Pet Gazette June 2019 | Page 6

6 | PET GAZETTE | TRADE TALK FISH4DOGS APPOINTS NEW PRODUCT PORTFOLIO MANAGER Karen Hubbard will aim to attract new market segments and grow the firm’s market share through new product development in her new role Fish4Dogs has announced it has appointed Karen Hubbard as its new product portfolio manager. Hubbard’s role will be to attract new market segments and grow the firm’s market share through new product development. She recently joined Fish4Dogs’ global product and supply team at the company’s head office in Rushock, Worcestershire. As product portfolio manager Hubbard will be responsible for reviewing market trends, analysing customer behaviour, identifying gaps in the product portfolio and undertaking competitor analysis to assist the positioning of the Fish4Dogs and Fish4Cats. In addition to new product development, Hubbard’s duties include the management of the company’s product range, identifying opportunities to expand the portfolio. Hubbard said: “As product manager for the Union brand of mortice locks I had responsibility for many new product introductions and a wide range of legacy products. In comparison, Fish4Dogs has a very well- structured portfolio of products that meet defined purposes and type or age of pet, my role is to enhance this even further and provide solutions for our distributors, customers and most importantly our four legged end users.” Fish4Dogs CEO Graham Smith, said: “We are really pleased to have Karen join the team. She has significant experience of product management and appreciates how that dovetails into the strategic development of the business. She is sure to be a significant asset in our continued success and planned growth for the future.” IPN WINS BRANDED FOOD SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR The win represents the second consecutive year that the company has won the award Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), a UK pet food manufacturer, has been awarded Branded Pet Food Supplier of the Year for the second consecutive year as part of the annual Grocer Gold awards. Managing director Richard Page said: “This award is very important for us as it is voted for by our direct buying customers. These buyers represent leading supermarkets, discounters, symbol groups, buying groups and wholesalers. They were asked to rate suppliers in terms of five key criteria. After assessing 318 suppliers in 37 categories, this list was then cut back to 12 super-categories. IPN was judged Branded Pet food Supplier for 2019. www.petgazette.biz “These awards add up to a very powerful endorsement from our customers for our strong growth, healthy brands and commitment to customer service. We have invested some £60 million at our three production sites over recent years including new facilities in Wales which has enabled us to bring quality wet food production for Harringtons and Wagg in-house.” IPN said it will continue to invest in its popular and fast-growing brands, following a significantly increased media spend. Harringtons is currently the firm’s biggest value growth contributor to the pet food category driving over £6m of growth. June 2019