Freshpet

FRPT

Freshpet is an American manufacturer of fresh, refrigerated food and treats for dogs and cats using natural ingredients, and are the first in the fresh and refrigerated category to be distributed across North America. It was founded in 2006 and combines meats with fruits and vegetables to make foods and treats for pets. Freshpet stock is traded on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "FRPT".Pet foods manufactured by this company are available in over 20,000 stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, including mass-market stores, natural food retailers, pet specialty stores, and retailers Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Petco and PetSmart.While sales in other pet food categories are flat or in decline, the frozen/refrigerated dog food market grew by 31% in 2018, with similar growth in the refrigerated cat food market. Freshpet's own sales were up 27% as of their Q3 earnings call in 2018. Freshpet also has Freshpet Vet site where veterinarians can gain detailed information on which fresh pet food is best to recommend to pet patients.Freshpet foods are packed fresh and must be served accordingly. Just like the refrigerated food that humans eat, "pet parents" must ensure that purchase and serving is within expiration date.

Freshpet has been a target of short sellers for a while. The current short interest of 16.39% is slightly above the average of the last 12 months (14.09%).