Farewell Message from Morris Manna

Morris Manna, the retired President & CEO of Can-Pet Inc., contacted us recently to ask if he could share a farewell message to the pet industry from him.
What follows is his message to the pet business community.

Written by: Morris Manna
President & CEO, CAN-PET INC. “RETIRED”

Dear Customers, Vendors and Friends,

I am extremely pleased that PIJAC Canada has given me this opportunity to say goodbye to all of you, as I retire. It was in 1976 that I became one of the pioneers to enter and develop the pet specialty trade.  I began by founding Global Pet Foods, today the largest Canadian owned pet food chain and after selling it continued as Can-Pet Inc. one of Canada’s premier pet foods distributor.

In the beginning, the only products available to the trade were the same brands we found at our local supermarkets.  But in our continuing efforts to set us apart from the grocery world, we started sourcing new specialty pet products that were not only available to the pet trade exclusively but nutritionally superior to the products available at grocery stores.  Almost 45 years later, the selection now available to the trade and consumers is a testament to those efforts.

However, the pet industry’s growth and success has had its challenges.   Many of the brands you helped grow have now ended up at mass and grocery.  But, you have risen to the challenge by continually introducing and supporting newer, better and more innovative products to pet parents.  I say to you, “stay the course”. and support those that support your industry.

Nevertheless, this is an exciting industry and one that has been extremely rewarding for me.  It is over the last 45 years that I have met some of the most wonderful people.  In some cases, these people are still in the industry as store owners, sales reps, executives, manufacturers, and even competitors.  It is these relationships that I will cherish forever.

I want to wish Can-Pet and all of you much success and prosperity in the years to come.  I also plan on stopping by at the upcoming National Pet Industry Trade Show.  There, I  hope to see some of you in person to thank you for all those great years and memories.

All my best,
Morris Manna
CAN-PET INC.
Retired President and CEO

We wish Morris the very best in his retirement and whichever new direction he decides to go and thank him for his unwavering support of PIJAC Canada over the years.