Some trends differ from, others mirror global trends
From Petfood Industry:
The past 12 months of trends in the UK pet food industry were examined recently by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF) and GfK, reported Pet Gazette.
One key finding was that dog food makes up three-quarters of the GBP900 million (US$1.3 billion) in retail pet food sales made in the UK. Of this large segment, dry food ate up some of wet foods’ market share. Also, dog foods marketed as natural rose as a percentage of sales, although grain-free products held steady. This increase in natural, but not grain-free, products stands in contrast to an earlier GfK study on trend in the US. In the US, grain-free products lead the charge towards natural pet foods.
Despite a difference in ingredient focus, the increase in natural pet foods in the UK does reflect a movements in the US and other nations. As Petfood Industry recently reported, many trends have become global. From Bangkok to Nuremburg to Kansas City, industry events have reflected the popularity of high protein foods. Another global trend is the along with ecologically sensitive and transparent production methods.
Consumers have increasingly demanded natural, organic and sustainable pet foods. The demand has outpaced the general market and a Packaged Facts report predicts that this trend will continue.
PIF reveals first annual industry trends - Pet Gazette
The Pet Industry Federation has revealed the first annual trends within the £900 million pet food industry. The PIF, in conjunction with GfK, collected over a year's worth of data from pet and non-pet speciality stores, which shows that dog food accounts for three quarters of the sales value in a market now worth £0.9 billion.
GfK: Grain-free pet food has potential to outgrow natural
'Natural' pet food may get all the headlines, but grain-free is the engine powering the natural juggernaut. New data from GfK's point-of-sale pet panel, which represents more than 11,000 pet specialty stores, shows that grain-free dog and cat food now accounts for one-third (34%) of all pet food sales, and 48% of the 'natural' category.
Specialty pet foods and treats continue to outperform other segments of the pet food industry, leading to significant market growth and opportunities for manufacturers looking to expand.
Pet owners want a lot from their pet food brands. They want primary proteins that suit what they believe is best for their animal. They want grains or they don't. They want something customized, but it has to be easy to understand.
