Dear All,

 

 

In 2007 Eagle Pack Pet Food Inc USA, was acquired by Berwind Industries (a leading Financial company) then again in 2008, Wellness Pet Food USA (another well known Pet Food company) was also acquired by Berwind and the two companies were merged into a single entity called WellPet LLC. After the merger we did not hear any thing from Eagle pack and in March of 2009 we received an e-mail from Eagle pack informing us of their withdrawal / discontinuation of all sales and exports to all EU,UK & International markets.

 

Here are the excerpts from Brian Tuber’s- (International Business Manager) mail announcing the termination of all International Business w. e. f 8th April 2009 which is self explanatory:

 

“American pet food manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their business internationally. Regulations imposed by numerous foreign countries, and demands for low wholesale prices are major contributing factors. EU Regulation 1774/2002 has had the most profound impact on U.S. pet food manufacturers doing business in the EU. It has caused some producers to discontinue selling their products to EU-countries. Others have shifted production to Europe thereby accepting certain quality concessions. Regarding EU-certified suppliers, an increasing number of them are forfeiting their EU-certification, as efforts of compliance outweigh the benefits. That in-turn has and continues to impact the continuity of EU-certified finished goods.

 

WellPet LLC has found it increasingly more difficult to source EU-certified raw materials, particularly the protein sources in our formulations, and these raw materials have significantly increased the cost of production.  Because of these raw material shortages, the costs associated with procuring them and the complexity that is added to our business, we will no longer be able to export our products into the EU. Furthermore, the loss of the EU-business has a direct and immediate impact on all our remaining international business. Its substantially reduced size has made the resources and efforts that are required uneconomical.

 

Therefore, WellPet LLC had to make the painful decision to discontinue selling Eagle Pack products to international markets. This decision becomes effective April 08, 2009 the last day we can accept orders. The raw material shortages force us to limit remaining orders to levels equal to your 2008 monthly average. Additionally, these new orders will require payment prior to shipment and may be invoiced at higher prices depending upon the costs of procuring the raw materials.

 

We very much regret these developments and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past business. It has been very much appreciated, as is your understanding of the situation both of us are facing today.”


Despite our best efforts to persuade them to change their minds, they insisted on closing their doors to the EU/UK markets and left us with no other choice than to look for another quality product to replace Eagle Pack.

 

When One Door Closes, Another One Opens...

With the unfortunate departure of Eagle Pack from EU markets, it become more imperative to bring in a substitute as quickly as possible - equal if not better in terms of Formula, ingredients & quality. But this had to be done, keeping in mind the available stocks for Eagle Pack and more importantly, sourcing the right manufacturer- willing to bring the manufacturing in to EU/UK- to meet the EU Regulation compliance and to avoid any more “over night exit shocks”

 

We started talking to various Established Pet foods manufacturers in USA , EU & UK and managed to short list them to a couple, who were able to meet our criteria - based on what we terms as our search for.

 “A Company with a Conscience” that are not owned by large investment companies or conglomerates but are independently owned or family owned companies and primarily animal lovers at heart.

OmniPro Inc Headquarters in Madison, Mississippi USA came out as one of the forerunners in this search. Omni Pro established since 2000, is Headed by Leigh Kirtley – President (most probably one of the only successful woman in the male dominated pet food industry!) who with her drive for sourcing the most balanced nutrition and preparing the best formulas for pets and making it available in global market Launched OmniPro Super Premium Pet foods line with over 23 SKU’s for all life stage in 2004 and established it successfully across 21 countries outside of North America.

Backed by her years of experience in dealing with regional requirements of different countries across the globe and working with nutrition experts from the trade and a very impressive firm Marketing strategy in place, with enquiries pouring from most of the Eagle Pack International distributors across EU impending departure of Eagle Pack from EU Markets, we decided to bring in & Launch the already successful Omni Pro lines in EU/UK.

Realising the demand and importance of EU Regulation compliance, followed by a joint search for a state of the Art plant to meet Leigh Kirtley’s stringent quality requirements a very reputed Plant in UK was identified and formulas were reworked to bring it as close as possible to the Eagle Pack legacy.

With successful Trial production runs in April 2009 and encouraging reports from the actual Food trail beginning May 09, Omni Pro Line was to be launched in Mid October 09 in the UK.

So no need to press any panic buttons! We have everything under control.

So, why Omni Pro?

Omni Pro offers both Super Premium & Holistic lines (Dry & Wet) for Dogs & Cats with very distinctive life stage formulations designed with special nutrients, high quality proteins derived from human grade meats, low ash diets, all Natural, with all ingredients in a correct and balanced proportion for optimum health benefits.

·         Omni Pro includes a line up of 9 foods comparable to Eagle Formulas such as Original, Natural Pack, Holistic Chicken/Rice and the Large/Giant Breed Puppy and Large Breed Adult, Holistic Senior and a Power formula and 2 formulas for cats. Most importantly, all Formulas offered-

·         DO NOT contain By Products, Corn, Wheat, Soya, artificial Colours, Flavours or preservatives

·         Contain proteinated minerals for better absorption.

·         Contain natural antioxidants for strengthening the immune system.

·         Contain natural Prebiotic, Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes for better intestinal health.

·         Are naturally preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a form of Vitamin E.

·         Are carefully processed with just the right combination of nutrients in every formula to handle specific dietary needs.

·         The chicken meal and whole brown rice combinations make the formulas highly palatable and easily digestible.

·         Contain the proper Omega 6 and 3 ratios for healthy skin and coat in every formula.

·         Contain Beet pulp or dried chicory root as a premium fibre source to help maintain optimum intestinal in every formula.

·         Contain Glucosamine Hydrochloride and Chondroitin to help maintain healthy joint cartilage in Active, Large Breed Puppy and Senior/Lite Formulas.

·         Offer a single protein source in  Lamb & Rice formula.

·         In the Holistic range “Fresh Never Frozen Salmon is #1 ingredient.

·         Exclusive formulation with Salmon, Pheasants & Caviar for both Dogs & Cat Canned Foods.

·         Grain free formulas with Chelated Minerals also available for Dogs & Cats

·         For Breeders and Bulk users- all formulas are available in specially designed 18K Bags- making it more cost effective and value for money for end users.

·         Firm Marketing Strategy to include both periodic Media & Print publicity. Marketing support includes Point of sale material, Banners, Posters, Product Brochures, specially designed shop/trade & show stands etc. help to create a strong visual impact on your customers

·          Better P.O.R for Retail & Trade

·         The increased POR will enable you to offer introductory discounts or pass on the saving to your new and existing customers

·         Four more Holistic Lines planned for future

OmniPro has many winning prerogatives such as a comparable range of holistic and super premium formulas, improved palatability compared to the leading brands, competitively priced products and most importantly happy and satisfied pets. We hope that this will encourage you to continue with our association, promote and make this product a winner too!

 

 

 

 

Lesley Pugh

Collimanor Ltd.

(T/A Postal Pets Products)

 

                      log on to under construction website www.omnipropet.co.uk  or for details or Ring 01453 890 506.