KAYTEE DISTRIBUTING TO ALL CHANNELS

CHILTON, Wis . -- Kaytee Products here has announced plans to expand distribution of its Forti-Diet and Fiesta brands of premium pet food.

oducts are distributed in all retail channels, and now Kaytee pet products will be available in all channels of distribution by mid-summer of this year.

Kaytee will be withdrawing the Amazon Smythe brand of pet foods and treats from distribution. The consolidation of all Kaytee pet products under one brand umbrella will allow Kaytee to strengthen brand presence through focused consumer advertising and promotion, the company said. The Kaytee "Exact" brand of premium avian and small animal extruded foods will remain distributed exclusively through the pet specialty channel.

Cat Litter Makers Purr-fect Alliance

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -- Gran Tek Inc., Granger, Ind., and American Colloid Co. here have formed a distribution and marketing alliance they say offers distributors and retailers the broadest range of cat litters available in the pet-specialties marketplace. Customers will now have the ability to combine orders for PaPurr cat litter, made from 100% recycled paper, with American Colloid's litter products. This will create savings on shipping, purchasing and inventory cost. Customers will also now be able to order both PaPurr cat litter and American Colloid's other litter products from American Colloid's manufacturing plants in Colony, Wyo.; Granite City, Ill.; and York, Pa.

Customers can also purchase PaPurr cat litter from GranTek's manufacturing plant in Green Bay, Wis. American Colloid's litters include Premium Choice Litter Beads, Cat Tails and Carefree Kitty.

Hartz Flea, Tick Lines Hit Stores

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Hartz here is launching its Flea Control Capsules and the Advanced Care Brand, bringing flea and tick technology previously available only in veterinary offices to stores nationwide.

The new line was rolled out in March with the first over-the-counter adulticide plus ovacide drops for cats, Hartz Advanced Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens. Hartz Flea Control Capsules for Dogs and Puppies became available in April, and this month the Hartz Advanced Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs and Puppies will hit the shelves.

The new line makes veterinarian-quality flea and tick technology accessible and affordable to all pet lovers. Hartz Advanced Care Brand Flea and Tick Drops for Cats and Kittens will cost the consumer between $40 and $50 a year.

Kaytee Expands Its Forti-Diet Line

CHILTON, Wis. -- Kaytee Products here has expanded its Forti-Diet line by introducing Garden Blend varieties for both rabbits and guinea pigs.

Garden Blend starts with regular Forti-Diet pellet-based food and adds timothy hay and vegetable slices for a gourmet taste.

The Forti-Diet line also includes blends for finches, canaries, parakeets, cockatiels, parrots, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, mice and rats, and chinchillas.

During the past year, the Forti-Diet products line was improved with barrier packaging to maintain freshness and prevent infestation. The appearance of the packaging was also modified to feature bold new designs.

Starbar Product Awarded Patent

FARMINGTON, Conn. -- Shed-Stop, the signature product from Starbar Enterprises here, maker of Mrs. Allen's Shed-Care Line for Pet Products, was awarded a broad-based patent from the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks.

Shed-Stop was recorded as a Dietary Supplement for Preventing or Reducing Shedding by animals.

Hartz Mountain Taps President

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Hartz Mountain Corp. here has appointed Robert Devine president and chief operating officer.

Devine joined Hartz in 1994 at the time of the acquisition by Hartz of Wardley Corp. He reports to Edward Stern, who is succeeding Leonard Stern as chief executive officer and chairman of Hartz Mountain Corp.

"My goal will be to continue the direction established by my predecessor Stern, with a strong focus on innovation through expanded research and development and quality in manufacturing," Devine said in a press release.