FLASHFOOD PARTNERS WITH REN'S PETS

A digital marketplace that's been helping consumers fight grocery store food inflation has moved into the pet food realm with Ren's Pets stores.

Ren's Pets in Ancaster and Hannon are among 11 locations in the initial program rollout with Flashfood, a platform that aims to reduce food waste by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best before date.

The partnership, launched Feb. 15, is slated to expand to the remaining 45 Ren's Pets locations in Ontario and Atlantic Canada by the end of March.

Kate Leadbeater, Flashfood chief marketing officer, said the initiative with Ren's Pets is the company's first partnership with a pet food retailer.

Flashfood offers shoppers savings of up to 50 per cent off food items nearing their best-by date.

Launched in 2018, Leadbeater said Flashfood has helped 1.6 million users in Canada save more than $150 million on their grocery bill while helping to reduce food waste.

Consumers can now browse and buy pet food through the Flashfood app on their mobile phone and pick up their order from a participating Ren's Pets store.

"Flashfood is a bit of a treasure hunt. So you can check the app daily to see what new deals you can find," said Leadbeater.

Leadbeater said the product shelf life can vary from several weeks to a few days, depending on the product. There's no requirement to buy in bulk.

"Pet parents are going to be able to save up to 50 per cent off on quality pet food items like kibble, wet food, raw food and treats. So we're excited both for our existing shoppers and new shoppers," said Leadbeater.

Customers can browse any number of Ren's Pets locations to see what's available, pay for the items and pick them up at the store.

"During the last few years, pet ownership in

Canada has increased tremendously, and despite looming economic concerns and financial pressures, we know Canadians hold an unwavering desire to provide the best for their pets," said Scott Arsenault,

CEO of Ren's Pets, in a news release.

"This partnership with Flashfood will help us better serve our shoppers by offering our top-quality pet food products at reduced prices to support their wallets, sustainability interests, and, of course, their pets' nutritional needs."

Flashfood launched Feb. 15 at these 11 Ontario Ren's Pets locations:

• 20 Brock Rd. N., Guelph

• 1525 Victoria St. N., Kitchener

• 400 The Boardwalk, Waterloo

• 34 Pinebush Rd., Cambridge

• 1979 Hyde Park, London

• 821 Golf Links Rd., Ancaster

• 218 Henry St., Brantford

• 3405 Wonderland Rd. S., London

• 2120 Rymal Rd. E., Hannon

• 4315 Walker Rd., Windsor

• 1330 Exmouth St., Sarnia