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.

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

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.

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.

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’ 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.

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.

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

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