Interview with Yacine Belkacem, COO of Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition.
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Could you tell us about the mission of Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition within the Pure Salmon Group?
Yacine Belkacem (YB): At Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition, our mission is to provide pets with the best possible nutrition, and we believe that salmon is the key to achieving this goal. While our salmon farming facilities are still under construction, we’re committed to using salmon as the primary protein source in our pet treats. Salmon is renowned for its positive effects on the immune system, cognitive functions, skin, and coat of dogs and cats.
What sets Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition products apart in the pet treat market?
YB: What distinguishes us is our dedication to using farmed salmon as the primary ingredient in our treats. Unlike wild-caught salmon, farmed salmon contains up to three to four times more Omega-3 fatty acids, vital for pet health. As they are primarily found in the fatty portions of salmon, we only used the best part, the fillet (no bones, fins, or heads). This means our treats taste great and contribute to pets’ overall well-being.
Could you tell us more about the different categories of treats you produce?
YB: Certainly, we offer a variety of treats, including jerky, soft & chewy, salmon skin rolls, freeze-dried treats, dental sticks, and salmon oil. Each category caters to the specific needs and preferences of our four-legged friends. These six categories enable us to develop unique recipes and quality products.
How do you ensure the quality of your products?
YB: Quality remains our utmost priority. We meticulously select the finest raw materials and adhere to strict manufacturing standards. While our salmon farming facilities are under development, we are committed to sourcing the best ingredients to maintain our high standards. Each of our recipes, developed by a scientific committee, targets one or more functional benefits. We do things differently by imposing strict constraints on ourselves regarding nutrition, balance, and quality of raw materials. All our suppliers are based in Europe, and all our raw materials are human-grade.
What is the guiding philosophy behind pet treat production at Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition?
YB: Our philosophy is centered around providing pets with nutrition that enhances their health, with natural ingredients that taste great. We are dedicated to responsibly sourced ingredients and minimizing our environmental footprint. We believe using farmed salmon instead of wild-caught salmon aligns with our commitment to pet health and ocean conservation.
Could you tell us more about Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition’s brands, Marly & Dan and Share Natural Adventure?
YB: Marly & Dan is our brand dedicated to specialty stores, offering a premium experience for discerning pet owners. On the other hand, Share Natural Adventure aims to make our products accessible to general retailers, including hypermarkets and online marketplaces, while maintaining our commitment to quality.
How does Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition contribute to sustainability and the circular economy?
YB: While our salmon farming facilities are still under construction, we are committed to a sustainable approach using farmed salmon. Our choice of farmed salmon over wild-caught salmon ensures pet health and aligns with our goal of minimizing the impact on the oceans. Once our land-
based salmon farms are up and running, we will further enhance the quality of our recipes by being the only ones to use responsible salmon entirely free of antibiotics, hormones, and mercury.
What challenges do you face as the COO of Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition?
YB: Our main challenge is constantly innovating to offer new functional benefits. We do this while maintaining exceptional quality and meeting the growing demand for our products. Additionally, we continuously work to strengthen our supply chain and innovate to remain competitive while upholding our commitment to sustainability.
What exciting future projects does Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition have?
YB: We have big plans for the future, including expanding our product range and exploring new markets. We are determined to continue pampering our four-legged customers and their owners with our delicious salmon-based creations while minimizing our environmental impact. Additionally, I’m proud to share that we’ve expanded our reach to over 15 countries in less than two years, and this September, we’re launching in the USA, Canada, Japan, Spain, and Switzerland.
Any final words for our readers?
YB: I’d like to thank our valued customers for trusting our products. Pure Salmon Pet Nutrition is driven by the passion to provide outstanding pet treats. We look forward to continuing to spoil them with our delicious salmon-based offerings while working towards a more sustainable and ocean-friendly future.