List of the fastest-­growing firms

It should come as no surprise to the experts that the pet industry is becoming an increasingly powerful business segment even in the USA. Figures are now available to underpin this from the respected financial magazine Inc., which is based in Boston. Every year, Inc. compiles a list of the 5 000 fastest-growing companies in the USA, and some companies in the pet sector featured on the prestigious list in 2015. 

One company that even made it into the top 300 firms is Splash and Dash for Dogs International. This is a chain of eight stores that offer various grooming and wellness products and services for dogs. According to Inc. magazine, the company recorded 3-year growth of 1 550 per cent and took on an additional 29 employees. Sales by the chain, which is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida and was established in 2009, came to $ 2.4 mio in 2014.

Fruitables Pet Food is another outfit with an astonishing growth rate. The manufacturer of ultra-premium natural dog treats and food supplements has grown by 334 per cent in the last 3 years. Based in Dallas, Texas, its overall sales in 2014 amounted to $ 7.2 mio.

Blue Buffalo Pet Products features on the Inc. magazine list once again. A pet food manufacturer from Wilton, Connecticut, which uses primarily natural ingredients in its dog and cat products, the company achieved 3-year growth of 166 per cent. Blue Buffalo's sales were $ 917.8 mio in 2014. The company was established in 2002 and currently employs 300 people.

The speciality chain Kriser's Natural Pet is also a winner in the American pet product sector. Since 2006, the Kriser's pet chain has grown to 30 locations in Chicagoland, Southern California, metro-Denver and the Houston area. The stores sell a range of products including all-natural pet food and treats, grooming supplies and pet toys. The 3-year growth of the chain was 128 per cent, while its 2014 sales came to $ 19.1 mio. Kriser's is based in Santa Monica, California and has a workforce of 175 staff.

Completing the group of pet supply store chains on the Inc. list is the speciality chain Chuck & Don's Pet Food & Supplies. The chain was established in 1990 and is based in…