“We aim to consolidate our lead”

This was the verdict of managing director Daan Aa when he spoke to PET worldwide. In 2011, the company increased sales uniformly across all product groups by nearly 4 per cent. In Germany, France and the United Kingdom in particular, Beaphar experienced above-average growth. The Beaphar managing director is very pleased with the company’s sales in eastern Europe too, especially in Russia. He said that the trend in Greece, however, where the company has had its own marketing office since 2008, was less satisfactory. Daan Aa believes the current and future focus for his company is to expand the research and development department. The number of staff there has been increased significantly in the last year, and the company is to concentrate in the next few years on the development of new pharmaceutical and biocide products. “Pharmaceutical products, pest control products and vitamin preparations continue to form the core business of Beaphar. This will not change in the future. We aim to consolidate our lead in these product groups still further,” explains Daan Aa. Beaphar’s range currently comprises over 1 000 products covering all pet categories. These are sold worldwide. Products for dogs and cats account for 65 per cent of overall sales, with the canine product group just ahead of cat products. Articles for small animals and rodents account for 35 per cent of Beaphar’s sales. The aquarium and reptile segments are only of minor significance for the company’s sales. Following Beaphar’s takeover jointly with Masterpet of Australian company Aristopet two years ago, Beaphar Australia is the latest subsidiary in the group of companies. This acquisition increased the number of staff at Beaphar by 65 to 540. The news from the United Kingdom is that Beaphar has decided, following its acquisition of Sinclair, to retain the “King British” aquatics brand that enjoys great popularity in England and not operate it under the “Beaphar” family brand. The plans laid down some years ago to launch its own brand for caged birds was put back by Beaphar due to the numerous projects in progress in other segments, but they are by no means forgotten. Beaphar does not feel any time pressure regarding this matter, however. “Perhaps we will introduce it at Interzoo,” says Daan Aa. Download: “We aim to consolidate our lead” (PDF file)