(PRESS RELEASE) TUMWATER, WA – We are NDependent, officially announced the launch of its ‘Plus’ line of Necks+ and Tripe+ Freeze-Dried Raw Dog and Cat treats. The company was co-founded by Jeff Sandy, Rob Mellem and Rusty Hawes in 2021 after visiting SuperZoo. The trio sensed a real angst from independent pet retailers and distributors who had been so instrumental in supplying pet parents during the Covid pandemic. The channel felt it was being left behind by manufacturers that were being swallowed and consolidated by private equity investors that are focused on an omni channel distribution strategy. The Ndependent team also knows the indie channel has always been a source of innovation, education, quality service, and an integral part of the community they serve. The idea was born to create a company that offers high-quality, unique products for passionate pet lovers sold ONLY to and through the Independent Pet Channel.
“It was time for us to create a company that wasn’t just paying lip-service to the independent pet channel,” said Rusty Hawes, one of the co-founders. “The purpose of our business is to support and grow in and with the independents. Having products that can ONLY be found in the channel creates customer loyalty to the channel – that is our goal.”
The new line contains four SKUs for dogs and four for cats. It supports the company’s tagline, Everyday Uncommon by taking the common freeze dried cube shape treat with the uncommon inclusions the company is becoming known for. In this case, mixing highly nutritious green tripe (bison or beef) or ground necks (turkey or chicken) with comfort food ingredients and herbs.
The 4-ounce Dog versions retail for $18.99 in store ($19.99 on the company’s website). The 1.5 ounce Cat bags retail for 9.99 in store and $10.49 online.
Company sales are handled through Packer Mellem Sales of Madison, WI (www.packermellem.com). Product can also be ordered directly at wholesale prices from the company’s website.
For more information on carrying the We are NDependent Necks+ and Tripe+ lines contact Packer Mellem Sales (info@packermellemsales.com) or visit www.ndependentpet.com. The company will be exhibiting at SuperZoo 2022, Booth #3103.
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About We are NDependent
We are NDependent Was founded in 2021 by Jeff Sandy, Rob Mellem and Rusty Hawes to create unique Independent Pet channel specific products. Its philosophies of “Return to Community” and “Everyday Uncommon” are born from their 70+ years of experience in the independent pet channel. For more information, please visit www.ndependentpet.com.
