NEW YORK — Fast Company, a business media brand, released its third annual Brands That Matter list, recognizing several companies in the pet industry, including Mars, Petco, Chewy and Maev.

Brands That Matter aims to recognize companies that build connections with their audiences and customers by making an impact. According to Fast Company, the list for 2023 represents the largest group, honoring 165 companies with 68 General Excellence winners and 97 recognized across 30 different categories.

“The scale and scope of honorees this year is incredible,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor in chief of Fast Company. “At first glance, there might not be much in common between brands like M&M’S®, Dungeons & Dragons, and healthtech platform WellTheory, but the thread that binds them is a commitment and purpose as a brand and relevance to their audience, whether that’s through fun, games or healthcare.”

Mars

Mars was recognized in the Family of Brands category for its various brands, including M&M'S®, BEN'S ORIGINAL™, PEDIGREE®, and veterinary care brands including Banfield™, BluePearl™ and VCA™.

“At Mars, whether it’s your favorite snacks, treats and meals or your favorite pet care product or veterinary clinic, we are in the business of creating long-term happiness across our family of consumer and pet care brands,” said Anton Vincent, president of Mars Incorporated North America and global president of Mars Ice Cream. “We are so pleased to receive this recognition from Fast Company and we celebrate all of our Mars Associates — across the business — who come prepared and committed to deliver meaningful and purposeful work to create the world we want tomorrow.”

Through its products and services for humans and pets alike, Mars strives to ensure high quality, while also creating a positive impact. For example, Mars’ pet food brand PEDIGREE has created the Essential Support Dogs Program, a $2.5 million fund to provide nutritional and financial assistance to pets and their owners throughout the United States. The brand has also developed various programs to help promote dog adoption to help end pet homelessness.

Petco

Nationwide pet retailer Petco was recognized among the General Excellence category of Brands That Matter. In addition to offering a wide variety of pet foods, supplies and services to help support pet health and wellness, Petco has established Petco Love, a national nonprofit.

Established in 1999, Petco Love has donated $330 million to support pet adoption and human-animal bond initiatives. The retailer has also shared its progress toward the improvement of environmental sustainability, DEI and employee support.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by Fast Company as a Brand that Matters,” Petco stated. “As a purpose-driven organization, we’re proud to improve lives through our complete health and wellness ecosystem, investments to help our own Petco partners further their careers in pet care, empowering all to be their authentic selves and more.”

Chewy

This e-commerce pet retailer was recognized in the new Pets category of the Brands That Matter list. According to Fast Company, Chewy has become an integral part of pet owners’ lives through its product offerings, as well as its ability to create unique and memorable customer interactions.

During the holidays of 2022, the e-commerce retail giant created Chewy Claus, providing gifts to 5,000 pets and donating 70,000 lbs of food and supplies to Greater Good Charities.

“We strive to create a culture of impact and celebrate every Chewtopian's achievements as they are always in the service of our customers and communities,” the retailer stated. “We’re honored to be recognized amongst other purpose-driven organizations that inspire others to create a positive impact while authentically and clearly communicating their brand’s mission and ideals.

“Thank you to all who made this honor possible. Our Chewy Gives Back efforts, Chewy Claus program, Customer Service gestures and more are testaments to the meaningful work behind our business — and we're just getting started.”

Maev

This human-grade raw pet food company was also recognized in the Pets category of 2023 Brands That Matter list. Founded by Katie Spies, Maev strives to support dog health and wellness through its flash-frozen, raw, high-protein formulas that also provides pet parents convenience. In November 2022, the company released its first puppy formula made with functional ingredients.

According to Fast Company, this pet food company has built a strong brand awareness, quadrupling its subscriber base in 2022. Through its growth, Maev has supported local animal shelters in its headquarters of Austin, Texas, and advanced its environmental impact by using more sustainable packaging.

“As a brand deeply rooted in science and innovation, we are honored to be recognized in this way,” the company stated. “Moreover, we are delighted to share this honor with a group of truly incredible brands.”

Stay up to date on the latest pet food processing industry headlines on our News page.