Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., recently reported that revenue for its first quarter ended March 31 grew 16.5 percent. Revenue was $503.2 million, compared to $431.1 million in the year-ago period. The company's growth in the U.S. veterinary channel was driven by Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline, Lower Urinary Tract Disease, Prescription Diet j/d Canine and Prescription Diet d/d Canine. Market share gains in the U.S. specialty pet channel were driven by strong sales of Science Diet Canine Adult Large Breed and Science Diet Canine Adult Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe Small Bites. Internationally, volume growth was led by Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, Belgium and Romania. New pet food products contributing to the international growth include Prescription Diet j/d Light Canine, Science Plan Chunks in Gravy Feline pouches and Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Feline. Overall, Hill’s parent company Colgate-Palmolive Co. reported net income of $466.5 million on revenue of $3.71 billion for its first quarter, compared to net income of $486.6 million on revenue of $3.21 billion in the year-ago period. <HOME>
