SOUTH AFRICA SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

A new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the largest donation of pet food in a 24-hour period was set at the Bloemfontein Show by Petshop Science and Montego Pet Nutrition.

A Record Built on Generosity

Petshop Science and Montego Pet Nutrition have officially claimed the Guinness World Records title for the largest donation of pet food in a 24-hour period, collecting an extraordinary 67,200 kg of pet food at the Bloemfontein Show — nearly double the previous record of 36,750 kg set in the United States in 2023.

The record attempt ran from Friday, 1 May at 5:00 PM to Saturday, 2 May at 5:00 PM, with Guinness World Records officials independently verifying and observing every donation before confirming the final total.

“It shows what is possible when people rally behind a cause,” said Trevor Paxton, General Manager of Petshop Science. “A record is one thing, but what matters is where this food is going and the difference it will make.”

Every kilogram collected will be distributed to eight registered animal welfare organisations in the Free State, with additional allocations going to shelters in other provinces.

More Than a Record

For Montego Pet Nutrition Managing Director Johan van Jaarsveld, the achievement meant something beyond the numbers.

“This record gave us an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary dedication of the people who run our animal rescues,” he said. “We are proud of what this partnership with Petshop Science achieved and equally committed to the long-term work that continues beyond it.”

The record-breaking effort is part of a broader commitment to animal welfare. In the past financial year alone, Petshop Science donated R3.3 million worth of pet food and accessories to 35 animal welfare organisations across South Africa — a testament to the brand’s ongoing dedication to the animals and communities it serves.

About Petshop Science

Founded by the Shoprite Group and launched through Checkers in 2021, Petshop Science has grown rapidly to 174 stores across all nine provinces, including through its popular partnership with Sixty60. It holds the distinction of being the first South African supermarket to launch a dedicated pet shop offering a wide range of products at supermarket prices.

“We saw a gap in the market when it came to pet care,” said Checkers COO Willem Hunlun. “Our aim has always been to bring customers everything their four-legged companions could want and need at supermarket prices.”

Premium Nutrition, Made Local

In November 2025, Petshop Science launched a new pet food range developed in consultation with veterinarians and animal nutritionists. The range offers complete, balanced meals made with natural ingredients, and is vet-endorsed, nutritionist-approved, and enriched with dietary fibre, prebiotics and probiotics.

The food is locally produced and packaged in 100% recyclable bags — a nod to the brand’s commitment to both pet health and environmental responsibility.

For dogs, the range covers every life stage — from puppies to seniors, and from small to large breeds. For cats, both kitten and adult options are available, each containing over 30% protein.

“We want to ensure that premium, nutritionally balanced food is no longer a luxury, but a standard of care that every pet can enjoy,” said Paxton. “By offering high-quality, locally produced pet food at accessible prices in 100% recyclable packaging, our new range delivers exceptional value to pet families.”

The new range, he adds, supports local economies, reduces environmental impact, and puts the health and happiness of South Africa’s pets first — one meal at a time.