Purina ONE Wins Two Grand Prix Awards Nestlé Purina PetCare recognized for excellence in Consumer Acceptance and Innovation in meeting Pet Needs MISSISSAUGA, June 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada was recently awarded with two prestigious 2011 Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards presented at a gala in Mississauga on June 14, 2012. The Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards recognized 26 food, non-food and private label categories, and are sponsored by the Retail Council of Canada. Purina ONE was one of the big winners, taking home the Best New Product in Pet Needs award, as well as one of five special awards, the Grand Prix award for Consumer Acceptance. Purina ONE SMARTBlend for dogs and Purina ONE smartblend for cats provide quality and great taste, featuring real meat as the number one ingredient. "We are extremely proud to be recognized by such a distinguished panel of experts," said Karen Kuwahara, President of Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada. "We are especially honoured to have received the Grand Prix award for Consumer Acceptance. These products were developed with extensive input from consumers, every step of the way. We would also like to thank all of our suppliers and partners for all of their support that helped us garner this award. This is a proud moment for Nestlé Purina PetCare." Winners were selected by a 32-person jury made up of consumers, journalists and people who work in the grocery industry. The jury tested food products during sessions in Montreal in March, and non- food products in their homes over a six-week period. Entries were narrowed to a field of 122 finalists by the jury. Products were graded on five criteria: uniqueness and innovation; product characteristics; presentation and packaging; overall consumer value; and consumer acceptance (the household penetration rate of the product). About Nestlé Purina PetCare Nestlé Purina PetCare is a leading pet care company and global manufacturer of quality and nutritious pet food brands such as Pro Plan®, Purina ONE®, Dog Chow®, Alpo®, Beneful®, Beggin' Strips®, T-Bonz®, Cat Chow®, Friskies®, Fancy Feast®, LUV®, and cat litter brands such as MAXX® Scoop Multi-Cat. Our promise, "Your Pet, Our Passion®", and the creation of PawsWay Pet Education Centre, the permanent home of the Purina Animal Hall of FameTM, reflects our commitment to pets and promoting responsible pet care. Purina is the proud sponsor of The Purina National® and the Lions Foundation of Canada Purina® Walk for Dog Guides. For information about Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada visit www.purina.ca. For further information: or onsite interviews, contact: Gabriel Mederos Nestlé Purina PetCare Office: 905-287-3732 Cell: 416-888-0975 [email protected].