Podium Pet Products, an international pet food specialist founded by three former GB athletes, is celebrating a remarkable achievement as one of the inaugural recipients of the King’s Award for Enterprise bestowed by King Charles III.
With offices in Berkshire, UK, and Florida, USA, Podium Pet Products has been honoured for its exceptional performance in international trade. The company, led by former World Cup Skeleton athlete Carina Evans and International Polo players Andrew Hine and Nick Evans, has gained global recognition for its popular brands, including Dog Rocks and Be:Loved.
As one of the 148 organisations bestowed with the first-ever King’s Award for Enterprise, Podium Pet Products continues to build on its history of prestigious accolades. In 2016, the company’s popular product, Dog Rocks, received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, further cementing its reputation for excellence.
Now in its 57th year, the honours programme is renowned as the most respected business awards in the country, granting successful companies the privilege of using the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
Expressing her gratitude, Carina Evans, Co-Founder & CEO of Podium Pet Products, shared, “This is an extraordinary honour for our company and a testament to the hard work, innovation, and inspiration of our talented team. Achieving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise seven years ago was already a tremendous accomplishment, but being one of the first UK companies to receive the King’s Award adds an extra layer of significance.”
Over the past few years, Podium Pet Products has experienced substantial growth, expanding its presence in international markets with a diverse range of pet products. The recognition for excellence in international trade resonates deeply with the company’s trajectory.
Running a business is no easy task, and Carina acknowledged the challenges that come with it. She emphasised the importance of expanding customer and partner relationships while providing an excellent level of service. Reflecting on the award, Carina expressed her elation and the need to find time to celebrate with the team.
Podium Pet Products originated in 2006 when Carina discovered an Australian product called Dog Rocks, thanks to a family friend. In 2008, the company was officially established with the inclusion of Andrew and Nick. Since then, Podium Pet Products has expanded its operations to Europe and North America, achieving immense success in the latter. International trade now accounts for more than half of the company’s business.
Driven by their success with Dog Rocks, the company ventured into creating natural products. Carina’s long-standing interest in this field led to the discovery of an old animal husbandry book, a treasured family heirloom, which served as the inspiration for the launch of the Be:Loved brand. Utilising ingredients found in nature’s harvest and hedgerows, the book offered a wealth of recipes for treatments and balms that soothe both humans and animals.
The integration of Be:Loved into the company’s portfolio prompted a name change from Dog Rocks UK to Podium Pet Products, solidifying the brand’s evolution. Carina highlighted the challenges of exporting, particularly in the United States, but expressed enthusiasm for the changing landscape in Europe, which now presents a more attractive market due to a younger English-speaking audience and savvy marketeers.
Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade 2023 is a cherished accolade that will undoubtedly propel Podium Pet Products’ growth across all markets. The recognition stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
For further information about Podium Pet Products, please visit their website at www.podiumpetproducts.com.
