Nestlé Purina buys out Zuke’s
The big dogs have sniffed out local pet treat maker Zuke’s. On Jan. 15, the Durango-based company announced, via a press release on its website, that it had been bought by Nestlé Purina, the world’s biggest foodmaker. The price was not disclosed. “Zuke’s Performance Pet Nutrition, the premiere source for healthy, natural treats for dogs and cats is excited to become part of Nestlé Purina PetCare,” read the release.
The Switzerland-based Nestle, maker of Alpo and Beneful, bought the line of natural pet food in an effort to expand its offerings and capitalize on the growing natural pet food market, according to a report in the Bloomberg News. Zuke’s and its employees will continue to operate as an independent company in Durango and the products will continue to be made in the United States.
“I’m personally so pleased that Zuke’s is now a part of the Nestlé Purina family,” said owner and “Head Bone Maker” Patrick Meiering, who founded Zuke’s in 1995. “Their understanding of Zuke’s core mission of fostering an active and healthy lifestyle for pets and pet parents alike, their commitment to keeping Zuke’s and its employees in Durango as an independent operation, and their ability to help grow the Zuke’s brand in the pet specialty marketplace were important factors in partnering.”
Nestle’s pet care unit accounted for $11.9 billion in sales last year, or about 12 percent of the company’s total profits, according to Bloomberg.
Zuke’s is well known for its dog treats aimed at active, outdoorsy dogs, including “Hip Action” treat for relieving joint pain and “Skinny Bakes” low-calorie biscuits. The company credits itself for marketing the first “energy bar” for dogs in 1995, according to its website.
“Zuke’s values-driven commitment to pets and the resources of Nestlé Purina PetCare will allow us to bring both the entire Zuke’s lineup, and new, exciting Zuke’s treats, to even more pet families,” read the release. “Our loyal consumers, retailers and distributors can rest assured that making the absolute best products, providing unbeatable customer service, and most importantly making pets healthy and happy, will always be our top priority.”
Zuke’s did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Purg skiers, riders pack podium
The Purgatory Freestyle and Snowboard teams bumped and jumped their way to the best results of the season last weekend at Chapman Hill and Purgatory.
Young freestyle mogul skiers from throughout the region converged on the Chapman Hill bump course for the U. S. Ski Association-sanctioned Durango Orthopedics and Spine Colorado Mogul Open held Jan. 25-26. Thirty-five skiers from Winter Park, Vail, Summit County, Telluride and Purgatory took part in the two-day competition which was split according to age group: J5 (9-10 years); J4 (11-12 years); J3 (13-14 years); J2 (15-16 years): and J1 (17-18 years).
Local skiers Trudy Mickel (J4), Hannah Smith (J1), Charlie Mickel (J5) and Sadie Smith (J2) all won their age groups in single moguls on Saturday while Natalie Youssef (J3), George McQuinn (J2) and Cole Alexus (J5) took home silver medals and Hunter Rawles (J4) won bronze.
Sunday brought dual moguls and a gold medal for McQuinn, who ousted teammate Jimmy Pope for the title. Smith made the finals and landed in second place overall.
While the bumpers were tearing up Chapman Hill, the Purgatory Park Ski and Snowboard teams competed in the USASA Southwest Colorado slopestyle event at Purgatory. The competition featured 67 competitors from Purgatory, Telluride and Crested Butte.
The Purgatory Park Ski Team was lead by Parker Norvell, who posted placed first in slopestyle for the second time this season, having won in Vail as well. Norvell also has a silver from the Copper Mountain Rail Jam in December. Caleb Gates won his age group while Chance Conaty and Nolan Stowers winning silver in their respective divisions.
The Purgatory Snowboard Team added to the medal count with Emily Williams and Cody Beaver bringing home gold; Joshua Dearian and Ozzy Mills silver; and Eli Cagen and Quinn Haughey bronze.
“This just represents how hard our athletes have trained this year,” said Kirk Rawles, Purgatory Freestyle Program Director. “It is nice to see them step up at regional levels and gain some confidence as they head to bigger events throughout Colorado. I think Parker’s win at Vail is a huge step for him and brings a new level to our Park program.”
The mogul and park teams will head to Aspen this weekend for the USSA Rocky Mountain Freeride Divisional Championships. The next USASA Southwest event will be at Purgatory on Feb. 15-17. For more results and information, go to usasa.org or to rockymountainfreestyle.com.
Meanwhile, local freeriders who would like to test their skills in a more friendly setting can check out the Chapman Hill Freeride Series on Wednesdays from 4:30-7 p.m. Hosted by Purgatory Freestyle in conjunction with the City of Durango, the series runs every week through Feb. 19 and is open to all ages.
Entry is $15 or $10 for Chapman season pass holders. Riders 12 and younger compete from 5 – 6 p.m. and riders 13 and older compete 6-7 p.m. Prizes are awarded in age classes. For more, contact moguldogs@bresnan.net.