Natural pet food from Ecuador

The managing director of Alpha Tech is no stranger to the pet supplies business. Sander van Kesteren’s previous appointments include working as export manager for Witte Molen and latterly assuming responsibility for European distribution at the US company Furminator. From Arnhem, where Alpha Tech operates ample warehouse facilities, the products of its Ecuadorian business partner Competent are dispatched to wholesalers and pet store chains throughout Europe. Competent (motto: “Feed well, live well”) is the pet food division of Tecopesca Inc., which is one of the leading tuna and canned food processing companies in Ecuador. The company is located in Manta, which is considered to be the South American capital of tuna fish and one of the most important ports for the fishing industry in that part of the world. Competent’s products are already marketed in the USA, where the company’s distributor is Petnology USA. Extensive range “All our products have added vitamins and minerals from organic sources manufactured under the most demanding standards in the industry, making them natural and safe for humans and pets alike,” the company says. High-quality wet food for cats is the chief product in the range. The main brand “Catwalk Classic” comprises six classic recipes with assorted gourmet seafood flavours. The products come in 85 g cans. Since Competent also manufactures private label products, the can size, recipes, design and flavours can be tailored to the customer’s requirements. The company also offers “Catwalk” in nine assorted flavours. Seafood mousse under the “Catwalk Mousse aux” brand and “Catwalk Pouches”, comprising twelve different varieties in a 100 g pack, complete the range. Five recipes in the “Catwalk Flavors with fruits” range (in the 85 g can) and seven different flavours of “Catwalk Glass Jars” ensure variation in the feline diet. Natural grilled steaks of tuna, calamari or any white fish also offer a particularly special treat. The products are vacuum-packed in clear pouches of 85 or 100 g with a little light fish broth. For dogs, Competent offers the “Nutrilicious” brand, which likewise comprises a range of gourmet dog food from natural sources. Four home-made recipes are offered, made with fresh vegetables, meat and rice with a tasty broth. In Europe, the company’s products are marketed under the “Cat Natura” and “Dog Natura” brands. As well as highlighting their superior quality, Sander van Kesteren points to the high profit margin that pet…