particle size, texture, shape, smell, flavor, and general composition of the food. In addition to its ingredients, these other factors affect palatability as well: moisture, origin of the proteins, composition of amino acids, acidity, quantity and origin of the fats used and avoiding the inclusion of bitter compounds. To please the tastes and demands of cats, Callizo Aromas has developed a line of additives that improve the acceptance and consumption of food, which include: liquid and powdered hydrolyzed palatants, flavor enhancers for canned products, acidifiers and a complete line of flavors specially designed with the aromatic notes that mostly attract each species. For more information, contact us! By: Callizo Aromas

27/10/2023

Sustainability of Rendering

Instead of wasting half of the meat we farm and buy, Rendering reclaims these unwanted 'leftovers' and transforms them into ingredients for countless products, recycling 99% of this unwanted meat. By recycling animal leftovers, renderers create valuable ingredients from resources that would otherwise be thrown away, taking up enormous amounts of precious landfill space. Instead of wasting these animal parts through other disposal methods, renderers recycle the materials into 19 billion pounds of fat, oil and protein products. Rendering not only creates alternative, sustainable fuels to power trucks, trains, water vessels and other vehicles but also nutritiously feeds cattle, hogs, turkeys, chickens, household pets and other animals.  Renderers play an important role reducing food waste, sustainably recycling valuable agricultural resources and positively contributing to local, state and national and international  economies.
Rendering Leads to a Reduced Carbon Footprint
Rendering also protects the environment from the high greenhouse gas emissions of other disposal methods, reduces energy and water consumption, minimizes environmental impacts of animal agriculture and supports communities. The environmental sustainability of rendering avoids at least 90% of potential greenhouse gas emissions compared with industrial composting and sequesters 5 times the amount of greenhouse gas emissions as it emits. If all renderable product were sent to the landfill, all available space would be used in 4 years.
Economic Sustainability of Rendering
The rendering industry is financially stable, secure and sustainable with $10 billion in annual economic contribution.
Workers are highly-skilled and well compensated and employee retention rates are high, leading to more stability and greater contributions to local communities. Simple Fact: Rendering jobs cannot be exported due to the raw and perishable nature of the material our industry reclaims. Source: North American Renderers Association

26/10/2023

Purina creates carbon-reduced pet food range

The brand has reduced its environmental impact by making changes to its manufacturing, recipes, logistics and packaging, such as by using renewable electricity in the factories where the range is made and selecting ingredients with a lower carbon impact. Logistically, where the infrastructure exists, pet food products have been transported between countries using multimodal transport – a combination of road and rail systems – instead of purely road. Purina ONE DualNature features mono-material packaging, which can be recycled in stores in the UK, while the bags have been made with 40% recycled plastic. So far, the range has successfully reduced its carbon footprint by 15.7% compared to a 2019 baseline. The range contains natural ingredients with health benefits such as spirulina and cranberry and comes in a variety of meat and fish flavours. Adjustments to recipes have been made without compromising the nutritional value, quality and taste of Purina ONE DualNature, the company maintains. Purina Europe marketing director Fabio Degli Esposti said: 'At Purina, we're committed to producing healthy, nutritious pet food that you can trust. But that's not all. We believe the health of our environment is as important as providing high quality pet food products. 'Purina ONE DualNature is the first Purina product range that has announced a reduction of its carbon footprint, but it's just the beginning. Purina Europe is striving to contribute towards Nestlé's wider ambition of reducing its CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030. 'Our journey goes on and we'll be working to further reduce our greenhouse gas emissions over the coming time, so that pet owners can confidently choose products that contribute positively to both their pets and the environment.' The range is being launched in selected countries across Europe. The RRP in UK grocery stores is quoted as £6.60. By All Pet Food
 

25/10/2023

German pet parents opt for cost-saving methods to keep buying quality food

New research from NielsenIQ accessed by GlobalPETS unveils that German pet parents are concerned by increased inflation, prices and cost of living.  More than half (64%) of 1,500 surveyed pet owners admit that they are very concerned about the situation, with half of them taking steps to get a better handling of their budget dedicated to pet supplies.  Pet parents aged 18 to 24-year-olds, single households and households with children are the most affected by the situation, according to Nielsen IQ survey from July 2023. Measures in time of crisis  Over a quarter (29%) of pet parents in Germany felt compelled to occasionally purchase cheaper pet food in the last 3 months, and a fifth (21%) switched to a cheaper pet retailer. Nearly 2 out of 10 pet parents compared the prices of different pet food brands to find cheaper alternatives but haven't bought them at the end. Those that will compare prices in the next 3 months increase to 25%, mostly young pet owners. Yet, only 6% had switched to cheaper pet foods, indicating a strong preference to maintain the quality of food they feed their pets. Offline dominates Two-thirds of shoppers frequented specialist pet retailers in the last 3 months, with nearly half choosing grocery stores and drugstores. Approximately a quarter of shoppers opted for online platforms, mainly Amazon, and 9% bought its pet supplies in do-it-yourself (DIY) stores and garden centers.  Among those who prefer offline shopping, specialist stores are the preferred retail channel for most German pet owners (63%). General food retailers (58%) follow. If we look to online purchases in the last 3 months, specialist retailers represented 73% of all sales in that channel. According to Nielsen IQ, pet specialist retailers have become Germany's leading omnichannel channel.  Purchasing preferences Large product availability, variety and being well-stocked are the 3 aspects that impact a pet owner's perception when choosing a retailer.  When it comes to product claims, pet parents value that pet food is sugar free (42% for dogs owners vs. 40% for cats owners), followed by 'grain-free' (36% vs. 31%) and 'organic' (25% vs. 19%). A quarter of German dog owners and 18% of cat owners look for 'sensitive' food, according to the data. Harald Müller, Senior Consultant and Project Manager at NIQ, believes that those who primarily shopped online in the last 3 months paid even more attention to these product characteristics when making a purchase. 'Specific search criteria or product filters could play a role here,' he says. Purchasing power On average, German dog owners spend €74 ($79.2) per month on food, while cat owners spend €61 ($65.3). Over a fifth of dog owners spend upwards of €100 ($107.1), but only 10% of cat owners do the same. Most cat owners spend between €25 and €50 ($26.7–$53.5) every month. In the past year, purchasing trends for wet food, dry food and snacks have been relatively the same, with 80% of those surveyed buying the same amount for their pets. According to NielsenIQ, the BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) section has seen the most growth (25%) across German retailers, even though only 15% of dog owners buy raw food. by David Palacios Rubio & Muskaan Gupta from GlobalPETS.

23/10/2023

Tyson Foods Announces Partnership with Protix for More Sustainable Protein Production

 Oct. 17, 2023 – Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), one of the world's largest food companies, has reached an agreement for a two-fold investment with Protix, the leading global insect ingredients company. The strategic investment will support the growth of the emerging insect ingredient industry and expand the use of insect ingredient solutions to create more efficient sustainable proteins and lipids for use in the global food system. The agreement combines Tyson Foods' global scale, experience and network with Protix's technology and market leadership to meet current market demand and scale production of insect ingredients. Through a direct equity investment, Tyson Foods will acquire a minority stake in Protix to help fund its global expansion. In addition, Tyson Foods and Protix have entered a joint venture for the operation and construction of an insect ingredient facility in the continental United States. Upon completion, it will be the first at-scale facility of its kind to upcycle food manufacturing byproducts into high-quality insect proteins and lipids which will primarily be used in the pet food, aquaculture, and livestock industries. 'Our partnership with Protix represents the latest strategic investment by Tyson Foods in groundbreaking solutions that drive added value to Tyson Foods' business,' said John R. Tyson, chief financial officer of Tyson Foods. 'The insect lifecycle provides the opportunity for full circularity within our value chain, strengthening our commitment to building a more sustainable food system for the future.' Kees Aarts, CEO of Protix, says: 'We are very excited to announce the next step in our international growth strategy. Tyson Foods' and Protix's strategic partnership advances our joint work towards creating high-quality, more sustainable protein using innovative technology and solutions. Moreover, we can immediately use their existing byproducts as feedstock for our insects. This agreement is a major milestone for Protix and significantly accelerates our ambition to grow through international partnerships.'    The to-be-built facility in the U.S. will house an enclosed system to support all aspects of insect protein production including the breeding, incubating, and hatching of insect larvae. In addition to ingredients for the aquaculture and pet food industries, processed larvae may also be used as ingredients within livestock and plant feed. Protix is a fully integrated insect ingredients company, producing and processing 14,000 metric tons LLE annually in its Netherlands facility which has been in operation since 2019. It serves major global companies in the pet food, aquaculture feed, livestock feed and organic fertilizer industries as the demand for insect ingredients continues to grow. Tyson Foods continues to develop solutions to create a food system that is more sustainable and equitable for future generations. To learn more about Tyson Foods' sustainability initiatives, visit tysonfoods.com/sustainability. Insect Ingredient Facility The planned insect ingredient facility will house an enclosed system to support all aspects of insect protein production, including the breeding, incubating and hatching of insect larvae. In addition to ingredients for the aquaculture and pet food industries, processed larvae will find use as ingredients within the livestock and plant feed segments. 'The insect life cycle provides the opportunity for full circularity within our value chain, strengthening our commitment to building a more sustainable food system for the future.'
  About Tyson Foods, Inc. Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is one of the world's largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under four generations of family leadership, the Company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods innovates continually to make protein more sustainable and affordable to meet customers' needs worldwide and raise the world's expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the Company had approximately 142,000 team members on October 1, 2022. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and team members and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit www.tysonfoods.com. About Protix Protix is the leading company in insect-based ingredients for healthy and sustainable pet food, aqua culture and livestock feed and organic fertilizer. The company is on a mission to create low-footprint ingredients that solve major issues in the current food system. Protix contributes to a circular food chain by using waste from the food industry as feed for the black soldier fly (BSF). In turn, the insects are processed into valuable nutrients such as proteins and lipids. Protix's customers use these proteins and lipids as high-quality ingredients for feed and food. Moreover, residual streams from the insects are used as organic fertilizer. This way, insects close the loop and bring the food system back in balance with nature. Based in the Netherlands, Protix operates the first-in-the-world industrial insect facility, opened in 2019. With breeding, rearing and processing under one roof, the company has complete control of the production chain and offers reliable, high-quality supply. As the frontrunner and industry leader, Protix has laid the basis for a broad range of applications in feed and food. The company is now expanding internationally to deliver its solutions on a much broader scale. Protix believes in the power of partnerships, and actively seeks collaboration with forward-thinking players to unleash the potential of insect ingredients for the world. www.protix.eu. Source: Protix by All Pet Food   

20/10/2023

STATEC BINDER and NUPAC successfully conclude project together

Their goal was to increase bag filling capacity while reducing manual handling. For this, they turned to NUPAC in Australia, known as reliable suppliers of processing and packaging machinery and STATEC BINDER partners, who share a commitment to finding high-quality solutions for their customers. The Challenge: Enhancing Efficiency Massel Australia recognized the need to improve their bulk bagging process. The objective was straightforward: streamline operations, reduce labor requirements and elevate efficiency. They needed a partner who could not only provide cutting-edge machinery but also understand the unique constraints and demands of their production facility. Choosing NUPAC and STATEC BINDER: A partnership founded on individuality Massel Australia's journey toward a solution led them to NUPAC. What set NUPAC apart from the competition was more than just state-of-the-art equipment. Michael Caine, General Manager of Massel Australia, commented that they proceeded with NUPAC because "they displayed a genuine interest in coming up with a solution for us, listened to our needs and constraints, and were able to come up with a creative and efficient solution." The Solution for the customer: STATEC BINDER´s Acropac-T Machine NUPAC recommended the STATEC BINDER Acropac-T machine with gross weighing system and stainless steel execution. ACROPAC-T is a fully automatic open-mouth bagging machine which was perfectly tailored to Massel's requirements. This state-of-the-art equipment not only increased bag-filling capacity but also significantly reduced the need for manual operator input. One of the critical aspects was its ability to deliver substantial cost savings per bag filled. This cost-effectiveness made the investment in the new equipment an attractive proposition for Massel Australia. Overcoming Space Constraints Massel Australia faced a particularly challenging constraint—limited space, especially in terms of height. NUPAC worked closely with STATEC BINDER to overcome this challenge and find a solution that was compatible with the space available. This commitment to meeting every challenge head-on impressed Massel Australia and reinforced their trust in NUPAC as well as in the quality of STATEC BINDER machines. Massel Australia's encounter with NUPAC and STATEC BINDER was notably favorable. Michael Caine, in particular, emphasized that the entire process was an "overall excellent  xperience." He commended their professional handling of all queries and questions, creating a relationship that streamlined communication, especially during the planning and execution phases. When asked if they would recommend NUPAC and STATEC BINDER to others, Massel Australia responded with a resounding "Yes." Their recommendation is rooted in the positive purchasing experience and their trust in the post-sales support. They are confident that the ongoing support will maintain the same high standards of professionalism, positivity, and effectiveness as their initial interaction. In conclusion, this partnership has not only enhanced Massel's bag-filling process, thereby improving operational efficiency, but has also instilled confidence in NUPAC and STATEC BINDER's ability to provide unwavering support in the face of any challenge. By Statetc Binder Source: All Pet Food 

19/10/2023

Survey Reveals Impact of Excess Weight for Dogs – and Their Owners

ST. LOUIS — A new survey from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets found that excess physical weight in dogs carries an emotional weight for owners, and that many owners view their dogs as thinner than they really are. Results showed that approximately one in five dog-owning households consider one or more of their dogs to be overweight, according to a press release. However, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, the number of overweight dogs in the U.S. has reached a record high, with 59% of evaluated dogs either overweight (37%) or having obesity (22%). The Pro Plan Veterinary Diets survey was released on Oct. 11 – National Pet Obesity Awareness Day – and included more than 600 U.S. dog owners who identified their dog as overweight. It highlighted the physical and emotional factors contributing to excess weight and how these hinder dog owners from helping their pets. 'Dogs do not always gain excess weight due to a lack of care from their owners,' said APOP President Ernie Ward, DVM. 'If anything, an overweight dog may be a sign that the owner cares too much about their dog's happiness. But while it's often said that 'food is love,' feeding a pet too much could lead to an overall reduced quality of life.' More from the release: The Emotional Impact of Excess Weight The new survey revealed that excess weight gain in pets can be related to the emotions owners experience around feeding and treating: -75% of surveyed owners agreed they feel guilty when their dogs appear hungry. -67% agreed food is a primary source of their dog's happiness. -67% agreed they bond with their dog by feeding him/her treats and don't want to lose that bond. -54% agreed they feed their dog more food, table scraps or treats when their pet begs for them. Despite their fears about losing the bond with their dogs, 88% of surveyed owners whose dogs are overweight agreed their pets' body condition does concern them and 92% agreed that weight loss would be beneficial. These beliefs may be fueled by weight-related behavior changes in their pet that can impact the owner: -92 percent of surveyed owners agree they are sad when their dog can't participate in activities they previously enjoyed when their weight was ideal. -45% indicate their dog has less energy for playtime, 44% say their dog tires easily after minimal activity and 27% say their dog is less engaged or playful with their families. 'The results show that many owners of overweight dogs feel conflicted about what quality of life means for their pets,' said Jason Gagné, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), Director of Veterinary Communications for Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. 'While owners recognize that excess weight is keeping their dogs from participating in activities they once enjoyed, they also worry their dogs will be unhappy if feeding changes are made.' What Can Owners Do? Many surveyed owners have tried to help using DIY slimming strategies but were met with limited success. According to the survey, the most common weight-loss approaches tried by owners are reducing portions of existing food, cutting back on treats and increasing exercise, yet 68% of owners who tried these strategies stated their dogs lost only a little weight or no weight at all. 'Understanding the significance of this issue is the first step towards a healthy future for our pets,' said Gagné. 'The second is working closely with your veterinarian to create a weight loss plan that will work for you AND your pet – including the right nutrition, which can make a big difference. Pro Plan and Pro Plan Veterinary Diets offer a range of formulas, like OM Metabolic Response + Joint Mobility, specifically designed to help pets lose body fat while maintaining lean muscle mass.' It's also important to think about weight before it becomes a problem. In a 14-year study published in 2002, Purina scientists were the first to show the importance of keeping dogs at an ideal body condition throughout their lives3.  Researchers monitored the health of 48 Labrador Retrievers throughout their lives during which half the dogs were fed 25% less (restricted-fed) than their full-fed (control) siblings. The results showed that feeding dogs to an ideal body condition over a lifetime can significantly extend a dog's healthy years – by an average of 1.8 years for the dogs in the study. If you have concerns about your pet's weight, talk to your veterinarian. To learn more about weight management support and Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, visit proplanvetdirect.com. About the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 with the primary mission of preventing and treating pet obesity. APOP conducts research to substantiate pet obesity prevalence levels in the United States and offers resources and tools to veterinarians and pet parents to recognize, prevent, and treat pet obesity.  By Neslé Purina
 

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

13/10/2023

Trending in North America: natural and nutritious pet food

Inflation was a key driver of growth but trends including premiumisation and usage of treats and toppers will prevail in the longer term, though. Mintel forecasts continued moderate growth as inflation eases in coming years, with a rise of 24% between 2022 and 2027 to $44.4 billion. In this new article on our blog you will be able to learn how the humanization trend supports trends in health and nutrition, as well as sustainability, within the pet food industry in North America. You are invited to read more!   Source: Symrise Pet Food

12/10/2023

Europe definitively approves the labeling of organic pet food

Under the new regulation, manufacturers can label pet food with the EU organic production logo if 95% of its agricultural ingredients are organic, aligning with organic food for humans and considering the EU's high standards for organic products. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have considered the 'growing consumer demand for organic products' as an opportunity for further expansion of the pet food sector, making it easier for consumers to recognize organic ingredients in their pet food purchases. Further, to spread awareness about compliance, the Council has made the EU organic production logo mandatory for pre-packed organic pet food. 'With these new and updated rules, it will be easier for pet owners to buy organic food for their pets. At the same time, the regulation will make it easier for producers to enter the organic pet food market and improve certainty for EU consumers,' says Luis Planas Puchades, acting minister of agriculture, fisheries and food for Spain. 'Final consumers should be appropriately informed about the composition of pet food containing both organic and non-organic agricultural ingredients, thus enabling consumer confidence and fair competition between operators in the pet food sector,' says the regulation. The Council adopted the law on October 9 and it will enter into force three days after its publication in the Official Journal. Boosting organic production and stability The EU regulation on organic production was applied on January 1, 2022, and stipulates that pet food can only be labeled as organic if all its agricultural ingredients are organic. The new regulation amends this requirement to 95% (in terms of weight).  The new law will make it more practical for pet food producers to cater to organic labeling requirements and enter the market. 'This is in line with the farm-to-fork strategy goal of boosting organic production so it can reach 25% of the EU's agricultural land use by 2030,' notes the EU Council. The new law also dictates that producers refer to organic production in the sales description and the list of ingredients for consumer information and transparency to stimulate the use of organic ingredients in pet foods. To maintain harmony among producers, the law allows the sale of organic pet food labeled per national rules or in line with private standards between January 1, 2022, and the date of entry into force of the new regulation can still be sold 'until stocks are exhausted.' Moreover, pet food producers have six months before they are required to place the EU organic logo on their products. Events preceding the law's sanction Previously, organic production of all the ingredients was not a criterion for pet foods to be labeled as organic since the requirements for organic pet food were generally set at a national level.  But, a change came into effect when regulation 2018/848 was applied in January 2022, which demanded that 'processed animal feed can be labeled as organic only if 100% of its agricultural ingredients and at least 95% of its dry ingredients are organic.' However, producers struggled with the limited availability of the organic variants of some ingredients, including those that improved the taste of pet food. It became impossible for most organic pet food formulators to adhere to the rules. Pet food taste can be improved by using palatants that blend umami richness and targeted taste enhancements. Symrise recently opened such a production facility in Brazil. On November 28, 2022, the European Commission adopted its proposal for a regulation on labeling organic pet food, which provides clarity to producers and consumers by deciding on specific labeling for pet food.  The Council then amended the proposal by adding 'transitional periods' to allow producers to adapt to the new rules. All Pet Food  

11/10/2023

Purina calls on consumers to recycle pet food cans

The #PurinaRecyclesChallenge encourages pet owners to take aim at the recycling bin — rather than the trash can — when disposing of their used pet food cans. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, the pet food industry utilizes roughly 7 million metal food cans annually. Approximately 25% of these are steel and typically used for dog food, and 75% are aluminum and normally used for cat food. While these cans are infinitely recyclable, there is ample room for improvement in their recycling rates, including among pet owners. An estimated 32% of American consumers recycle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2019 American Community Survey. The US Energy Information Administration claims the use of recycled aluminum cans to manufacture new cans requires 95% less energy than creating new cans from raw materials. 'We launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to show just how easy it is to make an impact, and to help break down some of the barriers that keep people from recycling their pet food cans,' said Gopi Sandhu, vice president of environmental sustainability at Purina. 'Aluminum and steel are infinitely recyclable, and given the billions of cans produced in the United States each year, a seemingly small act of recycling can make a big difference.' The challenge invites pet owners to film a 'trick shot' of them banking a pet food can into the recycling bin and share on Instagram and/or TikTok with the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. The company will donate $10 for every original post and $1 for every like, share or comment on those posts to The Recycling Partnership to support recycling education and infrastructure across the United States. The campaign will run through Dec. 15. Aside from this can recycling initiative, Purina has also committed to improving packaging sustainability across its entire portfolio. According to the company, almost 90% of its plastic packages used for pet food are designed to be recycled, a figure it hopes to increase to 95% by 2025. By Jordan Tyler - Pet Food Processing

10/10/2023

Bioflytech makes progress in the construction of its second plant in Spain

Located in the northwest of the country, the objective for the first phase is for the new plant to produce 12,000 tonnes of fresh black soldier fly larvae per year. It includes a rendering facility, of its own design and unique in the market, which allows it to manufacture flours with protein and fat percentages tailored to customers' requirements. The company has another plant in Fuente Alamo (Murcia), where it produces 180 kg. of black soldier fly eggs per month Palas de Rei, Spain, October 2nd 2023.- Work on the plant Bioflytech is building in Palas de Rei, in the Spanish autonomous region of Galicia, is progressing well. The rendering and drying plants are being set up, and in the coming weeks the first of the six fattening halls will start operations, each of which will produce 2,000 tonnes of fresh black soldier fly larvae per year, until reaching the maximum production capacity of this first phase, of 12,000 tonnes per year, during 1Q2024. In the coming years, further major investments are planned in this plant in order to reach 100,000 tonnes per year of black soldier fly larvae production.   This new, second Bioflytech plant - the other is located in Fuente Álamo, in the Spanish region of Murcia - is equipped with a gas rendering installation designed by the company and unique in the market, a disruptive technology that will make it possible to manufacture tailor-made flours with specific percentages of protein and fats according to the customer's demands, and which is set to revolutionise the insect protein flour production sector. The Palas de Rei plant will also have a second conventional rendering line, which is currently in the testing phase and is expected to start production this November. Bioflytech was founded in 2012 as a biotechnology company linked to the University of Alicante. Six years later, the company Moira Capital acquired the majority of its capital, and at the end of 2019 moved its operations to Fuente Álamo.   Bioflytech obtains mainly four products from the black soldier fly: dried larva, which is obtained after almost complete drying of the fresh larva and has highly digestible protein and all the necessary components for the diet of poultry, fish and other animals; high-protein meals; fats, which are obtained from the larvae and without using chemical agents or solvents; and compost, obtained as a result of the biodigestion of the plant material produced during the fattening process.   Bioflytech's dried larvae is a product specially designed as a feed diet for laying hens and broiler chickens, while the protein meals are intended for the petfood, aquaculture and poultry industries, and also to a lesser extent for animal feed for the fur industry. Fats are mainly used in animal feed, but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Compost is used as a fertiliser.   One of the world's leading players Bioflytech's first and so far only plant in Fuente Alamo currently produces 4,000 tonnes of fresh larvae per year. One of the largest black soldier fly hatcheries in the world is located here, with a production of 180 kilos of black soldier fly eggs per month. Bioflytech's strategic plan includes an investment of 2.8 million euros this year in various improvements in this plant, with the aim, among others, of increasing the monthly egg production to 350 kg. Now, with the start-up of the second Spanish plant - which will operate through its subsidiary Alternatives Fats and Proteins of Galicia - Bioflytech will consolidate its position as one of the world's leading producers of insect-derived products for the animal feed industry.   Source: Byoflytech

05/10/2023

Stalk About Nutritious: It’s Corn!

Corn has an unearned reputation as being something that should be avoided for pets. Some pet foods specifically advertise that they have 'no corn' as if this is a badge of honor and many non-veterinary sources suggest that corn isn't digestible and 'goes straight through' a dog or cat or is a 'cheap filler'. Let's unpack some of these myths and set the record straight.   Can dogs and cats digest corn? While whole sweet corn kernels can make it intact through the intestines of both dogs and cats (and humans!) and be visible in the feces, especially if not thoroughly chewed, this doesn't mean that corn isn't a safe and nutritious food. Like all grains, the digestibility of corn is greatly increased by grinding and cooking – corn meal or ground corn are common pet food ingredients that have been shown to be highly digestible (the starch component is 90-99% digestible in studies).   One type of corn that should never be fed to dogs is corn that is still on the cob. Dogs fed corn on the cob, or who access cobs from the compost or trash, often swallow large portions of the cob which frequently cause gastrointestinal obstruction and require surgery to resolve.   Does corn cause allergies in dogs or cats? While grains and especially corn are often thought to be common allergens by pet owners, the scientific data does not support this perception. Overall, food allergies are uncommon in pets and the vast majority of pets with food allergies are allergic to animal proteins, not to plant proteins or grains. Corn is rarely confirmed to be the cause of allergies in dogs or cats; in most situations where a pet's family thinks that corn is the culprit, it turns out to be a different ingredient, typically an animal protein (or, more commonly, unrelated to food allergy).   Does corn cause inflammation? Corn is an excellent source of the essential fatty acid, linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid and it is required to be provided by the diet in dogs, cats, and humans. However, it should be balanced with other types of fats like omega-3s – if a diet has high amounts of omega-6s with little or no omega-3s, that can encourage the production of more inflammatory compounds. Experienced pet food formulators know what combinations of ingredients to use to result in a diet with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids and a healthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. The higher omega-6s from corn may be offset by fish or fish oil, algal oil,  flaxseed or flaxseed oil, or even chia seeds. So, while corn as the only source of fatty acids in a pet food isn't ideal, most foods will have a number of other ingredients providing other types of fat to balance it all out.   Do dogs and cats get any nutrients from corn? Corn can be a good source of energy from both starch (carbohydrate) and from fat (as mentioned above). Whole ground corn also contains some corn bran, which is an insoluble fiber source which can contribute to good fecal quality. Corn is also a good source of several B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium. It's also an excellent source of carotenoids – compounds that are made by plants and suspected to have substantial health benefits – like lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor). We don't know how much of these compounds pets (or people) should get from their diet optimally, but they are thought to contribute to why increased consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with improved health in most studies in people as well as some in dogs.   Does corn contain gluten? While the protein component of corn is called 'gluten', it is quite different from the protein found in wheat, rye, and related grains that is associated with gluten-intolerance. Gluten intolerance is pretty rare in pets and has been confirmed only in a few families of specific dog breeds. But, even if a pet came from a breed with known gluten-related issues (such as a border terrier or Irish setter), there should be no reason why the pet won't tolerate corn or corn gluten.   Is GMO corn harmful for pets? The majority of corn that is used for human and animal feeding in the US is genetically-modified (GMO) to be resistant to common herbicides. While discussions of the 'evils' of GMO foods are easy to find, actual data to support any health risks to pets or people who eat GMO corn are scarce. Genetically-modified organisms require extensive safety testing prior to FDA approval. GMO corn strains have been available for more than two decades, yet no adverse health effects have been proven. Based on current data, there are no reasons to avoid GMO corn in pet diets. The bottom line is that corn is a safe and healthy ingredient in pet food. Avoid giving your dog access to corn on the cob or empty cobs, but otherwise, don't be concerned to see corn meal, corn gluten, or ground whole corn in your pet food ingredient list. It's also okay to give your dog unflavored popcorn, cooked fresh corn that you've cut off the cob, or cooked frozen corn kernels as a treat – just don't freak out if you see some of the kernels in the feces when you're cleaning the yard!   Source: Clinical Nutrition Service

04/10/2023

Poultry by-products from refrigerators as potential ingredients for pet nutrition

In 2022, Brazil slaughtered 6.1 billion birds, which corresponds approximately to a volume of 12.89 million tons of carcasses produced in inspected establishments (IBGE, 2023). Of these, 4.7 million tons of inedible fresh by-products are transformed into approximately 693.3 MT of poultry offal meal (HVA), 506.1 Mton. of poultry fat, 593.6 MT of feather meal and 118.2 thousand tons of blood meal, a process known as rendering (ABRA, 2021). To transform these by-products into flour, these products are sent to specific processes. In the case of viscera, it must be processed the same day, or in a maximum of 24 hours, as regulated by the Normative Instruction 34/2008 of the Ministry of Agriculture. Thus, all the visceral content, not intended for human consumption, is transported from the slaughterhouse to the "fat plant" (the name given to the establishment responsible for recycling the material), also known as the "rendering plant." The offal rendering process undergoes heat treatment in digesters, which cook the material until much of the water present in the fresh offal evaporates, reaching the frying stage. The total processing time is approximately 60 to 90 minutes, with greater variations, depending on the characteristics of the material processed. After this cooking time, the dough is unloaded in a place to extract part of the oil from the dough by gravity, known as a percolator. After, the dough is pressed to remove excess oil, then milled, and the process is completed, giving instead of poultry offal meal. Figure 1: Production flow diagram of a "rendering plant."   In general, poultry offal meal is an excellent source of essential nutrients for non-ruminant animals, with 60 to 70% protein, considered a good quality protein because it has a good amino acid profile and digestibility, it is rich in minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron) and contains an average of 10 to 14% fat, rich in omega-6 fatty acids. However, due to the quality of the visceral raw material and the forms of processing, there are currently some classifications for poultry offal meal on the market, which are: Standard viscera meal: a product resulting from the processing of poultry viscera that allows the inclusion of bone parts (heads and feet). Meal of viscera with high ash: the product obtained with the inclusion of mechanically separated meat residues (CSM). It has a lower cost compared to other types, however, by presenting a high percentage of mineral matter, it limits the inclusion in the formula. Low ash offal meal: a product composed solely of visceral material, where the inclusion of heads and legs is allowed, as long as it does not exceed the maximum level of mineral material allowed. It is highly sought after by the pet food industry due to its nutritional quality, and it has higher levels of inclusion in formulations. Hydrolyzed viscera meal: a product obtained by adding enzymes (proteases) during the processing of the raw material, together with a controlled and less aggressive thermal process. Thus, with the application of proteases during the process, lysis occurs, which means the "breakdown" of proteins, releasing bioactive peptides that can benefit animals (McCalla et al., 2008). In addition to having other bioactive and functional properties such as antioxidant and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitory activity, it is also widely used in hypoallergenic food formulations. A study with hydrolyzed chicken protein in dogs with dermatitis problems showed a 63% reduction in secretions caused by allergy (Zhao et al., 1997). Cats fed the diet containing enzyme-hydrolyzed offal meal had lower serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity than those fed the conventional offal meal diet (Miltenburg et al., 2021). Another factor that can interfere with the protein quality of poultry viscera and which few processing plants analyze is the heat treatment that the visceral material receives. If process time and temperature are not controlled, the protein can undergo oxidation and complexation of the thermosensitive amino acids with other nutrients. This makes them less available or even unavailable to the animal. However, with the advancement of industrial technology, process control has been automated and is increasingly out of human control, which has contributed to reducing variations in the process, preventing each operator from determining their ideal process point. Therefore, if it is well processed, it is possible to improve the protein quality of poultry offal meals and increase the benefits that can be added, such as meal digestibility (table 1).   *In Vitro digestibility Table 1. Digestibility values ​​(%) of the flour depend on the processing   The temperature and processing time of poultry offal meal is high, and when foods are processed at high temperatures, a non-enzymatic browning and flavoring reaction occur, known as the Maillard reaction (Cramer et al., 2007; Venir et al., 2009), which makes possible the presence of Maillard reaction products in thermally processed flours. Therefore, it is important to identify and quantify which products and what are the effects of these products on animal health, whether harmful or beneficial.     Figure 2: Schematic representation of the Maillard reaction and formation of "flavor" melanoidins in foods. Source: Tamanna and Nahmood, 2015.   One product of the Maillard reaction that has attracted attention for its beneficial effects on human nutrition is melanoidins. Melanoidins are high molecular-weight polymeric macromolecules originating in the last stage of the Maillard reaction. They give flavor, and texture and are responsible for the brown color of thermally processed foods (de la Cruz et al., 2019, Pérez-Burillo et al. 2020),). In human nutrition, the prebiotic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer effects of melanoidins from various heat-treated foods have already been studied, and because it presents this variety of benefits, this compound has been considered a potential functional ingredient, despite having few studies in animal nutrition and none found in the nutrition of dogs and cats. In a study (Aljahdali et al., 2020) which evaluated the impact of the consumption of barley malt melanoidins on the intestinal microbiota of mice, it was shown a decrease in pathogenic bacteria (Dorea, Oscillibacter, Alisitpes) and a predominance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Parasutterella, Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium), suggesting a remarkable prebiotic potential of the melanoidins present in the ingredient. Another study (Serran et al., 2018) evaluated the presence of melanoidins in fish diets, which presented an increase in the postprandial antioxidant capacity of blood plasma. There is a large number of by-products that have more or less underutilized melanoidins, such as coffee residues, distilled cane bagasse, sugar cane molasses, brewery waste, and other ingredients, which are exposed to thermal processes such as poultry entrails meal. However, what remains is to quantify these melanoidins and study their effects on animal health, since what is known is that the products of the Maillard reaction have been attributed a decreased nutritional quality effect due to lower protein digestibility and particularly advanced glycation end products, which have been associated with health problems and diseases such as aging, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Yet, melanoidins are high molecular weight polymers resistant to digestion, which reach the colon and are fermented by local bacteria. Due to this fiber-like effect, dietary melanoidins are associated with prebiotic properties (Morales et al., 2012; Tagliazucchi and Bellesia, 2015). Recently, in a pilot study at the State University of Maringá (UEM), laboratory analysis was carried out to verify the number of melanoidins in a residue from the HVA process, and a concentration of 113.68 mg/g was found in this melanoidins residue. The result aroused interest in learning about the effects of melanoidins from meal processing on pet nutrition. The first test was related to palatability and acceptability, for this a palatability test was carried out in cats using the two-recipient method, in which the diet containing melanoidins presented greater palatability, a result observed by the Intake Index, which is the proportion of consumption of food A concerning food B. In this test, the animals consumed 68% of the food (Figure 3) with more melanoidins in relation to the control food without melanoidins, where consumption was at a rate of 32%.     Figure 3: Palatability test of ingredients with melanoidins (CN = negative control).   Given the acceptance by the animals, the next stage of the study will be to produce poultry offal meals under controlled process conditions, changing only the process temperature to determine the effect on the formation of melanoidins (Figure 4), the preference for animals, and effects related to intestinal health. Figure 4: Stages of research with melanoidins in HVA.   With this study, it will be possible to characterize the effects of melanoidins in poultry offal meal on pet nutrition and include in their composition their percentage of melanoidins, which, in addition to being an accessible and good-quality ingredient for the pet food sector, it can increase the benefits of this ingredient, characterizing it as bioactive offal meal, when the level of melanoidins present is reported. Por: Msc. Josiane Aparecida Volpato Fuente: All Pet Food Magazine   Bibliographic references: Aljahdali, N., Gadonna-Widehem, P., Anton, P.M., Carbonero, F. Gut Microbiota Modulation by Dietary Barley Malt Melanoidins. Nutrients. V. 12. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12010241 Bellagamba, F., Caprino, F., Mentasti, T., Vasconi, M., Moretti, V.M. The impact of amino acid processing/racemization and protein quality in processed animal proteins of poultry origin. Italian Journal of Animal Science. V. 14. 2015. Cramer, K.R., Greenwood, M.W., Moritz JS, et al. Protein quality of various raw and processed by-product meals commonly incorporated into companion animal diets. J Anim Sci. V.85, p.3285–3293. 2007. de la Cruz, S.T., Iriondo-DeHond, A., Herrera, T., Lopez-Tofiño, Y., Galvez-Robleño, C., Prodanov, M., Velazquez-Escobar, F., Abalo, R., del Castillo, M.D. An Assessment of the Bioactivity of Coffee Silverskin Melanoidins. Foods. Vol. 8. 2019. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). 2023. Pesquisa Trimestral do Abate de Animais. Disponível em: https://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/index.php/biblioteca-catalogo?view=detalhes&id=73087. Acessado em: março, 2023. McCalla, J., Waugh, T., Lohry, E. Protein Hydrolysates/Peptides in Animal Nutrition. In: Protein Hydrolysates in Biotechnology pp 179–190. Chapter 10. 2008. Miltenburg, T.Z., da Silva, M.U., Bosch, G., Vasconcellos, R.S. 2021. Effects of enzymatically hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and aldosterone in cats, Archives of Animal Nutrition, 75:1, 64-77, DOI: 10.1080/1745039X.2020.1849899 Morales, F. J., Somoza, V., & Fogliano, V. Physiological relevance of dietary melanoidins. Amino Acids. V.42, p.1097–1109. 2012. doi.org/10.1007/s00726-010- 0774-1. Organização das Nações Unidas para Agricultura e Alimentação (FAO). 2023. Gateway to poultry production and products. Disponível em: https://www.fao.org/poultry-production-products/production/en/. Acessado em: março, 2023. Pérez-Burillo, S., Rajakaruna, S., Pastoriza, S., Paliy, O., Angel Rufian-Henares, J. Bioactivity of food melanoidins is mediated by gut microbiota. Food Chemistry. V.316. 2020. Ribeiro, L.B.; Bankuti, F.I.; Silva, M. U.; Ribeiro, P. M.; Silva, J. M.; Sato, J.; Bortolo M.; Vasconcellos, R.S. Oxidative stability and nutritional quality of poultry by-product meal: An approach from the raw material to the finished product. Animal Feed Science and Technology, v.255. 2019. Serran, X., Hernándeza, A.J., Morales, G., et al. Effects of dietary melanoidins on digestive physiology, nutrient digestibility and plasmatic antioxidant capacity of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Aquaculture. V. 495, p. 153-160. 2018. Tagliazucchi, D.; Bellesia, A. The gastro-intestinal tract as the major site of biological action of dietary melanoidins. Amino Acids. V. 47, p. 1077-89. 2015. Tamanna, N.; Niaz, M. Food processing and Maillard reaction products: effect on human health and nutrition. International Journal of Food Science, v. 2015, p. 1-5, 2015. Venir, E., Pittia, P., Giavon, S., Maltini, E. Structure and water relations of melanoidins investigated by thermal, rheological, and microscopic analysis. Int J Food Prop 12:819–833. Volpato, J.A., Ribeiro, L.B., Torezan, B.G., da Silva, I.C., Martins, I.O. Francisco, J.C.P., Genova, J.L., de Oliveira, N.T.E., Carvalho, S.T., Carvalho, P.L.O., Vasconcellos, R.S. Determinant production factors to the in vitro organic matter digestibility and protein oxidation of poultry by-product meal. Polutry Science. V. 102. 2023. ZHAO, X. et al. Nutrient Requirements and Interactions and Degree of Protein Hydrolysis 1, 2. n. March, p. 2350–2356, 1997.

02/10/2023

Kemin news with Mariane Bortolo

So, what have been the latest releases of the company? In May, at FENAGRA, we launched two new palatants: PALASURANCE® P D40-180 IP LIQUID, a vegetable hydrolyzate, naturally preserved and NO-GMO, compatible with various types of diets, traditional, monoprotein, and even vegetarian pet animal feeds. PALASURANCE® A DC70-350 IP LIQUID, a palatant for dogs and cats with super premium palatability, based on fish protein, naturally preserved, GMO-Free, and compatible with various diets. This product is the first fish protein-based product launched by Kemin Nutrisurance in South America that meets the market need. In the last three years, among all pet food launches in South America, fish was the second most popular protein in terms of the number of pet food product launches, behind chicken. Thus, we also launched ALLINSUR™ AS 11A, a liquid antioxidant and preservative additive containing ingredients designed to protect bulk animal fats or oils from auto-oxidative deterioration and preserve freshness during transport to the end user. Lastly, our last launch was in June, a product called ADDEFORM™ FG LIQUID, a water-soluble antifoam additive used to prevent foam formation in the processing of raw materials and by-products of animal origin. These products brought innovation, diversity in the use of animal and vegetable proteins, sustainability, NO-GMO products, naturally preserved, process improvement, food safety, and alignment with market trends and needs.   And what upcoming releases are you currently working on? In our Innovation Center located in Vargeão - Santa Catarina - Brazil, where we can develop new products, co-create with customers, and improve our products, we are currently working on a product that is a blend of antioxidants and antimicrobials for pet food. We are also working on launches of palatability agents for wet food, as well as innovations in synthetic and natural antioxidants.   What is the differential of these products & services? Kemin's differential is always innovation in products, molecules, and services. We have a team of technical services that gives all the support to our customers, both in the creation of tailor-made products to meet the needs of our customers, as well as assistance in their formulations, development of suppliers of quality raw materials, regulatory information, and laboratory. To find out more about Kemin, visit the WEB. Source: All Pet Food   

29/09/2023

Formula management software for pet food production

Automation streamlines the manufacturing process and allows manufacturers to easily monitor and make modifications to the production process from anywhere. Implementing good formula management software gives manufacturers product consistency, lot tracking, and production reports, and it can be easily integrated with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software for a seamless solution.   Importance of formula management Implementing the right formula management software is key to maximizing plant performance. This software manages and stores all the formula information for the plant, as well as important process information for lot tracing and production analysis. This includes raw material delivery and storage, final product storage, mapping materials throughout the entire process, and important batch, campaign, and ingredient usage details. It is worth spending time researching formula management software to ensure the package implemented aligns with your business needs. Common Features • Create and store recipes • Recipe modification • Ingredient location mapping • Ingredient parameters • Lot tracking • Production records • Campaign Management Manufacturers often use several software packages to have these features and encompass all processes within the plant. When looking at a system that can fully handle all production needs, features, additional advanced features are needed. Advanced Features • Recipe modifications from the HMI • Ingredient location mapping • Process variables • Micro-ingredients and micro-batching management • Integration with ERP and MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software • Capability of handling both batching and continuous processes Formula management software, such as NorthWind's BatchLOGIX®, provides all the common and advanced features in one robust platform. With features such as material mapping, recipe creation, process variables, micro-ingredient tracking, and production reports, it's able to fulfill production demands. NorthWind offers additional integration that connects the plant floor to the rest of the business. By integrating with the plant's ERP system, data continually transfers back and forth from both systems for seamless and high-level business management.   Formulas Formulas for pet food production are complex and need a robust piece of software to handle all variables and both batching and continuous processes within the plant. Often recipes only refer to the amount of each material needed, but there is a lot more that goes into establishing product consistency than simply ingredient amounts or weights. To produce a consistent product, formulas should include both ingredient and process variables and the entire production process from micro-ingredients through continuous extrusion.   Ingredient Parameters Ingredient parameters include setpoints, rate tolerances, and upper and lower setpoint trim allowance. Setpoint is the target ingredient rate, tolerance is a percent of error acceptable, and trim allowance is the amount that the setpoint can be adjusted by the operator during production. For example, an ingredient has a setpoint of 100kg/hr, tolerance at 10%, and a trim allowance of 10kg/hr. The operator could adjust the ingredient rate and call for 110kg/hr. The actual rate could potentially be 121kg/hr and still be within the acceptable tolerance.   Process Variables Process variables are all the mechanical setpoints on the production floor. For example, a few of the extruder's common process variables include Head Temperatures, Die Temperature, and Die Pressure. These variables are critical for complying with quality standards, making them a vital piece of the formula.   Micro-ingredients Batching Hand-batched micro-ingredients are important and often high-dollar ingredients that play a significant role in the final product. This part of the process is often handled separately from the formula management software. Because this step is not included in the formula management and plant automation system, errors often occur during the weighing and lot tracking of these ingredients. BatchMATE® by NorthWind connects the hand batching step to the rest of the plant by automating the hand batching process and including the steps in the formulas. Once connected, BatchLOGIX can track the lots and produce production reports.   Lot Tracking Lot Tracking is one of the most critical aspects of any Formula Management Software. The lot tracking process starts from the receipt of raw materials through the final product. By tracking lot numbers in this way, the system can pull specific lot information for each campaign and batch. This is invaluable when a non-compliant lot or a major fault is detected by the quality department. Using the information provided by the lot tracking feature, production data can be analyzed, and contaminated ingredients and products can be identified, isolated, and pulled from the batch or campaign.   Production Reports Production Reports are key for any Formula Management Software. The information provided in these reports helps in scheduling production and can be helpful in identifying the cause of missed targets and other inefficiencies. Production reports can also identify when to schedule maintenance and other necessary stops for production. Ingredient usage and run reports are also available to ensure quality and production targets are being hit. Some of the key benefits of good production reporting are business insights, higher customer satisfaction, higher efficiency, and better data-driven decisions.   ERP Integration Integrating the plant floor with the rest of the business allows for production data to be seamlessly used throughout the business. It is common for APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to be written for connecting the plant floor to the ERP system. Having the ability to share data between the different systems is a huge advantage to companies, with this they can schedule production and analyze production in real-time. When all the data is readily available, business decisions are now easily backed by data.   Conclusion Whether scaling recipes into a batch or metering ingredients into a continuous system, quality formula management software is key to maximizing plant performance and increasing product consistency. BatchLOGIX® has the scalability to accommodate systems of any size with the flexibility to incorporate all processes within a pet food production facility.   By: Eduardo Martinez - Project Manager - NorthWind Technical Services Source: All Pet Food Magazine

28/09/2023

The pet industry in Saudi Arabia

With a population of 32.2 million, 63% of Saudis are aged 30 or under. This is one of the reasons why pet ownership in the country has been booming in recent years. In 2020, the pet care market in Saudi Arabia was worth $89.7 million (€80.5M), and in 2023 this jumped to $137.7 million (€123.6M), according to Euromonitor – an increase of more than 50%.     Government support for SMEs In addition to the changes in Saudi society – with fewer people getting married and having pets instead of children – the government has been implementing a strategy in the last 2 years that focuses on bringing as much business as possible to the country. The so-called Kafalah Program, launched by the Saudi Industrial Development Fund together with Saudi banks, offers loans of up to $5 million (€4.5M) to small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that want to establish operations in the kingdom. Pet sector businesses can also apply for these loans. 'With just an idea for a business, you can get a loan guaranteed by the government. You don't have to provide any guarantees', explains Mohammed Al Roumi, Founder of Pet Products Trading Company.   More vets Vet clinics are also benefiting from this support. From 10 clinics nationwide a couple of years ago, it is believed that there are now more than 100. This is partly because the Saudi Ministry of Agriculture helps vet clinics to set up their business and install the equipment they need. Al Roumi's company, a distributor of pet products and supplies, has also seen an increase in the number of its customers who run a vet clinic.   Production facilities at little cost The government is currently implementing the Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework to transform the economy and open the country to the world. In the past 2 years, 5 new pet food factories owned by Saudi companies have opened in the central region of the country with the help of the authorities in Riyadh. 'They are backed by the government from start to finish. This includes the land, knowledge and machinery they need', says Al Roumi. At the beginning of last year, a new partnership between Calysseo – a joint venture set up by Calysta and Adisseo – and business and project development company Food Caravan aimed to build a 100,000-ton capacity fermenter in Saudi Arabia to produce Calysta's novel protein ingredients. Low land rent also made this an attractive proposition. Renting land for a 9,000 sqm pet food facility can cost as little as $5 (€4.5) a day.   Pet food revenue doubled It is believed that there are currently about 25 pet food brands in the country and that demand is increasing. Al Roumi agrees: 'Our revenue doubles each year, and we're constantly out of stock because of the high demand'. Most pet stores in the kingdom selling these brands are independently owned, and supermarkets mainly sell brands from big pet food corporations.   E-commerce fills a gap The online channel has experienced gradual growth ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started. 'If you go beyond the big cities, you don't see many good pet retailers. That's why online is booming and growing every month,' says Al Roumi, whose company has 25% of its customers operating in the online pet space. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce, e-commerce transactions registered an increase of 32% in the first quarter of 2023. Source: Global PETS

26/09/2023

Pet food experts harness the power of yucca

Let's explore the importance of the concept in pet foods, specifically highlighting the benefits of incorporating Yucca schidigera, a natural ingredient, and shedding light on farming practices that sustainably harvest this powerful plant.   Sustainability in pet foods Pet food production carries its own unique ecological footprint, from sourcing ingredients to packaging and transportation. Embracing sustainable practices in pet food manufacturing not only reduces environmental impact but ensures the long-term health and vitality of our pets. By opting for sustainably sourced ingredients and employing eco-friendly production methods, we can contribute to a greener future for our furry companions.   What is Yucca schidigera? Yucca schidigera, also known as Mojave yucca, is a plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico that has gained recognition for its numerous health benefits in pet food. The plant contains natural saponins, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Incorporating Yucca schidigera into pet food has been found to alleviate joint pain, promote healthy digestion, reduce fecal odor, and support overall well-being. It's important, though, to recognize that not all yucca products are the same. How yucca is farmed and harvested can vary. Sustainability starts at the source, and regenerative agricultural practices are needed to ensure that yucca production is both environmentally and socially responsible. Working with trusted suppliers assures pet food producers that their ingredients are from safe, reliable and sustainable sources. Companies such as Alltech understand the importance of regenerative agriculture. Alltech's state-of-the-art production facility in Serdán, Mexico — where Deo-Pet®, a yucca-based pet food ingredient, is produced — is leading the way.   A responsible harvest Alltech's yucca harvest management system enables us to ensure the long-term continuity of the species. The planting area, harvesting methods and cutting plans are determined following the regulations established by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) of Mexico. Alltech Serdán, located about 120 miles southeast of Mexico City, supports and advises potential suppliers, mostly local families, as they learn to harvest the yucca responsibly. These suppliers only cut plants that are at least 15 years old, and they cut carefully to ensure rapid regrowth. Alltech also trains them to collect, store and remove the yucca in a way that avoids environmental damage to surrounding flora and fauna.   Reforestation and beyond According to the reforestation rules of SEMARNAT, for every yucca tree harvested, one yucca seedling must be planted. Alltech goes above this requirement: for every yucca tree harvested, three trees are planted by local farmers. Alltech supplies the seedlings and provides training and annual programs to review these reforestation efforts. In 2022, the Serdán facility planted 80,046 seedlings in its nursery and reforested 61,113 seedlings.     Alltech Serdán also uses Yucca waste to produce compost and improve yucca seedlings growing in the nursery, reducing the total waste taken to the landfill by a full 88% from 2019 to 2022. The facility as a whole uses compressed natural gas, which reduces its CO2 emissions by 17% annually. It's also home to Alltech's first global renewable energy project, a photovoltaic solar energy system that further reduces the plant's carbon footprint.   Commitment to the community At Alltech Serdán, our commitment to a better world goes well beyond responsible yucca production. We also plant seeds of hope and connection. Alltech Serdán has been certified by Empresa Socialmente Responsable (ESR) as a socially responsible company. This prestigious endorsement is given to businesses in Mexico that are committed to policies, programs, decision-making and actions that benefit the business and have a positive impact on people, the environment and the communities in which they operate. The ESR certification requires companies to meet expectations in five pillars: quality of life for employees, business ethics, community involvement, environmental awareness and corporate management. The Serdán production facility, which started with 15 employees, now has 200, making it the only significant employer in the town. It also generates employment for the 50–70 local families who supply yucca plants. Alltech Serdán participates in numerous social projects that benefit local children, including its support of a primary school, a special-needs school, the Casa Hogar orphanage, and several other local organizations.   Nourishing pets and protecting the planet Sustainability means taking positive action today for the success of tomorrow, and supporting companies and suppliers that prioritize responsible farming practices encourages the future adoption of sustainable approaches throughout the pet food industry. As we move forward, there's always room for innovation and improvement. New ideas in pet food production, like Alltech's incorporation of sustainably sourced Yucca schidigera, are a vital step toward a greener and healthier future for our pets, our communities and our planet.   By: Janella Hurst Source: Alltech  

25/09/2023

Creating a trusted and reputable brand in the pet food industry

Establishing your pet business and standing out in the market comes down to trust and loyalty, especially as the trend of pet humanization continues to take center stage.  Pet owners are seeking out brands that will ensure their pets long, healthy, and happy lives. Engaging with your customers in a meaningful and sincere way helps build trust, and it's essential to lead with science and education as a first step in creating long-term value.    How do you address the growing concern among pet owners regarding the quality and safety of pet food products? The pet food industry has faced increased scrutiny over the years. It's important for ingredient companies like QRILL Pet to share their approach to transparency, quality control, and safety in their pet food range. This will gain the trust of brands, manufacturers, and pet owners alike. Now, this isn't just a 'nice to have' business strategy, it's a must. You can't only talk about what you are doing, you also need to follow up your brand story with tangible actions.   What key elements are essential in building a trusted and reputable brand? Always lead with science, and remember to communicate the documented health benefits and science of your product in a comprehensive way. Pet parents are more educated these days and want to know what is on the inside of their pet food and treats. Work to continuously improve the quality of your product. Remember that sustainability for all reputable brands is business critical. Be genuine in your marketing and show that the health benefits your product brings differentiate it from the rest.   Can you describe a successful branding campaign or initiative that significantly enhanced a brand's reputation? In 2016, we tested our first Omega-3 Index tool on pets. The Omega-3 Index is considered a 'gold standard' for measuring omega-3 status in the human body by showing how much EPA and DHA are found in the blood cells. The Omega-3 Index method shows not only acute omega-3 intake (like plasma measurement does, for example) but also long-term omega-3 intake, which is related to real omega-3 health benefits. As a comprehensive and valuable tool for humans, we decided to use the same testing method on pets, therefore in 2016, we did our very first Omega-3 Index study on dogs. "The Omega-3 Index method helped us set the standard for the pet food industry."  The results were astonishing, and we realized how krill can work in a dog's body. With this tool, we were able to help set the standard for the pet food industry by using an innovative method to demonstrate the importance of backing up a product's quality with measurable factors.   In today's digital world, how do you handle online reputation management and respond to potential brand reputation threats? We pay attention to what is around us and also to what's trending, making it a point to be ahead of the curve. We know that it is crucial to always be up-front, honest, and transparent. There is no extra room for speculation, especially in our business. All the information a customer or consumer wants to know is easy to find, therefore transparency is vital. It is essential to have people with special knowledge (such as our communications department) to help navigate and lead the narrative. It's important to have honest and meaningful discussions in order to be taken seriously.   What role does customer experience play in shaping a brand's reputation, and how do you prioritize it in your branding efforts? We learn a lot from our customers and their real-world experiences as it relates to our products. And we take those learnings seriously. As a leading ingredient for pet health, we are continually looking for ways to use krill in different applications and to innovate in a way like no other company is. It's all about adapting to our customers to give them what they want.   How do you measure the success of branding initiatives in terms of building trust and reputation? It's all about lifetime value. We know that we are successful with our initiatives when we have created long-term relationships with our customers. We value their recommendations and insights, and together we are leading a category with huge potential and possibilities.   How do you leverage customer feedback and testimonials to strengthen your brand's reputation in today's market? It's essential that we listen to our customers and that we offer products and services that fit into their portfolios. One example is finding solutions for our customer's needs. We have customers who are interested in oils as supplements for their portfolios, so we did our best to connect them with factories that could facilitate this service for them. Another example is creating content marketing strategies. We have taken the lead in helping some of our customers develop content and visuals that will help take their businesses to the next level.   Source: Qrill Pet

22/09/2023

Deadly mycotoxins in pet food cost pet health and brand trust, Bühler has an answer

Product recall is expensive One of the major costs of mycotoxin contamination is market recall. Recalling a product from the market is not cheap, in fact, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) discovered that the average cost of the market recall is USD10 million in direct costs alone. The financial hits of product recall include: disposing of the product, reimbursing customers, and business interruption. The GMA survey showed that 81% of respondents deemed the financial risk of market recall to be 'significant to catastrophic.'   Contaminated product damages brand image Financial costs and damage to health are not the only repercussions of mycotoxin contamination. Once the media are aware of the situation, brand image can take a significant hit. For consumers, it takes a lot to repair trust in a brand, and while brand damage is difficult to measure, this can further cost companies millions in lifetime value.   Contaminated product can cause mass waste Before the LumoVision, contaminated grain would have been disposed of in large amounts. During testing, if the batch has a high concentration of mycotoxin, in many cases, the entire batch is destroyed. In fact, as few as 2 highly contaminated grains in 10,000 can render an entire batch unsafe. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) estimates that USD932 million is lost per year to crops contaminated with mycotoxin. This removal of the contaminated material may protect the consumer, but it costs businesses and the environment a lot more.   What can be done? Bühler SORTEX faced the challenge of mycotoxin contamination head-on. After discovering a breakthrough 'invisible indicator' of contamination on the spectral scale, Bühler created the LumoVision, an optical sorter that can reduce the aflatoxin level by up to 90% (as indicated by industrial trials). This reduction brings many samples to regulation levels, saving companies from the costs of large-scale material waste and market recall. It works by analyzing the color each kernel fluoresces as it passes under powerful UV lighting in the sorter. It is known that contaminated kernels fluoresce a specific bright green color, a substance called kojic acid, which is produced by the Aspergillus fungus at the same time as it produces aflatoxin. LumoVision's proprietary, highly sensitive cameras and a powerful LED-based UV lighting system can precisely detect this color of fluorescence. Within milliseconds of detection, air nozzles deploy to blow contaminated kernels out of the product stream. When dealing with toxins, early intervention is critical. This is not only important in reducing the toxins consumed by pets, but also to lower wastage and the environmental footprint. Without proper cleaning and sorting, poisonous mycotoxins can cause large-scale wastage of materials, mass market recalls, and harm to pets. Dr. Gerardo Morantes, Director of Food Safety-Americas Region at Buhler, had the following to say: 'Mycotoxins are a worldwide concern. However, technology made possible by Bühler SORTEX enables a preventative solution, meaning that mycotoxins can be dealt with early, stopping the spread and removing the contamination to meet regulatory standards.' Without intervention, mycotoxin contamination can bare a large cost for businesses, including, brand reputation, market recalls and material waste. With the SORTEX LumoVision, brands can stay profitable, customers can stay happy and pets can stay safe.   For more information on how Bühler and LumoVision are kicking out mycotoxins, visit their webpage.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

21/09/2023

Symrise Pet Food inaugurates new production facility in Latin America

The biggest footprint of Symrise Pet Food worldwide With an infrastructure of more than 10,000 square meters, the factory stands as the largest of its kind in Latin America and is the biggest site of Symrise Pet Food worldwide. It is conceived using state-of-the-art technologies with full automation delivering high operational efficiency. Lastly, it follows the company strict food safety and environmental standards applied on all its sites worldwide.   The Closer, The Better The new site in Chapecó is part of the Symrise Pet Food global investment plan to pursue local development following the company motto 'The Closer the Better', which aims at growing closer to its suppliers and to its clients ensuring them a consistency of supply. The company already inaugurated two other factories in the last 3 years: one in China and the other one in Colombia. The Chapecó facility comes in addition to the existing factory located in Descalvado, in the State of São Paulo. It strengthens Symrise Pet Food presence in Latin America enabling the company to triple its production capacity in Brazil. The site will help anticipate the growing demand on the Brazilian and other LATAM markets. It will also supply other countries globally thanks to a portfolio of products formulated to reduce sanitary barriers.   Teamwork: the cornerstone of Chapecó The project which results in a site that employs more than 50 employees and which favored the generation of many indirect jobs for its construction, would never have been possible without a strategic collaboration between the company and the local government. According to Fernando Putrino, General Manager for Brazil, 'we had the challenge of building an unprecedented factory that would supply not only the local market (which continues to grow year after year) but the entire world! We celebrate today the opening of our new site which happened thanks to the commitment of our passionate team and the unconditional support of the local government. Together we can show to the whole world what the Brazilian industry is capable of!'   An opening with the discovery of all the sites features At the end of the inauguration ceremony, all guests took a tour of the site to learn about more about the end-to-end palatants production process. During the visit, Symrise Pet Food executives took the opportunity to explain the company strategy and vision and to reassert Symrise's commitments to sustainability.     Gonzalo Rodriguez, LATAM General Manager stated : 'I am very excited to host such an event because it is a great opportunity for us to show our colleagues in the industry why we are leader in our business and that it is not just 'magic' that happens in here; but rather a combination of more than 40 years of experience and passion that we have manufacturing palatants'. He also added regarding the production process, "thanks to the visitor corridor we built above the plant, we can show not only the production process from a privileged observation point, but also tell our visitors what happens before starting to manufacture a palatant: many people did not know that before going on the market a palatant is tested 150 times to confirm its performance! Nor did they know that all our new products are evaluated on their environmental impact in 7 categories to assess the best formulation to choose to comply with the commitment we took to lower our environmental footprint."     About Symrise: Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic active ingredients and raw materials, as well as functional ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, the pharmaceutical industry and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food. Its sales of approximately € 4.6 billion in the 2022 fiscal year make Symrise a leading global provider. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented in more than 100 locations 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 …   Source: Symrise Pet Food  

20/09/2023

Did you know about all the control stages commercial food should go through to guarantee the quality that reaches the pet's plate?

By Candela Bonaura

There is a large offer, and veterinarians should have tools to be able to discern between the different nutritional proposals, not only about the pet's needs according to species, age, size, and particular situation or physiological state but in the knowledge of the manufacturing company and interpretation of the quality offered. On the one hand, we must consider the table of centesimal composition as well as the specific protein contribution, fat and metabolizable energy. However, it should always be linked directly to the list of ingredients to determine not only quantity but quality. This list should have its ingredients in descending order, so those foods that contain animal protein in the highest order are superior to those that do not. On the other hand, there are more ways to add value to food and improve diets with nutraceutical ingredients and upgrade the proposal according to specific needs, such as oral, joint, and urinary care, among others. Likewise, manufacturing companies must or should go through multiple controls, from raw materials selection to final product preparation. The goal should not only guarantee the contribution of the necessary nutrients but also their safety. Some of these controls are physical, chemical, sensory, and microbiological, and they are carried out at different stages of the process. In addition, there are standards and entities that regulate the production process and may differ by country. For instance, EU regulations detail which safe ingredients and additives can be used in pet food manufacturing. The ingredients can be of animal or vegetable origin. Many of the animal-derived ingredients used in pet foods come from parts of them not consumed by humans for cultural or habitual reasons. Today the importance of caring for finite resources in many parts of the world is a fact, and sustainability has also taken an important place in this area. Plant-based ingredients are often common in both human and pet nutrition (corn, rice, wheat, oats, etc.). Others are specific to pet food. Pet food manufacturers include intake instructions on the food label, including storage and handling requirements. Guardians should evaluate the container for information on the expiration date and batch of the product. A responsible pet food manufacturer will take safety and quality very seriously and have their own defined processes and standards that help ensure the safety and quality of their ingredients and products. These should start with trusted suppliers and go all the way to feeding the cat or dog and are likely to include: Reliable suppliers selection Defined specifications for raw materials, periodic inspections, and tests They may require a certificate of analysis from the supplier. Nutritional profile, color, texture, digestibility and palatability, and technical parameters such as moisture content. Routine product testing. Visual inspection of the grinding process Measurement of quantities of raw materials Controlled temperatures and cooking times Regular sampling and testing of final products Registration of ingredients through batch records, final product pallets, and their destinations to ensure traceability Microbial testing routine Regular verification of packaging integrity Metal detection or contamination with foreign objects Verification of nutritional adequacy through analysis of raw materials or final products or feeding studies using nutritional guidelines A responsible manufacturer may choose to implement voluntary third-party audits and certifications through a third-party accreditation institute.   Stages that lead the raw material to be the food consumed by pets   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

19/09/2023

Feed factory builder names new chief executive

Fish feed factory builder Process Integration (PI) has appointed food processing industry consultant Niels Malling Laursen as its new chief executive. Denmark-based PI, which has an installation company in Norway, an independent division in Chile, and a sales office in the United States, has been working with Laursen for a year as it expands geographically and in the scope of its abilities. Founders Sti Løvgreen and Lars Johansen opted to enhance leadership while concurrently allocating more time to strategic endeavours, sales, and the technological advancement of the group. Strong team 'It required some consideration to accept the CEO role while retaining the position as head of the project department,' said Laursen, who has been an independent consultant for dairy and meat processing for several years and was previously a director in several food companies. 'However, I possess a deep understanding of the company, and with such a strong and positive team, I am genuinely thrilled to contribute to taking the company to the next level.' PI has also hired Kurt Myhlert Olsen as the head of administration/HR and finance. Olsen has broad experience in administration and financial management, partly from the dairy industry, the process industry, project management, and as an independent consultant in finance and advisory services. Established in 2015 with its headquarters in Skanderborg, Denmark, PI specialises in building, maintaining, and optimising process facilities worldwide and currently employs 86 people. Not just fish feed 'Throughout our journey over the past eight years, it has been crucial for Sti and me that we have grown at a pace that the organisation can keep up with,' said co-founder Johansen. 'Initially, it was primarily fish feed and pet food factories that we serviced, but today we have just as many projects in food production and other industries, and the scale of the projects we receive is often larger than before. The demand for our in-house capabilities has led us to establish a robust engineering department.' Løvgreen said the company was now so well equipped that it could build complete process lines. 'It is a great asset for us to have Niels as CEO; he has extensive knowledge of process facilities and project management. Kurt also brings significant experience and has been a valuable addition to the group, as we understand the importance of taking good care of our employees and running a healthy company.'  by Process Integration 

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 

15/09/2023

PROMAS ST, future proof automation

This process automation control system is based on years of expertise and knowledge of the production processes, in the animal feed and food industries. This means that the design has been thoroughly tested in practice. Therefore, you can be assured that the process automation system provides all the functionalities to automate business processes adequately. Of course, the design is robust and flexible, making it last as long as the machinery. PROMAS ST factory automation software is developed from the operator's point of view. KSE PROMAS ST future-proof process automation technologies grows along with a factory. Due to its flexibility, this automation solution will last for years to come. If a factory or machines must be renewed or updated, it is possible to implement adjustments with PROMAS ST process automation technologies, in small and profitable steps. Expensive investments in new automation systems are therefore a thing of the past. Small-scale activities can also benefit from PROMAS ST process automation technologies. Start small and when the system grows, the investment can be spread over a longer period. PROMAS ST process automation technologies is a flexible solution for production automation and it is ready for the future. In other words, PROMAS ST is a flexible solution for plant automation that is ready for tomorrow's challenges.     How automating manufacturing processes will bring you peace of mind?   KSE's PROMAS ST software for automating manufacturing processes brings performance improvements and cost benefits to the animal feed and premix/mineral industries. Nearly 50 years of KSE's specialized know-how in the animal feed industry is encapsulated in this software. This means your equipment (including third-party machines) will perform as intended and, often better than you expected. Automating manufacturing processes with PROMAS ST will get you more tons out of your production line and a better-quality product. All performance indicators can be viewed from anywhere in the world. This brings you peace of mind! PROMAS ST is also hardware and software independent, so you get a better return on investment. PROMAS ST factory automation software is developed from the operator's point of view. KSE´s aim is to create a future proof and intuitive platform that gives operators the insight and control they need to run a seamless operation. This software transforms data into visual and actionable information, so that operators can maintain a clear overview of the production process.  We have automated tasks that were repetitive and made complex processes transparent with clear visuals and reports.  Timely alarms ensure operators are aware of tasks that require attention and ensure you are a step ahead of potential delays. Otherwise KSE´s 24/7 remote support service is ready to tackle any problem.   KSE through the years Over the years, KSE has specialized in dosing and weighing systems and smart automation software for the animal feed industry. They are clearly focused on continuous innovation, which is passed from generation to generation. Personal contact, excellent service and a passion for the powder and granulate processing industry are key. This has helped them grow from a small company to an international business with activities worldwide. KSE is celebrating its 50th anniversary. For more information, visit KSE´s website. Source: All Pet Food  

14/09/2023

Who wants pet food regulation? We all do!

While Australia currently has a voluntary standard in place for pet food that Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA) members adhere to, there is no obligation for non-members to follow the processes and protocols to ensure your pet's food is safe and compliant. Unfortunately, over the years, this has led to failings in food safety and pet deaths. A recent PFIAA survey has highlighted that pet owners are demanding mandatory regulation of the pet food industry, with Queenslanders (93%) and Victorians (88%) leading the charge and pushing for the government to do more. Currently, the voluntary Australian Standard AS5812 covers processes to ensure the quality of food produced, nutritional requirements are met, guidance on the use of additives and what information is to be made available on the pack for consumers. The Standard has been further strengthened to include annual third party audits of PFIAA members and the introduction of a mandatory recall protocol for pet food quality and safety issues to align with human food recalls. In the data collected by the PFIAA, 97% of pet owners agree that the quality of pet food they give to their pet is important for their health and wellbeing. They also feel strongly that a quality assurance process should be included in the Standard (83.6%) along with nutritional requirements being met (80.4% of pet owners surveyed). Interestingly, pet owners would also expect information on how the food is produced and hygiene should be included, and almost half (49.8%) demand that the marketing of products should avoid making misleading claims. The inclusion of food purpose (dietary or therapeutic) would also be a welcome addition to the Standard, which 42.2% of pet owners would like to see. Understandably, pet owners are concerned about pet food being produced in Australia without any mandatory regulation, with almost half of pet owners surveyed holding concerns over manufacturing practices and the quality of the food produced. PFIAA data shows that 33.6% of pet owners are deeply concerned about what ingredients are allowed in pet food, with 63% agreeing that a list of banned ingredients must be included in the Australian Standard. However, only 14.3% of pet owners are concerned about the nutritional value of their pet's food; Northern Territory and New South Wales residents were primarily concerned with the quality and nutritional value of their pet's food, while Queenslanders and Victorians were far more worried about ingredients. To have mandatory regulation of our pet food industry here in Australia, the question naturally turns to what the consequences of non-compliance would be and what impact a non-compliant pet food would have. PFIAA data suggests that residents in Tasmania (36.4%) and South Australia (30%) expressed the most concern when it came to a lack of consequences for pet food manufacturers who produce unsafe pet food – while surprisingly pet owners in Victoria (9.4%) and Northern Territory were the least concerned. With almost all pet owners surveyed agreeing that health and wellbeing is an utmost priority for their pets and that they care about the quality of the food that they're feeding them with, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that pet food produced is safe and nutritious. As a pet-loving country, Australian pet owners demand more from the pet food industry and overwhelmingly want to see the Australia Standards made mandatory. by PFIAA - Pet food Industry Association Australia Source: All Pet food

13/09/2023

Cellulose and lignocellulose, providing fiber to dog food

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Fiber is an alternative to combat obesity and help these pets reduce their daily food intake and, consequently, have an impact on their weight. But it is not the only cause in which fibers are used, such as, for example, cellulose fiber or lignocellulose.   Fiber in dog food? Fiber is a complex carbohydrate resistant to dogs' digestive enzymes. Several sources of fiber are commonly used in pet foods, including beet pulp, bran, tomato pulp, buckwheat, and powdered cellulose. In simple words, fiber moderates how quickly food moves through the digestive system, which helps regulate intestinal activity. Dogs do not have a physiological need for fiber. A natural canine diet contains little to any fiber. However, it can be beneficial for today's dogs, including improving gut health, strengthening the immune system, weight management, diabetes, and anal gland disorders.   Cellulose, a usable but controversial fiber Cellulose is a fiber found in the cell wall of plants. It is found in the bark of trees and plant leaves. It is an insoluble fiber, which means it either cannot be dissolved in water or absorb it. Today there are different positions on cellulose fiber since certain professionals affirm that, although it is a fiber that increases food volume, it does not have any nutrients, so it must simply be added to the formula and not a main ingredient. Those who defend powdered cellulose in dog food cite ease of use, necessary fiber content, and cost-effectiveness as some of its main advantages.   An alternative: lignocellulose Lignocellulose is an alternative that, according to some recent studies, could be a vegetable fiber with great potential for our industry. It is the main component of the cell wall of plants and is a source of XOS (Xylo-oligosaccharides) compounds, which stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria for the intestinal flora and serves as a type of dietary fiber.   Studies and research Scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Germany, and Mansoura University in Egypt conducted a study in which 8 Beagle dogs were given 1 of 4 foods for 14 days. These foods were the same except for the fiber they contained: powdered cellulose, granulated cellulose, lignocellulose, and a control food without additions. It could be shown that all 3 fiber types led to lower caloric intake by the dogs, compared to the control diet. At the same time, no cellulose decreased or affected palatability. And while fecal quality was not affected by fiber sources, the feces of dogs consuming fiber foods were wetter, compared to those on the control food. Thanks to this study, the professionals were able to affirm that lignocellulose can be used as an alternative to cellulose as a fiber source in wet dog food. Since lignocellulose reduces gross energy digestibility as cellulose, it can also be used in feed for overweight dogs.   Conclusion Choosing the best ingredients for each pet food formula is not easy, considering all the factors that need to be considered: consumer desires, nutritional value, costs, production, availability, and regulations. In the case of cellulose and lignocellulose fiber, as mentioned above, the latest studies have shown that the incorporation of a specific source of this type can improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Research carried out for industry experts as well as for pet owners is critical to moving toward an increasingly science-based, safer, and consumer-focused food industry.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

11/09/2023

Pet Treats Continue on an Upward Trajectory

With his mid-1800s introduction of the first dog biscuit, Mr. James Spratt probably suspected he was onto something big. But there's no way he could have known he was lighting the fuse on a $60 billion market for pet food and treats. During 2022, pet treats (including rawhide chews) represented about one-fifth of those dollars, closing in on $12 billion, and treats remain a leading pet market category. Like many types of pet products, treats were at the right place at the right time during the pandemic, which helped to boost sales by 20 percent in 2020 and 18 percent in 2021, and the annual percentage gains remain in the low double digits thanks in part to inflation-related price hikes.  As of May 2023, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of dog and cat owners used treats to bond and spend quality time with their pets, and nearly half (49 percent) were treating their dog/cat more frequently as a result of spending more time at home. The enduring success of pet treats is, of course, more than a function of luck. As much as any pet product, treats dovetail pet health and pampering, and from that first biscuit, the market has been segmented every which way. The products are, in other words, anything but one size fits all, closely aligning with key trends in human foods and pet food overall. Grain free, natural/organic, functional ingredient, novel protein and human grade are among the most sought-after types, with more indulgent items also in demand along with dental chews and treats that meet both functional and pet pampering/entertainment needs.  Topping the chart as of May 2023 was U.S. sourced, with 49 percent of the dog owners and 40 percent of the cat owners who had purchased treats in the previous 12 months opting for made in USA, with no artificial ingredients/preservatives, organic, grain free, natural, and limited ingredient also high on the list. The COVID-19 effect has not been all good news for pet treats, which have been facing the same post-pandemic headwinds as most consumer categories in the form of record- high inflation. A potentially longer-term and not altogether positive impact is the acceleration in online shopping, which was already going strong. Frequently strategically placed on endcaps or near the checkout, treats are often a spur-of-the-moment purchase more likely to happen instore.  Over three-quarters (76 percent) of dog/cat owners buy pet food and treats on the same shopping trip instead of separately, and more than two-fifths (42 percent) view pet treats as an impulse purchase. In an omnichannel world where sales continue to shift onto the internet, it's on e-tailers and marketers to cross-promote treats to online shoppers in the market for pet food. As of 2022, e-commerce represented approximately 34 percent of dog and cat treat sales, but by 2027 that share is expected to rise to nearly 40 percent Helping to pick up some of the slack is the slew of online-based subscription box programs that have popped up in the past several years. BarkBox, one of the earliest and now the largest, delivers on a monthly basis a range of products to pet owners including at least one treat sample.  Subscription boxes present an ideal opportunity for marketers to introduce products to pet owners on a "try it, like it, buy it again" basis, as well as to help offset the negative impact of missed in-store purchases. With the success of BarkBox and similar programs, treat-specific subscription programs have popped up, allowing pets and pet owners to try out a different selection of treats on a steady basis. Harkening to the potential, even pet specialty retailers have gotten on board, with Petco teaming up with PupBox and Chewy offering Goody Box. At the same time, the business continues to shift in the direction of functional treats, which are increasingly doing double duty as, and competing with, pet supplements. In addition to catering to health-focused pet owners, functional treats appeal to value-conscious pet owners swayed by the idea of getting "two in one" value in treats that address specific conditions.  Functional treats serve as an integral part of many pet owners' pet health and wellness routines; as of May 2023, a large majority (70 percent) were willing to spend more for treats that addressed specific health concerns. Another flourishing segment is cat treats, as more marketers expand their offerings to embrace this "second-class pet," which is currently outpacing dogs in population growth. Looking ahead, pet owners' commitment to pet health and pampering will remain key market drivers, and treats will continue to benefit from being a frequent pet market entry point and crossover opportunity from other categories such as pet food, pet supplements, pet toys, etc. Taken together, these trends portend a healthy outlook, with U.S. retail sales projected to near $18 billion in 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate north of 9 percent and billions more dollars' worth of Mr. Spratt's stroke of genius. by David Lummis. Senior pet market analyst for the Packaged Facts brand within The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com.

07/09/2023

How Long Can Your Always-Hungry Cat Wait For Dinner?

Many cats put on Oscar-worthy performances to convince their parents they are constantly starving. Often, they start with jumping on your head at 4 a.m., perhaps followed by biting your toes, stealthily pushing priceless breakables off the counters, or pacing in front of their bowls and yowling nonstop. But how can you tell if your cat is really getting enough to eat, and how long can they reasonably wait for their next meal? There are a number of factors that need to be considered to answer these questions. For starters, how old your cat is, the kind of foods your cat eats, and any health conditions your cat has can all influence how often your cat needs to eat.  For example, there are big differences in the nutritional needs of growing kittens and pregnant cats, compared to adult cats who are mostly sedentary indoors. It is always best to consult your veterinarian and defer to their recommendations when it comes to the particular nutritional needs of your cat. Here are some general guidelines that may help. How long can your cat wait between meals? The short answer is that it depends. And no one knows exactly. Wild felines who hunt need to eat many small meals throughout the day but may also go long stretches without food. On average, hunting cats eat about eight to 10 small prey a day, so they spend the majority of their waking time stalking, chasing, and hunting in order to meet their dietary needs. For our pet cats who spend most of their time lounging indoors, they tend to burn many fewer calories and have access to higher quality diets. Their needs for food are quite different. Studies have shown that cats' stomachs empty between four to eight hours after a meal, depending on what they eat. So, while your cat may be able to go up to eight hours between meals, most nutritionists recommend feeding many small, frequent meals throughout the day to attain the best physical and mental health for your cat. So, if you're planning to go out of town, it's important that you instruct your cat sitter as to how often your particular cat needs to eat. Do different foods affect hunger differently? What you feed your cat may affect how often they need to eat and how quickly they become hungry after a meal. Some factors that influence this include protein content, fiber content, and whether you feed a dry kibble versus canned wet food. In cats, protein content influences their satiety, or feeling of fullness, the most. A high-protein diet may keep a healthy cat feeling full the longest. Some cats should not have high-protein diets, such as those with kidney disease, so make sure to speak with your vet before switching to a high-protein diet.   Fiber is also known to play a role in feelings of fullness and to slow down the emptying of the stomach and intestines. This seems to play a smaller role in cats, compared to humans or dogs. Commercial high-fiber cat diets have not been shown to significantly affect fullness in cats, but certain fiber supplements containing inulin do seem to have more of an effect. As always, consider these supplements after consulting with your veterinarian to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your cat. Be aware that adding too much fiber or introducing it too suddenly can lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and diarrhea.   When it comes to keeping cats full, there is some evidence that kibble actually stays in the stomach longer than wet food, which may keep them feeling full longer. The debate over feeding dry food versus canned food is endless, and there are many valid reasons to choose one over the other. In general, canned food tends to have higher water content, which is very important for keeping cats hydrated. Canned food usually has a pureed consistency, which may cause it to be digested more quickly and easily. In most cases, cats should not eat dry food exclusively for overall good health, but there may be strategic ways to incorporate small amounts of dry food into your cat's diet. How can you keep your cat from constantly crying for food? Depending on your cat's particular life stage and health, there are many ways to help them feel satisfied while allowing you to get some sleep, too. For kittens and pregnant cats that need to eat frequently, a timed feeder may be a good option to provide snacks overnight and in the early morning. Remember that these feeding devices are not usually recommended for cats in other life stages because they can lead to overeating and risk of obesity. For adult cats, food puzzles are a great way to provide smaller, frequent meals while improving your cat's activity level and mental enrichment. These can be homemade or commercially available puzzle-style feeders that require your cat to 'work' for their food.  It slows them down and allows them to snack gradually and also gives them a challenge to figure out how to get the food out. The simplest form of a food puzzle would be just hiding kibble around the room for your cat to seek out. More complex puzzles are also available in a variety of styles.   In general, providing smaller, frequent meals may help your cat to feel more satisfied and for those cats that have no health concerns, adding a little extra fiber and higher protein content may also keep them feeling full longer.   Look for these signs of actual starvation or illness in cats. It is important to note that cats cannot safely skip several meals in a row. This is especially serious for young kittens, pregnant cats, cats with underlying health problems, and overweight and obese cats. If your cat skips multiple meals, it is a sign of illness, and they should be seen by a veterinarian right away. It is also not safe to intentionally skip feedings as a weight-loss strategy. Overweight cats are prone to a condition called hepatic lipidosis, aka fatty liver, that can be triggered by skipping meals. For this reason, it is critical to follow your vet's recommendations on feeding guidelines, especially if you are trying to encourage your cat to reach a healthy weight. by Dr. Amy Fox, DVM
 

06/09/2023

How is a feed formula designed?

By Armando Enriquez de la Fuente Blanquet

The main problem when formulating foods is to satisfy the nutrient requirements. Then, we talk about formulating a balanced food. There are several methods used to balance rations, from the simplest to the most complex and technical ones. Among them, we can find trial and error, simultaneous equations, Pearson's square, and linear programming. For balancing rations, ingredients are combined to meet the protein, fat, fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that pets require for health and well-being. Within the formula of the balanced pet food (the recipe), two ingredients require special attention in their precision. I am talking about the vitamin premix and the mineral premix, which are generally separate formulas, as they are made up of more than one nutrient inside. The amounts of vitamins and trace minerals required are few, and they are in the order of micrograms or a few milligrams per day. That is why it has been decided to add them through a premix. Vitamins and trace minerals are essential substances for life. If we supply less than their daily requirement, we will certainly see how the subject develops severe deficiency symptoms that lead to manifestations of deficiency or syndromes. Regularly, the pet food formula contains 1 or 2 of these ingredients: a premix of vitamins and minerals when it is one, or a premix of vitamins and premix of minerals when it is two. Now we analyze the design of the premix formulation that will be included in the complete pet food.   The steps in a premix formulation are   Defining the premix The first step will be to know which species it aims for: dog, cat, or something else. Then it has to be decided which pet's life stage is: age, size, weight, activity level, race, physical problems, and the like. Our "claim," or value proposition, which can go into the premix. What kind of pet food are we going to manufacture? This can be dry, humid, or semi-humid, in very general terms. Gathering the data of the process parameters, as well as temperatures, humidity, pressures, and times, among others. Knowing the rest of the ingredients of the complete formula of the balanced food: corn, meals of animal origin, oilseed pastes, additives, etc. Having a well-defined shelf life which we must guarantee, be it one or two years.   Ingredient selection Speaking of vitamins, their forms must be selected according to the production process the food will undergo: microspheres, spray-dried, coated crystals, adsorption, etc. Regarding trace minerals, we must consider that the inorganic source will affect the vitamins more than the organic or hydroxy sources. Also, we should keep in mind that trace minerals vary in molecular structure as well as in performance in animals. It must also be considered that the premix can be the means to add other ingredients that require precision, such as omegas, some vegetables, mycotoxin binders, and natural or synthetic antioxidants, among others. The vehicle is an important player in the design because it will give it density and properties for correct mixing. They can be vegetables, minerals, or both.   Estimating the super-addition, mainly in vitamins Any portion of food must meet the nutritional requirements indicated by international guides such as AFFCO, FEDIAF, or NRC. Therefore, the final product must contain this recommended minimum level at the end of its shelf life. I always suggest starting with a safety margin, that is, above the minimum level suggested by nutritional guidelines. This way, even if the dog or cat eats a little less, or has a higher consumption than the average, that daily dose would ensure that symptoms of vitamin deficiency will not occur. The food manufacturing process involves temperature, humidity, pressure, oxygen, and more. If one or more of these elements affect the vitamins, an over-addition is necessary to compensate for the loss due to processing, so we can reach the desired level. Once the food leaves the production line, it will travel to the market, where it will be available for the pet parent to purchase. In addition, it can also remain on the shelf for some time, and we must also consider a loss due to storage.   Premix test The design of the premix on paper is one and, in reality, things may be different. That is why it is important to produce a sample and carry out a mixture, content, and physical analysis. If the premix complies with what was designed, food manufacturing should be run and, once again, carry out a content analysis – now of the pet food–. We should not forget the shelf life analysis.   Final part When the premix complies with the design, and we know the product physically, we need our plant personnel to be trained on the importance of this ingredient and the care that must be given to it. Once we have finished the premix, let's take it to production!   Pet food formulation must be adequate and precise, particularly with two micronutrients that must have our attention during the formulation: vitamins and trace minerals. The design of the vitamin and mineral premix is ​​as relevant as the design of the food itself, and their development process should be as meticulous as possible.   By: Armando Enríquez de la Fuente Blanquet Source: All Pet Food Magazine

04/09/2023

Popular pet food claims in 2023

Digestive health is also becoming a highly sought-after pet food attribute across age groups, with 47% of pet owners ages 18 to 54 claiming interest in these products, as well as 43% of pet owners age 55 and older. Pet owners are also interested in treats that address specific health issues, according to Mintel, with 36% of pet owners ages 18 to 54 claiming interest in this category, compared to 34% of those ages 55 and up. A  wider gap between generational interest is seen for pet food products that are sustainably sourced, with 28% of pet owners ages 18 to 34 interested in this category, compared to 27% of pet owners ages 35 to 54, and 19% of those age 55 and older. Additionally, the rise of functional meal toppers is attracting interest from younger pet owners, with 25% of those ages 18 to 34 curious about these products, compared to 18% of pet owners ages 35 to 54, and 15% of those age 55 and up. According to Mintel and Kantar Profiles, pet owners between the ages of 18 and 54 (19%) are more likely to show interest in pet foods formulated with plant-based proteins than their older counterparts (10% of those age 55 and older). Regardless of perceived interest, pet food and treats with functional claims are taking the industry by storm, with 21% of new cat and dog treat launches in 2022 claiming oral benefits and tartar prevention. Additionally, 7% of new launches touted joint, bone and muscle support, and those claiming digestive benefits and skin and coat benefits both made up 6% of launches in 2022. Global Pet Food Market Trends in the Next Two Years Pet owners are focusing on healthful food – particularly natural options – for their pets. The future of pet food will be influenced by consumers who are keen to offer their pets fresh food, or even homemade options. Mintel anticipates that there will be pet food innovation for animals suffering from increasingly common issues such as obesity who will benefit from personalised diets and technological measures. Companies in the global pet food market must reassure pet owners of the benefits of sustainable pet food beyond planet-friendly credentials. Global Pet Food Market Trends in Five Years and Beyond Pets are taking a more prominent role in consumers' lives. As such, pet owners will focus more on their pet's behaviour. The global pet food market can help improve pets' mental performance through innovative foods that are personalised to match the needs of each pet. Pet owners are increasingly seeking better food options and mealtimes for their pets. Mintel expects pet food innovation with microwaveable packs for in-home use in addition to fine dining options that will hold appeal for discerning pet owners seeking an out-of-home experience. Consumer concerns around water usage are not restricted to human food. Companies will need to share how they are reducing water in their formulations through alternative ingredients or use of freeze-dried options. By Mintel 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 

01/09/2023

Interview with Kimberly Nelson President of kemin Nutrisurance

Kimberly gives an overview about the future of the pet food industry in terms of nutrition and nutritional ingredients for pets, as well as the way we should deal with the well being for our pets. Don´t miss the Interview:   by All Pet Food  

30/08/2023

Torula yeast for a more palatable, digestible, and nutritious cat food

Yeast in pet food Sustainability in the pet food industry is an ongoing debate that often focuses on the ingredients used in it. Today, protein sources are under scrutiny, especially for their effects on ecosystems and societies, since the resources and conditions needed to develop them can be harmful to various ecosystems. Currently, the best-known type of yeast is nutritional yeast, used to add protein to various foods, although it is also a flavoring agent. There are many different strains of inactivated yeast, and each has a different flavor. One deactivated yeast is Torula yeast, but others used in the market are active, such as beer or bakery yeast.   Torula yeast Torula yeast (Candida utilis) is a type of inactivated yeast and is one of approximately 1,500 types of tiny, single-celled fungi. Torula edible yeast grows on wood alcohols and is used when deactivated and dried for flavoring and nutrition. The truth is that, generally, being low on the food chain reduces the environmental impact of a protein source, and mushrooms live near the bottom of it. Raising mushrooms as new pet food ingredients as one that would otherwise go to waste, reduces the environmental impact of animal nutrition. This yeast feeds on the woody biomass left over from the manufacture of wood products, and because wood waste is plentiful, renewable, and does not compete with human food crops, considerable sources of protein can be extracted. Indeed, it's possible to affirm it has favorable properties for extrusion as well as benefits for the animal's digestive system. Torula yeast is free of allergens and heavy metals.   Torula yeast in pet food For pet food, Torula yeast may have an advantage over other novel proteins. It is an AAFCO-approved ingredient with a history of safe use. In 2019, feeding trials tested it in dog food and found the fungal protein source works on par with chicken meal, and a more recent study found evidence that torula yeast can also serve for producing cat food. A study at the University of Kansas looked at the use of yeast in pet food. Torula yeast, as well as brewer's and whey yeast, have been categorized as nutritional yeasts when fed as inactive microbial biomass, primarily for their nutritional value. Among the most traditionally used in livestock nutrition, Torula yeast is the most favored in terms of its flexibility of carbon sources and growth capacity. It can metabolize xylose and its oligomers, allowing growth on low-value cellulosic waste materials. Thus, it enables large quantities of microbial protein to be produced from a sustainable and cost-effective growth medium. In addition, producing yeast from cellulosic material has a lower carbon footprint compared to soybean, pea protein, and chicken meal, the elements on which the study's comparisons are based. All four cat foods, with these ingredients, were prepared using single screw extruders under similar processing conditions. The study found that Torula yeast is highly digestible by cats and even increased their preference for food containing it while aiding processing and kibble formation. Furthermore, under similar processing conditions, this yeast resulted in a more extended product, particularly in the radial direction, which caused the lowest density and hardness. The study determined that Torula yeast can be safely included in feline diets, with levels limited for fecal quality considerations. In palatability tests, cats chose more food with Torula yeast than those with chicken meal. However, there was no difference from the other ingredients. On the other hand, the crude protein of Torula yeast digestibility was similar to the other three formulations, with an average of 89.97%. Yet, fats digestibility was lower for this (92.52%) than for the other protein sources.   Conclusion Yeast-based ingredients are playing an increasing role in the premiumization of pet food as a source of improved health and wellness for pets in hundreds of pet food markets worldwide. Yeast is no longer only used to improve palatability, but interest is now growing in the value and impact it might have in increasing immunity levels and improving gut health. In this sense, Torula yeast seems a great alternative to incorporate into formulas, although, and while even there is very recent research, experts in the field recommend further investigation to evaluate postbiotic analysis, the mechanisms of the functionality of raw materials, and the implications of protein ingredients on urinary health in cats.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

29/08/2023

New German test facility allows processors to try solutions before they buy

These systems come as an investment, making it crucial for manufacturers to understand what they're buying before pulling out the company credit card. This is where OEM test facilities come into play, which offer processors the opportunity to try before they buy, often supported by the expertise of seasoned process engineers and salespeople who represent the supplier and its solutions. Testing, testing According to Emmanual Ricohermoso III, Ph.D., testing and facility manager at Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) Germany GmbH, parent company of Cablevey, testing equipment before making a purchase is a progressive approach that can optimize design and material selection for durability, efficiency and environmental impact. 'From the client's perspective, conducting product testing offers them the valuable opportunity to experience the device firsthand before making a purchase commitment,' Ricohermoso added. 'It allows them to assess the device's performance, functionalities and suitability for their specific needs without the obligation of buying it outright. Additionally, during the testing phase, clients can engage directly with our knowledgeable team, leveraging their technical expertise to address any questions or concerns they may have. 'This interactive experience fosters better communication and understanding between our team and the clients,' he added. 'Ultimately, seeing the device in action reinforces the clients' belief and confidence in its capabilities, validating the effectiveness of the solution being offered, or simply, 'to see is to believe.'' The company's 645-square-meter (6,942-square-foot) testing facility is centered around a test workshop equipped with product transfer systems from brands that fall under the AHS and Advanced Material Processing (AMP) umbrella, including Cablevey, Spiroflow, Kason and Marion. The test workshop itself accounts for 71% of the total space. According to Ricohermoso, the German test facility was designed to not only enable testing of conveyors and material transfer systems from point A to point B, but to also integrate relevant processing steps including bag conditioning, bulk bag discharging and filling, dewatering, sieving, mixing and drying. 'Additionally, the test facility boasts a cutting-edge, in-house laboratory dedicated to material characterization,' he noted. 'This enables our engineers to gain a deep understanding of the material properties, allowing them to design tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of our customers. The Friedrichsdorf test facility is now up and running and saw its first customer in early May 2023. Ben Ayrton, managing director and vice president of operations and supply chain for AHS and AMP in Europe, noted that the facility is now fully operational and offers more than 50 products for customer trials and testing across all four brands.  'We are immensely proud to have the most comprehensive testing facility in Continental Europe,' Ayrton said. 'Our expansion and future is exciting, as in addition we are looking forward to introducing a brand new 5,500 m square production facility in the UK in the first half of 2024.' The Friedrichsdorf facility will serve multiple AHS and AMP brands for testing, spare parts, European engineering and sales, as well as aftermarket spare parts and maintenance teams. Prioritizing positive client experiences Understanding why clients want to test or compare equipment performance is the No. 1 consideration when developing a test plan. For example, Ricohermoso said one of the main focuses for today's pet food processors is throughput. Once he has a better idea of a client's priorities, Ricohermoso requests a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to better understand the handing requirements and potential risks related to the product or material in question. He also asks for cleaning, process flow integration, and tolerance information to create a comprehensive test plan for the client. 'If the client's primary objective is to observe the operation without specific test requirements, I take the initiative to design the test plan myself,' Ricohermoso said. 'The clients are then given time to review the plan internally and communicate any concerns they may have. 'By following this streamlined process, we ensure that the test day runs smoothly, with clear communication and alignment between our team and the clients.' Leaning on OEM expertise Cablevey operates in more than 66 countries and has delivered its solutions for the food, pet food, coffee, powder, nut and frozen food industries for over 50 years. Such equipment includes enclosed cable and disc tube conveyors. 'Cablevey provides a gentle conveying solution, making it particularly suitable for products that are sensitive and have low tolerance for breakage,' Ricohermoso said. 'Its unique conveying method ensures that fragile products can be transported without compromising their integrity or quality.' At Cablevey's stateside test facility — which is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa — the company recently launched a 360-degree immersive experience enabling virtual visits in real time. A Zoom-meeting format developed during the COVID-19 pandemic now allows Cablevey to showcase test runs of its machinery in-person and online simultaneously, which provides convenience for those unable to travel or larger work groups, according to the company. Ricohermoso noted the company plans to add this capability to the German test facility over the next few months.  

25/08/2023

Automated Handling Solutions at FENAGRA 2023 in Brazil

Brad very brieflly introuced himself and the Company, the owners of Cablevey Conveyors and Spiroflow, and highlighted  its prsence in the pet food sector. Brazil has been a key market for them within the LATAM region, so they  have already planned to grow agresively in that market      About Automated Handling Solutions  AHS combines expertise in specialty conveyor and material handling and automation equipment technologies to help processors manage their lines effectively and efficiently. AHS' products target applications in high value environments and can support both wet and dry media. Primary end markets served include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, specialty chemical, and high value industrial. AHS is May River Capital's (May River) newest platform company. by All pet Food   

23/08/2023

Inflation in the Eurozone continues to recede

In the first quarter, the GDP had stagnated, after having even shrunk by 0.1 per cent in the final quarter of 2022. Economists expected growth of 0.2 per cent on average. The Eurozone thus narrowly avoided a technical recession, i.e. two negative quarters in a row. However, the economy was slow to develop over the winter. France and Spain in particular contributed to growth with increases of 0.5 and 0.4 per cent respectively. The Irish economy displayed especially strong expansion at 3.3 per cent, although its growth is regularly overstated due to special effects. In the meantime, inflation in the Eurozone continues to recede. In July, consumer prices increased by 5.3 per cent compared with the previous year, after a 5.5 per cent increase in the preceding month. This is the lowest inflation rate since the beginning of 2022. The availability of dog and cat food products in Europe has been significantly impacted by supply chain disruptions and increasing competition for commodity goods due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Online retailers of these goods have struggled to maintain consistent availability during this time, which has placed additional burdens on pet owners who see rising costs for their pet food alongside their own purchases. While the UK, the largest market by pet food sales in Europe by 2021 RSP terms, saw only an 8% decline in the number of available SKUs during the 8-month period of observation, Germany and France have experienced a more challenging environment of product procurement as they are in closer proximity to the war in Ukraine, with these countries' online markets seeing available SKUs drop by 39% and 35%, respectively. Poland and Czech Republic have seen an increase in refugees from impacted areas, which has placed additional demand on the pet care supply chain environment. Refugees have brought along companion animals, considering the importance that pets play in supporting refugees' mental health. As highlighted in the above graph, the online availability in these two countries in particular has, with the added pet populations, left retailers' online shelves the most reduced. These additional pet populations are another added challenge, as suppliers and retailers deal with supply chain disturbances of both finished products and raw materials sourced from Ukraine and Russia. France sees highest online increase in pet food prices Availability of goods is a strong driver of price increases. As the majority of markets have experienced a drop in availability, unit prices have drastically risen. Breaking out the individual dog and cat pet food categories reveals the extent of price increases that consumers are experiencing through this 8-month period. Standardising all online SKUs into per 100g units reveals just how much prices are rising across all SKUs and underscores the challenging decisions pet owners are experiencing while shopping for their favourite companions. By standardising to a per unit comparison, inflationary impact on consumers can be truly observed regardless of how companies and retailers are adjusting pack sizes and types within their portfolios. While the average unit price increases for these seven countries, and the six individual pet food categories being tracked, reached 21%, France experienced the strongest increase in unit prices of all countries with an average rise of 31% for the six cat and dog categories. Inflation in these categories has had dire consequences, especially in France, where the animal protection group La Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) announced that abandonment levels of dogs are up by 6% this year through to August and that its shelters were completely full. Many pet owners are simply unable to bear the additional costs alongside other expenses and are in turn abandoning animals as well as delaying adoption and rescue plans. by EuroStat All Pet Food 

22/08/2023

Mars to acquire SYNLAB Vet, European veterinary reference laboratory

Mars, Incorporated ('Mars') today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of SYNLAB Vet, a European provider of specialist veterinary laboratory diagnostics, from SYNLAB Group (FSE: SYAB). Upon transaction close, SYNLAB Vet will join Mars Petcare, a purpose-driven global business serving pets and pet owners through products and services across veterinary health and diagnostics, nutrition, innovation and technology. This acquisition will enable the Science & Diagnostics division of Mars Petcare to expand its veterinary laboratory business in Europe in addition to its full-service global veterinary diagnostic offerings across veterinary labs, point-of-care, imaging and software.     Nefertiti Greene, President, Mars Science & Diagnostics said: 'We look forward to welcoming SYNLAB Vet to the Mars Petcare family of businesses. We share the belief that excellence in veterinary diagnostics and advanced technology is transformative for veterinary care.' Nef added: 'This transaction is complementary to our existing diagnostics business and will bring additional reach across Europe and further our purpose to create A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™.'     by Mars   

17/08/2023

Bühler offers solution to reduce mycotoxin levels in pet food

Mycotoxins, a poisonous chemical found in the corn used in pet foods, are causing animal sickness and irreparable brand damage. To solve this issue, SORTEX LumoVision, a solution developed by Swiss technology group Bühler, uses the spectral scale to kick out mold from pet food, keeping the costs of market recall down and pets safe. In 2021, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) alerted customers of fatal levels of aflatoxin, a strand of mycotoxin that attacks the liver, found in 1,000 lots of pet food. From the bad batch, it is reported that 130 dogs died. This statistic provoked lawsuits and anger from dog owners and the wider industry. However, the damage of mycotoxin contamination does not stop there. RECALLING PRODUCT IS EXPENSIVE One of the major costs of mycotoxin contamination is market recall. Recalling a product from the market is not cheap, in fact, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) discovered that the average cost of market recall is USD10 million in direct costs alone. The financial hits of recalling product include: disposing of the product, reimbursing customers, and business interruption. The GMA survey showed that 81% of respondents deemed the financial risk of market recall to be 'significant to catastrophic'. CONTAMINATED PRODUCT DAMAGES BRAND IMAGE Financial costs and damage to health are not the only repercussions of mycotoxin contamination. Once the media are aware of the situation, brand image can take a significant hit. For consumers, it takes a lot to repair trust in a brand, and while brand damage is difficult to measure, this can further cost companies millions in lifetime value. CONTAMINATED PRODUCT CAN CAUSE MASS WASTE Before the LumoVision, contaminated grain would have been disposed of in large amounts. During testing, if the batch has a high concentration of mycotoxin, in many cases, the entire batch is destroyed. In fact, as few as 2 highly contaminated grains in 10,000 can render an entire batch unsafe. The Food and Drug Association (FDA) estimate that USD932 million is lost per year to crops contaminated with mycotoxin. This removal of the contaminated material may protect the consumer, but it costs businesses and the environment a lot more. WHAT CAN BE DONE? Bühler SORTEX faced the challenge of mycotoxin contamination head-on. After discovering a breakthrough 'invisible indicator' of contamination on the spectral scale, Bühler created the LumoVision, an optical sorter that can reduce the aflatoxin level by up to 90% (as indicated by industrial trials). This reduction brings many samples to regulation levels, saving companies from the costs of large-scale material waste and market recall. It works by analysing the colour each kernel fluoresces as it passes under powerful UV lighting in the sorter. It is known that contaminated kernels fluoresce a specific bright green colour, a substance called kojic acid, which is produced by the Aspergillus fungus at the same time as it produces aflatoxin. LumoVision's proprietary, highly sensitive cameras and a powerful LED-based UV lighting system can precisely detect this colour of fluorescence. Within milliseconds of detection, air nozzles deploy to blow contaminated kernels out of the product stream. When dealing with toxins, early intervention is critical. This is not only important in reducing the toxins consumed by pets, but also to lower wastage and the environmental footprint. Without proper cleaning and sorting, poisonous mycotoxins can cause large-scale wastage of materials, mass market recalls, and harm to pets. Dr Gerardo Morantes, Director of Food Safety-Americas Region at Buhler, had the following to say: 'Mycotoxins are a worldwide concern. However, technology made possible by Bühler SORTEX enables a preventative solution, meaning that mycotoxins can be dealt with early, stopping the spread and removing the contamination to meet regulatory standards.' Without intervention, mycotoxin contamination can bare a large cost for businesses, including, brand reputation, market recalls and material waste. With the SORTEX LumoVision, brands can stay profitable, customers can stay happy and pets can stay safe. By Bühler Group

16/08/2023

Chain process, constant improvement: extrusion, binders, palatability, and more

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Precision, a key factor in extrusion Extrusion occupies a central place in pet food production, but it is not the only thing that matters: it does not make sense to focus exclusively on it if accurate and integral material and ingredient management is not achieved throughout the whole production process. Being the most common method of producing dry pet food, it involves several operations, such as mixing, heating, kneading, cutting, and shaping. Here the key is to obtain perfect homogeneous mixtures of the ingredients used in the formula. Some criteria for an effective and successful process Nutrition and extrusion Nutritional quality is the main point, which is obvious but impossible to forget. The first and most important thing in a pet food formula must be nutrition, so the final product, regardless of the chosen production process, must be complete and balanced. With this in mind, one must consider how the selected ingredients react in the extrusion process. Depending on its nature, this can be easy or rather challenging. Secondly, we can talk about product uniformity and texture. To pets, consumers and judges of our offers, product palatability is crucial, as no nutrient can nourish without good palatability. Additives and binders We can also mention additives as one more component of pet food formulas that can have various purposes. Some can be: guaranteeing longevity and food safety, maintaining texture and color, and preventing water activity, ingredient deterioration, and oxidation, among others. In addition, they are specially used to increase palatability and flavor, an important sensory characteristic for both dogs and cats. In fact, it's what defines whether or not the pet chooses our food. These can impact first-choice palatability, which means they make it the first food chosen or achieve a continuous choice effect, a preference sustained over time. These types of ingredients added to formulas are widely used. However, that does not exempt them from being controversial in a context in which those who make purchasing decisions prefer to know all the ingredients that their pet food contains and where this type of addition is increasingly rejected, often due to ignorance. Marketing and sustainability For the last couple of years, there are two additional points gaining more and more ground: marketing and sustainability. On the one hand, marketing is a crucial tool to get our product, with a great process and palatability, to reach the right hungry mouths. To design a great product to remain stored in our warehouses is completely pointless. And, on the other hand, considering (or not) the environmental impact can be, nowadays, one of the factors that take off or bury a brand's name. Today's consumers want to buy what takes care of everyone's future.   Different factors, some products, only one goal Producers are deepening their research and experimentation to answer with the best possible quality to new market demands. Currently, we can summarize these needs in the following most significant challenges: Fresh refrigerated meat, neither frozen or dehydrated Higher quality – use of mechanically deboned skeletal muscle and primary organs, not by-products Unadulterated materials Non-traditional, grain-free, or alternative ingredient formulas More food shapes, like croutons or bone shapes, and not just brown and round Higher rates of meat inclusion (30-75%) The truth is, with every new trend, new challenges arise. The greater inclusion of meat, for example, presents, from a manufacturing point of view, a challenge in terms of extrusion. But no matter how big the hurdle, staying on top of trends and meeting customer expectations is most important.   Conclusion The improvement of production practices and, consequently, of the characteristics of final products depends on the processes chosen and the ingredients used. A crucial point, within a sea of ​​innovative technology, attractive proposals, and emerging raw materials, is to remember, depending on the type of food produced, and determine what nutritional benefit we seek to achieve, either in a final product or with the addition of certain additional components. As an industry, we must have the ability to review and attack challenges from all angles, and for successful development, we already know the keyword: innovation. Looking carefully at the path traveled in recent times, we do not doubt that experts from various areas are working to improve and overcome any obstacles in terms of formulation requirements, hardware development, process controls, and specifications of a final product, with the objectives in mind of increasing productivity, minimizing costs, successfully satisfying our customers, maintaining the highest quality standards, eliminating human error, improving efficiency and optimizing security.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

15/08/2023

Tapping Into China's Pet Food Market: Opportunities For Success

As she has so much experience in the pet food industry, we asked her to share some valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of the Chinese pet food market. China's pet food market has seen significant growth over the past few years, driven by the rising number of pet owners who prioritize the health and well-being of their furry companions.  The market continues to evolve, which means there are ample opportunities for pet food companies to tap into this growing demand and establish a strong presence.  A psychological portrait of a Chinese pet owner The majority of pet owners in China are young, with limited experience in pet care. That's why they rely heavily on online platforms for pet-related information and advice from veterinarians. Pet health is a top priority for these owners, as they know that a well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital for their pet's overall well-being. Pet food manufacturers that supply high-quality raw materials, accompanied by clear functional claims and authoritative verification reports, are most likely to stand out in this growing market. One crucial factor to consider is the growing population of senior pets in China. In most cases, this is a new and unfamiliar situation for many pet owners, as this is the first time they are going through such moments. Therefore, brands entering the market should focus on addressing crucial factors like pet emotional health, cognition, and specific issues related to aging. By addressing these needs, brands can establish a strong position and build trust among pet owners. Advice for Western brands entering the Chinese market For Western brands looking to work with Chinese pet food manufacturers, understanding the cultural nuances, the needs of pets, and the preferences of Chinese consumers is essential. A Chinese end-user, especially one who prefers to buy premium food and treats, wants to see a European touch on the product.  It's important to mention this on the package, point of sales, and in their marketing campaign. This will undoubtedly build trust, help increase product recognition, and will make the product more liked among buyers. The future of the Chinese pet food market As said, the Chinese pet food market is experiencing rapid growth, along with various complexities and opportunities. The pet food industry in China offers an abundance of products with diverse claims and formulations, addressing the needs of pet owners of different ages, from various cities. Online transactions play a significant role in this market too, opening up new avenues for exploration and expansion.  Cats are expected to dominate the pet population growth in China, particularly among young women who are conscious of their pets' health and nutrition. Streamlining product claims and using professional design elements will help pet owners save time in choosing pet food. At the same time, this will also allow them to spend more quality time with their pets and enrich their overall pet-owning experience.  Aker BioMarine's collaboration with Chinese pet food brands Aker BioMarine, the biotechnology company behind the QRILL Pet products, has been committed to having a local presence in China since 2011, recognizing it as the world's largest market for marine ingredients. In recent years, Aker BioMarine has been collaborating with leading pet food producers in China, establishing krill as a premium pet food ingredient in the country.     These partnerships focus on customizing raw materials, sharing best practices, and promoting the development of pet health food through scientific research, technology, and consumer insights. In conclusion Understanding the preferences and expectations of Chinese consumers, as well as the evolving pet ownership trends will be critical for success in these coming years. By collaborating with local partners and offering high-quality, innovative pet food products, brands can tap into the growing love and concern for pets in China.Focusing on health, nutrition, and sustainability, the future of the Chinese pet food market is bright for both manufacturers and pet owners. by Suha Zhou - Sales Director QRILL Pet China

14/08/2023

Understanding Explosion-Proof Vacuums: What Sets Them Apart?

Not all industrial vacuums are explosion-proof. Only an industrial vacuum certified as explosion-proof is designed to prevent and contain explosions in potentially hazardous environments. It is vital to know how explosion-proof vacuums differ from other industrial vacuum designs. Knowing these things will help you select the right vacuum for your application, whether the vacuum will be used in a chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, or manufacturing plant.   How Do Explosion-Proof Vacuums Differ From Other Industrial Vacuums? Both industrial vacuums and explosion-proof vacuums can be used for industrial purposes. But only explosion-proof vacuums can be used for potentially hazardous environments. Industrial vacuums have unique features and components to operate in industrial environments safely. But explosion-proof vacuums have the following features besides those found on most industrial vacuums:   Explosion-proof motors are sealed to prevent sparks and constructed out of materials that can withstand high temperatures and pressures. Grounding and bonding systems prevent the buildup of static electricity, which can cause sparks and trigger an explosion. Hoses and accessories are made of conductive materials that prevent static electricity buildup. Explosion-proof filters are designed to contain combustible materials and prevent sparks.   Explosion-proof vacuums are also certified to specific safety standards through Underwriters Laboratories (UL), CSA Group, and ATEX. A vacuum with these certifications meets exacting safety standards for safe use in potentially hazardous environments.   What are Explosion-Proof Vacuums Used For? Prevention of fire and dust explosions is a serious concern in various facilities. Industrial environments are often at risk for combustible dust explosions, especially in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food processing or manufacturing industries. Dust explosions can kill workers and destroy facilities. The Imperial Sugar Company had a dust explosion in 2008 that resulted in 14 deaths and dozens of injuries. The tragedy drew attention to the destruction possible when combustible dust builds up. Most industrial dusts are dangerous, whether it is flour or sugar dust generated in food processing or chemical dust produced during manufacturing. It's vital for maintenance technicians and building operations managers to inspect for dust buildup regularly, clean equipment at regular intervals, move dust collections outside, and use only vacuum cleaners approved for dust collection in hazardous environments. Explosion-proof vacuum systems clean up explosive or flammable materials safely without causing hazardous materials or dust to ignite or explode. They are commonly used in industrial settings with chemicals, combustible dust, or other hazardous materials present. Keeping things clean, controlling ignition sources, and performing regular preventive maintenance are important steps to reduce the risk of dust explosions. But it is equally vital to inform and train all employees working in the area about the safety risks of combustible dust, hazardous chemicals, and other flammable materials. All personnel have a role to play in mitigating explosion risks. Maintenance personnel need training in the proper use and maintenance of equipment. Managers must be ready to enforce safety policies and procedures. Safety personnel must understand the potential dangers of crafting sound safety policies and procedures. Keeping a plant safe from these hazards is everyone's responsibility.   What Facilities Need an Explosion-Proof Vacuum? Many facilities need an explosion-proof vacuum. Some common applications include: Food processing plants where dust and other combustible materials are present. Chemical and pharmaceutical plants that handle hazardous materials. Manufacturing plants that use chemicals and substances in the manufacturing process. Refineries and oil rigs which deal with flammable gases, liquids, and other hazardous substances. Laboratories that use chemicals, solvents, or other flammable substances.   Different Uses and Applications for Explosion-Proof Vacuums The applications for explosion-proof vacuums are as diverse as the industries that use them. In a food processing facility, these vacuums may clean accumulated dust from food processing equipment, such as mixers, grinders and conveyors. These vacuum systems also can clean plant floors and surfaces, as well as storage and packaging areas. At a pharmaceutical or chemical plant, an explosion-proof vacuum can remove powder and dust from production areas and equipment and clean lab areas where hazardous materials generate dust and debris. In chemical plants, these vacuums can safely remove dust and debris from reactors and vessels used to mix and store chemicals. Manufacturing plants and classified environments alike can use explosion-proof vacuums to clean production equipment, such as lathes, mills and grinders, which accumulate dust and debris during production, even in hidden areas. They also can clean plant floors and surfaces, storage locations, and shipping and receiving areas. In oil refineries and on oil rigs, explosion-proof vacuums can remove dust and debris from heavy machinery and equipment. The vacuum systems can also clean facility floors and surfaces. Laboratories use explosion-proof vacuums to remove hazardous materials, chemicals, and powders. This includes cleaning lab equipment such as fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and cleanrooms which can accumulate hazardous materials or dust during experiments or testing. The vacuums can also clean lab floors and surfaces, as well as chemical storage and hazardous waste areas.   Next Steps Goodway Technologies offers a complete line of explosion-proof industrial vacuums to pick up hazardous dust and other materials with various chamber and tank sizes. These vacuums are certified by various organizations and are available in wet capacity and dry capacity explosion-proof configurations. Both electric and air-powered models are available. Vacuums with HEPA filtration are available. Vacuums designed for heavy-duty applications are available. Goodway's in-house experts can visit your facility to assess your equipment and determine which explosion-proof vacuum will deliver the best results for the application.   By: Goodway Tech

11/08/2023

Functionality beyond nutrition

Fibers as natural and renewable plant-based materials are ecological products at their best. Because of their multifunctional properties and compatibility with nearly all other substances, fibers provide solutions for many everyday products. The selection of the right raw material and the mechanical manufacturing process is of paramount importance, as this allows the particle size and structure to be tailored, and the properties of the fibers depend, to a large extent, on these parameters. Through a finely tuned interaction of suitable milling technology and fractionation, optimized products can be manufactured.   ADVANCED MILLING TECHNOLOGY An impact mill acts on a fiber material with high shear forces. This results in strong fibrillation of the material, resulting predominantly in long, thin fibers (picture 1). In turn, these are characterized by a high binding capacity for liquids, be they water, oil, or others. In contrast, a cutting mill mainly shortens the fiber length but is not able to split fiber bundles into individual fibers very well. Therefore, this grinding system mainly produces shorter particles with a less pronounced fiber structure (Picture 2). These particles are less effective but have a better flow, dosing, and mixing ability.   Picture 1: Long Fiber   Picture 2: Short Fiber   Other so-called 'rotor-stator systems,' which allow a very small grinding gap, are predestined for fine powder production. Although these powders do not have high functionality, they can be used in higher concentrations and can be easily and homogeneously incorporated into a wide variety of formulations. They also have good sensory properties.   APPLIED KNOWLEDGE Having the possibility to understand how a structure or matrix of the fiber after a dedicated processing upgrade looks like is an innovative competitive advantage. Structural differences of various fibers can help to indicate certain functional properties, which are sometimes known in the industry but more often not known or not deep enough explored. This is the moment where scientific transparency meets technical application, researching the functional benefit of a new potential product in a real application like in main meals or snacks. For that, JRS has set up a pilot facility in 2017 where exactly this kind of internal research is happening. Only after enough internal trials and critical analysis, the products are manufactured on a larger scale to run first trials with dedicated customers. By doing that, it is possible to develop real innovative product concepts, which are new to the market before they become standard across the pet food world. Globally, there are thousands of innovation pipelines and marketing concepts creating a high demand for new innovative solutions. Having the right knowledge and products in place is key to being a constant part of new product developments and strategic partnerships. However, even in daily production, there are challenges where fiber can help to have a more efficient production. Some of them have the capability to generate a network, helping to keep the shape of a product intact or keeping a gravy clear during sterilization. Others can avoid syneresis in raw meat food or alternatively in all meat sausages, ensuring water excess can be held over shelf life. There are many more examples of what fiber can deliver beyond the nutritional benefit for pets.  Fibers designed by nature in combination with research & development plus technical application knowledge are the future road for many new ideas around the globe beyond nutrition.   By: JRS Source: All Pet Food Magazine

10/08/2023

Pet Food Industry Trends for 2023

Growth is a great opportunity, but it also requires planning when it comes to how pet foods are conveyed in your facility. How are companies preparing to handle this type of growth at their processing facilities?     In October 2022, Cablevey Conveyors commissioned the independent research firm, Ascend2, to conduct a research study titled Evaluating and Implementing New Conveyor Systems. The 16-page study (download for free) asked 290 food processing professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom to provide their insight on critical considerations when evaluating conveyor systems. In this article, we will review and analyze the findings from 72 food processing professionals that are conveying pet food. What are they doing to prepare for growth? Finding #1: Budgeting for Growth. 85% of facilities processing pet foods are increasing their budget for conveying equipment and maintenance in the next 12 months. 35% tell us that they are increasing significantly the budget needed to meet growth opportunities. Why the increase in the budget? The increase is in response to how much these businesses grew in the past year. Finding #2: Can your workspaces facilitate needed growth? An important consideration of growth is your workspaces and facility requirements. What conveying systems are best for the space that you have available? According to the pet food processing experts surveyed, the #1 conveying system (46%) for maximizing available space is cable and disk conveyors. What are a few questions should you ask when evaluating the right conveyor system to optimize the space at your facility? Do you have enough floor space or ceiling height to accommodate certain conveyor types? Does the layout of the conveying system take into account easy access for cleaning and maintenance, worker safety, and operational performance? Here is a short video that shows a pet food conveying layout. Finding #3: Consider maintenance and downtime when you plan. For pet food, what conveying systems are the most efficient? Cable and disc conveyors lead the pack (by a wide margin) at 54% What are a few questions should you ask when evaluating the right conveyor system when it comes to maintenance and downtime?     Questions to ask: How much time will be spent disassembling and cleaning the system? Will maintenance and downtime costs exceed any savings that you realized when purchasing the system? Finding #4: Don't forget energy efficiency. What contributes to energy efficiency? The size of the motor and the amount of horsepower required to run a conveying system can have a major impact on production costs. What conveying systems is the most energy efficient for pet foods? Cable and disc conveyors are #1 at 44%. Here are two questions to ask regarding energy and efficiency: How much energy will this system use?
Is there a high or a low cut-off point at which this system becomes inefficient? Conclusion The pet food industry is growing and evolving. This research study provides insight into the specifics of how industry professionals are preparing for that growth and making the best decisions for their facilities. The research points to cable and disc conveyors as the superior solution for pet foods. Tubular conveyors help streamline pet food processing and maintain both quality and proper proportions in nutritional mixes, snack foods, and other pet food products, product characteristics important to pet food purchasers. To find out if a Cablevey system is the best solution for conveying your pet food, have the Cablevey Testing Center perform a free test for you. The Testing Center will provide you with the data to help you make the most informed decision for your specific need. This article only covers a portion of the finding from the Ascend2 research study. Download Evaluating and Implementing New Conveyor Systems for more insight into the food processing industry.
  by Cablevey Conveyor 

09/08/2023

Challenges for the canine and feline nutritionist and pet food formulator for the upcoming years

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

Proper nutrition: The main challenge when formulating and developing products for the pet food market is ensuring proper pet nutrition. Each species has specific nutritional requirements, and products must be formulated to fulfill them. In addition, we have to consider factors such as age, size, breed, and individual health conditions. Formulating nutritionists must ensure that products are balanced and meet all necessary nutritional requirements. Knowing the ingredients in depth: Finding and using quality ingredients is another challenge facing pet food developers. It is important to ensure that the ingredients used are safe, healthy, and meet regulatory standards. Knowing the nutritional composition of each raw material, the digestibility of the ingredients for each species, and thinking about the interactions between nutrients during the digestive process of animals should also be questioned by the formulating nutritionist. Not only do the points mentioned above matter, but the choice of ingredients must also be very well thought out since it must comply with the minimum cost proposed for the formula, the availability of purchase considering the seasonality of each raw material, and the possible fluctuations in the availability in the market. In addition, some tutors are increasingly concerned with the origin of the ingredients, so their choice must also be guided by the product market positioning of the product that the nutritionist is formulating. Finding reliable suppliers and establishing long-term partnerships is essential to ensure the consistency and quality of the ingredients used in pet foods. Understanding additives, their functions, and purposes: The industry of additives for animal nutrition is constantly evolving thanks to the development of new products and technologies. A pet food formulator must keep up with these updates and advances in the field of additives to optimize pet food formulations and deliver high-quality products. Some additives are used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of pet foods. A pet food formulator must understand how these additives work, as well as the proper dosages to ensure food safety and good shelf life. Palatability: Pet food can be nutritionally balanced, but if it is not appetizing and acceptable to pets, it will be rejected by guardians and the animals themselves. Palatability is a major challenge when formulating new products. Pets have individual preferences, and their tastes may vary. Companies and their development teams must invest in extensive research and testing to ensure that their products are tasty and attractive to animals, while also meeting nutritional needs. Processing considerations: Pet food processing is an additional technical challenge. It is necessary to ensure that food is manufactured consistently, maintaining the integrity of ingredients and preserving essential nutrients. The pet food formulator must know the extrusion processes and their pre- and post-processing, as so many parameters can affect product quality, such as grinding, time/temperature inside the extrusion barrel, shear, friction, density, dried, and covered. Extrusion is one of the types of processing that the formulator must master, but the dynamics of product diversification for this market require that these professionals learn about new forms of processing, such as autoclaving, dehydration, freeze-drying, and other innovations that may arise. Innovation and market trends: The pet food market is constantly evolving, driven by trends and consumer demands. Product developers must be aware of the latest trends and innovations in the industry, which includes the development of specialized products for specific needs, such as food for pets with food allergies, diets for weight loss, and organic and natural foods, among others. Keeping up with these trends and innovations requires continuous market research and flexibility to adapt to changes. The pet food market presents significant challenges for formulators and product developers. Proper nutrition, choice of quality ingredients, palatability, processing considerations, and innovation is critical to success in today's marketplace. With so many challenges, a pet food formulator must be a multi-faceted professional. The association and collaboration between the pet food nutritionist, researchers, and alliances between public and private institutions are important for the training of these professionals. They also promote science and technology for this market and to overcome these challenges, develop healthy and attractive food for pets, ensuring the health, and longevity of pets and owners' satisfaction. By: Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni and Erika Stasieniuk Source: All Pet Food Magazine

08/08/2023

VICTAM LatAm 2023

The VICTAM events are by far the world's largest dedicated events for the animal feed processing industries. With VICTAM LatAm, now VICTAM also has its Latin American platform, where the focus will be on the opportunities in Brazil and its surrounding countries. As in other parts of the world VICTAM will be launched in paralel to GRAPAS LatAm, the event for grain, rice, soy and flour milling and processing. Above this, in Latin America VICTAM partners with the North American grain processing and handling association GEAPS, who launches its event GEAPS in co-location with VICTAM and GRAPAS. Together the three events are the place to be for feed and grain processing and handling. The exhibition is a 'one-stop' show for the decision-makers within these industries. Each visitor will be able to find what they are looking for, all under one roof over three days. The event also focuses on a series of high-quality industry conferences and business matchmaking with colleagues and clients.  Why attend VICTAM LatAm 2023? Access to the exhibition of your industry. See the latest developments in your industry Specific conferences with key topics in line with your interests Networking Matchmaking and/or business opportunities We invite you to register to be part of this event: https://victamlatam.com/en-us/visiting/registrations by: All Pet Food

07/08/2023

Low Glycaemic Properties of Isomaltulose Confirmed in Dogs

The study results demonstrate that isomaltulose is a suitable low glycaemic ingredient for use in dog food, triggering a lower blood glucose rise after consumption. This property makes it a particularly interesting solution with the potential to support metabolic health and weight management. Numbers of overweight and obese dogs have steadily increased over the last few decades and exceed 50% in Western countries.  Excessive weight is linked to metabolic and skeletal associated disorders and impacts the quality of life of both dog and owner. This is reflected in pet owners' interest in tackling such issues: More than 8 in 10 pet owners worldwide agree that on-pack communication about helping to control their pet's weight naturally (87%), or having a lower impact on blood sugar levels (85%), very much or somewhat affects their purchase intention of a pet food product.   Here, nutrient choice has an important role to play, especially in regards to which carbohydrate is used in a dog's food. Firstly, because overweight or obese pets are at risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Secondly, low glycaemic diets have been shown to support weight loss and improve metabolic health in both humans and dogs . Therefore, finding suitable low glycaemic ingredients for dog food is key.   In total, three studies were carried out by the teams from universities in Utrecht and Wageningen. The first, an in-vitro study of small intestinal tissue samples from three dogs, evaluated the small intestinal hydrolysis of isomaltulose compared to sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, lactose and ɑ-trehalose. The aim was to confirm if dogs have the ability to digest isomaltulose, as well as compare it with other carbohydrate sources. The findings showed that it can be digested by canine intestinal enzymes, with a lower enzyme activity compared to high glycaemic carbohydrates, indicating a slower rate of hydrolysis. The second and third studies compared the effects of isomaltulose, sucrose and maltodextrin in an in-vivo set-up. One of the studies assessed the glycaemic effects of the three carbohydrates in nine dogs and using a 3x3 Latin-square design . After an overnight fast, the blood glycaemia and insulinaemia were measured 0-180 minutes after the administration of a single dose of either isomaltulose, sucrose or maltodextrin. The results showed that isomaltulose significantly lowered blood glucose and insulin responses in the dogs, compared to maltodextrin or sucrose. The goal of the final study was to assess the glycaemic properties of isomaltulose in dogs, after continuous intake. This was based on the assumption that the abilities to digest isomaltulose might evolve through adaptation, so that its impact on blood glucose levels would get closer to the other carbohydrates. In this study, 18 dogs received a 50:50 mix of isomaltulose and sucrose (1g per kg bodyweight) daily for two weeks. They were then split into three equal groups which each received a single dose of either isomaltulose, sucrose or maltodextrin after an overnight fast. Following this, the dogs' blood glucose and insulin responses were measured. Even after continuous intake over two weeks, the low glycaemic and insulinaemic properties of isomaltulose were confirmed. Commenting on the findings, Dr Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager Animal Nutrition at BENEO says: 'This research is of great importance as it offers the first comprehensive characterisation of isomaltulose with respect to its digestibility and metabolic effects in dogs. The low glycaemic properties of isomaltulose already shown in other species, including humans, pigs and rodents, have now been confirmed in dogs. The combined results of this study suggest that isomaltulose would be a suitable energy source in dog food, which contributes to a more stable blood glucose response, and may improve the dog's metabolic profile and overall health.' Isomaltulose is a disaccharide which occurs naturally in honey. It is composed of glucose and fructose, characterised by a stronger glycosidic bond than that of usual sugar. Isomaltulose is a direct source of energy that generates a more balanced blood glucose response, distinguishing it from high glycaemic energy sources, such as heat treated cereals and conventional sugars (e.g., dextrose). BENEO derives isomaltulose from sugar beet at its production plant for functional carbohydrates in Offstein, Germany.  by BENEO-Animal Nutrition For further information on BENEO and its ingredients, please visit: www.beneo.com

03/08/2023

NARA -Animal Nutrition

Because North American renderers process at optimum temperatures over a prescribed length of time and they use strict quality control measures, animal protein meals are consistently high quality, uniform, stable, affordable, and nutritionally dense. The materials renderers provide allow for more sustainable pet food sourcing while producing high-quality meals for animals. Rendering practices are vital for sustainable and well-balanced pet food nutrition.   Ingredients in Pet Food Pet food uses a wide range of ingredients that renderers can process from waste products. As a result, when excess materials from meats are removed during processing, they can go toward pet food nutrition. There are several critical nutrients that pets need to stay healthy, such as proteins, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates, and animal nutrition research demonstrates that rendering can have a vital role in meeting this need. Key ingredients that come from rendering include: Meat and bone meal. Animal proteins. Animal fats. These substances can serve as crucial nutrients for pets' health and daily dietary needs. The ingredients may include human-grade food and other materials deemed safe for animal consumption. Dogs and cats of different breeds and sizes have various nutritional needs and may eat wet and canned foods, kibble, dry food, treats, and other options. Based on animal nutrition facts, individual pet food manufacturing companies follow different formulas to meet dietary requirements for animals.     Applications Renderers can use a wide range of strategies to address critical requirements for animal protein meals. By repurposing meat, fat, and other processing remnants, the industry can provide resources to feed pets and aquaculture and meet healthy dietary benchmarks while reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.   Pet Food Pet food and products are a multi-billion dollar industry, and the market is growing. Rendered protein meals such as meat and bone meal, poultry co-product (also called by-product) meal, and fish meal are almost universally used in pet foods. They provide high-quality protein with a good balance of amino acids essential to pet health. There are several key advantages to using rendering practices to source pet food, including: Safety: Renderers meet high-quality food processing standards to prepare materials for animal consumption, helping ensure the final products are safe and beneficial for pets' health. Sustainability: By using materials that would otherwise be considered waste from standard meat preparation, renderers help save production costs and protect the environment. Nutrition: The proteins and fats obtained through the rendering process are highly advantageous for pets' day-to-day health and meet dietary nutrition benchmarks. View exciting results from a first-of-its-kind joint pet food study with the Pet Food Institute and AFIA detailing how the pet food production process feeds the agriculture economy and reduces food waste. This insightful research analyzes the wide-ranging benefits of rendering and pet nutrient production. It also demonstrates how the practice contributes to long-term sustainability efforts in this industry.   Learn More With NARA At the North American Renderers' Association (NARA), we're committed to supporting renderers and meat processors in sustainable waste product recycling. We represent the industry with advocacy and trusted resources that help educate and grow this critical field. For more information on our services and how to become a member of our organization, contact us today.   Source: North American Renderers Association

02/08/2023

Ancient, ancestral grains: myth or superfoods?

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Ancient, ancestral grains When we talk about ancient grains, we talk about millet, quinoa, spelt, amaranth, and teff, to name just a few. This term refers as they have been found in many geographies and cultures and because they have suffered minimal alterations over a very extended period of time. When used for pet food production, these types of grains go through minor processing stages.   Scientific evidence A lack of knowledge can lead us to think these ancient grains are new to the pet industry, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there are scientific studies that prove some of its characteristics and advantages. Pezzali and Aldrich (2019) evaluated the digestibility of a cereal-free food containing potato, pea, and tapioca starch versus another containing ancient cereals, such as spelt, millet, and sorghum. They found no differences in digestibility. Scientists at the University of Illinois say ancient grains are a prime example of an increasingly popular trend in human and, consequently, pet food. For their study, 10 adult female Beagles ate, for 10 days, 1 of 5 dog food formulas, which included up to 40% rice or 1 of 4 ancient grains: amaranth, white proso millet, quinoa, or grits. By analyzing their droppings and blood data, they discovered that when carbohydrates are used as the main source (up to 40%) in extruded foods for adult dogs, ancestral grains are well accepted, with no detrimental effects on stool quality or macronutrient digestibility. Furthermore, oats and amaranth inclusion were especially beneficial in changing the fermentative end products indicating a butyrogenic effect. Although oats did not have a significant impact on postprandial glycemic or insulinemic responses in healthy dogs in this study, it can be inferred that they may benefit obese, insulin-resistant, or diabetic dogs.   Ancient grains benefits Each grain offers its own characteristics and advantages. In these cases, since they have not been refined, like white rice or other grains, the nutrients remain, whereas when the grains are refined, they lose vitamins, minerals, fiber, and much of their nutritional value during the milling process. Digestibility Ancient grains provide prebiotics and fiber. They are especially used for dogs with food sensitivities or obesity problems. They are easy to digest and can help maintain a healthy weight. Nutritional quality The nutritional quality of food is essential to have healthy pets. Ancient grains are very high in nutrients such as fiber, protein, omega-3, omega-6, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium, and boost the immune system and thyroid function. For example, the proteins and vitamins found in quinoa help promote good muscle health, boost metabolism, and improve brain health. Millet and sorghum, meanwhile, are perfect for gluten-free diets, as they are rich in antioxidants and help fight inflammation in older dogs or those with chronic inflammation problems. Lightly processed ingredients Most superfoods for dogs are made from ancient grains. This is due, in part, to the way they are processed. Reduced absorption rate Ancient grains are less of a burden on the digestive tract because they are easier to digest and break down, preventing potential blood sugar spikes and digestive problems from slower absorption. Healthy ingredients These types of grains are not selectively bred nor have they been modified over time, which is why they are considered more natural and healthy.   From myth to reality with scientific studies The lack of knowledge about these ingredients arises from comparing ancestors' diets to today's pets. If we look at the diet of a wolf or wild cat, we do not see them eat grains directly, but these are found in what their prey has eaten, and they are what their bodies need as evolved species. Today, we know that the advantages of ancestral cereals are multiple, from providing a more dense nutrient profile and less processed varieties to presenting the least allergenic potential. All these details position ancient grains as premium and a trend in pet food. Therefore, we need to listen to our audiences to design formulas that meet their needs and those of their pets while driving the most detailed research to fully understand the power and impact of these ingredients.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

01/08/2023

Purina PetCare leads Nestlé’s growth in 2023

Purina One, Purina Pro Plan, and Friskies all recorded double-digit growth on a global scale. In the Zone Asia, Oceania, and Africa (AOA), Purina PetCare posted high single-digit growth, with infant nutrition being the largest growth contributor in this zone. Total reported sales increased by 1.6 per cent to CHF 46.3 billion (AUD $ 79.8 billion) and underlying earnings per share increased by 11.1 per cent in constant currency and increased 4.1 per cent on a reported basis to CHF 2.43 (AUD $4.19). Mark Schneider, CEO of Nestlé, said they pursued their strategic priorities with discipline and focus in a fast-evolving consumer environment. 'Based on the strong performance in the first half of the year we upgrade our organic sales growth outlook for 2023. At-home consumption post-COVID has now normalized, removing a growth drag on some of our categories. Out-of-home channels continue to see strong growth momentum.' Looking at the remainder of the year, Schneider said they are confident they will deliver a positive combination of volume and mix, and improvement in gross margin, and a significant increase in marketing investments. 'Combined with ongoing portfolio management and optimization as well as the continued implementation of our sustainability initiatives, we are well positioned to grow and to generate value for our stakeholders.' For the full-year 2023 outlook, Nestlé are increasing its organic sales growth guidance to a range of 7 to 8 per cent. The underlying trading operating profit margin is expected to be between 17 per cent and 17.5 per cent. Underlying earnings per share in constant currency is expected to increase between 6 per cent and 10 per cent. by Thomas Oakley-Newell

31/07/2023

Is Dry Vapour Steam Good For My Cleaning Needs?

Consider these questions before purchasing or considering a speciality dry steam cleaner: Will you use the steam cleaner in a commercial or industrial environment? What equipment and soils will you be cleaning? What is Vapour Steam Cleaning Used For?   Vapour steam cleaners have been used primarily for general cleaning and sanitising hard surfaces without chemicals. Applications include kitchen and bathroom grout cleaning, restaurants, supermarkets, schools, hotels, apartment buildings, and private homes. In addition, property owners and municipalities frequently use vapour steam cleaners for gum removal. Using a vapour steam cleaner is environmentally friendly and highly effective, and it leaves behind an oil and grease-free surface. The technology has recently found its way into industrial applications. It is likely that a vapour steam cleaner purchased with the intent of using it for one application will soon be used for general cleaning all around the shop as they are great for cleaning up production machinery and many other applications. Food and Beverage Production Dry Baking Production Meat Production and Packing Pharmaceutical production lines Product Packaging lines   Dry Vapour Steam Cleaning vs. Other Cleaning Solutions When cleaning or sanitising a facility or equipment where water needs to be minimised or avoided, and chemical cleaning is not preferred, steam is the perfect solution. Steam cleaning with a vapour steam cleaner is environmentally friendly, extremely effective, leaves no residue, and leaves a surface free of oil and grease. With vapour steam cleaners, surfaces without chemicals can be cleaned and sanitised, while other cleaning solutions that involve chemicals may be harmful to the environment.   How to Choose a Dry Vapour Steam Cleaner High steam temperature: the higher the temperature at the boiler, the higher the discharge temperature. All Vapour steam cleaners lose some temperature between the boiler and the nozzle. Hotter steam significantly increases cleaning effectiveness. See our Dry Steam Cleaning Buying Guide. Stainless steel boiler – stainless steel resists corrosion and limits heat transfer to its environment. Safety devices such as water level sensor, boiler thermostat, pressure switch, safety pressure valve, and dae-aeration valve. The ability to refill the vapour steam cleaner with water without waiting for the unit to cool down first. This feature can save up to 20 minutes on every refill. Large water reservoir. Steam volume control – uses only the amount of steam needed to do the job. Less steam enhances the vapour steam cleaner's ability to maintain temperature. Handling features such as wheels are large enough to make it easy to roll the vapour steam cleaner over rough surfaces or up and downstairs. A good sturdy handle helps here, too. Accessories – does the manufacturer offer the accessories needed for all applications? Warranty – look for a one-year warranty on the machine and a three-year warranty on the boiler.   Next Steps: See our full line of dry vapour steam cleaning products.   By: Goodway Tech

28/07/2023

Interview with Sebas Van Den Ende - General Manager of VICTAM

This issue's interviewee is Sebas Van Den Ende, General Manager at VICTAM. Let's meet the man that has launched one of the most important events of the pet food industry. He started his professional career at the Marketing Department of a Packaging company in the Netherlands, and later, at the same company, he changed his role as Export Manager for Latin America. In 2000, he made his first steps in the world of exhibitions as he started as Event Manager at Amsterdam RAI, the biggest exhibition organizer in the Netherlands, while he kept organizing events in Brazil and Mexico.   How did you start with VICTAM? What's (or has been) your biggest challenge as the General Manager? After 5 years of working with events and exhibitions for a company, I moved to Brazil, where I launched the Latin American Branch of the RAI Group, but, unfortunately, just after the office was launched, a management switch changed strategic vision, and the Brazilian office was not needed anymore. By then, in 2006, I saw big opportunities in Brazil, so I decided to stay in Brazil and launched our own exhibition company. This was the right time at the right place, as Brazil was booming and got the attention because of attracting the World Cup 2014 and the Olympics 2016. In a short time, we built a portfolio of successful events and the developments in Brazil, drew the attention of international event organizers, and eventually, we sold our company to one of them. After the required management handover period, we decided to return to the Netherlands in the beginning of 2018. After some side steps, I felt like returning to the event industry, and exactly at that time, VICTAM came along. Even though the industries for animal nutrition and grain processing were completely new for me, organizing and developing events in these industries is not very different from any other B2B industry, and it gave me the advantage to see things with an open mind. When I started at VICTAM in 2018, the challenge was to get a more balanced portfolio and to have a better coverage of the world. In the process of developing our portfolio, having partnerships and joining existing events were key elements. The idea was to have more qualitative good VICTAM events, but not necessarily more events in the industry, creating a win-win for organizers and participants. In 2019, we signed three important partnerships to execute this strategy, but unfortunately, just after signing the contracts we faced the COVID-19 outbreak. This changed a lot, not only for our industry, but also it strongly influenced our partnerships and internal organization. The biggest challenge, so far, is very clear: to overcome the Coronavirus pandemic. And although the world has overcome it, the landscape in exhibition land is still misty and it will take time before everything is back to normal. When did you realize it was time to arrive in LatAm? What were the reasons that made you take the risk? When I lived in Brazil, we were always looking at new segments for our exhibition portfolio, and it was very clear that the agribusiness, like livestock, soy, sugar cane, corn and grain had a huge potential. We never touched these industries, as they have strong stakeholders, and we felt you need a well-established exhibition brand to convince them in this field. As soon as I started at VICTAM, it was obvious that Latin America was a continent that had our priority to research and after doing this it confirmed the potential we noticed before. As Latin America was a blind spot in our portfolio, the market showed potential and our exhibitors were positive about exhibiting in the region, we decided to launch an event in the continent. Latin America, of course, is much more than Brazil, so the question was where to launch VICTAM LatAm. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are all very important markets for our exhibitors and we considered all of them as possibilities. We decided to launch our event in Sao Paulo, as Brazil is the biggest country in the continent and has Sao Paulo, a central and important hub. There are flight connections to all major cities in South America and there are good facilities to organize events. Of course, my knowledge and connections in Brazil were also factors in the decision as we could start the event in the third gear. After we had received market support from our founding companies (Andritz, CPM, Famsun, Wengerand Zheng Chang) and some national and international associations, we launched our first edition for October 2023, in September last year. Which are the plans for VICTAM in LatAm? Will it take place in different countries of the region? Which periodicity will it have? VICTAM is part of a foundation with the mission of benefiting the animal nutrition industry. For us, the result of the event for our participants is more important than the financial results. After all, the profit we make will go back to the industry by donations to projects and research. Our objective with our events is having bi-annual events in 4 regions (Asia, Europe, Latin America and Middle East/Africa) in the world. For our event VICTAM LatAm, as this will be a bi-annual event, the next edition will be in October 2025. Whether we stay in Sao Paulo or move the event to other countries is not decided yet and also will depend on the results of the event and the feedback from our participants. In the future, we hope that VICTAM will close partnerships and co-host with other events and strategic partners, so that it grows together with other events of the continent. The most important thing is that we answer according to the needs of the market: it's not only about what's convenient for us but rather about meeting our customers' needs. How do you see the growth of the pet food industry in the near future? The pet food industry is a rapidly growing sector, and it is expected to continue to expand in the near future. The increasing number of pet owners, combined with the growing awareness of the importance of pet nutrition, is driving the demand for high-quality and healthy pet food. As a result, the industry is likely to continue to transform and bring along new innovations that cater to the specific needs of pets. Some of these innovations include the use of precision nutrition, sustainable practices, nutrigenomics, alternative protein sources, automation and Blockchain. As a leading global animal feed event organization, we have to make sure to do continuous research to not lag behind and follow all the trends to maintain high-end knowledge by organizing the right conferences with the right topics and by the right people. Overall, the pet food industry is set to remain a key player in the global food industry, as pets continue to play an important role in the lives of millions of people around the world. Therefore, for VICTAM, the pet food segment is growing in importance. Pet food is now one of the main segments of the event, both at the exhibition as in the parallel conference program. What's your point of view, as VICTAM General Manager, regarding new needs, such as sustainability and circular economy? As the industry is expected to continue to focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, consumers become more conscious of their impact on the planet. It is clear that if we want to live with so many people on earth, we must do this in a responsible way, so that the next generations will be proud of us instead of blaming us. I believe that the feed and grain processing industries have an important role to play in promoting sustainability and circular economy practices. There is a growing awareness among consumers and industry stakeholders about the need to reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of industrial processes. Thus, it is important for the industry to adopt sustainable practices that support the circular economy. This can be achieved through the implementation of these practices and promotion through different channels (online). As for the offline practices, promotion of sustainability through workshops, seminars and other sessions during the events. In our industry, these are important themes and we give it quite some attention. In our conference program there are several sessions about sustainability and exhibitors we always challenge to have innovations to stimulate this circular economy. We believe that an event like VICTAM, where so many people from different parts of the world come together can contribute to the environment goals. In your experience, what's the most important factor for a successful networking event? Obviously, the most important factor for a successful networking event is to meet the right people. Meeting people with the same interests, meeting people who can help you with a need, problem or question. The more of these contacts the better it is. If you can combine these meetings, with seeing the solutions, feeling a machine and listening to interesting sessions you have a successful networking event. What would you say to professionals, producers and manufacturers that are yet not participating in any networking event to encourage them? We believe that our event in Sao Paulo this October will be a big success. Around 150 companies already signed up, which exceeded our goals for this first event. This will be an event for the whole continent, and we already see quite some registrations from feed mills and pet food producers from several countries from South America. It will be a complete event where companies will meet potential and existing clients from the whole continent. To all feed mills, cooperatives, self-mixing farms and flour processing companies, please register on line and check out the event. Visiting the event will be a one stop experience where you see the latest technology from all over the world, innovative ingredients for nutrition and a very diverse conference program for all kinds of topics. By: Sebas Van Den Ende Source: VICTAM

26/07/2023

Pet Treats Sales Fueled by Inflation in 2022, Packaged Facts Reports

Growth in the pet treats market has slowed since the large pandemic-era increases in 2020 and 2021, with much of the growth in 2022 fueled by inflation-related price increases rather than by growth in unit sales, according to Packaged Facts.  Online sales makes up the largest portion of pet treat sales at 34 percent. By type of pet, dog treats represent the majority of sales, at 78 percent, although cat treats sales are increasing at a faster pace. By product type, indulgent treats make up the largest share of the market, at 36 percent, followed by rawhides/long-lasting chews, functional treats and dental treats. Prolonged inflationary conditions have cooled the pet treats market somewhat, with Packaged Facts survey data showing that 57 percent of pet owners are concerned about rising prices in the pet treats category. Many pet owners are reducing their spending on discretionary items, making multi-functional treats, such as dental treats and those that offer health and wellness benefits, more attractive, Packaged Facts officials reported. Two of the top trends driving growth in the pet treat market include humanization and an increased focus on using pet treats as part of pets' health and wellness regimen, officials said. Behind both of these trends, however, is the pet owner sentiment that pets are part of the family. For many pet owners, pet treats are an opportunity to solidify the pet-owner bond.  'Not only do pet owners use treats to encourage good behavior (for training purposes, for example), they use them to express feelings of affection; 'treat time' has become a way for pet owners to show their pets just how much they mean to them,' said Shannon Landry Brown, brand manager for Packaged Facts pet market research.  Despite the challenging economic conditions, Packaged Facts projects the pet treat market to continue to grow over the next five years, with key opportunities including value-positioned treats, treats for cats, and treats featuring alternative proteins.   by Packaged Facts  

24/07/2023

Kemin Nutrisurance unveils new wet pet food pilot lab

During the ribbon cutting celebration on July 20, Kemin employees, customers and local guests were invited to tour the new pilot lab, which will be able to mimic the production of wet pet food in a smaller-scale plant environment. Chris Nelson, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Kimberly Nelson, president of Kemin Nutrisurance, and Jason Shelton, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at Kemin Nutrisurance, addressed attendees and shared the mission of the new business unit and pilot lab facility. 'There is enormous potential still left in wet pet food — to understand a lot about the chemistry and how to improve this overall product,' Chris Nelson explained. 'This facility allows us to test those new ideas for our customers.' The state-of-the-art facility offers Kemin Nutrisurance the opportunity to work with current and existing customers to create, test and validate pet food and treats to help better predict large-scale results. The pilot lab offers a dedicated space to develop wet pet food, as well as test dry kibble coatings. It features more production capacity and testing capabilities than most R&D labs, but its smaller scale plant environment provides more flexibility to produce smaller batches and adjust formulations during the process. The opening of the pilot lab served as a platform to introduce customers to Kemin's advancement in its R&D offerings under the new Research and Explorations Services umbrella. 'This is really a celebration of our formalization and the elevation of our service in R&D,' Kimberly Nelson said during the ribbon cutting. 'Services as a platform has been critical to our success for years, but bringing research and exploration as an element to it formerly is the next step in our commitment to our customers.' 'With Research and Exploration Services, we are able to elevate our own R&D efforts, building on Kemin's legacy of market-leading solutions and helping customers test, create and validate pet food products with unmatched accuracy and efficiency,' Shelton added. 'Now, with our expanded customer-service offerings, Kemin Nutrisurance delivers the industry's most comprehensive approach to R&D.' Kemin Nutrisurance's Research and Explorations Services will expand beyond the United States with pilot labs and innovation centers in Brazil, Italy and China. Source: Kemin Industries  

21/07/2023

Find out how Fawna and hers InfluFawna promote excellent nutrition for our loyal friends

Fawna sets a trend by spreading her philosophy through her InfluFawna. These charismatic and adorable animals capture the attention of thousands of followers on social platforms, becoming ambassadors and generating greater visibility and emotional connection with consumers. However, it is important to remember that, despite the fun and entertainment they can provide, we must not lose sight of the true need of our faithful friends: love, care and proper nutrition. It is essential that, behind a pet influencer campaign, there is a brand committed to health and well-being, offering quality products and optimal nutrition. When choosing a balanced food for 4-legged members, it is essential to consider the specific nutritional needs of each one. Consulting with a veterinarian is the first step to ensure that we are providing an adequate diet that meets their protein, vitamin and mineral requirements. The humanization of pets should not lead us to neglect their health and well-being. We must remember that our dogs and cats are animals with particular needs and that, although we treat them as members of our family, we cannot forget that they are different from us in terms of nutrition and care. "FAWNA: Patagonic Taste", was born to transform the nutrition of our unconditional companions and has: A high level of protein and a low level of carbohydrates that allow providing excellent body health and nutrition, since they reduce the probability of suffering long-term difficulties related to diabetes, pancreatitis, or digestive and intestinal problems. The highest level of digestible essential amino acids (DIAAS) and fatty acids, from high-quality protein from salmon and chicken, which favors body and cognitive development. Natural prebiotics and probiotics that help increase beneficial intestinal flora, favoring defenses, the intestinal immune system and the absorption of nutrients. Regional ingredients of Patagonian origin and a formulation developed according to the specific needs of dogs and cats. This "World Dog Day", let's celebrate the joy they bring us and the role they play in our lives. But let's also remember the importance of choosing a reliable balanced meal that supports your health and well-being. Let's give our faithful friends a healthy and happy life, both on and off the screens!   By: Agroindustrias Baires

21/07/2023

Interview with Juan Becher, General Manager of Symrise Pet Food in Mexico, about the role of the company in the industry

Based on more than 40 years of experience, Symrise Pet Food has achieved comprehensive knowledge of pets, products and markets, which has allowed it to position itself as a global leader in pet food palatability through its SPF brand. In addition, Symrise Pet Food has extended its offer to pet nutrition solutions with its brand Nutrios, pet food protection solutions with the Videka brand. Symrise Pet Food's ambition is to give all pets a better life by being at the heart of every eating experience by 2030. For Symrise Pet Food, proximity to stakeholders is key, according to the motto: "The closer the better". For this reason, in this 2023 the company continues with its expansion –which already has 31 sites distributed in 4 global regions– and has begun to build a new plant in Mexico, which follows the latest construction standards and puts sustainability at the heart of the factory design and operations. We spoke with Juan Becher, General Manager of the Mexico subsidiary, to learn more about the characteristics of the new plant, the production of pet food in Mexico, the future of the market and the role of Symrise Pet Food in the industry as a global leader.   Juan, can you tell us a little about yourself and Symrise Pet Food in Mexico? Symrise Pet Food began operating in Mexico in September 2004, and I joined the company in April 2005 as Production Manager. I remember that at that time we were really very few: barely 8 employees running the entire company. During the next 10 years, we had many challenges, but without a doubt there were many more satisfactions! In 2015, as the structure was similar to the current organization, I took the responsibility of leading the commercial management of Mexico and Central America; and in 2021, I assumed the position of General Manager of Mexico.   For those of us who do not live in Mexico, could you briefly tell us what is the Mexican pet food market like and what is its current context? Back in 2004, Mexico was the seventh pet food producing country; today we can say that we are the fourth, with around 1,700,000 tons produced in 2022 and according to our internal estimates. We only have very large markets above us, such as the United States, Brazil and China. As in the other countries in the region, Mexico is a country dominated by dogs (small ones mostly), but with a remarkable growth in the cat population. The phenomenon of urbanization is not unknown to us, since almost 25% of the population in Mexico is concentrated in the 3 most important cities. The effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine forced all producers to reassess their strategies and adapt them to the "value for money" that is heard so often. Fortunately, the Mexican pet food industry is robust and has a lot of investment behind it, so each kibble produced has the value that pet owners seek when feeding their companions.   What could you tell us about the new plant that you started to build? The new plant will be located in the city of Querétaro, very close to the current one. In 2021 we acquired a 2-hectare piece of land to build the offices and the production plant. In total, we are talking about 6,600 square meters and a total of 4 buildings. Like the new plants in Brazil and Colombia, our plant will have high standards in terms of infrastructure, process technologies and automation, thanks to which we will be able to continue manufacturing the environmentally responsible products that our customers choose and need.   Industry and market knowledge Nobody ignores that Latin America is one of the regions that appreciates pets the most. In addition to being one of the regions with most pets per inhabitant, a recent statistic found that 67% of the people in Latin America prefer their pets to their friends. Symrise Pet Food works with the commitment to contribute not only to the benefit of the pet, but also to the close affective relationship between the pet owner and the pet, who in many cases, is considered as another member of the family.   Juan, what could you tell us about Symrise Pet Food's contribution to the industry? Thanks to our commercial and productive network around the world, we have a comprehensive knowledge of the local manufacturer and its needs, but also of the pet owners and their pets, who are always looking for new and better products. These three, without a doubt, are the main players in the pet food industry and the ones that make the wheel of our industry turn. In our almost 20 years of presence in the Mexican market, we have always considered it important to listen to them and find solutions that meet their expectations. When we talk about food for our beloved pets, it is extremely important to provide confidence and safety at all times: from the moment before the reception of raw materials to the dispatch and delivery to the customer. The plant and our work teams support the pet food industry by offering the highest quality and food safety globally, to meet (and exceed) everyone's expectations. Through our Aplicalis team, we go beyond the simple delivery of products and provide our clients with more than 40 years of experience and leadership in the palatability market to improve both their production processes and the application of palatants. In short, we help them produce that food or treat that they thought of and want to launch on the market.   The importance of sustainability Symrise Pet Food was born from the desire to value by-products, which is why from its origins it has included sustainable development in its strategy. Its roadmap is based on four pillars: Footprint (to minimize the environmental footprint throughout the value chain), Innovation (to maximize the social and environmental performance of products), Sourcing (to maximize the sustainability of the supply chain and raw materials) and Care (to improve the well-being of employees and the local community). Through them, the company seeks to improve its performance in various areas to achieve the goals set by the United Nations for 2030, with special attention to the challenge of reaching 2030 while being neutral with respect to the emission of greenhouse gases.   We asked Juan Becher to elaborate on the value of sustainability and Symrise Pet Food's commitment in this regard. You mentioned responsibility with the environment before, something key in the current situation of the planet. How important do you think sustainability is today in the Mexican pet food market? In my opinion, in 2023 all companies in the industry should consider sustainability as an indispensable factor when planning their activities and processes. Although broadly speaking the pet food industry has its origins in the revalorization of by-products, technological advances and access to information have made it clear that the traditional ways of producing must change. At Symrise Pet Food we have a tool that has added a lot of value to our products and, consequently, to pet food and its industry: the Ecodesign Matrix. With it we measure the environmental impact of a product before and after its production; we measure the impact of our raw materials and ingredients, their transportation and later the impact of transporting our products to the customer. In this way, we can develop alternatives with the same palatability performance, but with a substantial improvement in environmental impacts. Currently, the big players are the millennials (generation Y) and, although they are not yet mature in terms of income, they are the biggest group of owners of pets and are very involved in caring for the environment. They seek to guide their consumption towards truly responsible brands that face the new challenges of industrial design. Now, answering your question, I think that the Mexican market is giving it the corresponding importance. Thanks to our close contact with almost all pet food producers, I know that they are working to develop more and better products that are ethical and environmentally responsible. According to Mintel, in 2018, 10% of the products launched in the Mexican market had one or more claims in the "Ethical and environmental" category, and in 2022 we were in the order of 21%. We are certainly going on the right path.   How do you see the market in Mexico and our region 10 years from now? Since I started working in the industry, I have not ceased to be surprised by the growth and maturation that it experiences year after year. Our new plant is designed with the market of the next 10 years in mind; a much more robust, developed market with a greater offer of wet products and treats, both for dogs and cats. The idea of outstanding eating experiences, natural ingredients and functional foods that improve the lives of pets will be determining issues for their owners, as they have been for several years.   Thank you very much Juan for your time. Would you like to add anything else to close? First of all, I want to thank our clients who trust us every day and know that we put all our effort into giving them the best solutions to their needs; without them we would not be the undisputed leaders in palatability. Secondly, and no less important, I would like to thank you for spreading the word about everything we do at Symrise Pet Food, as well as spreading what our colleagues and clients do. I think it is essential to do, but you also have to make it known. Developing the pet food industry and modifying the forms of production is everyone's work and commitment. By: Symrise Pet Food Source: All Pet Food Magazine  

19/07/2023

The use of additives in the pet food market

By Ludmila Barbi T. Bomcompagni

The use of additives in pet food is already well established in Brazil and follows the standards and regulations of MAPA, ANVISA, FDA - Food and Drug Administration -USDA. All additives used in pet food must be included in the list of raw materials, ingredients, and additives authorized for use in animal feed, also called feed-grade products. But not all the additives described in the legislation are intended exclusively for animal feed, the additives present in pet food are generally the same, or very similar, to those used for food for human consumption (food-grade). Therefore, it is common to find suppliers that manufacture/market these food-grade additives, for human nutrition, and are, therefore, capable of being used in animal nutrition. The growth of the pet food market promotes the use and development of new additives considering that some of them, mainly those in the sensory, nutritional, and zootechnical fields, can improve the quality and palatability of the food to be supplied to the pet. And also, they become a differential in the formulation of products and in the creation of an argument that can be decisive in the purchase choice by the consumer. This need for innovation and leadership in the midst of so much competition leads many pet food industries to invest in additives inclusion in their formulations. Premium and Super Premium category foods for dogs usually have a wide variety of zootechnical additives in their composition, among which we usually see chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, hexametaphosphate, zeolite, bentonite, cassava extract, prebiotics, and probiotics, among others. And, in cat diets, insoluble and moderately fermented sources of fiber, such as cellulose or beet pulp, are additives consistently found in higher-end hairball control products, for example. It is interesting to see companies that care about the quality of their products to stay in the market and grow within it. Innovation is necessary for all aspects of the pet food production chain, starting with new ingredients and additives development. From our point of view, this is a factor with very positive points, since it generates research and improvement of pet products, and, consequently, promotes the health and greater longevity of dogs and cats. Even so, we see some negative points in additives use if they are only related to the market interests. The cost of using additives, and the lack of information on the ideal levels of use in the different types of products available in the pet market, make each industry assume the amount that it is interested in its formulation. Many companies are including them in their formulas in trace amounts, but still declare the benefits of the additives on their labels as a product differential, guaranteeing a benefit that is unlikely to be achieved. We believe that the pet market in Brazil is still poorly regulated in terms of minimum and maximum inclusion of additives in dog and cat food and that more research, debate, and discussion are needed on the subject.   By: Ludmila Barbi and Erika Stasieniuk Source: All Pet Food Magazine

18/07/2023

Pet Food Label Modernization is Coming Soon!

A final draft of the updated model regulations for pet food and specialty pet food was voted on by the executive committee and will be presented to the full membership on July 31st for a vote.  There are numerous changes to the regulations that will impact the labeling for all pet food, pet treats and specialty pet food and treats. Below is a discussion of some of the main changes that will impact your pet food label design. Please note that small and very small packages with a total printable area of 40 or 12 square inches or less respectively will have different layout requirements due to space constraints Changes to the front of the pack include the requirement for a verbatim intended use statement. This statement must be in the bottom ⅓ of the principal display panel and parallel to the bottom of the panel (front panel for packages that sit upright on the shelf and also on the bottom butt panel for packages that lay flat on the shelf), must be at least as large as the net quantity statement per FDA 16 CFR 500.21, must be in the same color and style font and on the same background color as the statement of net quantity and must be separated from the statement of net quantity and any other label material by the height of the 'N' above and below and by twice the width of the 'N' on either side.  Some examples of the verbatim intended use statements include:  'Complete Dog Food' for foods that are complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Puppy Food' or 'Complete Food for Puppies' for growth products that include growth of large size dogs.  'Complete Food for Adult Cats' for adult maintenance cat foods. 'Complete Food for Puppies (<70 lb. as an adult)' for growth diets that are not appropriate for the growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Food for Dogs (except puppies >70 lb. as an adult)' for all life stages products that exclude the growth of large size dogs. Another major change is the replacement of the Guaranteed Analysis with a Pet Nutrition Facts section. This change was made to more closely align the nutritional information with the format on human food labels in order to help the consumer better understand what they are buying. The Pet Nutrition Facts is required to be included on all pet foods in a prominent place on the label (but not necessarily on the principal display panel). On most packages (except very small labels), this will be in a box set off by hairlines and will be all black or one-color type, printed on white or neutral background.  The heading 'Pet Nutrition Facts' will be centered in the top row of the box and must be twice the size of the other text in the box. The familiar household unit (cup, can, treat, etc) will be right justified in the next row and must include the weight in grams. A bold line must separate this information from the next row. Calorie content will appear in the next line of the box and will no longer be stated as kcal/kg. It must be stated in kcal/'familiar household unit' and will be left justified. If the calories are determined by a feeding study, the word '(fed)' will appear after the value. Maybe provide an example of a few familiar household units. Underneath the calorie content, indented text will appear indicating the calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates. The Modified Atwater formula is still the correct way to determine the calorie content.      Following the calorie content will be the guaranteed nutrient levels. Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates (calculated value), Total Dietary Fiber and Moisture are the required guarantees for every label. These will be expressed in % and also in grams/'familiar household unit.' If you don't have dietary fiber data for your recipes, now would be a good time to begin testing to obtain these values. If you have additional nutritional guarantees, they may be included similarly to today's labels. Essential guarantees must still follow the order of the AAFCO nutrient profiles and nonessential nutrient guarantees are listed following the last essential guarantee. The verbatim nutritional adequacy statement will still be required and must now live within the Pet Nutrition Facts box so that placement is consistent across all products. Feeding directions must be included on all labels and should be consistent with the intended use statement that is on the principal display panel. There are some other minor changes that may impact your labeling, but the information above captures the most impactful of the proposed updates to the regulations. The implementation workgroup is proposing 6 years for the timeline for labeling in the market to comply with the new regulations. Consumer outreach and education has been a top priority and as more brands launch compliant labels, pet parents will be looking for this new format. This could potentially become part of the buying decision for savvy pet parents. The North River Enterprises team is involved in several AAFCO workgroups helping to develop educational materials explaining the required changes once PFLM becomes a reality.  by Melissa Brookshire

13/07/2023

How to measure pet food palatability: methods overview

All pet food manufacturers want their products to be eaten. All pet food manufacturers thus need to design palatable pet foods. But how to know whether a product is appetizing? How to know whether Max will run to his bowl to eat his kibbles? Or whether fish is more attractive to Kitty than a mouse? And what about pet owner? Should is opinion be part of the equation? From acceptance measurement to enjoyment assessment, DISCOVER METHODS to uncover what pets crave for... Source: Symrise Pet Food  

11/07/2023

Nutritional needs of cats and dogs

Pet food can be complete or complementary. Complete pet food is nutritionally complete: providing all the nutrients in the amounts and proportions your pet needs. Complementary pet food (e.g. treats) is designed to be only a part of the diet and it won't meet the nutritional requirements when fed alone. Pet food manufacturers have developed the nutritional expertise to ensure pet food contains the right ingredients in the right amounts to supply the needed nutrients. They often work together with independent nutrition scientists or follow guidelines which have been developed by a group of scientists working together. The broadening knowledge of pet nutrition and food technology has transformed the pet food industry remarkably over the years. It is now widely recognised by the veterinary profession and other stakeholders that improved nutrition is an important factor which helps pets to live longer, healthier lives. Besides water there are 5 key nutrients: Proteins Carbohydrates Fats Vitamins Minerals
The first 3 provide the energy your pet needs for e.g. growth, digestion, temperature regulation and of course activity. Proteins Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are hundreds of different amino acids, but a number of these are required for dogs and cats. Pets can produce some amino acids themselves; those are the so-called non-essential amino acids which do not need to be present in the diet. Others are essential and need to be part of the pet food: for dogs there are 10 essential amino acids, for cats there are 11. Proteins are the building blocks of organs, muscles, bones, blood, immune system and hair and nails. Proteins in pet food can come from various different ingredients, both from animal and vegetable origin like poultry, beef, pork, fish, eggs, corn, rice, peas or soybeans. It's important that the pet eats the right amount of proteins and that the protein can be easily digested and absorbed, which is influenced by the source of the protein and the processing of the food. In prepared pet food, manufacturers generally select a variety of ingredients to provide the required amount and type of proteins/amino acids. Excess proteins which are consumed by the pet are not stored in the body and also not used to make even more muscle tissue. Feeding extra protein in excess of the amount that your pet requires provides no health benefit to your pet. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are used by the body to provide immediate energy for activities and are stored in the liver and muscle as glycogen. Energy use is needed for various body functions like metabolism and the function of the brain and nervous system. There exists no minimum level of carbohydrates which needs to be in pet food, but carbohydrates provide a concentrated source of dietary energy and dietary fibre. There are two types: digestible carbohydrates (starches and sugars) which provide energy and indigestible carbohydrates (fibre) which are important for stool quality and gut motility. Fibres can help in weight management because they are low in calories and help provide the feeling of satiety. The ingredients providing carbohydrates are mainly plant ingredients like corn, barley, peas, rice, wheat and potatoes. Dietary fibre sources include for instance dried beet pulp, wheat bran or soybean hulls. Many sources of carbohydrates also provide other nutrients like protein, fat or vitamins. Because of the manufacturing process of grinding and cooking the carbohydrates become easily digestible. A genetic change in the ancestors of our modern dogs (compared with wolves) allowing them to thrive on a diet rich in starch was a crucial step in their early domestication. Also cats can utilise glucose from digesting starch in their diet. A key exception is the pet's ability to digest lactose (milk sugar) because they have lower levels of the enzyme lactase required to split the lactose into individual sugars. Dietary fat Fats in pet food are a source of essential fatty acids which are needed to make certain hormones and maintain the cell membranes. Certain vitamins (A, D, E and K) can only be absorbed, stored and transported by fat. Dietary fats improve palatability and add texture for greater enjoyment of the food. And of course, fats are a great source of energy because they provide about 2 ½ times the level of energy that proteins or carbohydrates can provide. So especially for active animals fats are important, while at the same time we need to be careful with the fat intake for many indoor pets where controlling fat intake helps them not become overweight or obese. Fats in pet food come from animal and vegetable sources. Two key fatty acid families are the omega-3 and omega-6 (or n-3 and n-6) families. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for cell membranes and reduces inflammation. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish, shellfish and flaxseed. Omega-6 fatty acids are important to aid in the process of repairing tissue and are found in vegetable oils. Minerals & Vitamins The major or macro minerals needed in the body are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride and magnesium. The amounts needed of the trace elements are much smaller and these include for instance iron, copper and selenium. Vitamins are nutrients needed in very small amounts, but they enable many functions in the body. Dogs and cats cannot make all the vitamins they need; so these must be supplied by the food. Minerals and vitamins are partly provided by the ingredients which deliver the major nutrients of protein, carbohydrates and fat and the other minerals and vitamins are added to the recipe. by FEDIAF 

10/07/2023

CPM renews its website and expands its range of solutions with the acquisition of IDAH

Regardless of the business unit or sector, all CPM brands aim to feed, promote, and build a better world for all its inhabitants. Now, thanks to a great redesign job, the company offers a space adapted to mobile devices, user-friendly, fast-loading, and easy navigation to be even closer to those who need their solutions. In addition, the acquisition of the company IDAH, which specialized in technological solutions for the food industry, has recently been announced, a movement that unites two industry leaders for the shared mission of feeding, promoting, and building a better world in a sustainable way. This movement allows CPM not only to enlarge its field of action but also to offer increasingly specific solutions to its clients and to seek growth and insertion in the Asian pet food markets, as well as to introduce this new brand in the Latin American industry. 'The joining of these two successful enterprises will bring a new dimension of solution and service offerings to our customers, thanks to the perfectly complementary nature of our product portfolios." David Webster, President & CEO at CPM. Thanks to this alliance, CPM increases its ability to adapt to the diversity of specifications that the industry currently requires. For now, it will primarily focus on the protein-based markets of aquafeed, pet food, and alternative protein. By: CPM Source: All Pet Food

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   

06/07/2023

The importance of pet food brands for today's consumers

By María Candelaria Carbajo

How does humanization impact the development of the pet food market? Paradigm-changing decisions Although the global pet food market has a few large corporations as dominants, we can currently identify a booing movement. Smaller market players are gaining more relevance and introducing new concepts, products, business models, and perspectives. And, even though a large part of consumers chooses them more and more, the truth is that they are also the ones who face the greatest logistical and financial challenges due, precisely, to their size. Answer to new needs Since humanization began to enter the human and pet food industry, a wide variety of products have emerged, generated precisely from consumer conditions, such as gluten-free or vegan dog food. Pet owners, influenced by this humanization trend, have been discovering new possibilities to satisfy their pet needs. This indicates a paradigm shift: it is not only scientists who identify pet needs, but also consumers encouraged to seek non-standardized options to offer their four-legged friends exactly what they need to improve their quality of life. Smart producing Productively speaking, humanization has made producers, at a local level, develop products oriented to newer trends to satisfy these consumer needs, due to the speed with which emerging ventures can come to market. However, beyond all these benefits we've listed, this trend doesn't necessarily mean more pet food sales. It does mean more specialization and complete need satisfaction. So, probably, the change in sales volume in Latin America, for example, will not be due to humanization but to other market factors, such as prices. Opportunities in the sector As more niche markets emerge due to this trend (and others, as well), new opportunities are mostly taken by emerging companies. Several startups are already taking advantage of humanization trends to develop new products in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, for example. The introduction of natural antioxidants, vegetables, alternative grains, tubers, and other natural ingredients debates whether it corresponds with the improvement in ingredient quality or with the experimental formulation of such startups. Change is unstoppable The essential variable for forecasting future humanization trends is human demographic dynamics. Countries with a broad base of young consumers, such as Latin American ones, will likely shape the future of the pet food industry. Changes in this region will translate into products that meet the needs and demands of these consumers.   Today's brands, tomorrow's brands Today, consumers identify the size of a brand by its features, not its revenue. NielsenIQ conducted a survey that found that almost 60% of consumers prefer a brand because of its size, whether it is smaller or larger. But how does a consumer define the size of a brand? Apparently, they associate terms like local and independent for small brands and very popular or globally recognized for big ones. The most striking thing about this survey, however, refers to finance: it seems that the income, or what is related to it, does not have any influence on the segmentation of "big" or "small" brands, which allows us to glimpse that pet food choices are practically emotional and entirely subjective. Unfailingly, this information allows us to see a great opportunity for small and medium-sized brands, that can deepen into the ideas that represent them as different, innovative, and local environments responsible for increasing their loyalty and place in the market. When choosing which brand to buy, currently, the consumers who participated in the interview stated that they pay attention to: Price Brand values Reputation Brand identification   Business culture: key values ​​to keep growing According to Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies of People Spark Consulting, companies in the sector can implement a 3-step guide to analyze and implement improvements to grow and stay in an increasingly changing market: Knowing what the weak points arising from current practices Clearly defining what you want to build and reinforce it with daily choices Knowing the route ahead and correct course when necessary with clarity and efficiency Business culture is the set of characteristic behaviors and beliefs, and values ​​are the connection point between that culture and the behavior that, in turn, is what achieves identification with consumers.   Conclusion The market is changing, progressively but radically, as consumers who come and join the pet food market for pet acquisition want, seek, and demand completely innovative products. It is in our hands to continue working to shape the market according to the needs of those who trust us to feed their most loved friends.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

05/07/2023

NorthWind Extrusion Controls

NorthWind extrusion controls ensure optimization of your system through implementation of specific sequencing during the startup and shutdown of equipment. This in combination with critical alarms and notifications, will help keep your extruders running and minimize wasted product CRITICAL FACTORS One of the most critical factors in any extrusion process is the consistent and accurate delivery of materials. Formulas for extrusion are typically set up based on a primary ingredient. All other ingredients in the formula are adjusted based on the level of the primary ingredient. NorthWind's Loss-In-Weight algorithm is designed to maintain consistency in primary ingredient rates even during refill. As the primary rate is increased or decreased, our system automatically adjusts the rates of all ingredients quickly, ensuring that the finished product is always within spec.
    RECIPE MANAGEMENT BatchLOGIX®, a robust recipe management tool was originally designed for batching systems is versatile enough to incorporate continuous formulas as well. BatchLOGIX offers lot tracking and tracing of ingredients which are critical features, especially in food and pet food applications. These features can also be extended into the batching and ingredient delivery systems seen in most extrusion plants. ALEARN MORE ABOUT BATCHLOGIX by Northwind Source: All Pet Food

02/07/2023

Immunological disease, reproductive issues more common in purebred cats

Purebred cats are more likely to experience reproductive issues, heart disease, and surgical complications as compared to mixed-breed felines. This is according to a Morris Animal Foundation-funded study, published by researchers from the University of Guelph (U of G) in Canada. To identify the difference in disease risk between purebred cats and their domestic crossbreed counterparts, the research team examined the records of approximate 550,000 cats, collected by Agria Pet Insurance Company in Sweden. The data encompassed information from insurance policies and claims, along with the cats' breed, age, and sex. The study revealed that purebred cats, compared to domestic cross breeds, were more likely to develop diseases in most disease categories, including: Female reproductive issues Heart disease Complications from surgery Lower respiratory infections Immunological diseases 'This study's findings provide important insight for cat owners, veterinarians, breeders, and researchers, offering a comparative look at disease patterns in purebred cats versus mixed-breed cats,' says Barr Hadar, DVM, one of the paper's authors. Surprisingly, though, the study found domestic crossbred cats were more likely to develop endocrine, skin, and mobility issues than purebred cats, Morris Animal Foundation reports. 'One of the potential explanations for this finding is that domestic cats might have greater access to the outdoors, leading to more injuries, skin, and locomotive issues because they're outside jumping and running around,' Dr. Hadar says. Researchers are currently analyzing the dataset to develop predictive models with the aim of implementing them in a clinical setting to forecast the likelihood of specific diseases in cats. 'Information on feline disease frequency and risk is a valuable tool that can help guide clinical decision-making, assist in monitoring and planning of breeding programs, educate cat owners, and prioritize research,' Dr. Hadar says. 'A more granular look into specific causes of morbidity would be beneficial.' The findings have been published in VetRecord. 

30/06/2023

Achieving Multiple Benefits with Functional Fiber Ingredients - A Holistic Approach to Pet Food Innovation

Turning to Functional Fiber for Added Fortification   Texture and uniformity of pet foods are key quality attributes that are important to appeal both pet owners and their furry friends. Given the variable nature of pet food ingredients and the complexity of the manufacturing process, creating the right consistency can be a challenge for the manufacturer. From a functional standpoint a novel type of fiber based on long cellulose particles is gaining enormous traction in various types of 'grain free' recipes with higher meat inclusion. In extruded and baked applications the long and fibrillated fibers help to improve binding of ingredients and to add a particular firm texture in the final product. Thereby only small amounts of the fiber also prove to shorten drying time. Long cellulose fibers tend to keep the surface of the extruded product open and support moisture evaporation. In wet pet foods the long and thin cellulose particle enhances texture in meat chunks and reduces syneresis because of the high water retention and emulsion capabilities of the fiber. During retorting the fiber network helps to maintain the shape of the chunk and prevents unpleasant cook-out effects into the gravy. Additional cost saving effects can be achieved through the replacement of more expensive binder sources when reformulating lower-cost pet foods with cellulose fiber.   On-Trend Pet Food Segments with Fiber-Based Solutions In recent years there has been rapid growth with smaller pet food segments like raw/frozen foods and meal toppers. These product categories allow pet parents to put their own touch on mealtimes. However, unlike more traditional formats like dry and wet foods, the category of pre-prepared complete raw foods is still more a niche segment because handling and preparation time of frozen foods does not provide the same level of convenience as opening a bag or a tin. In frozen foods, for example, the issue of syneresis is still very common. This means if pet owners are defrosting such foods prior to feeding, the molded products start loosing their shape and most of the liquids like water and blood start to leak out which does not look attractive to the pet owner. To overcome such issues, cellulose gels that are designed for human food applications such as ice cream or beverages, are used today also in fresh and frozen foods. Existing frozen food lines were redesigned with these easy dispersible cellulose gels to offer more convenience for pet owners. Cellulose gels are typically made by the process of copolymerization with Microcrystalline cellulose and other gums to create unique properties that are usually not found in conventional fiber gums. The fiber exhibits strong gel thickening behavior while having a good suspension ability, but also functions as emulsifier, fat and water binder. Beyond fresh and frozen pet foods, the segment of toppings, gravies and mix-ins is another emerging product category where manufacturers and pet owners can benefit from the strong stabilizing system of a fiber gel. Special vet-broth formulas, for example, are today supplemented with fiber gels to create a strong viscous emulsion when the powdered blend is mixed with water to support pets that need additional hydration. The unique film forming properties of the fiber gel are also helping to preserve freshness of dry foods once the meal topper is served as a supplement by the pet owner. Because of the fat-like characteristics, cellulose gels are creating a more creamy texture of the final product that can increase appetite appeal for picky eaters.   Fiber Innovation for more Differentiation on Shelf Cat and dog food products are more sophisticated than ever and reflect many of the trends that are seen in food products for humans. Foods that come in different flavors, textures and shapes, claim to help maintain active lifestyles, and address specific health needs by the use of unique, marketable and functional ingredients. The downside of many nutritional and sometimes very costly ingredients is that they may potentially improve the quality of life for pets, but they are not visible to grab the attention of impulse buyers that are willing to spoil their pets with special treats and foods. So developing innovative marketing concepts with appealing ingredients is still a major challenge for the pet food industry. Microbeads made from natural and biodegradable cellulose fiber ingredients are a new concept creating an exciting innovation platform for the pet food industry from which to launch more complete solutions in dental foods. Although initially developed as cleansing and polishing ingredients in all type of personal care products for humans, the fiber pearls are today used in pet food formulations that target the oral care claim. The cellulose microbeads are compressed by an intense mechanical process to create round shaped pearls with a size of up to 1mm. These co-processed fiber pearls resist impact by heat and moisture and survive even harsh manufacturing processes such extrusion, tableting or retorting. This guarantees good visibility in the final product. Due to this unique characteristic the pet food industry is using these ingredients as abrasive agents for enhanced dental foods and to make oral care products looking more appealing to the consumers.   Getting Greener with Natural Fiber Ingredients As pet owners increasingly look for clean label, sustainable and natural products finding the right fiber ingredient is more important than ever. More recently, plant-derived co-products of the human food chain became a ripe source of innovation for fiber ingredients. Fibers made of local sourced apples, for example, are becoming a preferred choice in a variety of pet foods and treats because of its unique composition of insoluble and soluble fibers, as well as pectin. Apple fiber is typically made of upcycled pomace procured from juicing companies. From a functional standpoint, the pectin content helps bind moisture and oil in pet foods and treats to enhance processability, moistness and final texture. In semimoist foods it may even replace chemical emulsifiers and moisture-binding agents. On top of it, this type of fiber delivers nutritional benefits due to prebiotic effects and provides also a positive sustainability story for brands. Latest developments in the field of fiber ingredients provide plenty of new opportunities for innovation. As pet food product developers brainstorm the next big chewy dog treat or nutritionally complete cat food, they may want to consider some of the suggestions that offer ways to differentiate products and break into untapped areas in the pet food industry.   By: Peter Graff - Head of Business Unit Petfood & Aquafeed - JRS Animal Nutrition Source: All Pet Food Magazine    

29/06/2023

The impact of e-commerce on pet food packaging

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Today, this skyrocketing increase in online pet-related purchases continues to change significant aspects of manufacturers' operations.   When it all started: the pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic produced significant changes in the way people buy goods and services, and this was no exception for the pet food category. This, little by little, has made producers and manufacturers in the industry begin to recalculate and reflect on what will be the most effective way to move pet food and snacks that are purchased online today, both from a strategic and technical point of view.   The challenges The requirements for packaging for online e-commerce can be very different from those of traditional channels because, logically, they are exposed to different situations, contexts, environments, and companies that intervene from the time of their production until their arrival at the home of final consumers.   Quality, above all Good packaging must provide, above all other characteristics, sufficient quality to safeguard product quality and maintain its freshness. For this, it must be solid and, ideally, sustainable. With a new consumer pathway growing in this way, there is no doubt that packaging must be designed for its rigors and challenges, offering resistance to punctures and scratches but, at the same time, not diminishing its functionality. Finally, the exterior design must provide clear nutritional information and clean labels.   The price, the expected one The supply chain is getting tighter, and this results in an increase in raw materials. That aspect, together with the general crisis of the cost of living, means that the group of consumers willing to pay more for premium food has reduced considerably. Therefore, manufacturers must focus on creating packaging that looks and feels premium on the shelf and even at home, and that is produced ethically as quickly and cheaply as possible. Part of this economic production has to do with creating packaging that optimizes its mobilization to the maximum, getting it to fit perfectly in the boxes or pallets in which it is transported.   Production planning Production planning is one of the biggest challenges in meeting today's e-commerce demands (because it's constantly changing). Traditionally, major brand manufacturers have gained operating cost efficiencies from the use of large production lines. But now, since changeover equals downtime, there is a need for process lines where operating recipe parameters can be changed quickly and accurately, and machines used must be able to meet that demand, designed for easy cleaning and to minimize cross-contamination. In addition, more and more automation is needed to achieve improved performance, with vision systems and robotics in packaging lines. Beyond all these challenges, good packaging must not only meet the requirements that what it transports needs to arrive at its best quality but also tell the brand's story, its own story, when it reaches the hands of its consumer.   New trends, new packaging Subscription models Direct-to-consumer pet food sales have increased, and many of today's subscription services are geared toward pet owners with premium and super-premium leanings. Personalized food subscriptions, personalized packaging, and limited-edition products are also on the rise. These models are very beneficial for brands, as they allow them to engage with their customers on an ongoing basis and stabilize revenue streams while helping to predict demand to better stock management. Fresh food Fresh pet foods require packaging that ensures flavor and freshness preservation and withstands environmental and climate challenges. Having the appropriate packaging structure with high-barrier properties that preserves food freshness and palatability is vital for this food format. Less big bags, more small ones Another current trend is the reduction of larger pet food bags to reduce weight, thus facilitating mobility and shipping costs. This, on the other hand, reflects the trend of having smaller dogs and cats that eat less and don't need as much food as bigger pets.   Conclusion The influence of the changes brought about by online purchases puts pressure not only on manufacturers but also on research and development teams, which are constantly monitoring trends and new demands and needs. Hand in hand with all these changes due to the rise of electronic commerce, we find ourselves with an increase in consumer expectations. The market demands greater volume and quality, especially for online purchases, and, obviously, without compromising prices. Undoubtedly, the rise of the online pet food trade has a great influence on the industry manufacturers' operations.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

28/06/2023

ADM opens most innovative probiotics and postbiotics plant in Valencia

The American human and pet nutrition company ADM has opened its most innovative production plant in Valencia. With an investment of over 30 million dollars, the factory will be the first in the world capable of producing probiotics and postbiotics at the same facility. In addition, the new factory represents a five-fold increase in the company's production capacity. The aim of the new plant is to meet the growing worldwide demand for probiotics and postbiotics, as part of ADM's expansion strategy in the health and wellness sector. It will thus contribute to the multinational firm's target of boosting revenue in this division from 500 million dollars at the close of 2022 to over 2 billion in the next ten years. University R&D laboratory The factory is located close to the company's R&D centre at the University of Valencia Science Park, facilities where scientists carry out activities such as next-generation genome sequencing and early-stage testing of new bacterial strains. The commissioning of the Valencian factory will enable the company to produce 50 metric tonnes per year. From there it will supply the probiotic and postbiotic markets in the United States, Asia-Pacific and Europe. The company intends to triple its customer base over the next five years. Science-based research Health and wellness division president Mark Lotsch said that his business area is 'one of the three enduring trends powering ADM's growth strategy: consumers are increasingly aware of the role their gut microbiome can play in their everyday lives, and they're seeking nutrition solutions that are backed up by science-based research'. The company alluded to a Euromonitor market research study that estimates that the probiotic supplements retail market could surge to 10.4 billion dollars by 2027, compared to its turnover of 8.3 billion in 2022. Lotsch added that this growth is being driven by the rising demand for science-based probiotic formulas that are used in dietary supplements, as well as dairy products, food and healthy snacks and beverages, and in addition to pet and animal well-being products. ADM, one of the world's leaders in science-backed nutrition solutions, has opened a new production facility in Valencia, Spain to help meet rising global demand for probiotics, post-biotics and other products that support health and well-being The production facility represents an investment in excess of 30 mio dollars and a more than five-fold increase in ADM's production capacity, increasing it to 50 metric tons per year. The facility will allow ADM to supply growing markets for probiotics and postbiotics in the US, Asia-Pacific and Europe, states the company.  ADM expects its customer base will more than triple over the next five years as more people recognise the links between the gut microbiome and many aspects of health, and look for products tailored to their specific needs. The facility, the world's first to produce both probiotics and postbiotics at the same site according to ADM, will help the company fulfil its expansion strategy in the health and well-being sector. ADM is on its way to realising its ambition of increasing health and wellness revenue from over 500 million dollars in 2022 to 2 bn dollars within 10 years. The site will produce ADM's probiotic BPL1 and the heat-treated BPL1 postbiotic, as well as other ADM proprietary strains, supplying a broad range of customers. It will also be able to support further growth in ADM's UK-leading Bio-Kult brand of products. The new facility is located close to ADM's pioneering research and development centre in the University of Valencia Scientific Park, where ADM scientists undertake activity including next-generation genome sequencing and early-stage testing of new bacterial strains. By ADM