David Rees
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Articles by David Rees
Guinea pig owners urged to take part in health check challenge
Guinea pig owners across the UK are being encouraged to take part in the Big Pig Health Check, a nationwide challenge aiming to deliver 500 five-minute Guinea pig health checks in a single day.
Government responds to parasite medication report
The Government has accepted many of the findings of the recent House of Lords inquiry into flea and tic medication, but has stopped short of recommending any changes to the law at this stage.
Peregrine Livefoods acquires Faunalux
Reptile care wholesaler Peregrine Livefoods has acquired British specialist lighting firm Faunalux. Founded in 2025, Faunalux designs lighting around animal vision and welfare, with brands and trademarks including TrueChroma Spot, Faunalux, ReptileVision and Educated by Nature. Faunalux will continue as its own premium brand within Peregrine, sitting alongside Peregrine’s existing ranges, and the TrueChroma Spot LED range is now available to trade customers through Peregrine.
Jollyes to open in Mansfield this week
Retailer Jollyes Pets is to open its 129th store this Friday (October 16), at Mansfield in Nottinghamshire. The store at Oak Tree Centre will be officially opened by deputy mayor of Mansfield Craig Whitby and the store team will be led by store manager Sam Newbold. Newbold said: “It’s brilliant to be bringing Jollyes Pets to Mansfield and giving local pet owners a new place to discover great value products for their four-legged, feathered and furry friends.
Burgess Pet Care launches white label offering
Burgess Pet Care has launched a white label pet food proposition for independent retailers. The new range, which includes a 12.5kg value dry dog food and a 10kg value dry cat food, has been developed specifically for the retail channel, including larger independent pet shops and agricultural stores, and store owners will be able to add their own logo to product packaging.
Dutch distributor creates new B2B platform
Netherlands-based pet care distributor Hofman Animal Care has launched a fully redesigned B2B platform. The new platform at www,hofmananimalcare.nl is part of a wider digital investment, which also includes a new Product Information Management (PIM) system and an updated platform for email marketing and customer communication to bring e-commerce, product information, customer data and communication into closer alignment.
New facility to boost fish-free Omega 3 production
Danish microalgae company Algiecel has opened a new production facility to provide omega-3-rich microalgal biomass for a variety of applications including pet nutrition. The new plant, which has been built at biotechnology giant Novonesis’ Kalundborg site in Denmark, will produce 12 tonnes of biomass annually from next year, increasing Algiecel’s production capacity nearly fivefold.
Birmingham Dogs Home begins refurbishment of its Wolverhampton centre
Birmingham Dogs Home has embarked on a £4.1 million refurbishment of its Wolverhampton centre in order to transform the facility and improve the experience and welfare of the dogs in its care. The centre is now closed as the refurbishment takes place and is set to relaunch in summer 2027 as Wolverhampton Dogs Home.
PBW News – October 2026
The October 2026 issue is now available online! Packed full of news, features and comments, including: DAMAGE CONTROL: Years restarts production after it finds no evidence of contamination in its food, but concerns remain about its possible future impact. MOVING IN: Jollyes opens new branch inside an Asda supermarket. FLYING THE FLAG: Pet Industry Federation creates new arm to help UK pet firms build a bigger presence overseas.
Riding the frontier
While in 2007 the Journal of Portfolio Management could celebrate the “integration [of real estate] with the broader capital markets”, we might now be more cautious about claiming “distinct and separate financial behaviour” for the real estate sector. Through the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, both out of a clear blue sky, real estate has not obviously offered diversification benefits to global investors.
Rosewood launches Mr Men and Little Miss pet products
Rosewood Pet Products is bringing one of Britain’s best-loved character brands into the pet category with a new range of Mr Men Little Miss dog toys. The nine-strong collection comprises six plush toys and three latex designs, including Mr Tickle with distinctive extra-long rope arms for tugging and shaking, Mr Greedy with a hidden treat pocket, and Mr Strong, designed for rougher play.
Visitors to the PATS 2026 trade exhibition were up 8% on last year, the organisers report. A total of 6,505 pet retailers, buyers and industry professionals attended the three-day event at NEC Birmingham, compared with 6,021 in 2025. More than 600 brands showcased a record number of new products across Halls 3 and 3A, occupying 20% more floorspace than last year.
Paleo Ridge unveils new Halloween product
Paleo Ridge has launched a limited-edition Halloween line within its Essentials range. The complete and balanced 500g recipe combines duck, beef, vegetables and pumpkin seeds in a specially designed seasonal pack, with a RRP of £2.59. Will Green, director of sales and marketing at Paleo Ridge, said: “Halloween gives us a chance to have a bit of fun, so we wanted to create something special for dogs and their owners – a seasonal surprise in the bowl.
Benyfit Natural launches freeze-dried raw lines
Benyfit Natural has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a range of freeze-dried raw products. The new range comprises treats in two pack sizes and complete food recipes in a choice of three single proteins – beef, pork and chicken – making 12 skus in all. The food lines comprise 92% meat and 8% vegetables and superfoods, a ratio which makes the new lines “best in class” for freeze-dried, maintains the company.
Jollyes opens new branch inside Asda superstore
Jollyes Pets has opened a new branch in Sheffield – the first one to be opened inside an Asda superstore. The 2,700 sq ft store stocks an extensive selection of raw food, natural treats and fresh food, as well as toys, treats and accessories. The new branch was opened by local celebrity Paul Chuckle and is led by store manager Alan Burgar, who joined Jollyes Pets last year to open its Chesterfield store.
Visa detects rise in pet spending in the “couch economy”
Around 5% of UK payment cards now show regular spending at pet merchants, up approximately 1.5 percentage points since 2019, according to new data from Visa.
Fresh feeding concept extended to wild birds
Unipet is bringing a new concept in wild bird feeding to the UK market with the introduction of a fresh calciworm product. Developed in partnership with insect nutrition specialist HiProMine, Fresh Flight offers a new way to feed calciworms (black soldier fly larvae) to wild birds.
Venison blood products make UK debut
New Zealand pet nutrition brand Totoniks is launching a range of venison blood products for dogs into the UK market. The UK range, which is being distributed by Karnlea, comprises Totoniks just-add-water daily food toppers and Blood Buds cold-pressed training treats. The toppers range comprises free-flowing powder blends supplied in 40g canisters, which can be mixed with water to boost palatability, add moisture and encourage fussy dogs to eat.
PATS reveals New Product Award winners
The pet industry’s latest innovations have been recognised with the winners of the PATS New Product Awards 2026 revealed. Supported by Leopard Co as the headline sponsor and by PBW News, alongside a number of category sponsors, the awards we presented at the close of the first day of this year’s PATS show (September 27).
PATS 2026 ready to greet the UK pet trade
The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show (PATS) is gearing up to deliver “its biggest and most feature-packed show yet” when the doors open on Sunday (September 27).
Direct-to-consumer becoming multi-channel, says new report
A new report into the direct-to-consumer (D2C) pet food market has shown how brands are increasingly shifting into the retail sector.
PIF sets up new international arm for overseas exhibitions
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has created PIF World, a new specialist company established to organise international exhibitions, delegations and market opportunities in association with PIF. The new arm has been set up to deliver a programme of international opportunities for British pet businesses, including UK Pavilions at Zoomark 2027 and the new Spoga Dog trade show, alongside delegations and other initiatives designed to help companies explore overseas markets.
Sponsored post: Bringing fresh to pet speciality retail
Come and discover Canagan Fresh for yourself at PATS – visit us on Stand I30 and see how we’re bringing fresh-inspired nutrition to pet speciality retail. Fresh feeding is one of the fastest-growing areas of pet food, as pet parents increasingly seek minimally processed diets made with recognisable ingredients.
Sponsored post: The PetFellas makes PATS debut with a new approach to distribution
The PetFellas will make its official PATS debut this year, introducing independent pet retailers to a business built around carefully curated brands, strong partnerships and a commitment to helping specialist pet stores thrive. Founded on the belief that pets deserve the very best, The PetFellas exists to support both emerging pet brands and the independent retailers that bring those products to pet owners across the UK.
Sponsored post: There’s even more to discover from JR Pet Products
JR Pet Products continues to expand its range for the pet specialist, with exciting new launches across complete nutrition, treats and enrichment for both dogs and cats. The JR range continues to grow, with the launch of its 98% Meat Cat Paste. Made with added taurine, an essential nutrient for cats, it’s ideal for treating, bonding, enrichment or topping meals – and marks the beginning of an exciting new cat range. Leading the latest dog launches is Complete Wellbeing Dry Food.
Sponsored post: Pawfect Foods takes category innovation forward at PATS 2026
Pawfect Foods will unveil its next generation of pet nutrition innovation at PATS 2026, bringing new developments across Himalayan Cheese Chews, plant-led wellness and functional nutrition. Pawfect Foods has built its global reputation by looking beyond what pet nutrition has traditionally offered and developing products designed to make everyday nutrition more purposeful.
Sponsored post: Hipaws expands freeze-dried range with two new treats
Premium freeze-dried pet nutrition brand Hipaws is delighted to announce the launch of two new additions to its growing range of single-ingredient treats: Freeze-Dried Prawns and Freeze-Dried Duck Breast. Retailers, distributors and industry professionals attending PATS are invited to visit stand C20 to meet the Hipaws team, sample the new range and discuss partnership opportunities.
Sponsored post: Whimzees and Wellness Core – let’s talk pet specialty
PATS is one of the highlights of the pet specialty calendar, bringing together retailers, wholesalers and brand owners from across the industry. For WHIMZEES® and Wellness CORE®, it’s much more than an opportunity to showcase our brands, it’s a chance to connect with the people who help drive our industry forward. While innovation plays an important role, one of the main reasons we’re attending PATS is to listen.
Purina backs regenerative farming practices
Purina is providing funding, technical expertise and practical support for 110 UK wheat farmers to help them adopt regenerative practices. Through Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs), around 8,000 hectares of UK farmland are now trialling measures such as cover crops, crop rotation, reduced soil disturbance, improved nutrient management and tree and hedgerow planting.
Years investigation finds no evidence of contamination
Pet food brand Years has concluded an internal investigation and found no evidence of contamination in its food, but many dog owners remain unconvinced. The brand initiated a voluntary product recall of its meals in August, following a spike in reported cases of sudden bilateral dry eye in customers’ pets.
Burgess Pet Care names charity recipients
Burgess Pet Care has named Lincs Dobermann Rescue UK and HerOES Old English Sheepdog Rehoming as the winners of its 2026 Yorkshire Takeover campaign. The campaign invited members of the public to nominate rescue centres to receive food donations, with 20p from every bag of Burgess Supadog Rich in Salmon sold throughout the year contributing directly towards the fund. The two successful organisations will receive donations of Burgess Supadog food.
Is Israel’s policy on stopping the development of nuclear weapons rational?.
Nuclear Blast. Time and Time again, we have heard that “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.” Barack Obama said it. Israel has long said and gone to war over it. Indeed, over 35 countries and the United Nations have said it in one form or another. Donald Trump has said loudly, recently, (and inaccurately) that the United States has stopped Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Worse, the number of countries which have nuclear weapons has increased dramatically since 1945.
Purina invests in premium food factory
Purina is to invest 50 million Swiss francs (£46m) in its factory in Portogruaro, Italy, to meet growing demand for super-premium and specialist nutrition products, Founded in 1986, the Portogruaro factory has developed distinctive expertise in dry pet food production and is now a production site for some of Purina’s flagship premium brands including Purina Pro Plan and Purina One.
Pedigree Wholesale expands Pawtential chew range
Pedigree Wholesale is expanding its Pawtential collagen chews range with two new additions. Pawtential Lamb Collagen Chews and Pawtential Collagen Doughnuts have been created to meet the growing demand for functional and more natural chew options. Lamb Collagen Chews bring a new flavour to the Pawtential range, while Collagen Doughnuts offer a distinctive shape designed to add variety to the category.
Beaphar reformulates household flea product
Beaphar has added to its anti-parasite portfolio with an updated Beaphar FLEAtec Household Flea Spray. The refreshed product features a new formulation containing tetramethrin, permethrin and s-methoprene, and is designed to kill fleas fast, inhibit flea egg and larvae development and stop fleas multiplying, while also killing ticks and crawling insects.
Is Israel’s policy on stopping the development of nuclear weapons rational?.
Time and Time again, we have heard that “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.” Barack Obama said it. Israel has long said and gone to war over it. Indeed, over 35 countries and the United Nations have said it in one form or another. Donald Trump has said loudly, recently, (and inaccurately) that the United States has stopped Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Worse, the number of countries which have nuclear weapons has increased dramatically since 1945.
Sponsored post: Fold Hill Pet showcases manufacturing excellence
Lincolnshire-based pet food manufacturer Fold Hill Pet is highlighting the strength and diversity of its portfolio, which spans four distinct brands: Pointer, Laughing Dog, Ruffingtons, and Brambles. With over 45 years of manufacturing expertise and innovation, Fold Hill Pet has built a reputation as a trusted partner to retailers, distributors, pet owners, and third-party brand owners alike.
Sponsored post: Meet TRIXIE at PATS 2026
TRIXIE will once again be exhibiting at PATS and looks forward to welcoming specialist retailers to Stand G30 in Hall 3. Visitors can explore a wide range of new products, fresh colour concepts and innovative solutions across the key pet categories of dogs, cats and small animals. As one of Europe’s leading suppliers of pet products, TRIXIE continues to expand its assortment with market-oriented innovations designed to support retailers in meeting changing consumer demands.
Sponsored post: Sherwood Paws puts Red Dingo in the spotlight
Sherwood Paws is putting the spotlight on Red Dingo, the premium pet accessories brand known for combining bold design, everyday practicality and dependable durability. Available to UK independent pet retailers through Sherwood Paws, the Red Dingo range includes collars, leads, harnesses and coordinating accessories designed for pet owners who want products that look good, perform well and stand up to everyday use.
Sponsored post: Cotswold RAW launches Simply RAW range
We’re delighted to introduce Simply RAW, the brand-new complete range from Cotswold RAW, created to offer retailers an accessible, high-quality raw food option that delivers outstanding value without compromising on nutrition. Made with 80% premium British meat, bone and offal, combined with 20% fresh leafy green vegetables and a sprinkle of sea kelp, Simply RAW provides the essential building blocks for a natural, biologically appropriate raw diet.
Sponsored post: Retail solutions from Copdock Mill Wholesale
Located in the heart of Suffolk, Copdock Mill Wholesale is a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of pet and animal feeds and accessories. Established in 1912 as a country mill by Herbert George Gladwell, the business has remained in the Gladwell family for four generations and continues to thrive in today’s competitive market. Copdock Mill specialises in high-quality feeds for wild birds, poultry, caged birds and small animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.
Sponsored post: Natural Dog Food Direct announces major investment
Natural Dog Food Direct (NDFD) is entering a new phase of growth, driven by strategic investment across transport, infrastructure and product innovation. These developments mark a significant step in strengthening service reliability, future‑proofing operations and expanding the company’s manufacturing capabilities for years to come.
Sponsored post: Pedigree Wholesale to showcase new product launches at PATS 2026
Pedigree Wholesale, one of the UK’s leading distributors of pet care products, is preparing to welcome pet retailers to PATS 2026 with an exceptional line-up of exclusive launches, refreshed favourite ranges, and award-winning innovations designed to drive footfall and boost profitability for independent pet stores.
PBW News – September 2026
The September 2026 issue is now available online! Packed full of news, features and comments, including: SHOW STARTERS: Industry prepares for the annual PATS exhibition, which this year includes more than 400 new products and an array of new show features. TOTAL RECALL: Years investigates sources of possible contamination after major product recall. CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME: Pets At Home among a number of pet trade organisations spearheading community and charity initiatives.
Henry Bell overhauls retail display at Gates Garden Centre
Henry Bell & Co has created a new retail display at a Leicestershire garden centre to showcase its range of wild bird care products. To create the new display at Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton, Oakham, Leicestershire, Henry Bell national sales manager Andrew Mellowes and agent Dominic Wright worked with the store team to address customer flow, increase shelf space for seed mixes – including two of Gates’ own labels – and provide promotional areas.
PIF calls for greater consistency in licensing fees
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) is calling for greater consistency and transparency in the way local authorities calculate Animal Activity Licence fees in England. The Federation’s latest review, based on Freedom of Information requests to local authorities, found significant differences in the way councils calculate fees under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
New owners for Strawbyn Kennels & Cattery
Strawbyn Kennels & Cattery in Malvern, Worcestershire, has been sold to Green Paws Care Ltd, in a deal facilitated by Altius. Located on Castlemorton Common, Strawbyn has traded from the site for more than 30 years. The business occupies a 4.1-acre site and is registered for 64 dogs and 34 cats, with the property also incorporating a primary residence and a separate cottage.
Waudog brand introduces new retractable leash
International pet gear brand Waudog has expanded its leash range with a new retractable model. The Waudog R-leash Monochrome features a leash tape with reflective thread for improved visibility in low light as well as a specially designed mechanism to prevent the five-metre tape from twisting and tangling during retraction. The modern minimalist design is available in two basic colors — Black and White – to make the model easy to pair with different pet gear.
Alternative protein pet food brand enters Baltic market
Danish pet food company Globe Buddy is expanding its European presence into the Baltic states through a new partnership with Lithuanian distributor Euromedika. The launch into Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia includes products from Globe Buddy’s treat portfolio, led by Hearts, its newest range of everyday dog treats. The range comprises three recipes – two based on insect protein, paired with seaweed or green tea, and a vegan variety with sweet potato and marigold.
Non-Stop Dogwear launches new high-performance harness
Non-Stop Dogwear has launched a new high-performance pulling harness developed for canicross and pulling-sport athletes. The Norwegian dog gear brand has more than 15 years of pulling-sport expertise and calls the new Freemotion Harness Pro its most performance-focused harness yet. The original Freemotion harness has been used by athletes at the highest levels of canicross, bikejoring, skijoring and other dog pulling sports.
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