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Media Release

31 October 2022

We’re making a few important changes to the size of some of our Superior Pet Food Co dog rolls, as well as the way they are packaged and delivered to stockists around New Zealand.

These changes will reduce the amount of plastic packaging used in our delivery process and ensure the rolls your dogs’ love continue to be available at a fair price, despite rising costs of production.

So, what’s changing?

First, the size of some of our rolls is changing. From 1 November, Our Chunky Original, Herb, Lamb and Rice, and Chicken dog rolls will begin to roll into a 2kg size and our Ranchmans and Chunky Original 10% Extra Roll will be re-packaged in a 2.2kg size. This process may take some time and some of our retailers may continue to stock old and new sizes during the transition.

The re-size is a reduction of around 200g grams in each instance, but it will mean the price per roll will drop slightly due to a small reduction in our wholesale price for these products. We are continuing to be challenged by inflation, rising shipping costs and sharp increases in the price of ingredients and we’re confident these changes are the fairest way to manage the impact on our amazing customers.

The second change we’re making is all about sustainability. From the start of next month, we will wave goodbye to the plastic packaging we’ve traditionally used as a shipper to wrap packs for deliveries sent from our factory to retailers. Instead, all of our Superior Pet Food Co dog rolls will begin to be packed and shipped to retailers in recyclable cardboard packing boxes.

Shipping in this way will cost us a little bit more, but we reckon it’s worth it to reduce the amount of plastic going to New Zealand landfills. As an added bonus, the cardboard boxes we will use are lighter once packed, ensuring safer handling for the hard-working staff at supermarkets and other retailers that stock our products.

Both of these changes will start from 1 November, and there will be a mix of the old and new packaging and sizing in some places while older stock is sold and this evolution takes place.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our New Zealand-made products. It’s because of customers like you – and your dogs – that we’ve been able to keep on creating nutritious dog rolls and tasty treats entirely from meat sourced in New Zealand, for almost 50 years.

ENDS

Media Release            
24 August 2021

Kiwis’ fondness for local petfood company drives ‘Superior’ name change

After almost 50 years satisfying the appetites of New Zealand dogs, Kiwi petfood company Fond Foods is changing its name.

Best known for its popular Superior Chunky and Possyum brands, the Paeroa business will become Superior Pet Food Co. from 1 September.

General Manager Clint Bolderston said the new name reflects the company’s growing reputation as New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of high-quality dog food.

“The Superior Pet Food Co. name clearly communicates our mission to make top notch pet food that dogs love. It builds on the legacy of our existing Superior Chunky brand and is a significant step forward in defining our identity and positioning us for a successful future.”

The business will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2023, marking a major milestone in its journey from a small upstart serving food to New Zealand’s rural dogs to one that has become a household name across Aotearoa.

“We’re proud of our history and the people who moulded the company into the industry leader it is today – a wholly New Zealand-owned business that stands out in a market flooded with huge multinational competitors.”

The companies key dog food brands – Chunky, Possyum and Ranchmans – will all remain the same, along with the branding for its Chunky and Possyum NZ natural dried dog treats.

Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic was recently added to the company’s product range, blending premium possum meat with chicken and lamb to create a fresh option for dogs with allergies to beef and dairy foods – a common canine issue.

“Chunky continues to be our best seller but we’ve seen a growing demand for our more premium range of possum-based rolls,” Mr Bolderston said. “More than 100,000 kilos of possum meat is now devoured by Kiwi dogs each year in the form of our Possyum and Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic dog rolls.”

The possum meat used the company’s dog rolls is sourced from processing facilities licensed by the Ministry of Primary Industries, helping to create jobs and reduce New Zealand’s pest population in the process.

Fond Foods produces more than 3,500,000 kg of dog food per year for domestic and international markets. The company’s extensive range of dog rolls and treats are available across New Zealand in supermarkets, rural supply stores and vet and pet specialty stores.

ENDS

Our great new Hypoallergenic – Beef Free Field and Forest Dog Roll hitting the shelves in more and more stores, full media release below:

Paeroa’s Fond Foods on a roll with new hypoallergenic dog food option

Kiwi pooches with food allergies will be giving a collective ‘Bark-yeah!’ next week when New Zealand’s first possum-based hypoallergenic dog roll starts hitting supermarket shelves.

Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic is the latest creation of Paeroa company Fond Foods, which made headlines last year following the booming post-lockdown demand for its Possyum dog roll.

The new hypoallergenic option is made of premium possum meat, which is blended with chicken and lamb for extra flavour.

Fond Foods General Manager Clint Bolderston said the special formulation of Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic made it ideal for hounds with sensitivities to the two most common food allergens for dogs – beef and dairy.

Around 36 per cent of allergic reactions in dogs are caused by beef, and 28 per cent by dairy, according to the Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats: A Review study conducted by academics from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University in Belgium.

“Most dogs do just fine on a broad range of foods, but like their human friends, some suffer from allergies. We’re expecting this new beef-free option to be the meal of choice for the most sensitive and discerning of new-age pooches,” Mr Bolderston said.

Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic is already stocked by some pet stores and vets. However, it will become one of the first hypoallergenic dog roll options to make it into the grocery isle when it debuts at Countdown supermarkets across the country this month.

“There’s a growing appetite for premium dog food products and this latest product plays an important role in increasing the number of meal options for New Zealand dogs.

“The popularity of our possum-based dog roll options has been a welcome shot in the arm, allowing us to grow our Paeroa team by a third and expand our factory. We now employ a fantastic team of 38 people, making us one of the town’s largest employers. Who says you can’t compete with the big boys from heartland New Zealand?”

Possum meat is high in Omega 3 and 6 for skin, coat and joint health. The possum meat that goes into Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic is trapped or shot by registered hunters who only hunt on TB-free land where no poison has been dropped. It is then thoroughly tested and inspected at MPI accredited processing facilities before arriving at Fond Food’s factory,

Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic dog rolls are made daily and cooked in their casing, sealing in the goodness without the emulsification or hydration processes employed by some other manufacturers. This avoids the need for refrigeration and keeps the water content low, allowing more nutrition to be packed into every bite and ensuring dogs get more feeds from each roll.

Fond Foods is a wholly New Zealand-owned company. In addition to Field and Forest – Hypoallergenic, it also manufactures dried dog treats and the well-known Possyum and Superior Chunky ranges. The business now produces more than 3,500,000 kg of dog food per year for domestic and international markets.

ENDS

Notes for journalists: The Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats: A Review study was conducted by A. Verlinden, M. Hesta, S. Millet and G.P.J Janssens from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ghent University in Belgium and published in the international Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition journal.

Some dog owners are unsure if using treats is a good way to train your dog, but experts say it’s a great way as rewarding your dog for good behaviour will help them to learn faster. Most dogs LOVE good quality treats and will do anything to get their paws on some. Read on for the benefits and how to use treats to train your dog.

Easy to use

The main benefit of using dog treats for training is that they are easy to use. When your dog performs the behaviour you are training them you reward them on the spot with a treat. They then know that if they complete the behaviour, they will instantly get a positive reward.

Try the ‘lure’ technique

Once your dog has tried a treat, they will want another! You can use the ‘lure’ technique by showing your dog the treat in your hand and then training them the specific behaviour or trick. They will know that by doing this behaviour, they will then get the treat.

The ‘lure’ technique is great for specific training, such as getting your dog to move the way you’re wanting to train them. To do this, you can show them the treat in your hand and get them to smell it (which they will!), and use that hand in front of their nose. If you control a dog’s head you can control their body, and the ‘lure’ gives you a force-free way to move your dog’s body.

Use as a reinforcer, not a bribe

For the most effective use of treats for training, use them as a reinforcer, not as a bribe. The ‘lure’ technique should only be used in the very beginning of the training process, and then as soon as they understand, only use treats for when they complete the behaviour as a reinforcement reward.

High quality dog treats only

Treats should only make up a small amount of your dog’s total diet and it’s important to make sure they are not putting on weight due to too many treats. The majority of their food intake should come from good quality dog food, then supplemented with treats for training and rewards. Superior Chunky’s range of dog food and treats are top quality. They are made with a high-energy formula, made in New Zealand from local meat, and with no added fillers.

Phase-out dog treats

Once your dog has learned the trick or specific training you have been working on, you can start to phase out the treats. The idea is not to give too many treats for training, as then it will be less of a ‘treat’ and more of a standard occurrence. Then when you want to train your dog in another area you can use treats again too, and also sometimes it’s nice to give them one just because!

Superior Chunky’s range of treats is perfect for training your dog. Check out the full range here.

Just like us, dogs need high quality, nutritious food in order to be their best selves. By filling your furry friend’s bowl with nutritious food each day, you’re contributing to its’ overall health, wellness and lifespan. At Superior Chunky, we are committed to providing you with quality dog rolls and dog treats so that your pup can reap the many rewards of a healthy diet.

1. Improve their health

By providing your pup with high quality food, he’ll thrive. Some of these affects you can see, like a shinier coat and a healthy weight. Some of them you can feel, like having the energy he needs for his daily tasks of running, playing and greeting you at the door. And some of the benefits of good nutrition are hidden but no less significant, like less intestinal irritation, a boosted immune system and stronger bones.

2. Enhance wellbeing

A direct result of all that increased energy and internal balance is a happier, more settled dog. High quality food makes your dog feel better and allows her to use her mental energies on the important things, like learning tricks and fetching balls. By not suffering from an upset tummy or an unexplained itch, your dog’s spirits will be high and her behaviour at its best.

3. Give your family pet the longest possible life

Dogs on average live around 10 to 13 years, which is not nearly long enough for the space they take up in our hearts. One of the best ways of extending their life expectancy to the upper end of their breed’s bracket is to give them a high quality diet every single day.

4. It’s affordable

If you’re put off by high price tags of quality dog food, you haven’t found gems like Superior Chunky and Supreme Possyum dog rolls! While the rolls themselves are more expensive than lower quality competitors, the lack of filler means that your dog needs to eat less in a meal. Our dog rolls are not only healthy, but they’re cost effective too.

5. Lower vet bills

And if that isn’t enough, they’ll also save you money on your yearly veterinarian fees. By supporting your pup’s health with quality dog food, you won’t find yourself in the vet’s office trying to get to the bottom of gut troubles, urinary crystals or poor behaviour.

What does quality dog food mean?

Now you know the value of quality dog food, how can you distinguish between the good, the bad and the ugly – what makes one dog food option higher quality than the next?

Simply put, high quality dog food is made out of high quality ingredients. It’s made of real meat, a dose of carbs and minimal grains. It’s packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and provides all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids they need to grow, play and thrive. It gives your dog enough calories without making him soft around the edges. It’s free of fillers, preservatives and dyes.

Where can I get the good stuff?

High energy, locally-made in NZ from real meat and free from fillers, Superior Chunky dog rolls and Supreme Possyum dog rolls are the absolute tops when it comes to high quality food. Order online or visit one of our many stockists around the country.