David Sprinkle

David Sprinkle is the publisher and research director at Packaged Facts, a leading supplier of market research on the US pet industry. He is also the author of Petfood Industry magazine's monthly column, "Market Report." For more information, contact customerservice@packagedfacts.com or 800-298-5294.

US pet industry reset: Physical, digital shopping trends

The global pandemic has permanently shifted the way consumers purchase pet food products.

March 4, 2021

David Sprinkle

The COVID-19 global pandemic has permanently shifted the way consumers purchase pet food products, with digital purchasing playing a more significant role than ever.

Pandemic resilience spurs pet industry investment boom

In a recession-resistant industry, businesses that made it into 2021 are looking to continue growing.

February 26, 2021

David Sprinkle

Throughout 2021, we can expect to see continued M&A and investment activity in the pet market space.

Category update: pet supplement sales and trends

Pet supplement sales grew in 2020 as pet owners became more concerned with their own health and those of their pets.

February 26, 2021

David Sprinkle

Pet supplement sales grew in 2020 as pet owners became more concerned with their own health and those of their pets, due in part to COVID-19.

Store brands in pet specialty and pure play

While “private label” has been associated with “budget” in consumer minds for some time, retail trends in other segments are changing that perception and providing opportunities in the pet space.

December 14, 2020

David Sprinkle

While “private label” has been associated with “budget” in consumer minds for some time, retail trends in other human food segments are changing that perception and providing opportunities for store brand pet products.

Looking back: Pet acquisition, wellness during a pandemic

2020’s COVID-19 pandemic created many shifts in the pet industry; among them is pet ownership itself.

December 8, 2020

David Sprinkle

2020’s COVID-19 pandemic created many shifts in the pet industry; among them is pet ownership itself, including adoptions and fosters from multiple channels.

Fresh pet food update: A segment gaining ground

‘Fresh’ has been popular in human food for quite some time now, so it’s no surprise that the concept is gaining ground in pet food.

October 9, 2020

David Sprinkle

‘Fresh’ has been popular in human food for quite some time now, so it’s no surprise that the concept is gaining ground in pet food as pet owners seek to match their pets' food experiences to their own.

Pet food psychographics: Canada versus US

There are some differences between Canada and the U.S., as well as among the Canadian provinces and regions themselves, when it comes to how they feed their pets.

September 9, 2020

David Sprinkle

There are some differences between Canada and the U.S., as well as among the Canadian provinces and regions themselves, when it comes to how they feed their pets and what pet food manufacturers should be aware of.

Market upside for pet food meal toppers

A developing segment of the pet food market continues to hold promise and provide opportunity.

August 10, 2020

David Sprinkle

A developing segment of the pet food market, mixers, toppers and add-ins continue to hold promise and provide opportunity.

Pet adoption to the rescue during COVID-19

Pet adoptions are up, and many households are attributing it specifically to current events.

June 15, 2020

David Sprinkle

Pet adoptions are up in the U.S., and many households are attributing it specifically to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Premium pet food buyers double down on e-commerce

Unsurprisingly, online purchasing patterns have seen more loyalty in the last few months than in-person shopping methods.

May 13, 2020

David Sprinkle

Unsurprisingly, online purchasing patterns have seen more loyalty in the last few months than in-person shopping methods as pet owners stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.