The makers of Merrick and Castor & Pollux Organix brands announced they have earned organic certification under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) for all of its Texas based manufacturing facilities. At the present time, Merrick Pet Care, Inc. is the only certified manufacturer for both dry and canned food for pets.
Organic certifying agency Oregon Tilth awarded Merrick the honor after a rigorous examination of Merrick’s supply chain, ingredient suppliers, manufacturing facilities and system processes. The process of keeping the distinction for Castor & Pollux Organix cites that they must adhere to the strictest definitions of organic as outlined by the NOP, including future audits.
Greg Shearson, chief executive officer of Merrick Pet Care, reported, “With the acquisition of the Castor & Pollux portfolio last April, the entire Merrick team has welcomed the obligations involved with becoming a certified organic manufacturing operation. We are committed to the highest quality and food safety standards in the pet industry. Meeting this organic benchmark is further confirmation that we continue to meet these new standards.”
Exceeding dog and cat food sales of $19 billion in 2011 per market research company Euromonitor International, the "super premium" and "natural/organic" segments will grow to as much as $6.2 billion, it is estimated. Castor & Pollux super-premium Organix and Natural Ultramix products can be found at natural/organic food retailers such as Whole Foods, PetSmart , Petco, independent pet stores, and online retailers.
Merrick Pet Care, Inc., was founded in 1968. All foods are made in the United States and consist of both dry and wet foods. Earlier this year, Merrick advanced its growth strategies in announcing the acquisition of Clackamas, Oregon-based company, Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks.
For further information, visit www.merrickpetcare.com.
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