"We see many opportunities for further expansion"

PET in Europe: In your opinion, what have been the key events in the 40-year history of the company?
Alain Guillemin: Royal Canin was founded in 1967 by a veterinarian who, at an early stage, made some decisive choices that set our company on track for future success. Putting the pet at the centre of the company's development, launching innovative dry foods with a visible positive impact on the pet, using high quality raw materials and establishing a strong partnership with passionate breeders are but a few examples of the right decisions he made.As a matter of fact, our brand has always been a forerunner. Over the last 40 years many world firsts have been launched, amongst them "AGR", the first food specially formulated for large breed puppies and the first professional range for dog breeders. I can give you some other examples. The launch of "RCCI Size" was the world's first nutritional programme for dogs that takes into account the age, lifestyle and especially the size/weight ratio of various dog breeds. "Persian 30", the first food specially formulated to meet the specific needs of Persian cats, was followed by many breed dedicated products, to name but a few.Our company has always concentrated its research resources on in-depth studies to define the precise nutritional needs of the pet. The Royal Canin research and development centre, based on our knowledge and respect philosophy, is the key to the unique non-anthropomorphic scientific approach that our company has followed for the greatest benefit of our real customers: the dog and the cat. I would also like to mention the passion and professional dedication which is demonstrated by all of our associates and which we have preserved, and even strengthened, over the years. Integrating multicultural talents has also been a major milestone for us throughout the world. Last, but not least, I would like to underline the effective choice of our business model that favours decentralized responsibility and decision processes at the local country level.
PET in Europe: With the "Breed" concept the diversification of your company has advanced to such a level that further differentiation in the range no longer actually seems possible. Do you now regard Royal Canin as having reached the limit of innovative capacity?
Alain Guillemin: That is a very interesting question, as it highlights a limitation to our innovations. First of all, let me point out that pet nutritional science is fairly recent. From the handful of…