GREENWICH, CT., May 19, 2005 – Bob Vetere, COO and managing director of the American Pet Products Association (APPA) recently presented at the Sorptive Minerals Institute (SMI) Spring Forum held at The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, Florida, May 15-18, 2005.

           
Vetere presented “A Look Ahead” for the 2005 Pet Industry, which included APPA’s insight on the growth of pet ownership, an increase in pet spending and key trends in the industry. Vetere shared comprehensive data on pet owner buying habits, what they buy, where they shop and what sectors are leading the industry. He specifically examined cat ownership and cat litter trends including litter purchasing habits of cat owners, what types are most purchased and what outlets are most shopped. Vetere also covered retail and pet products trends and what is driving those trends including a strengthening human-animal bond and the health and lifestyle benefits associated with pet ownership.

           
Key cat and litter statistics and trends were covered from the newly published 2005-2006 APPA National Pet Owners Survey which shows 34% of U.S. households own a cat and 72% of cat owners buy clumping/scoopable litter while 27% purchase traditional clay litter.  Information in the Survey includes the average number of cats owned per household, the average age of cats, where they were obtained, where they are kept, where owners purchase cat litter, other purchasing habits and demographics, what’s driving sales and where challenges and growth opportunities lie.

           
The SMI represents approximately 95% of the cat litter produced in the U.S. and was founded in 1970 to represent the absorbent clay industry.  The not-for-profit industry trade association serves as the marketing, promotion, and research division of the absorbent clay industry with the goal of enhancing long-range expansion and opportunity.

A former president of SMI, Vetere also served as senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Oil-Dri Corporation of America prior to joining APPA, and has an extensive background in cat litter. Oil-Dri is a publicly traded $175 million international developer, manufacturer, and marketer of brand name and private label pet products.  Prior to Oil-Dri Vetere spent 25 years at First Brands Corporation, a $1.2 billion publicly traded manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, including GLAD Wrap and Bags, Prestone Anti-Freeze and ScoopAway and Jonny Cat Litter.

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