(PRESS RELEASE) EAST EARL, PA; ORLANDO, FL — Xtra Factors, a legacy manufacturer of pet food, supplements, food toppers, and pet treats, has announced several new initiatives and senior management additions. These milestones demonstrate Xtra Factors’ commitment to providing outstanding quality, innovation, and regulatory compliance for private label co-manufacturing clients. The highlights are as follows:
- Xtra Factors’ new East Earl, PA manufacturing facility has now completed the rigorous requirements for full USDA Organic Certification by Oregon Tilth (OTCO). Co-Manufacturing clients will now be able to use the USDA Organic Seal on qualified products made at the plant;
- Xtra Factors has added a new bakery system to the facility, enabling the company to develop and manufacture Private Label baked treats for all companion animal species, including dogs, cats, birds, small animals, and fish;
- Xtra Factors proudly announces the appointment of Jessica Otten, M.S. in Animal Nutrition (Illinois State University), to the position of Animal Nutritionist, Research & Development. Jessica has an extensive background in custom formulation of animal foods and supplements. Her experience includes leadership roles for major manufacturers, and she is an expert in all areas of animal nutrition including agricultural animals and all companion animal species. Jessica will support the Xtra Factors Product Development Team in the formulation of complete diets, treats, toppers, vitamin & mineral premixes, and supplements.
- Xtra Factors has appointed Anthony Bennie as Director of Private Label Development. Anthony is a Pet Industry Icon Award honoree and has decades of Executive-level experience in all aspects of the industry including rep firm ownership, product formulation, brand ownership, and product development including multiple award-winning products in the food Toppers, treats, and chews categories. Anthony is working directly with Private Label brand-owners and retailer clients to develop innovative Private Label and Store Brand concepts from initial idea to finished products.
“We are very excited about the new initiatives that we’ve accomplished in just the past two years,” said Sheldon Reiff, plant director and general manager for Xtra Factors. “After opening our new plant at the end of 2021, we were able to expand our capabilities dramatically. Our senior staff additions, Organic certification, and the launch of our in-house bakery division have helped us to truly provide one-stop shopping for Private Label clients.”
The new USDA Organic Certification is just the latest in a long list of Quality Assurance and Food Safety achievements at Xtra Factors. Other third-party certifications earned by Xtra Factors include an SQF “Excellent” rating from the Safe Quality Food Institute, manufacturer membership in the NASC (National Animal Supplement Council), USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) export certification, and ISO 17025 certification for the plant’s in-house testing laboratory.
Anthony Bennie, director of Private Label Development, has been selected by the APPA and PIDA to be a Learning Series Speaker at the 2024 Global Pet Expo. As part of the Retailer Success Series, Anthony will present a discussion about the latest trends and strategies for launching Private Label Pet products. The session is entitled “Next Wave Private Label: How Independent Retailers Can Play with the Big Dogs.” The session will be held on Thursday March 21 from 3:00 to 4:15 pm at meeting room S230, section E. The talk will include a Q and A at the end featuring an expert panel including a Manufacturing Plant Director, a Packaging Company executive, and an Animal Nutritionist.