Marketing/Mars enhances pet healthcare

Editorial staff

Mars, Incorporated, a global leader in pet care products and services, confectionery, snacking and food and the maker of some of the world’s most-loved brands, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.

The collaboration signals continued investment from Mars to learn more about pet behavior across APAC, providing scheduled health checks and advice for local pets and pet parents, as well as internship opportunities for veterinary students to enhance their knowledge through science.

As a well-known manufacturer of brands like PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, IAMS™, CESAR®, SHEBA®, and TEMPTATIONS™, Mars has placed significant investment in non-invasive research on pet behavior and feeding through the APAC Pet Center, the first fully integrated pet food Research and Development (R&D) center in Thailand, located at Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate, Chonburi Province. The prime objective is to tailor Mars’ pet food to the needs and preferences of Asia-Pacific cats and dogs, which differ from those in other parts of the world.

It furthers the broader Mars Petcare purpose to create: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, as it promotes responsible pet ownership, raises awareness of the benefits of complete and balanced feeding, advances pet healthcare standards to an international level, and disseminates knowledge about pet nutrition more widely.

Mr Ratchakorn Chenpattanapong, general manager for Thailand and Indochina at Mars Nutrition said. “We are thrilled to partner with the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University to enhance pet healthcare and nutrition education in Thailand. I was delighted that we could share our experience and understanding of pets with veterinary students, with our continued investment in R&D at the APAC Pet Center underscoring our dedication to providing tailored, high-quality pet food that meets the unique needs of pets in the Asia-Pacific region.”

The MOU signing ceremony between Mars and the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, took place on July 31, 2024, building on the following objectives:

1. Promote Knowledge and Understanding: provide new insights on the global pet food industry to students and faculty through study visits and academic knowledge exchange.

2. Support Research and Development: strengthen collaboration in research and studies related to pet food within the industry to develop high-quality products that meet the needs of current and future pets.

3. Develop Technology and Standards: implement international safety standards and technology in the testing and production of pet food to enhance the quality of life for pets.

4. Enhance the Quality of Life for Pets: focus on ensuring the physical and mental well-being of pets based on modern scientific insights.

5. Collect Data for Education: gather and analyze data for future research and studies on pet nutrition and veterinary health.

(from left) Prof. Dr. Sanipa Suradhat, Mr Ratchakorn Chenpattanapong, Dr. Jaruk Srikiatden

Prof. Dr. Sanipa Suradhat, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University, commented “This collaboration with Mars in Thailand underscored the commitment of both parties to enhancing educational standards and improving the quality of life for pets in Thailand. It also enriched knowledge and opened new perspectives on the pet food industry for students and faculty members at the Faculty of Veterinary Science."

Dr. Jaruk Srikiatden, Mars Pet Nutrition Global Innovation director, concludes: “The APAC Pet Center in Chonburi adheres to international research standards, driving and elevating Mars' complete and balanced pet food production capabilities in the region. It anticipates the needs of pets for healthy nutrition and is committed to developing educational efforts to raise awareness for responsible pet ownership, which is a top priority for Thailand, the world’s third-largest exporter of pet food.”