The industry, an asset to Europe

As an employer and innovator the prepared pet food industry has become an asset to Europe, with the benefits to the community spreading into many other manufacturing areas. As an industry, which makes a significant impact on Europe's economy, it takes its responsibilities seriously.

Its economic and social role

Prepared pet food is a young industry. In half a century, it has not only grown at a significant rate; it has also become a major asset to Europe.

As an employer, the industry provides jobs for 21,000 people in 20 countries. It also guarantees employment for at least twice as many more, for jobs are generated in a wide variety of allied sectors:

Across Europe, more than 50,000 employees and their families draw their income either directly or indirectly from the preparation, manufacture and distribution of prepared pet food.

The benefits, though go far beyond the provision of jobs. Through its association with a number of partners, the prepared pet food industry is leading developments in technology.

For example, the tinplate industry and can manufacturers developed a thinner tinplate, lead-free steel and seamless cans specifically for prepared pet foods. These innovations have since been adapted for use in the human food industry.

Similar developments have taken place in the manufacture of paper and cardboard packaging, with constant improvement having been achieved to preserve the quality of the foodstuffs. Again, these refinements have been adapted for use in other industries.

The abattoir industry is yet another example of how the prepared pet food industry has influenced development. As a result, meat by-products have become recognised commodities, which are sold, processed and prepared.

Its impact on European agriculture

European agriculture also benefits from to the continuing progress of the prepared pet food industry. Coming between the food industry on the one hand and the feedingstuffs industry on the other, prepared pet food has become an additional and values adding outlet for agricultural by-products. Its prime merit lies in its potential to give added value to materials and surpluses not taken up by these two industries.

By using advanced food processing technology, the prepared pet food industry has developed quality products from materials not used for human consumption or surplus to requirements - including meat, poultry, fish by-products, cereals and vegetables.

The impact on agriculture has, therefore, been highly significant - the majority of these materials originate from within Europe. Imports from third countries involve only products, which are not locally available in sufficient quantities.

And, of course, all this use of secondary raw materials has a positive impact on the income of farmers, slaughterers, meat processors, fishermen and fish processors, helping to make their enterprises more viable.

It is not only agriculture itself that benefits from the continuing requirements of the prepared pet food industry. The human consumer gains too, for when added value is given to animal by-products it allows the costs of other meat, fish and cereal products to be contained, reducing the purchase price to the customer.

A responsible industry

With such wide involvement, it is not surprising that the prepared pet food industry should believe its responsibilities go far beyond the actual manufacture of quality products. The industry also helps to find positive solutions to practical problems which arise from the integration of pets into society.

In most Member States the national associations - acting individually or in liaison with animal welfare organisations and veterinary bodies - collaborate with local and national authorities in the education of pet owners. The object is to make the owners more aware of their responsibilities towards their pets and to society.

The prepared pet food industry contributes actively to many such educational campaigns - supplying brochures, information leaflets, and video programmes on responsible pet ownership.