Outdoor bird enthusiasts have flocked in large numbers to birdwatching as a hobby in recent years. In fact, Mike Wulf, the national sales manager for Stephen, Minn.-based  D & D Commodities, says the outdoor pet industry has grown by 26 percent between 2001 and 2006. 

But D & D has seen its line of premium product line soar by 143 percent over that same five-year span. Wulf believes this massive increase in sales has occurred because customers seek out superior products in this category.

"This segment deserves as much, if not more, attention as the low-end, price-driven economy blends," Wulf says.

All of D & D's premium and advanced formula products use real fruits and nuts instead of fillers, and all are vitamin- and mineral-fortified. 
 
"This assures that the outdoor pet shopper will have a great experience attracting the most desired birds to their backyard," Wulf says.

In addition to its product lines for outdoor birds, the company also offers foods for caged birds as well as foods and treats for small animals.

D & D Commodities evolved from a seed-processing company to become a leader in consumer packaged products, Wulf says. The company now sells and distributes its products worldwide.

"Our continued desire is to focus on premium items for the retailers and their shoppers," Wulf says.

At a Glance:  National Sales Manager: Mike Wulf Years In Business: 20  Location of Company: Stephen, Minn. Flagship Product: Premium Outdoor Pet Food D&D Web Address: http://www.ddcommodities.com/DD/

D & D Commodities has also recently launched an outdoor pet food designed to keep outdoor living areas clean.
 
"Users will not have uneaten seeds or shells under their feeder on a deck porch or patio," he says. "The launch of this new item has started a trend in the industry to fulfill this need."

This fall, the company has plans to launch even more new products. 

"We're revolutionizing the suet category with a new line that shoppers can relate to," Wulf says.
 
Wulf believes the company's role is to continue to educate retailers of the benefits of stocking true premium products, and, as a result, raising the bar for the industry.  "Many retailers have barely scratched the surface when it comes to true premium items in outdoor pets, and we see nothing but continued growth in this category," he says.  <HOME>