Articles

The pet is a great industry, but also a tad ridiculous, said Michael Johnson, principal of consumer strategy, BSM Partners, during the opening session of the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Pet Food Conference at the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta on January 28. “There are about 87 million pet parents in the … Read more

The Ecuadorian Committee for Pet Nutrition (CENMA) has confirmed that, starting February 1, 2025, pet food will be exempt from value-added tax (VAT). This initiative, driven by CENMA’s collaboration with government entities, represents a major win for pet owners and the pet food industry alike. More than 8 million Ecuadorian families with pets are expected … Read more

Especially after the pandemic focused attention on medical concerns, health and wellness have become important marketing claims in the U.S. pet market. Part of the reason health and wellness claims have become nearly ubiquitous is that the claims encompass a diverse array of pet foods and treats, from functional ingredients to biotics to dental care. … Read more

Differences may exist among generations’ acceptance of pet humanization in the United States. In Packaged Facts’ July-August 2024 and November 2024 Surveys of Pet Owners, 72% of dog owners and 70% of cat owners reported considering pets as part of their families. However, differences emerged by age group. Pets as family by generation Baby Boomers, … Read more

Market analysts with Packaged Facts observed that the pet population of the United States grew at historically low rates during 2022 (0.4%) and 2023 (0.5%). They forecast that this low pet population growth rate would likely persist into the near future. Meanwhile, the number of households with pets grew at a faster rate, ranging between … Read more

Drying and cooling are critical stages in pet food manufacturing. Drying removes excess moisture, while cooling stabilizes the temperature, making the product ready for packaging and sale. Both are essential steps in producing safe, high-quality pet food. Drying technologies typically include methods like convection drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying, which apply controlled heat and … Read more

Rising cat ownership is opening the door for a wave of cat-centric food and treats to enter the market. A recent Cargill survey found that 59% of pet parents now own a cat, with more than one-third owning more than one, a growth driven by cats’ ability to fit seamlessly into modern, busy urban lifestyles. … Read more

In an “omnimarket” world of pet industry competition, how do retail shopping patterns play out for pet food? Discount stores/supercenters (including Walmart) and supermarkets combined are the top channel for pet food shopping, according to MRI-Simmons Spring 2024 data, drawing 56% of category purchasers. Rounding out the top three channels for pet food purchasing are online … Read more

Gone are the days when pet food was just a bag of kibble! In 2024, the pet food world was buzzing with innovations, from fresh and functional recipes to eco-friendly packaging. European pet owners, now more invested than ever, are reshaping the market with their demand for sustainable, high-quality and wellness-focused options. Brands like Lily’s … Read more

In Tractor Supply’s recent Black Friday digital advertising flyer, the first product category featured was gun safes. Given the recent political context for Tractor Supply, the pet market and the nation, this choice comes across as a peace-making gesture to its conservative-leaning customer base.   As reported by Forbes (July 24, 2024), Tractor Supply — … Read more