Jun 2024 - International Petfood magazine

International PetFood - Volume 6 - Issue 6 - June 2024

June 2024

Striking A Balance

- Feline Food Dilemma - Source Sustainable Protein - All-Natural Revolution www.internationalpetfood.com

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Perendale Publishers Ltd 7 St George’s Terrace St James’ Square, Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 3PT, United Kingdom Tel: +44 01242 267700 Publisher Roger Gilbert rogerg@perendale.co.uk Managing Editor Joy Nelloolichalil joyn@perendale.co.uk Technical Editor Joe Kearns joek@perendale.com

June 2024

Editorial team Shannon Parsons Tel: +44 (0)1242 267706 shannonp@perendale.co.uk Niamh Cassidy Tel: +44 (0)1242 267704 niamhc@perendale.co.uk Community Manager David Harvey

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REGULAR ITEMS 8 Industry News

28 Training

29 Troubleshooting

30 Production focus 26 Industry Profiles 33 Industry Events

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38 The Market Place

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42 Industry Faces

40 The Interview

Nigeria Marketing Team Nathan Nwosu Tel: +234 8132 478092 nathann@perendale.com Design Manager James Taylor Tel: +44 (0)1242303791 jamest@perendale.co.uk Production Assistant Cristina María Roldán Otero Tel: +44 (0)1242 267700 cristinaot@perendale.co.uk Circulation & Events Manager Tuti Tan Tel: +44 (0)1242 303790 tutit@perendale.co.uk Development Manager Antoine Tanguy Tel: +33 6 78 57 76 45 antoinet@perendale.co.uk International Petfood - Volume 6 - Issue 5 ©Copyright 2022 Perendale Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission of the copyright owner. More information can be found at www.perendale.com ISSN 2754-4680

www.internationalpetfood.com

COLUMNS 7

6 Roger Gilbert Joseph P Kearns

8 Professor Simon Davies

9 The PetFood Journal

FEATURES 12 Striking A Balance 16 Feline Food Dilemma 20 Source Sustainable Protein 24 All-Natural Revolution

THE PUBLISHER automatically passed to the end Today we are all thinking in terms purchaser but must be absorbed by of our carbon footprint; making industry itself. That’s a hard concept sustainable choices when it comes to to grasp, but we should not be seeing everything from food to cars and even ‘sustainable’ raw materials as having being environmentally friendly such additional costs in the production of as collecting up and disposing of our either our foodstuffs or our feeding waste or unwanted products correctly.

Roger Gilbert stuffs.

Publisher, International Petfood Magazine However, we should not overlook If we are to reduce our carbon the impact that our pets are having on footprint, halt temperature increases all of the above. and bring about a more sustainable life cycle for all of us on We often don’t consider pets to be ‘unfriendly’ when it this planet then we must participate in that process - and we comes to environmental issues and carbon footprint, but should include our pets within that equation as well. unfortunately, they can be.

This edition of International Petfood carries an interesting Elsewhere in this edition view from Andrew Tindall, a patent attorney for Potter First, I must congratulate and welcome Joseph Kearns to Clarkson in the UK. He was visiting his local veterinarian the role of Editor of International Petfood magazine. Joe when he learnt that he might be over-feeding his cat. His is a long-standing editor within the magazine itself on the feature appears on page 16 and titled: ‘Feeding the Future.’ technical side of things but is now stepping up to direct the The article goes on to provide some much welcome information on what the issues might be surrounding petfoods editorial content of the full magazine.

He brings a wealth of knowledge from a long career in the and their impact not only on the pet in question but on the production of petfoods via the extrusion process and is widely environment in general. regarded for his understanding and insights when dealing with It reminds us that all pet parents need to be cognisant the wide variety of raw materials, ingredients and additives of their pet’s needs and how best to meet them in these the industry has available to itself. environmentally friendly times.

His selection of news topics will have interest for all readers We know that petfood manufacturers are more aware of and, being a dog lover, he has highlighted the nutritional their responsibilities than ever before in what materials are article from dsm-firmenich in the USA, that looks at health included in the rations they produce. They are on the same and sustainability in ’Striking a balance,’ as his lead feature. journey as other feed producers such as aqua and livestock Sustainability also takes centre stage in the article on page feed manufacturers.

20 when sourcing proteins for cat and dog feeds. And we take Identifying the carbon footprint of a raw material is now a close look at what seaweed has to offer on page 24 as well. becoming an essential part of the food production process Overall, there is much to read in this issue once again and for all our domesticated animals including pets. And the I would be interested in your comments and suggestions on cost is falling to the producer and not always passed on the other topics we should be covering in up-coming editions. consumer, nor the pet parent at the retail outlet.

It has been quoted at conferences I attend that the cost Happy reading.! of becoming more sustainable is not one that can be

Our last edition Did you miss our May 2024 edition? If so, don’t panic! We published last mont on our App – which you can download from the Apple Store, Google Play or Online at: https://store.magstand. com/petfood - with the latter platform granting you the opportunity to see all of our back editions on the screen of your desktop computer.

What you may have missed…

Canine Nutrition and Health Unlocking the Power of Brewers’ Yeast

by Maike Rakebrandt, Senior Product Management Equine & Pet, Leiber GmbH, Germany Brewers’ yeast is a sustainable by-product from breweries, which is produced in compliance with strict food guidelines. It is rich in many

bioavailable active ingredients and nutrients like proteins, amino acids, B vitamins, minerals and trace elements. As an autolysed brewers’ yeast, CeFi®pro undergoes a special production process that leads to the availability of valuable components for the animal in an open structure, and therefore is significantly more readily available.

Moving Beyond Break Prevent Downtime of Pet Food Conveyors

by Dell Williams, Technical writer on behalf of Cablevey Conveyers, USA Petfood processors often rely on tubular drag cable conveyors to move sensitive materials and powders; therefore, it is important to properly design, install, and proactively maintain these systems to minimise production downtime and maximise longevity.

6 | June 2024 - International Petfood

THE EDITOR seen to have 50 to 60% protein and 20 Reports are showing a shift in petfood to 30% lipid dry matter. Looking at this purchases as the economy seems to lipid level at a 25% inclusion it would be have finally caught up and the dollar adding 7.5% fat. Depending on the rest spending on petfoods is leveling as of the total fat level this might become customers look at value for cost. limiting or the need to deal with density An article in this issue on Entomeal adjustments. For reference chicken meal and their insect meal reports good Joseph P Kearns dried to 10% moisture has 65% protein acceptance and results. These two Editor, International Petfood Magazine and 12% fat. Regular chicken meat is topics might go together but having 70% water, 18% protein and 5% fat. not looked into costs of insect meal There are many options and at the levels it now appears to versus the standard type of protein sources this needs to be be used with insect meals there should be no situations with evaluated. Following the idea of four areas of extrusion, raw regards to production. materials, system configuration, running conditions and final Mentioning possibilities of higher-level inclusions of meats, product specifications it might be interesting to discuss if the some systems can now approach nearly 75 to 80% meat system or running conditions with insect meal added will inclusion at 65% moisture levels. The success in these is change the final specs of the product. based on handling the moisture and getting the cook needed From the article mentioned above it shows testing at 5, in petfood production. This requires increases in thermal 10, and 20 percent inclusion levels for pets. Acceptability energy usage in addition to the mechanical energy as well as and consumption levels looked good. Ok, have to assume special handling of these wet nuggets post the extruder die. somebody made the test feed without issues. However, I like Logic, at least in my case, it seems that using fresh higher to play with the numbers to see the effect from a production moisture ingredients especially with the ingredients that yield point of view. For discussions, let’s assume the insect meal palatability results are the land animal meat inclusions. Using is dried to a similar level as poultry meal, fish meal and other these fresh ingredients in conjunction with the dried meals proteins of animal origin about 10 percent. yield super premium products. These fresh products are not Considerations in extrusion for production besides the dried so how much energy is saved in the process to dry, nutritional aspects is moisture level, fat or lipid level and rewet, process and redry? Nutrient losses? Costs of raw wet starch levels as these can affect the process. What is the limiting factor? It is doubtful that the formula will be short on ingredients would be higher no doubt but manageable as seen in the industry. starch. With fresh meats the first limiting factor in standard Now will we see a time where the insect meal uses and style extrusion cookers is the moisture level. There are availability is such that perhaps a liquified form much like the some exceptions where machines can use higher levels of ground smooth meats used in petfoods will be available? It meats, but for this review let’s consider mainly single and would be something of interest in my opinion as having seen twin screws where mechanical energy is the driving force to the ease of operation or production when liquified ingredients cook the food. These machines, when equipped with enough are pumped and metered into the process. The modern conditioning cylinders and or designs that allow high levels petfood plant with computer controls, loss in weight dry feed of high moisture ingredients should yield a free-flowing systems and accuracy of pumps and the quality of flow meters material to the extruder barrel. If not consistent then this make adding high moisture ingredients in place of water becomes a limiting factor. Single screw extruders can handle quite simple. Meats need to be kept chilled and or frozen, about 20 percent of 65 percent moisture meat while twin thawed, checked for metals, ground, moisture adjusted and screws can handle about 25 percent. This is equivalent to then pumped into the system. Do insect products need the adding about 10 and 16 percent moisture respectively. If the same at higher moistures? Are stabilization products out other ingredients have approx. 10 percent moisture and some there? Will this possibly eliminate the need for the expensive is added in the process via water and steam, we are near the meat handling systems? Most likely it will not change but moisture limit for these kinds of machines and products from a similar duplicate system for handling insect ingredients them. The second consideration is lipid or fat levels in the might be in order. Not having a chance to discuss insect meal feed before extrusion. For little or no effect in the density the storage in vertical bins and its flow characteristics at this limit is about 15 percent fat total and above this the product point we need to assume it is OK, but you never know. At has lower expansion or heavier density. At 20 and 25 percent the above referenced lipid level of mealworm meal it should inclusion levels the lipids associated with these kinds of meat be noted most issues in bins are associated with hydroscopic at 12 percent lipid in the meat is a 2.4 to three percent lipid ingredients or ingredients with elevated lipid levels which addition so generally no negative effects for the extrusion require “max time in bin management” as well as special process. This review sets a general base line of what is in the discharge devices, live or vibratory. industry for comparison.

The industry is in motion and advancing in a number of Now looking at insect meal what needs to change if different ways involving ingredients, machinery designs, anything if insect meal replaces some or all of the normal novel new processes and advancements in existing systems. protein sources. Looking up some details on the internet it All developing to improve the process of petfood production appears that black soldier fly meal has general specs of 50% at reasonable cost and for good value to the customers. protein, 9% to 15% fat and 10% moisture. Mealworm is

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New report shows pet industry undergoing a shift The pet industry is undergoing a significant shift, with value becoming a key competitive strategy for businesses. As outlined in Packaged Facts’ latest report, ‘US Pet Market Outlook, 2024-2025’, macroeconomic and industry-specific factors are driving this change, making it essential for businesses to prioritise value for pet parents.

David Lummis, report analyst, notes, “The promise of money savings and added value is possibly the oldest promotional manoeuvre, but with the economic trauma of

the pandemic and its aftermaths still rippling through, there may be no better time to focus on value to attract shoppers and engender customer loyalty.”

The National Retail Federation predicts slower consumer spending growth in 2024 due to tighter credit conditions, higher borrowing costs, a cooling labour market and political uncertainty. Although gas prices are down and inflation has been moderating, normalisation isn’t expected until 2025. Additionally, dog population growth, which accounts for two-thirds of pet industry sales, remains flat.

Data from Packaged Facts’ January 2024 Survey of Pet Owners reveal that nearly one third of pet owners have had their ability to buy non-

Layn Natural Ingredients studies shelf-life extension for petfood Layn Natural Ingredients, a global leader in innovation and manufacturing of natural botanical extract ingredients and solutions, conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of TruGro AOX+ as a natural preservation solution to enable shelf-life extension for petfood.

Juan Javierre, Senior Nutrition Scientist at Layn Natural Ingredients, stated, “The tests were done following the Oxidative Stability Index, or OSI, method using a Rancimat device. As substrates, we tested oils and fats common in petfood diets, such as fish and chicken oil, assayed at the temperatures most adequate for these substrates. We found a highly protective effect on fat stability, and compounding the data to ambient temperature, TruGro AOX+ demonstrates excellent

Side by Side Pet blends ancient wisdom with AI innovation Side by Side Pet, a leader in whole-food nutrition, unveiled its latest AI Balance Indicator. Rooted in the time-tested practice of Eastern Food Therapy (EFT), this cutting-edge technology provides pet parents with nutritional guidance tailored to the pet’s needs. In collaboration with experts in veterinary medicine, nutrition, data science and Eastern holistic practices, Side by Side Pet has developed the Balance Indicator. This AI software analyses a dog’s unique constitution and metabolic function by evaluating an image of the tongue.

Pet parents simply upload a photo of the pup smiling, playing, or any image that shows its tongue to the Balance Indicator. The patented AI software analyses the tongue’s hue, tint, tone and shade to determine whether the dog is balanced (neutral) or imbalanced

essentials negatively impacted by the economic environment. As a result, three-fourths are actively seeking lower prices, special offers and sales.

While pet owners are costconscious, their priority remains the health of their pets. Product quality tops the lot of important factors in pet care spending choices, followed by good value for prices, convenience in shopping/buying and low-priced products.

In response to these trends, pet industry marketers, manufacturers, retailers and service providers have an opportunity to offer lowerpriced products, facilitate do-ityourself pet care, provide adorable pet insurance and wellness plans and offer flexible payment options.

potential to extend the shelf life of petfood products up to a full year.”

Polyphenols play an important role as technological antioxidants. Trugro AOX+ combines several polyphenol-rich extracts in potent concentrations to help preserve petfoods naturally. Among its active ingredients, TruGro AOX+ contains rosemary extract, which is rich in diterpenes, and tea extract which contains high levels of catechins. In addition to these primary antioxidants, the solution also includes pomegranate extract to provide metal ion chelation.

These potent antioxidants help to prevent iron and copper from initiating the oxidative degradation of fats and vitamins. The combination and concentration of these plant-based compounds enable TruGro AOX+ to provide long-term protection against the oxidative rancidity of petfoods, thereby naturally extending shelf life.

(warm or cool). Based on its assessment, the Balance Indicator provides personalised diet recommendations to counterbalance or maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Combining the wisdom of EFT with the power of AI, Side by Side Pet empowers pet parents to confidently promote wellness with nutritious whole-food diets crafted to fit its pet’s unique physiology.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking solution to pet parents worldwide,” said Carol Bramson, CEO at Side by Side Pet. “Our AI-powered Balance Indicator combines the best of Eastern and Western approaches to nutrition, providing dogs with all-natural, whole-food diet recommendations, synthetic-free diets that are delicious and tailored to their needs. My mission is to share the immeasurable benefits of whole-food nutrition with pets and their people to help our four-legged family members live longer, happier and healthier lives together with us, side by side.”

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The Nutriment Company acquires Totally Natural Pet Products The Nutriment Company, a leading provider of premium natural petfood, announced that they have acquired ‘Totally Natural Pet Products’, a renowned Scottish raw dog food manufacturer.

The acquisition expands the Nutriment Company’s portfolio of premium natural petfood brands and further strengthens its position in the Central European market.

Totally Natural Pet Products (TNPP) specialises in the production of raw dog food and natural dog treats, operating from a production facility close to Glasgow, Scotland. With over 30 years of experience, TNPP prides itself on an ethical approach to sourcing high-quality ingredients and using human-grade cuts of meat. Its products are predominantly sold to pet specialists across the United Kingdom in a freeflow format, enabling customers to swiftly defrost and conveniently portion them to meet their dog’s nutritional requirements. TNPP’s range of products uses only 100 percent natural ingredients and is free from artificial additives, grains and fillers, offering a wide range of flavours and recipes to meet the nutritional requirements and preferences of various dog breeds.

Campbell Kyle and William Stewart, Co-CEOs of Totally Natural pet products, expressed their excitement about joining The Nutriment Company: “We look forward to working together and expanding opportunities for our

team and customers alike.”

Anders Kristiansen, CEO of The Nutriment Company, commented on the acquisition: “Totally Natural Pet Products has rapidly expanded in the UK over the last few years, and their unique free-flow product fills a gap in our portfolio. We are thrilled to welcome them to our group and are certain that together we will be even more successful.”

The acquisition of TNPP by The Nutriment Company marks an important step in the strategy of both companies to further consolidate and expand their position in the growing market for high-quality, natural petfood.

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STRIKING A BALANCE

Does health and sustainability go hand in hand in petfood?

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by George B. Josef, Global Head Marketing & Nutritional Lipids for petfood, dsm-firmenich, USA

et parents have always wanted the best for their furry friends but what is considered ‘best’ is undergoing a radical shift. Nearly 70 percent of global pet owners say they are “worried about climate change” and are “trying to have a positive impact on the environment through my everyday actions”. In fact, pet owners are more concerned about sustainability than nonpet owners.1 This is partly what led to many consumers seeking out petfood products that were made using by-products from meat processing for human consumption. But this practice is declining in popularity as pet owners want more premium and human-grade options for their pets.

At the same time, consumers are increasingly aware that good nutrition can help people live longer and healthier lives and they’re applying this same ethos to cats and dogs. It’s no surprise then that trending human nutrition topics like gut health and immunity are influencing pet nutrition. In one study, three out of five pet owners said they looked for pet food featuring vitamins and nutrients to support immune health at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

So how can modern petfood companies balance the needs of discerning pet parents? Read on to discover the latest ingredients that give pets a taste they love and the nutrition they need all while reducing the environmental impact and protecting petfood producers from volatile supply chains.

What to do when there aren’t plenty more fish in the sea?

Omega-3s – particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – are critical to cat and dog health. EPA and DHA support a wealth of pet parent priorities including healthy joints and brain development in puppies and kittens and enhanced immunity, organ health, and cognition into a pet’s senior years. But omega-3s are heavily associated with overfished oceans and unsustainable practices – 930 billion fish are removed from the oceans each year, just to supply the pet food industry with fish oil and meal. Fluctuations in the availability and price of fish oils also expose pet food manufacturers to supply chain disruption and rapidly increasing costs. But there is a better way to give cats and dogs the essential nutrients they need – by going straight to the source with algal-based omega-3s.

For example, with DHAgold™ petfood companies can easily add the nutritional benefits of DHA to any food, treat or supplement. This easy-to-use powder is made from fermented algae that is carefully dried to produce a robust ingredient with a high DHA content and superior sensory properties. DHAgold™ also has a scientifically proven claim to support brain health in dogs. In one study a group of 8- to 11-year-old dogs were fed food containing DHAgold™ for 6 months and displayed significantly improved memory and visual performance.

For petfood brands who want to offer both EPA and DHA then Veramaris® Pets may be the answer. Containing 60 percent EPA and DHA, this is the world’s most potent and complete omega-3 solution suitable for cats and dogs at all life stages. It offers more

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producers use valuable resources more efficiently, appeal to sustainably minded pet parents and support better pet nutrition through consumption.

One example of this in action is dsm-firmenich’s cheddar cheese flavor concentrate. This spray dried powder is made with genuine Wisconsin cheddar and whey and can be supplemented into dry dog food. The ingredient is created using enzyme modification, which intensifies the natural cheese flavor and aroma that dogs love, transforming a standard dry food application into an experience worthy of wagging tails and happy smiles.

On-trend fortification

than double the potency of equivalent fish-oil alternatives as well as a better taste. These two ingredients highlight just how efficacious algal-based omega-3 ingredients can be in petfood applications. Both are inherently safe with assured freedom from ocean-borne contaminants, offering true consistency, reliability, and scalability with an infinite source of quality omega-3s that does not impact global fish stocks.

Maximizing taste – minimizing impact

Pet parents want their furry friends to enjoy their food and treats, just like any other member of the family. But eco-conscious pet owners are increasingly aware of the high carbon footprint associated with meat- and dairy-based petfood ingredients. For petfood manufacturers as well, animal-based ingredients are associated with volatile costs and often unreliable supply chains – hitting profitability in a highly competitive market.

Fortunately, ingredient science is working to tackle all of these challenges. New solutions can optimize a smaller amount of animal-derived raw materials to create delicious flavors that pets love while also providing a lower environmental impact and less exposure to fluctuating supply and costs. These truly innovative meat-optimizing flavor ingredients therefore help petfood

In 2024, it’s hard to talk to anyone not actively trying to improve their gut health or immunity – and pet owners have the same priorities for their cats and dogs. In one recent study, 63 percent of pet owners say they want to see “helps aid digestive health” and 51 percent want to see “helps aid immune health” on pet products.

Ingredients like dsm-firmenich’s Leva-Mos® can provide a dual function here by supporting gut and immune health in one easy to use spray dried powder. Rich in mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta-glucans, this upcycled ingredient supports gastrointestinal health by stabilizing the gut microflora, maintaining gut health during microbial enteric challenges, binding to food pathogens in the GI tract, and supporting intestinal barrier function. Meanwhile, the branched glucan structures also support a balanced immune function. And on-trend fortification doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. LevaMos® is produced through dedicated baker’s yeast fermentation under strict hygienic conditions and offers pet nutrition brands a cost-effective way to tap into trending health claims that drive brand value.

Finding the balance

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Feline Food Dilemma

Balancing Nutrition and Sustainability in Pet Diets

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by Andrew Tindall, Patent Attorney, Potter Clarkson, UK

had a rather rude awakening recently at the vet’s office. When taking my cat for her annual jabs, I was told that we needed to talk about her ‘condition.’

This, of course, is the polite way of saying that my cat was, well, fat. Whilst embarrassing, this is not uncommon, as half of dogs and over a third of cats are reportedly overweight or obese. Nevertheless, I walked away with a sense of shame, and a prescription for a new, high-protein diet for the family moggy.

Sticking to this recommendation comes with its own challenges, however. Like many households, mine tries to limit the amount of meat we consume for environmental reasons, and I started thinking about how the changes in my cat’s diet would affect our carbon footprint. I’m not alone in this problem. With over 49 percent of adults in the UK owning a pet, the environmental impact of all those sachets of meaty chunks in gravy is staggering.

Indeed, 22 percent of all meat produced is consumed by pets, and contrary to public belief relatively little of this is made from upcycling in-demand abattoir waste.

As high protein diets are required for the health of our pets, there remains an unmet need to provide environmentally friendly feeds to satisfy the protein demand, simultaneously improving the health of both companion animals and the planet.

One solution that has already emerged is the use of insect-based protein and the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Their capacity to convert organic waste into high protein feed is impressive and has been harnessed by reptile and poultry keepers for decades.

When dried, BSFL contain up to 50 percent high-quality protein,

and uses 80 percent less land than beef per kilo of protein. Insect protein remains an attractive option for pet feed, and I was surprised to see multiple brands harnessing this technology on the shelves of my local shop, with both Yora and Lovebug appearing to fit the profile recommended by my vet.

One challenge for insect proteins is the source of waste. Whilst BSFL will happily eat almost any organic substrate, including slaughterhouse waste, manure, and kitchen scraps, these can spread disease. Current regulations restrict insect feedstocks to pre-consumer, non-meat, waste. Whilst this is still a significant waste stream, it limits scalability, as profitability depends on access to cheap and plentiful substrate. Additionally, at present, the law effectively means that flies must eat food that could otherwise feed hungry people (or, indeed, their pets). Moreover, even a small risk of contamination might hinder acceptance in a sector where

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public perceptions of food safety are already poor.

Even if these challenges can be overcome, the question remains - will the public at large feel comfortable with their pets eating bugs? Given my cat’s fondness for hunting spiders, moths, and beetles, I suspect she will be unbothered either way. However, many pet owners won’t share her enthusiasm.

Anecdotally, many owners feel uncomfortable feeding their pets foods they would not eat themselves, but additional processing to disguise the provenance of insect feed is in tension with recent moves away from ‘ultra processed foods’.

Another emerging technology which might hold the key to healthier and more sustainable pet food is mycoprotein. Once again, this is not so much new as a repurposing, as mycoprotein will be familiar (especially to those of us in the UK) as the concept behind vegetarian staples like Quorn. By growing microscopic fungi on feedstocks such as maize starch, it is possible to upcycle cheap substrates into high nutritional value proteins.

Mycoproteins are beginning to find use in pet foods. Pawsible Foods, a startup in Singapore, has launched their mycoprotein dog food in the city-state as well as India. Similarly, Finnish biotech eniferBio have developed their own mycoprotein powder, and attracted significant buzz with their successful EU€11 million series A funding round in April 2023. Their protein PEKILO is now approved in the EU for pet food and has a projected market launch in 2026.

Mycoproteins have an advantage in that they have a long history in the food industry, and regulatory systems for ensuring their safety are already established in most jurisdictions.

Additionally, this is a business model that investors understand, and will therefore know whether their investment is likely to be safe, and what IP and business strategies are needed to protect their market exclusivity. Moreover, there is significant untapped innovation potential, as the number of investigated fungal species remains small. As this work expands, it will likely become increasingly easy to source desirable and improved mycoproteins, for countless applications.

Stepping beyond the current supermarket shelves, the technologies shaping the future of human food might also one day influence what our pets eat.

Cultivated meat – the process of growing animal cells in culture, without the need for slaughter – has been steadily growing over the last decade. Once the preserve of science fiction, the technology is now firmly rooted in reality, with regulatory approval being granted in the US and limited public tastings taking place throughout 2023. As the end result is identical to conventional meat, it neatly bypasses fears of UPFs whilst, by avoiding land-use and abattoir wastage, may even be greener too.

In the UK, cultivated meat could make its way onto our pets’ plates before ours. The first cultivated meat to hit the shelves in

the UK may well be for cats, with UK company Meatly poised to launch their chicken product following investment by Pets At Home. Hot on their heels, Czech start up Bene Meat is poised to release their first cultivated product in 2024, this time for dogs.

Meanwhile, if my cat fancies fish rather than fowl, Singapore’s Umami Bioworks have developed ‘Marina Cat’, a treat that incorporates cultivated ocean snapper.

This degree of interest may be because, technologically and economically speaking, pet food could be a more attractive initial product than meat for human consumption. As the buyers are not consumers, marketing based on environmental benefits may be more effective than it would with meat for human consumption, where the significant challenge of perfectly replicating taste and texture is more important. In addition to less fussy end-consumers, the regulatory framework around pet food is far less complex.

Once mature, cultivated meat has the potential to go further than nature ever could. Perhaps one day, through canny cell selection or gene editing, it will be possible to adjust the composition of food for different animals – for instance, to produce medicinal, probiotic, or more digestible foods without the need for downstream fortification of processing.

However, the technology remains some distance away, and the large number of innovators in both the animal and human markets means competition is likely to be stiff. Indeed, with multiple competing proprietary platforms covered by strong patent protection, cultivated meat may be the site of costly legal battles, and the risk of litigation may have a chilling effect unless a collaborative approach is developed. That said, it may be possible for innovators to forge these relationships and avoid stepping on any toes by limiting themselves to the domain of pet food.

Advances in pet food have the potential to enable real customer choice. For a long time, consumer preference in this sector was driven primarily by the interplay between price and perceived quality. New technologies could enable owners to make decisions about sustainability, enhanced nutrition, or ethical considerations like veganism. Whilst there remains some tension between new food technology and current trends towards ‘clean’ or ‘natural’ pet food, it remains to be seen whether an appetite for sustainability can be converted into market share.

Food is an emotive, and opinionated subject, where public acceptance is as important as it is fragile. Whilst pets themselves have little choice in the matter, their owners are nevertheless likely to be discerning customers and will require convincing before new protein sources can break through into the mainstream.

Fortunately, my cat isn’t that fussy. No matter what the future brings, I’m sure she’ll eat anything – indeed, that’s partly how we ended up in this situation in the first place.

18 | June 2024 - International Petfood

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International Petfood - June 2024 | 19

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SOURCE SUSTAINABLE PROTEIN

For dogs and cats nutrition

W

by Presanthi Sithapthi, Senior Sales Manager, Veolia, South East Asia

ith more than 471 million dogs kept as pets worldwide, dogs remain the most popular pet choice followed by cats with over 373 million in the world (according to the World Animal Foundation, 2024). Over the years there has been a major shift from pet ownership to pet parenting and this trend to pet humanisation has led to increased demand for high nutritional quality and dietary benefits in pet food. Pet parents are looking for natural, organic and sustainable ingredients to ensure that their pets receive a healthy and balanced diet.

This has created an opportunity for the pet food industry to incorporate alternative protein sources such as insect-based ingredients, a novel source of protein that provides functional benefits to pet’s gut health and skin.

Several studies have shown that insect meal is an acceptable alternative protein source in pet diets. Pet food companies always want the reassurance that the ingredient itself is validated by scientific research, such as feeding trials, when it comes to palatability and digestibility.

This is why Veolia, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand has recently conducted a study to assess the acceptance, general performance (feed intake and body weight maintenance) and digestibility of EntomealTM (black soldier fly larvae meal) in twenty beagle dogs and fifteen mongrel cats.

The dogs and cats were given two dry food formulations containing 10 percent and 20 percent EntomealTM, and five percent and 10 percent EntomealTM, respectively. These diets were compared to a standard commercial control diet containing poultry meat as the primary source of protein.

EntomealTM is a defatted high-quality protein made from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) grown on traceable side streams of the food and beverage industry.

Veolia Bioconversion Malaysia Sdn Bhd, one of the largest producers of black soldier fly larvae in the Asia Pacific region, has its facility located in the north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with a production capacity of 3000 tons of insect-based products per year. This industrialscale facility, which is ISO 22 000, GMP+ certified, ensures safe and consistent quality with reliable supply of EntomealTM. In both canine and feline trials, all diets were well accepted, and body weights and feed consumption were maintained throughout the trial duration.

20 | June 2024 - International Petfood

The results showed that ATTDC of crude protein is comparable to the commercial control diet containing poultry meat, which were around 94 percent for dogs and 88 percent for cats.

Conclusion

Acceptance and Preference

Results for the one-bowl test on dogs showed a good acceptance of dry food containing an inclusion level 10 percent EntomealTM and 20 percent EntomealTM. Although cats are known for adapting slowly and being picky to any new diet, they consumed all the dry food presented at both inclusion levels of 5 percent EntomealTM and 10 percent EntomealTM. In the two-bowl testing, ‘first choice’ and ‘first empty bowl’ were observed among the three groups of paired diets. This experiment consists of placing simultaneously two bowls before the pet and we monitor which of the two foods have been approached first which is defined as the first choice. Then the bowls are left with pet until one of the bowls has been completely consumed which is referred as first empty bowl.

Results showed that dogs had no preference between the control diet and 10 percent or 20 percent EntomealTM for either ‘first choice’ or ‘first empty bowl.’

However, dogs preferred dry food containing 10 percent Entomeal over 20 percent EntomealTM (refer to figure 1).

Cats also had no preference between control diet and 5 percent or 10 percent EntomealTM, and emptying the bowl was much higher for both EntomealTM diets compared to the control diet (refer to figure 2). When comparing EntomealTM diets, cats preferred 10 percent EntomealTM inclusion versus 5 percent EntomealTM.

Overall, the results of this study indicate that the palatability and digestibility of EntomealTM are comparable or better than a standard commercial pet foods for both dogs and cats.

At an inclusion level of 20 percent in dogs and 10 percent for cats, EntomealTM has an equivalent palatability to a standard commercial pet food. As a high-quality protein, EntomealTM can be easily incorporated into dry food formulations for puppies, adults and seniors to achieve optimal nutritional profiles, in addition to its sustainable benefits.

Veolia is also conducting further research with other partners to continuously improve the knowledge and positive impact of EntomealTM in pet nutrition.

Digestibility

In the digestibility study, eighteen beagle dogs and fifteen mongrel cats underwent a seven-day washout period before being fed the EntomealTM diets for five days. Faecal samples were collected from the dogs and cats for analysis. The Apparent Total Tract Digestibility coefficients (ATTDC) were obtained using two methods, the total faeces collection (TFC) and chromium oxide (Cr2O3) marker, which was added at a final concentration of 0.25 percent of the diet dry matter basis.

Figure.1

Figure.2

22 | June 2024 - International Petfood

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All-Natural

Revolution

I

Seaweed-Based Nutrition in Petfood

by Jyothsna Nelloolichalil and Costa Skotidas, International Petfood, UK

n the evolving landscape of animal nutrition, the use of innovative and sustainable solutions has never been more critical. Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT), a pioneering feed company with its headquarters in London, stands at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging the potent properties of seaweed to enhance animal health and productivity.

OHT was established with a clear mission to research and commercialise the diverse applications of seaweeds. Initially focused on various sectors, the company has now honed in on animal and fish nutrition. The driving force behind OHT’s products is extensive research demonstrating that polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds in different types of seaweed act as prebiotics in animals.

Their petfood product, OceanFeed Pet, distinguishes itself by being an all-natural product with no added preservatives, carriers, or emulsifiers. This commitment to purity ensures that pets receive a diet free from potentially harmful additives, which is increasingly important to pet owners who are concerned about the long-term health effects of synthetic ingredients.

One of the standout features of OceanFeed Pet is its impressive shelf life. Despite the absence of preservatives, the product boasts a shelf life of up to three years. This long shelf life is a testament to the quality and stability of the ingredients used, providing convenience and peace of mind to pet owners.

Consumer-Driven Business

Pet food is a consumer-driven industry, with pet owners continuously seeking products that deliver tangible health benefits for their animals. The feedback from pet owners using OceanFeed Pet has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in their pets’ health and well-being.

“Nearly 90 percent of customers report that their pets experience improved digestive health after switching to food with OceanFeed Pet. This improvement manifests as fewer incidents of diarrhoea and other digestive issues, and also does influence skin condition in a positive way”, says Mark Williams, CEO of OHT. A healthy digestive system is crucial for the overall wellbeing of pets, as it affects nutrient absorption and energy levels. A healthy coat and skin are indicators of overall health and can reduce the frequency of veterinary visits related to skin problems. The natural ingredients in Ocean Pet Food contribute to these benefits, making pets look and feel healthier.

Half of the users report increased energy and stamina in their pets. This is especially significant in the context of rising global temperatures, where maintaining energy levels can be challenging. Active pets are happier and more engaged, which enhances the bond between pets and their owners. A notable 50 percent of users have observed an improvement in their pets’ breath. Bad breath is a common issue, particularly in dogs, and it can be indicative of underlying health problems.

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Competitive Advantage

Recently, OHT gained a new patent for its OceanFeed brand of products. This patent covers the unique blended seaweed ingredient used in OceanFeed Pet, which has been shown to have a prebiotic effect on the microbiome.

The patent details the specific bacterial changes and the composition of these changes in the gut, explaining how they lead to improved health outcomes for pets.

The prebiotic effect of the seaweed ingredient supports a healthy microbiome, which is essential for optimal digestive health. A balanced gut microbiome enhances nutrient absorption, supports immune function, and contributes to overall health and vitality.

Sustainable Sourcing and Global Reach

Sustainability is at the core of OHT’s operations. The seaweeds used in their products are sourced globally and are predominantly invasive wild-blooming varieties.

These seaweeds, which thrive on excess nutrients from agricultural and human activities, can be ecologically damaging if left unchecked. By harvesting these invasive species, OHT not only mitigates environmental damage but also creates a sustainable supply of raw materials.

“It protects pretty much the whole scope of the business that we have. It represents to me, because its such a wide ranging patent, as close as you can get to an external verification of first mover advantage”, says Mark.

The company’s initial manufacturing facility in Vietnam has expanded its sourcing to other parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as Eastern Africa. This global diversification of the supply chain ensures a steady and sustainable supply of seaweed, enabling OHT to meet growing demand while maintaining environmental integrity.

OceanFeed Pet, a flagship product of OHT, offers a unique and all-natural option for pet owners seeking the best for their animals. With its impressive shelf life, absence of harmful additives, and proven health benefits, it stands out in the competitive petfood market. As more pet owners recognise the value of high-quality, natural pet food, OceanFeed Pet is poised to become a staple in pet care routines worldwide.

International Petfood - June 2024 | 25

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Industry Profile

Famsun - an integrated solution provider Famsun Group Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yangzhou, China, is a global technology partner and the integrated solution provider of plant, equipment and services in feed manufacturing, grain milling, grain handling and storage, oilseed processing, food processing, steel structure construction and industrial automation. Famsun has over 2,800 employees, including 900 technicians and engineers. Backed by its strong R&D capabilities, Famsun has developed more than 120 series (700 models) of quality feed and grain processing machines and is capable of delivering a wide range of turnkey projects from farm to table and in associated industries.

Famsun operates five production sites as well as over 50 agencies, sales & service stations, and spare parts warehouses around the world. Famsun has successfully completed over 8600 referenced projects in more than 140 countries. Famsun’s vision is to provide optimal technology solution and make life better for all. Famsun value innovation, hard work, dedication, integrity, quick response and team work.

As world’s demand for quality and safe foods grows, food supply chains have become more connected.

Most of their customers diversify their businesses and extend to upstream and downstream links in order to boost productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

To meet with customer’s expectations of becoming a single-source supplier, which shares knowledge, experience and resource, provides convenient, flexible and consistent technical supports to customers and help them grow businesses, Famsun develop businesses along the value chains of their customers

with four segments: 1) Feed Tech; 2) Oil/Fat Tech; 3) Grain Tech; and 4) Food Tech.

Cutting edge technologies to manufacture excellent products. By cooperating with leading manufacturing tool companies, Famsun introduces such advanced manufacturing technologies as CNC machining centers, welding robots, automatic painting lines, and semi-automatic assembly lines in its workshops to produce extra precision and high quality for every piece of Famsun product from material processing to machining, painting and assembly. Famsun will speed up production flexibility and increase its local and regional production capabilities by launching an investment plan with several Industry 4.0 manufacturing plants built in some strategic markets of the world.

The success of Famsun as a leading solution provider in agri-food industry resides in its great research and development efforts. To maintain its innovation edge for a changing market demand, Famsun invests an average of more than five percent of annual revenue in basic research and applied development every year. With a stand of R&D Institutes in Asia, Europe and America, Famsun sophisticated specialists work around the clock in the development of existing products and solutions plus exploiting new terrain and unlock new business fields. Additionally, they cooperate with outstanding partners, inventive customers, renowned universities and institutes to constantly bring know-how together on technologies and transfer them to leading production systems in their customers’ facilities.

26 | June 2024 - International Petfood

International Petfood - June 2024 | 27

TRAINING

Industry Training Aquafeed & Petfood Extrusion Technology, South America (Chile) This short course is presented by Dennis Forte & Associates in conjunction with The Faculty of Natural Resources, Catholic University of Temuco, Chile, and is sponsored by Clextral.

This three-day course covers the principles of extrusion, the design of extrusion processes for aquatic feeds, as well as how the formulation interacts with the extrusion process. Principles learned will be demonstrated through an exercise run on a pilot extruder.

The program provides a good background in general extrusion technology but is specifically directed at aquafeed extrusion. The course is relevant to both single and twin-screw extrusion technology and will be help form 21 – 23 October 2024 at UC Temuco Continuing Education Centre Avenue Rudecindo Ortega, Temuco, Chile.

The course will cover topics from the basics of extruders and their configuration, through what is happening chemically and physically inside the extruder barrel, to an understanding of extruder dies and extruder instability.

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28 | June 2024 - International Petfood

TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting Let’s take a different approach this month in trouble shooting. First off one of the situations in plants is to get the product right and in spec. Yes, in most cases this is corrected at the extruder. Density is a topic as a critical spec and in review open area in the die is important. Hard to exactly predict but here we go with some basics.

Dog food 250 mm2 per ton per hour yielding an approx. expansion rate of 1.5 percent. Cat food starts in the 220 mm2 per ton per hour range with an expansion rate of 1.4 percent generally. If a higher expansion rate is needed the 150 to 250 mm2 or less open area is used. Medium expansion would have a bit more open area as in 300 to 400 mm2. Slight expansion has you up in the 450 to 550 mm2 open area.

When running, the density at the extruder can be adjusted generally with adjustments to the conditions. Steam injection into the extruder barrel, more added more expansion, less added lower expansion. Secondly, more or less water and/or steam in the conditioner. The head temperature can affect density, lower the head temperature increase density. These are a few options in addition to extruder speed control and/or a die flow restriction device are used. Higher extruder speed higher expansion due to more energy input, Flow restriction when decreased will hold or increase barrel fill inserting more energy into the material. These two options show the quickest results in the product post die.

Let’s look at some situations. Fat level in the formula increased by let’s say three to five percent to a total in the 10 to 12 percent range and the density increased by about 30 grams per litre over spec. How to lower the density?

First adjust screw speed and flow control device, most likely will work but if not, then decreased water (less water more friction increased cook and/or expansion), possible die open area adjustment (less open area more restriction more pressure more cook expansion), but most likely if can’t be done the screw set up is changed to achieve more energy or frictional inputs.

Product has light and dark area and the shape is not so good with wedging or angle cut ends of product. Out of spec and needs correction. For the colour situation adding some steam or water can increase slippage enough in the barrel to get the needed mixing to avoid this. If not then mixing elements greatly assist in this effect such as a cut flight screw slightly forward of half the distance to the die on the barrel. Mixing lobs are also a possibility, usually a set replaces a screw and can be set according to the cook needed. Wedging can be decreased by increasing water and/or steam, cooling the extruder barrel, readjust the blade setup to get a faster speed for a better cut. Blades could be too wide or cover the hole to long when rotating.

Sticking or clumping at the die and the blades are good and system is stable.

Need to eliminate the clumping. Adjust moisture or water input slightly lower with a possible increase in steam injection. This would increase thermal energy input. Die hole location can do this if they get too close together and if the knife speed is lowered to get desired length the speed might be too slow scooping the pellets into each other and sticking. So hole arrangement and umber of blades at the right speed greatly assists.

These kind of situations and others can be solved with adjustments either mechanically or in operations conditions. Keep in mind every change to a formula you have specific running conditions for can cause something to be adjusted to keep the same specifications. Save the records and what you did for future reference, you are generating the trends to solve your specific situations as well as learn what to expect and be prepared to do as required.

Previously on Troubleshooting...

1. Density

An examination of product density and its relationship with moisture levels, heating, cooling feeder screw rate and automation.

2. Non-uniform and rough appearance

A guide to understanding the science involved in improving the art of making products of all the same size.

3. Extrusion dies

This article takes a look at aspects of the process including high, medium and low shear as well the adjustments required when producing feed for small mammals.

4. Dryers

The dryer is without a doubt one of the machines in the system which greatly impacts the bottom line.

5. The extruder barrel - Part 1

Forming extruders are used for some select products – thus this part of the discussion centres on single and twin designs.

6. Cook in the extruder barrel – part 2

As discussed last month, the extruder barrel has a number of functions, but the main goal is to finalise the cook, yield the desired shape with the density target.

7. Coating

The coating process has a few areas of importance, with this edition of ‘Troubleshooting’ exploring the most important of these.

8. Expanded cat food

Dry expanded cat food production is similar to dog food production, but there are some differences, with this edition exploring a choice selection of these.

9. Extrusion during operation

This month we discuss steam input into the conditioner. During the water addition process, the steam is usually in the two-bar range.

International Petfood - June 2024 | 29

Unique synergy!

PRODUCTION Innovations this month June 2024 This month’s Production Showcase section features equipment and ingredients that will help in the production of petfood, taking you right from the recipe book, right up until until your product is ready to leave your factory door.

If you would like your product or service to appear on this page in a future edition of International Petfood magazine, then please contact us at editorial@perendale.co.uk

PEGASUS® 5-IN-1 MIXER by Dinnissen

Leiber YeaFi® – Brewers’ yeast bound to functional f ibres! | dietetic and prebiotic active ingredients

The Pegasus® 5-in-1 Mixer is a true multiprocessing machine.

It allows you to mix, vacuum coat, dry, germinate and acidify your product. The mixer produces flavored products with a high hygiene requirement and a fresh-sour taste sensation, such as tea, cereals, (crispy) sweets, and snacks. In sectors such as the food industry, there is an increasing need for multiprocessing machines. Production must become ever faster and more efficient, to produce the best possible product using the least number of materials and resources possible.

By combining several process steps in one machine, the Pegasus® 5-in-1 mixer saves on both cost and energy. The dual axis mixing mechanism airily tosses powders, pellets and granules during mixing. Then the finely atomized liquid particles mix homogeneously with the dry raw materials. The 5-in-1 mixer can also dry, germinate and acidify the product. No transport is needed between the different process steps, saving time and manpower.

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30 | June 2024 - International Petfood 14.08.23 16:25

FOCUS Touchswitch by 4B Group

Arden Grange Dry Dog Food Puppy/Junior Fresh Chicken

The Touchswitch is an electro-mechanical limit switch with no moving parts, which detects tracking and misalignment problems on bucket elevators and conveyors. When a belt misaligns or a pulley moves over and contacts the sensor, the built in solid-state electronic circuitry detects the lateral force of the belt or pulley and activates a voltage free solid state relay output.

This output signal is used to immediately alarm and ultimately shutdown the machine.

Arden Grange Dry Dog Food is for Medium breed puppies 2 to 9 months but can also be used for Larger breed puppies with a low appetite Fussy eaters Pregnant or lactating bitches Weaning.

The face of the sensor is made from hardened and annealed stainless steel, not soft brass or aluminium, so wear life is longer when a belt contacts it. The Touchswitch is not affected by dust or material build up and will still work when completely covered by material. An external test wheel allows for quick and simple sensor/system testing. The sensors are usually installed in pairs on opposite sides of the machine.

The Small kibble size is ideal for small and medium breeds and is extremely palatable, perfect for fussy eaters.

It also boasts a high proportion of fresh chicken meat protein of a very high biological value and a balanced calcium : phosphorous ratio with the correct level of vitamin D to support healthy growth and skeletal development.

Added antioxidants and nucleotides support the developing immune system and dental hygiene

www.grovelypetsupplies.co.uk

www.go4b.co.u

SEE YOUR PRODUCTS IN THIS MAGAZINE Single screw extruders by Andritz ANDRITZ places a high level of importance on the advancement and innovation of our processing line technology in order to meet the ever changing needs of aqua feed and pet food producers.

The results are a generation of high-capacity, versatile extruders.

The EX Series of single screw extruders represents state-of-the-art technology, ensuring unique quality feed at minimum operating costs with a high degree of processing flexibility

www.andritz.com

If you produce a product that you think we should feature in International Petfood magazine, please get in touch To be considered for inclusion in the magazine please; Email: editorial@perendale.co.uk Include 75 words about the product along with a high resolution image and a web link to more information about the product in your email

Chronos OML-1140 B by Bühler Bühler, in partnership with Premier Tech, introduces the Chronos OML-1140 B automatic open-mouth bagging station. Engineered to accommodate an array of products such as animal and aqua feed pellets, aqua and feed mash, and free-flowing products, this fully automatic bagging station enhances productivity by ensuring consistent operation, precise bagging performance, as well as the highest product and operational safety standards. The system’s advanced bagging precision – with accuracy of ±0.2 percent at 2 sigma for 25 kg bags – is a direct result of its sophisticated dosing and weighing technologies paired with smart control systems.

The station’s robust design for bag management contributes to its impressive estimated production capacity, handling up to 1200 bags per hour for 25 kg bags, thus ensuring maximum uptime.

Additionally, its hygienic construction and extensive safety measures align with Bühler’s commitment to superior food and human safety protocols. The Chronos OML-1140 B completes the OML-B Series, enhancing efficiencies and profitability for food and feed production sectors globally.

www.buhlergroup.com

International Petfood - June 2024 | 31

094/2023 ZMRK23R2

Industry Events 2024

June 4-5 Petcare Innovation Europe Berlin, Germany www.petcareinnovationeurope.com 10-12 Animal Health, Nutrition, and Technology Innovation USA Boston, Lincolnshire, USA www.animalhealtheventusa.com 27-28 Pet Food Pet Forum 2024 Guadalajara, Mexico www.petfoodforumevents.com

2024

September 24-26 PPMA 2024 Nec, Birmingham, Uk www.ppmashow.co.uk 25-28 Pet Izmir 2024 Konak/İzmir, Türkiye www. petizmir.net/en 29- 1 PATS 2024 Telford, England www.patshow.co.uk

2024

2024

October

August

7- 9 10th Nordic Pet Food Conference Ålgård, Norway www.nordicpetfood.com

14-15 SuperZoo 2024 Las Vegas, USA www.superzoo.org

9-12 Global Pet Expo İstanbul, Türkiye www.petfuari.com

14-16 Pet South America 2024 Sao Paulo, Brazil www.home.petsa.com.br

30-1 Petfair SE Asia Bangkok, Thailand www.petfair-sea.com

International Petfood - June 2024 | 33

E

2024

Conference

Build My Feedmill

by Shannon Parsons and Niamh Cassidy, International Petfood, UK

The latest technology of a feedmill, broken down into each piece of equipment used to create the nutritious feed we give our livestock, pets, aquatic animals, discussed during the two-hour conference of Build My Feedmill (BMFM) at Health and Nutrition Asia 2024. Held on March 13, 2024 at BITEC, Thailand, Bangkok, Perendale Publishers gathered some of the top people in the feed industry to share their knowledge on their most recent technically-advanced innovations regarding machinery and it was an incredibly informative conference.

Starting off the conference is a warm welcome for the International Petfood’s CEO and Publisher, Roger Gilbert, who explains the process of BMFM. It is a two-hour conference structured on the flow chart of a feedmill where each speaker has ten minutes to discuss their topic/machine that correlates with a part of the flow chart.

Presenting first on the topic of dosing and weighing was Sebastiaan Van Dijk from KSE with his presentation ‘Fast dosing, precise weighing & increased production

capacity’. Sebastiaan dove into the recent and innovative solutions that are transforming dosing and weighing in the milling process, giving valuable insights into achieving exceptional accuracy, optimizing ingredient tracking, eliminating industry challenges like product damage, and boosting productivity.

After we had grinding which was covered by Olaf Naehrig from Amandus Khal discussing ‘The role of the roller mill in the feedmill’. Olaf gave an in-depth introduction to KAHL’s roller mills, their applications, and benefits.

Continuing onto micro-dosing was Marco Prati from PLP Systems with his presentation ‘Handling minor ingredients and additives used for feed production’.

Marco covered how additives can be dosed, the role of the Premix Plant, and a way of handling micro ingredients in the mill.

Circling back to a previous speaker, Olaf Naehrig presented ‘Expander technology in the feedmill’ in relation to expander conditioning. He explained how KAHL’s expander plays a key role in the production of high-quality feed.

Jonathan Zheng from ZhengChang then covered high meat addition with his presentation ‘High meat

34 | June 2024 - International Petfood

E

International Trade Show from Feed to Food

NANJING, CHINA 5- 7 Septermber

Exhibition Area

Exhibitors

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For Booth Equiry Ms.Haidee Wang Tel: +86 138 1775 2961 E-mail: haidee.wang@globusevents.com

Feed & Equipment

Animal Health

Hatching & Breeding

Mr.Philippe Verstuyft (based in Europe) Tel: +31 6 1517 3564 E-mail: philippe@vnueurope.com Ms.Chanitprapa Menasuta (based in Thailand) Tel: +66 (0) 8 1801 7464 E-mail: chanitprapa@vnuasiapacific.com

Smart Farming

Waste Treatment

Slaughtering & Processing

www.VIVchina.nl

SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2025 EXPO CENTER NORTE, WHITE PAVILION, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

FEED INGREDIENTS FEED LATIN AMERICA 2025 INGREDIENTS LATIN AMERICA 2025

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AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EARLY BIRD SALES DISCOUNT.

JOIN US in 2025

CONNECTING ALL AMERICAN CONTINENTS 190 x 132 Perendale.indd 1

International Petfood - June 2024 | 35

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BRAZIL São Paulo 16-05-2024 14:54

E

addition in pet food processing’. Jonathan brought attention to potential problems in high meat production, such as moisture content in raw meat materials, and how Zhengchang Research & Development and testing overcame this issue, producing great results in high meat addition.

Bringing the conference to the half-way mark is Neal Cass from Hydronix discussing automation, ‘The importance of moisture control and measurement throughout the feed milling process’. Neal answered questions regarding why you need to measure moisture, where, and how you control, as well as methods and benefits to moisture control.

Kicking off the second hour was Roger Ubags from Van Aarsen on heat treatment and pelleting, informing everyone on ‘Safe feed forms, the basis for safe food’. Roger briefed the audience on Van Aarsen’s innovations, and how they successfully work at improving the pelleting process.

After Ubags was Claus Braunbeck from FrigorTec on cooling with ‘Grain management for reliable feed milling’. Claus discussed the importance of maintain quality and quantity of stored commodities with grain cooling as a total solution.

BMFM then had two separate presentations on bulk handling, the first being from Justin van den Heuvel from Muller Beltex with his presentation ‘Improve your bucket elevators in view of the total cost of ownership’. This was followed by Nicoleta Axenti from Metalmont with her presentation ‘Automated and safe bunker storage of raw products and pellets’.

To continue with bulk territory, Sven Konings from TSC Silos touches on storage and bulk outloading with his presentation ‘From process design to a building design: How structural thinking saves time, space and errors’. Sven talked about the importance of integrating constructive thinking early in the design process, and how it can yield significant benefits such as saving time and space, reducing errors, and enhancing efficiency.

To end the day was a fascinating joint presentation from Andritz by Marco Bauman and Dr Sohail Nazari covering future feed milling. They discussed Andritz’s innovative technology, and how to ‘Build your plant with operational readiness using digital twin technology’.

36 | June 2024 - International Petfood

The conference was ended with a group Q&A and discussion, allowing the audience an opportunity to question and collectively discuss and debate the topics that were brought forward during the previous two hours. An educational and thoughtprovoking moment this was that encouraged everyone in the room to participate.

E

VIV AFRICA 2024 KIGALI, RWANDA 2-3 OCTOBER

WWW.VIVAFRICA.NL

MOST COMPLETE TRADE SHOW FOR LIVESTOCK PROFESSIONALS IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA FEATURING

Organized by DAIRY PAVILION

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JOIN OUR 60TH ANNIVERSARY JUNE 2-4, 2026 JAARBEURS, UTRECHT, THE NETHERLANDS

PRE BOOKING RATE : until October 31st, 2024 * EARLY BIRD RATE : until October 31st, 2025 * * Sales starts in March 2024 and as the event takes place in different halls, the stand allocation is done on a first come first serve basis

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MORE INFORMATION nickmouthaan@victam.com +31 6 2126 4398 victaminternational.com 190 x 132 Perendale Int2026.indd 1

International Petfood - June 2024 | 37

25-03-2024 10:48

The Market Place lists leading manufacturers of equipment used for the production of petfood.

To be included in the Market Place please contact Tuti Tan at tutit@perendale.co.uk.

Bagging systems

PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

FAWEMA +49 2263 716-0 mypetfood.info/zsJa

PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Elevator buckets 4B Braime +44 113 246 1800 mypetfood.info/Rjhf

Bulk storage Symaga +34 926640475 mypetfood.info/HUNG

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Tapco Inc +1 314 739 9191 mypetfood.info/ucab

Elevator & conveyor components 4B Braime +44 113 246 1800 mypetfood.info/Rjhf

Computer software

Tapco Inc +1 314 739 9191 mypetfood.info/ucab

KSE +31 (0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

Coolers & driers

Equipment

Extru-Tech +785 284 2153 mypetfood.info/fViL FrigorTec GmbH +49 7520 91482-0 mypetfood.info/Ucfl

FAMSUN +86 85828888 mypetfood.info/UXax Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo

KSE +31 (0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

Feed companies Andritz +43 316 6902 0 http://mypetfood.info/Andrtiz Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW dsm-firmenich +44 77 9303 5529 http://mypetfood.info/ DSMFirmenich Phytobiotics +49 6123702680 mypetfood.info/Phytobiotics2 PLP Systems +39 05 23 89 16 29 mypetfood.info/EeJu

FAMSUN +86 85828888 mypetfood.info/UXax

Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW

Vetagro +39 0522 186 1500 mypetfood.info/Vetagro2

Engineering Systems & Equipment Inc +1 (620) 306-4100 mypetfood.info/pKTO

vibronet-Gräf GmbH & Co.KG +49 6441 62031 mypetfood.info/hXmp

Extruders Andritz +43 316 6902 0 http://mypetfood.info/Andrtiz

Feed nutrition

Dosing

Zinpro +33 1800-445-6145 mypetfood.info/Zinpro

Ynsect +33 164 93 71 00 mypetfood.info/Ynsect

38 | June 2024 - International Petfood

Zheng Chang +86 2164184200 mypetfood.info/TrCj

Feed Mill Automation Van Aarsen International +31 475 579 444 mypetfood.info/Rkxo KSE +31 (0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

Grain handling systems

Rolls

Symaga +34 926640475 mypetfood.info/HUNG

Statec Binder +43 3112 38 5800 http://mypetfood.info/SB

Sifters

Tapco Inc +1 314 739 9191 mypetfood.info/ucab

Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW

Hammermills Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW

Unloading equipment Neuero Industrietechnik +32 67 89 50 41 http://mypetfood.info/Neuero

Laboratory equipment Tekpro +44 1692 403403 www.tekpro.com

Weighing Minebea Intec +44 121 779 3131 mypetfood.info/FwuU

Loading equipment Neuero Industrietechnik +32 67 89 50 41 http://mypetfood.info/Neuero

Moisture Measurement Hydronix +44 1483 468900 http://mypetfood.info/Hydronix

Packaging

KSE +31 (0)497383818 mypetfood.info/ERrL

PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

Yeast products Dinnissen Process Technology +31 (0)77 467 35 55 mypetfood.info/LfyW

Leiber +44 121 779 3131 mypetfood.info/APqt

PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

Palletisers Statec Binder +43 3112 38 5800 http://mypetfood.info/SB

Palletising PAYPER +34 973 21 60 40 mypetfood.info/payper2

Recruitment Bourne Recruitment +44 0161 262 1069 http://mypetfood.info/Bourne Recuritment

To get your company included in the market place, please contact the PetFood team on +44 1242 267700 or writes to tutit@perendale.co.uk.

International Petfood - June 2024 | 39

the interview Shankar Krishnamoorthy

CEO, Ÿnsect, France Shankar Krishnamoorthy is the CEO of Ÿnsect since June 2023. He joined Ÿnsect in 2021 after a career dedicated to leading international industrial projects. He had the opportunity to lead several commercial entities around the world before joining the Executive Committee of ENGIE, a world leader in the electricity and gas sectors, in 2017.

You have a rich career in the industry. What initially lead you to this field?

I have worked for the vast majority of my career in the energy sector, notably within the Engie group, where I initially served as Head of Business Development, CEO of Engie’s Middle East – Asia – South Africa in 2009 until becoming a member of the COMEX in 2021. Throughout this career, I have operated across various sectors, participated in opening new markets, establishing new industrial sites, developing new products, and, more broadly, contributing to the group’s growth. In 2021, I met Antoine Hubert, co-founder and, at that time, CEO of Ÿnsect. I often like to joke that I started my own career the year Antoine was born! It’s a funny anecdote!

Antoine told me about his company, his project, and most importantly, their desire to transition Ÿnsect from a startup to a full-fledged industrial reality. I initially served as COO for two years, during which I gained a deeper understanding of the overall ecosystem in which the company operates, before accepting the role of CEO. My work today is centered around this: turning Ÿnsect into a tangible industrial reality that meets market demands and stays true to its guiding principle: reinventing the food chain.

Could you elaborate on the journey of Sprÿng and insect ingredients within the petfood segment, particularly highlighting the evolution from initial scientific studies to the current market presence? Ÿnsect was founded in 2011 by four scientists and environmental activists. Between 2011 and 2015, the company conducted four years of R&D to identify the best insect species to breed and the products derived from them to feed the planet. The petfood market was already open at that time to the integration of insect proteins into their diet. Thus, as early as 2016, one year after the construction of the group’s first vertical farm in Dole (Jura, France) began, we were able to deliver our first products to pet food customers, a market that has continued to grow over the years.

In 2023, we launched Sprÿng, our BtoBtoC brand of premium ingredients for pets, a prioritized and strategic market for Ÿnsect. The creation of this brand is part of a broader initiative to structure our offerings around strong brands specific to each of our markets. Synonymous

with performance and technology, Sprÿng is resolutely positive, embodying renewal and a connection to nature, in line with the company’s overall mission: to reinvent the food chain. Why create this brand now?

Over the years, our relationship with pets has changed.

They are now full-fledged members of our families, and their owners are increasingly seeking quality products through complete, healthy, and nutritious food items.

It was therefore essential for us to align with this trend through a strong brand!

In this regard, we have developed a range of highquality ingredients that help reduce the environmental footprint of petfood, using the Molitor mealworm. Sprÿng offers easy-to-incorporate ingredients with a neutral taste and odor. Today, we deliver to customers across Europe.

Our farm in Amiens, which is currently ramping up, will be the world’s largest production facility and will enable us to meet the rapidly growing demand for petfood, among other products.

Can you discuss some of the innovative applications of insect ingredients in pet ood and animal nutrition, and how these products contribute to overall health and sustainability goals?

Insect ingredients represent a significant advancement in pet food. They offer nutritious and sustainable solutions that address environmental concerns while supporting the health and well-being of animals.

Indeed, mealworm protein not only scores highly on nutritional quality, but also has a relatively low environmental footprint when compared to other pet food ingredients of equivalent quality. Thus, a pet food using mealworm as its protein source could be considered a nutritionally sustainable pet food; and indeed, even partial replacement of a more traditional protein source with mealworm would improve the sustainability quotient of the food without compromising its nutritional quality.

A good example is the new frozen ingredient, the WetPro15. It is a new complete and balanced wet raw material with 15 percent of protein. This new product profile showcases the nutritional excellence of meats (high protein content, low fat, very high EAA digestibility) with the eco-friendly “pawprint” of MDMs (lower than lamb MDM, equivalent to chicken MDM).

40 | June 2024 - International Petfood

Dogs and cats can develop allergies and other adverse reactions to foods, triggered more specifically towards proteins in their diet. Does meal worm protein-based diets trigger any such issues? How do you formulate your products to avoid this?

It’s true that, just like humans, our pets are prone to allergy problems, ranging from simple itching to more severe or even dangerous symptoms. Among the identified sources of these allergies, the type of proteins incorporated into their diet can be implicated, particularly beef, milk, chicken, or lamb proteins for dogs, and fish proteins for cats.

Independent studies have shown that insect proteins, when incorporated into the diets of dogs and cats, pose fewer risks of allergic development than traditional proteins. By shifting the protein source to one that is unfamiliar, such as insect proteins, the onset of allergies can be delayed because their immune system is not accustomed to this type of protein. However, this is considered a rather short-term solution.

At Sprÿng, we are committed to the well-being of our animals, and this obviously includes their health. We are thus working on developing long-term solutions to mitigate allergy risks. For example, it’s possible to either partially hydrolyze or cut the insect proteins into smaller fragments: this makes the immune system less likely to trigger a response to this new protein.

Moreover, in line with our commitment to continuous improvement, we continue our R&D efforts to create products that meet the demands of industry while remaining healthy, natural, and nutritious for our pets.

Could you elaborate on the environmental benefits of using insect ingredients compared to traditional feed and food sources, particularly in terms of land use, water consumption, and carbon emissions reduction?

We chose the mealworm, and more specifically the Molitor, because of its nutritional and environmental advantages, as well as the specific features that make it easy to rear.

It uses 30 times less land and emits 40 times less CO2 than cattle, and requires 30 times less water than pigs. To date, 87 percent of deforestation is the result of traditional farming methods.

Beef production alone is responsible for 41 percent of global deforestation. By offering an alternative, our ingredients will help reduce this phenomenon.

At the same time, 70 percent of the water extracted today is used for agriculture. Consumption and even overconsumption vary from country to country, but the result is there. Our ingredient would make it possible to limit this consumption, since insect farming consumes much less water than other types of farming. Today, traditional agriculture is responsible for 19 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our ingredients, made from mealworm, also enable us to limit our impact. For example, the contribution to climate change of one kilo of our WetPro15 is 8 times lower than chicken meat and 3 times lower than lamb MDM and one kilo of our protein70 is 17 times lower than that of beef offal, but also lower than that of chicken offal.

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International Petfood - June 2024 | 41

THE INDUSTRY FACES Van Aarsen appoints new Sales Director Van Aarsen is appointed Harold Schroijen as the new Sales Director at Van Aarsen Americas, following his successful time in the position of Area Sales Manager at Van Aarsen International. With over 25 years of industry and Van Aarsen experience, Harold brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new position.

In his previous role, Harold was dedicated to providing numerous customers with tailored solutions for equipment and complete projects in the animal and aqua feed, pet food, and biofuels industries. His collaborative approach and dedication to quality have played a key role in driving customer success and satisfaction.

As Sales Director, Harold will carry on and raise awareness of Van Aarsen’s tradition of providing innovative and customer-focused solutions to the industry. He’s eager to lead the team in supplying excellent service and support to customers across the Americas.

Harold operates from a hybrid setup, bridging the Chapeco office and headquarters in the Netherlands, fostering smooth collaboration across international boundaries.

Please join us in congratulating Harold on his new role, and we look forward to his continued contributions to Van Aarsen.

Vital Essentials appoints new brand marketing leader Carnivore Meat Company® announced the appointment of Ashley Li to vice president of brand marketing for its flagship raw frozen and freeze-dried pet nutrition brand Vital Essentials®.

Li brings over a decade of brand management expertise, as well as experience leading and growing various consumer brands. Prior to joining Vital Essentials, Li served as head of brand marketing, strategy and innovation at Pet Honesty. She has also held various roles at Kraft Foods Group and The Kraft Heinz Company.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Ashley join our team,” said Heather Govea, chief executive officer of Carnivore Meat Company. “Her training as a classical brand manager combined with her latest experience leading marketing and innovation in the pet supplement category made her the perfect fit for Vital Essentials. This brand has strong momentum coming off its recent re-launch and I’m confident Ashley is the right leader to continue accelerating our growth.”

Li added, “As a pet parent and health-conscious consumer, I’ve always been intrigued by the unrivalled benefits of feeding a raw diet. Vital Essentials has a fanatical consumer following for its premium, unmatched quality products. I look forward to helping more pet parents and retailers learn why Vital Essentials is one of the fastest growing pet food brands in the United States.”

Petco names new executive chairman to board Petco Health and Wellness Company announced the appointment of Glenn Murphy to executive chairman of its board of directors. In his new role, Murphy will support Petco’s leadership team and play a key role in the retailer’s continued search for a new chief executive officer.

Murphy is currently the CEO of consumer-focused investment firm FIS Holdings. He previously served as chairman of the board at lululemon athletica inc., chairman and CEO of Gap, Inc., and chairman and CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. “Glenn is a proven leader and innovator with a track record of success across multiple retail sectors over the past three decades,” said Cameron Breitner, member of Petco’s board of directors. “His experience driving profitable growth through periods of transition will provide great value to Petco’s leadership team and the board of directors during this important period for the company.”

As executive chairman of the board, Murphy will focus on helping improve Petco’s profitability and implementing strategies to drive long-term growth. In addition to his appointment, Murphy has purchased 1,470,589 shares of Petco’s Class A common stock for US$2.5 million.

“Petco is a well-regarded brand in the high-growth pet category with a differentiated approach that I believe is positioned to create significant long-term shareholder value,” Murphy said. “In evaluating the executive chairman role over the past several months, I have built conviction that there are many tangible opportunities to improve near-term operating and financial performance and deliver attractive long-term growth. I look forward to working closely with management and the board of directors toward these objectives.”

42 | June 2024 - International Petfood

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