A Sunshine Coast pet treat manufacturer is tasting sweet success as it teams up with one of the biggest brands in the world.
Coolum-based Huds and Toke has prepared hundreds of thousands of dog donuts to be sold in Krispy Kreme stores across America for International Dog Day.
Huds and Toke was approached by the US donut giant to provide a range of dog-friendly treats that replicate its iconic flavours.
The America-only limited offer includes six flavours, including the iconic original glaze, available at 320 locations in all 52 states from August 26.
It builds off a successful campaign with Krispy Kreme Australia last year.
Huds and Toke started 10 years ago when Russell and Emma Gibbons noticed a gap in the market for a delicious, healthy and fun dog treat that was not a meat product.
They developed a preservative-free recipe – low in fat and sugar – and now have a range of dog, horse, cat and other small animal treats sold nationally and overseas.
Mr Gibbons told Sunshine Coast News it was a “real coup” for a local business to be recognised as world-class brand.
“It’s not every day a small, homegrown brand gets to share in America with one of the biggest brands in the world,” he said.
“It’s a coup to have achieved this. One of our tag lines is we make premium quality, world-class training treats for pets and horses.
“This really solidifies our views that we do create world-class products, and that we are a world-class brand.”
Ms Gibbons said it was a privilege to recreate our favourite human donut flavours for our four-legged friends.
“The flavours will emulate favourite Krispy Kreme donuts, so when you open the box it would be like what humans would be opening if they bought a box,” she said.
“We have especially emulated the original glaze to a tee.
“We will also have our name on the front of their box. It’s something (Krispy Kreme) has never done before.”
It has been a year-long process for the team to have the products ready to for sale in the US for International Dog Day.
“A lot of technology goes into the products so that it can travel to the other side of the world and look like it’s just been made,” Mr Gibbons said.
“We have had to work out a process, a recipe and way to stabilise a product. Also, to transport it remembering it is going to be going through couriers and trucks to get into stores in every state in the USA.
“You need a license in every US state if you are selling a consumable too.”
While it was hard to get verbal feedback from their canine customers, the Gibbons say pet owners are loving the entire range of Huds and Toke products for their furry friends.
“If the dogs are eating it and the dogs are wagging their tails, then they are going to say good things about it,” Mr Gibbons said.
“They show off well in a photo too.”
Ms Gibbons said: “They get the joy out of sharing the moment with their dog or dogs. If they have a smile on their face watching their dog enjoy something, that’s the ultimate feedback.”
Huds and Toke employs an all-woman, all-local team of 10 from its Coolum Beach factory. While the Krispy Kreme release will not be available in Australia, Mr Gibbons said there were plans for a Christmas release.
The products are not for human consumption but are made with all-natural ingredients especially suited to the needs of each species of animal.
Its range of products are available at hudsandtoke.com.au.
