To establish an Asian export market for natural animal bedding

Organisation: Animal Health Direct Limited
Grant Number: M17005
Grant Amount: $82,906

Animal Health Direct Ltd (AHD) is a Hawke’s Bay based company providing animal health products across the dairy, equine and veterinary markets throughout New Zealand.  In 2015 AHD seized the opportunity to take up an exclusive distribution of a new animal bedding product. The product, which is made from New Zealand pine, is 100% natural and is a by-product of the New Zealand forestry industry. It offers many benefits over traditional bedding materials such as wood chips and sawdust – including: sterility with no pathogens, easy cleaning, allergy free, low to no dust, no chemicals, contaminants or additives and can be used for up to 12 months before complete replacement is required. 

AHD recognised the potential of this natural animal bedding product and had immediate success in the New Zealand market.  With the local market secured, the potential and size of the Asian thoroughbred and sport horse market was alluring yet, with no expert, dedicated resource onboard, breaking into exporting was proving difficult.  AGMARDT’s funding has allowed AHD to establish and grow its Asian equestrian market networks and sales for the new bedding product.

“AGMARDT’s support has allowed AHD the time and resources to fully commit to growing its Asian export markets.” Richard Kettle, Managing Director