(PRESS RELEASE) A global spotlight powered by Peggy I. Pleines
The Ladybird Excellence Award isn’t just a trophy. It’s a statement. A movement. A bold reminder of what’s possible when decisions are made with courage, clarity, and ethics at the core.
Founded by Peggy I. Pleines, global growth strategist and expert in high-stakes decision-making, the award honors leaders who don’t wait for change—they create it. With a reputation for transforming complex brands into global powerhouses, Peggy’s mantra is simple and profound:
“Decision-making is our ultimate superpower. When done boldly and with purpose, it changes everything.”
???? 2025 Ladybird Award Gewinner während Zoomark 2025
???????? United Pets | Adatability & Resilience
Constantino Psilogenis, Founder
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What if pet products were as beautiful as they are functional? United Pets answered that question 25 years ago—and never looked back. Born in Milan, the brand blends design-school aesthetics with everyday utility, earning them a cult following across Europe.
When the pandemic hit, they didn’t pause—they pivoted. A bold move to direct-to-consumer preserved pricing, supported retailers, and strengthened brand control. Now, with their City Life line and a B Corp journey underway, United Pets is redefining pet lifestyle—one joyful product at a time.
“Don’t overthink. Don’t go solo. Decide once. Move forward.” – Constantino Psilogenis
Peggy I. Pleines: “They don’t just respond to change—they design it.”
???? Pet Buddy Group | Strategy & Decision-Making
Elisha McCullar, CEO
At the intersection of clarity and courage stands Pet Buddy Group—a powerhouse of premium European pet brands united by purpose and precision. From Thrive’s cult cat food to Buddy Pet Foods’ clean dog nutrition, from Nutrolin’s science-backed supplements to Little BigPaw’s joyful recipes, this group is redefining what strategy looks like in pet care.
Multi-brand, multi-channel, and multi-market—yet laser-focused. Pet Buddy’s success lies not just in products, but in decisions: bold, fast, and rooted in values.
???? Their crisis playbook?
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5 minutes to define the problem. 55 to solve it.
“Observe, evaluate, connect. Trust your gut—but root it in knowledge.” – Elisha McCullar
Peggy I. Pleines: “These are the leaders reshaping pet care through courage, strategy, and soul.”
???????? SWISSCOWERS | Innovation & Sustainability
Dr. Dante Scherrer & Claudio Steiner
Say cheese—to the world’s first authentic Swiss cheese dog chew. Made in a traditional Swiss dairy using premium Swiss milk, SWISSCOWERS® brings Alpine integrity to the globa pet industry. With over 60% protein, no lactose, and full traceability, it redefines what dog treats can be.
Born from nine months of failed prototypes and relentless belief, this product challenged outdated norms and created a whole new category—rooted in Swiss quality and sustainability.
“Why chew on Himalayan myths when we have cows with names?” – Dr. Dante Scherrer
Peggy I. Pleines: “These winners don’t just follow markets—they shape them.”
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???????? Bugalugs | Innovation & Customer Centricity
Jonathan Collin, Sales Director – Lakeland Cosmetics
From clean beauty to canine brilliance, Bugalugs is shaking up the pet grooming aisle—with bold, affordable, and science-backed care that actually works. Powered by vegan, cruelty-free formulas and water sourced from the pristine Lake District, Bugalugs is made in the UK and trusted by modern pet parents who demand better.
But it’s not just what they make—it’s how they lead. Fast-moving, feedback-driven, and radically transparent, Bugalugs turns customer insight into rapid innovation.
“We don’t just sell grooming—we build trust. And we do it as a team.” – Jonathan Collin
Peggy I. Pleines: “Bugalugs proves that when you truly listen, innovation becomes inevitable.”
???????? Montego Pet Nutrition | Ethical & Sustainable Business Leadership
Wilfred Cawood, Marketing Executive
From the Karoo to global distribution, Montego’s mission is clear: deliver premium South African pet food with integrity. Their iconic Springbok treats, made from sustainably sourced antelope off-cuts, reduce waste and support local farmers.
???? 58 new SKUs in 2025, solar-powered production, a reverse osmosis water system, and a lean, insight-driven innovation process prove one thing:
“Progress with purpose.” – Wilfred Cawood
As Peggy puts it: “They choose impact over ego and purpose over shortcuts.”
???????? Buddy Care | Innovation & Adaptability
Lewis Ames, Founder
It all started with a cat—and not just any cat. Nala_Station_Cat, the beloved feline influencer of Stevenage Station, sparked the creation of Buddy Care—a clean, design-forward grooming brand for modern pet parents.
When COVID shook the beauty industry, Lewis didn’t flinch. He pivoted. With his own R&D lab and full in-house production, he launched Buddy Care from scratch—fusing cosmetic-grade standards with pet-first purpose.
???? Made in the UK, vegan, cruelty-free, and community-tested, Buddy Care became an instant favorite among Gen Z pet parents and their four-legged icons.
“I just do it. I go with what is—head and heart aligned.” – Lewis Ames
Peggy I. Pleines: “These winners aren’t chasing trends—they’re building the future.”
About Peggy I. Pleines
A Vision Bigger Than an Award: Peggy isn’t just awarding excellence—she’s amplifying it. With a mission to shine a light on the fearless, the ethical, and the imaginative, the Ladybird Excellence Award is part of a broader movement to elevate conscious business worldwide.
“If these brands are rocket ships,” Peggy says, “then I’m the launchpad. My job is to help them take off—and stay in orbit.” Peggy I. Pleines is the go-to advisor for bold, values-led growth. Known for spotting potential where others see risk, she mentors founders and companies ready to scale with clarity, soul, and velocity. Her philosophy? With a track record across continents and categories, Peggy’s focus is always the same: unlocking growth through decisive leadership.
About the Award
The Ladybird Excellence Award honors fearless leadership and transformative innovation in the pet industry and beyond. Winners are recognized for impact, ethics, originality, and bold vision.
