Ruffwear, the maker of gear that helps dogs and their owners enjoy the outdoors, announced that its UK-based distributor Accapi will assume responsibility for the Italian market beginning Oct. 20.

This change is an expansion of the two companies five-year relationship in Europe.

Were excited to expand the partnership between Ruffwear and Accapi,” said Ruffwear Director of Sales Dove Gibson. “Accapi has excelled with Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear throughout the UK and other parts of Europe, and were looking forward to partnering with them in Italy. Theyve assembled a terrific team that is committed to delivering great service to Ruffwear Retailers.

We are delighted to extend our partnership with Ruffwear into Italy, following almost five years of successful growth in other parts of Europe, said Andrew Geere, CEO of Accapi Group. The strategy to have one principal distribution partner in Europe will enable supply chain and customer service improvements to benefit our retailers. This, combined with an exciting range of new products to be launched in FW15, and major investment in European infrastructure and marketing activity by Accapi and Ruffwear will make the world’s leading adventure dog brand more accessible to consumers in each market. We cant wait to get started in Italy, where we have hiredMr. Massimo Pinarelli as our sales representative.

Ruffwear would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to its existing Italian distributor, Kong S.p.A., for their dedication and hard work to grow the Ruffwear brand in Italy over the past two years.

The Accapi Group is a UK-based distributor of premium brands in the outdoor, country and pet industries, including Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear, Kurgo, and Planet Dog.

Based in Bend, Oregon, USA, Ruffwear sells their products through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as at www.ruffwear.com. For sales inquiries, please contact Dove Gibson, dove@ruffwear.com.