A Tayside raw dog food producer has secured almost £1 million in new investment.
Bella and Duke is creating a UK distribution centre for their bespoke pet food packages on Perth’s North Muirton Industrial Estate.
The company founded by dog lovers Mark Scott, Tony Ottley and Michael Scully, has seen demand for their raw dog food products rise by 500% in the past year, and has taken on the former Hermes courier depot in Arran Road to cope with demand.
“There was a tempting option to relocate to Livingston but we made a conscious decision to stay loyal to Perthshire, where the business began last year,” Mr Scott said.
“Demand for our products is spiralling and we now have 17 members of staff, plus advice and guidance from a vet and a nutritionist who were also among our original investors.
“Our Blairgowrie office remains the company’s customer service hub and the 10,000 square feet unit in Perth will be our core distribution centre for customers in the UK, including Northern Ireland.”
Mr Ottley said the firm was on a strong growth trajectory.
“The second round of investment has proved very successful, with current and new backers buying into our vision to enhance the health of pets across the country,” he said.
“The £920,000 generated is a huge vote of confidence in our mission to get pets off processed foods and raise awareness of the benefits of a varied and nutritious raw food diet.”
The firm’s ranges feature human grade meat.
“We have already built-up a 4000-strong pack of customers who are signed-up on monthly subscriptions, helping to spread the gospel and provide support for one another,” Mr Ottley continued.
“There has been interest from retailers but we want to retain direct contact with our customer base.
“The latest backing will also help expand our product range and develop our website and apps.”
The directors and near neighbours in Murthly began to explore the benefits of raw food diets for pets rather than processed food after losing their much-loved dogs to cancer.
“It was heart-breaking because, like so many pet owners, we regarded golden retriever Barney and collie Morph as part of the family,” said Mr Scott said.
“We try to look after our own health and began to question what we were feeding our dogs.”
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