The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing Territory ingenuity and local jobs, with Territory start-up Peco Pet Food breaking new ground in the pet food industry.
With support from the CLP Government's Innovation Program, Peco is transforming wild-caught buffalo into premium, eco-friendly dog treats. Starting with Buff Jerky and Buff Jellies, the company is now expanding its product line to include Buff Bites - all-natural gelatin treats infused with concentrated collagen.
Buff Bites is an all-natural gelatin dog treat infused with concentrated, naturally extracted collagen from wild-caught buffalo.
The Innovation Grant will enable the business to utilise freeze drying technology to freeze dry the Buff Bites. The freeze-drying process will enable up to 96% of nutrients to be retained in the dog treat.
The freeze-drying process will also enhance the shelf life of the product, creating opportunities for greater scalability and significantly reduce shipping costs.
The Innovation Grant makes Peco the first Territory business to offer-freeze dried dog treats in the NT and the first in Australia to utilise exclusively wild-caught game for pet treats.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill visited Peco's market stall to see the success firsthand.
"The Innovation Program is driving the commercialisation of products and services in the Territory, with this round supporting the expansion of Peco, which could in turn lead to the establishment of a local pet food industry in the Top End."
"When we back Territory ingenuity, we're backing jobs, investment and long-term economic strength. This helps rebuild the economy and our goal of making the Territory the best place to live, work and invest," said Ms Cahill.
Kristen McKechnie, owner of Peco Pet Food said, "The idea for Peco Pet Food was born from my passion for conservation and a desire to make a real difference in the Northern Territory. By creating nutritious, all-natural dog treats from wild-caught buffalo, we're not only supporting pet health but also actively contributing to the protection of our local eco-systems."
"The Innovation Grant is a game-changer for Peco. With this support, we can invest in the specialized equipment needed to bring our unique freeze-dried treats to market and scale production. It allows us to accelerate our launch, create local jobs, and expand our reach across Australia-opening doors to partnerships with stockists, vets, and conservation groups."
Four Territory businesses will share in a total of $115,000 in funding under the latest Innovation Program grant round, the other recipients include:
MyEmDR - a virtual therapy platform delivering Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for anxiety, depression and stress at a fraction of the cost of current models.International Solar Boat Challenge - development of the rules and governance model for the world's first open-ocean solar powered boat race, akin to the World Solar Challenge but on the ocean.Larboard - a livestock castration device combining cutting and pain relief in an ergonomic single operator device.
