PETS International magazine October 2018

 The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is celebrating its 60th anniversary. PETS International interviewed APPA president Bob Vetere to discuss developments in the past 60 years and what he expects of the years to come.

Grown out of the Koller family’s experience in sled dog racing, the MAC’s brand has developed into much more than a wet food product for sport dogs.

Brazil is a fast growing pet market. What are the numbers and the latest trends?

Despite economic and political problems in several Latin American countries in recent years, the pet industry remains resilient.

How developments in the retail industry are affecting the delivery of products and services.

Clear and obvious answers for coping with a changing market. 

Mathias Haas presents a new way of looking at things to support the right decisions for the future. For instance, could pets soon be eating insects?

Today, more and more owners consider their pets as members of the family, projecting their own preferences and needs on their animals. This major evolution is shaping the pet food market around four macro trends.

The millennial target group is too big and provides too many opportunities to ignore, but it presents us with a challenge.

Studies show we will soon be hitting the limits of our current ability to meet the food demands of the human population, let alone pets. Where are we headed?

Boutique pet food is the latest marketing buzzword but, with novel ingredients like deer meat, is it a healthier option or an increased risk?

In the valley from which it gets its name, Dolina Noteci applies its philosophy of living close to nature to the production of wet pet foods in one of the most modern manufacturing plants in Europe.

Treats and rewards for pets are a growing market and pet owners are becoming increasingly discerning. What are the latest trends and innovations?

Pet food toppings are a growing segment, but why? And how should pet food manufacturers and retailers respond?

Plain ‘natural’ pet food does not cut it any more in the US market: today it is all about segmentation. What are the incoming trends?

Mimicking a natural, high-current environment, the latest in aquarium design brings a beautiful riverscape to the home.

The recent ban on coral export by the Indonesian government is set to harm the existing reefs more than it will protect them.

From ‘gateway pets’ for children to ‘fur kids’ pampered by millennials; as the demand for small animals increases, so does the demand for tailored products. 

In space-starved city centres worldwide the popularity of smaller species is continuing to increase amongst pet lovers. But a new trend for small, exotic pets is raising concerns about animal welfare.

In this 30th anniversary year, we are taking a look at a number of important topics for the pet food industry. The main driver of the pet industry has gone through major developments in the past three decades.