Diamond anniversary of American Pet Products Association

How it started

Sixty years ago, APPA was made up of a handful of small entrepreneurs and the pet industry was a far cry from what it is today – one of the largest retail segments in the US with pet spending now at an impressive $69 billion (€59 billion) annually. APPA has come a long way, from seventeen members in 1958 to more than 1,200 members now, consisting of pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers.

In the 1990s, the industry’s distribution patterns changed and retailers became a huge driver in the process. This was another significant period of growth for APPA. Globalisation of the pet product industry had completely altered the way business was being done. Around 2010, it became obvious that there was more risk-taking, and entrepreneurs were marketing innovations like never before. Consumer demand for products that make being a pet parent more enjoyable, while improving the pet’s life, has been on the rise ever since.

By the time the association reached its 50th anniversary, the original name APPMA had been changed into APPA. This was done after careful consideration. The new name provided greater flexibility for the future, while maintaining continuity with the past. 

It also communicated the association’s mission more clearly, while appealing to a broader group. And it was fareasier to pronounce! The name change was a solid move in the association’s efforts to adapt to a changing industry. It has served them well ever since in their role as leaders in the industry and thus the go-to organisation.

Exhibition

Global Pet Expo (formerly known as the APPMA Show) has grown significantly from the first event in 1959 in Chicago.

Then it was just 75 booths – today, in Orlando, Florida, it is more than 3,500 booths over 352,300 net square feet (32,800 sqm) of exhibit space. The show became an annual event and was rebranded as Global Pet Expo nearly fifteen years ago. This better reflects the show’s global significance.

Online versus offline developments

The rise of e-commerce is reshaping the future of not only the pet industry. It is having an effect on all sectors and the way manufacturers are adjusting their business models.Not only the online shopping itself, but also the convenience of auto- replenishment programmes, free shipping and major companies entering the market are game changers. APPA is constantly working to provide their members with educational seminars, networking opportunities, research and events that help keep them up-to-speed with new trends, forecasts and current data that can help their companies be successful.

International market versus the US market

While the US still dominates the pet market, there is remarkable growth in other countries and regions, including China, Thailand, India, Brazil and South America. This provides significant opportunities for company growth. The challenge for manufacturers is to understand and adjust to the unique cultural and business operational differences in each of those countries where they are seeking to expand their businesses. In order to assist in connecting manufacturers with buyers, APPA has continued to intensify its outreach to foreign buyers attending Global Pet Expo. One of the it has done this is by expanding the show’s International Pavilion.  

The years to come

Continuing to focus on current consumer demands, shopping trends and product preferences will remain of the utmost importance as competition in the marketplace continues to grow. Having an understanding of the varying preferences of each buying demographic – from baby boomers and Gen X to millennials and the rising Gen Z – is also critical. Access to APPA’s National Pet Owners Survey is an important member benefit that assists in understanding consumers and their purchasing habits.