PETS International Magazine May 2020

The pet market in the US is booming, with 85 million households now home to a pet. Emerging generational trends promise good things for the industry.

For what kind of food is a pet parent prepared to spend more than usual? The key to a new successful product may well be its resemblance to human food.

A possible no-deal Brexit may be overshadowed by the COVID-19 crisis. AMA Research considers what this means for the UK pet accessories market.

While the US remains the largest global pet food market in volume sales, the Chinese market is rapidly expanding, as one of Mintel’s top five fastest growing markets. What are the latest food trends there and elsewhere?

Private labels emerged many years ago as cheaper alternatives that generated better margins than traditional brands. Over time, they became brands themselves, even evolving into exclusive brands.

The things that pet parents find important for themselves, are just as important for their pets. In an age of individualism and self-expression, unique and quirky pet accessories are in high demand.

As pets are increasingly becoming part-and-parcel of our lives, and as living space is becoming smaller in urbanised areas, creating homes that respect each person's and animal’s characteristics and needs, is necessary for a harmonious coexistence.

Nowadays, human marketing trends are a sure-fire indicator of where pet trends will go next.   

This coming year, watch out for a number of exciting pet accessory innovations, largely modelling those of their pet parents!

The natural pet food trend started 25 years ago in the US and has continued to expand globally. Today, premium pet foods have become synonymous with the concept of being ‘natural’. A significant part of this trend has been the development of natural antioxidant alternatives to help pet food companies maintain the shelf-life of their pet foods.

The growing demand for nutritionally optimal and palatable raw pet food ingredients is challenging to meet ethically, environmentally and economically. There are alternative, sustainable options but they require optimal cooperation along the value chain.

Sustainability is becoming a critical part of today’s pet food business and encompasses a whole lot more than just sourcing natural, organic and sustainable ingredients.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates vividly the vulnerability of our value chains to risks, whether climate and sustainability-related, reputational or quality, like product recalls. How do we rethink them to increase resilience and ensure business continuity?

Humanisation of pets is more relevant than ever, and as owners expect only the best for their pets, new packaging innovations are needed to be able to unite convenience, freshness, and sustainability.

Looking for unique, marketable product features and differentiating marketing messages in branded and private label products? Plant-based dietary fibres are not only a rich source of product innovation, they also respond to the consumer demand for vegetarian and sustainable alternatives.

A long and healthy life is what everyone tries to achieve for their pets. Well-balanced and high-quality nutrition with health benefits is where it all begins and a balanced, nutritious diet contains vegetable ingredients.

This category is expected  to continue increasing year-over-year

Not all pet food ingredients are created equal. Consumers today  expect sustainably-sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients that positively  enhance the health and well-being of pets.

Nibbling comes naturally to small animals, both in the wild and as pets. The pet industry provides a wide choice of snacks and treats tailored to the needs of all smaller species.

E-commerce was again the fastest growth channel for pet product sales during 2019, growing 26% to reach $12.3 billion (€11.5 billion), with pet food accounting for $8.2 billion (€7.6 billion). However, there are some paradoxes.

Pet treat companies are looking into new and exciting protein sources and ingredients. But will customers be provided with sustainable proteins in a way that respects planetary boundaries?

A recent survey among pet owners shows that lack of knowledge is the main reason for their hesitation in accepting insect proteins in pet food and snacks.