Debbie Phillips-DonaldsonDebbie Phillips-Donaldson is editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry magazine and Petfood Forum.From the Author - Page 57Pet Food MarketWhy private equity loves the pet food industryThe pet food and product industries’ continued growth, even during the recession, has attracted private equity investment. What’s the impact?Pet Food MarketOnline pet food sales and home delivery expected to growThough still representing only a small share of overall pet food sales, the online channel is attracting pet owners who are buying more frequently.Pet Food MarketHas grain-free pet food surpassed trend status?Grain-free pet food now accounts for nearly 30% of pet food sales and four of every 10 new pet food products in the US pet specialty channel.Pet Food MarketOrganic pet food sales mirror lag in human foodThe price of organic food products, whether for pets or humans, still seems to be the biggest barrier holding back sales of this category.Pet Food MarketNo benefit in Purina-Blue Buffalo pet food lawsuitsIt’s difficult to see how the ongoing squabble, and continuing disparagement of pet food by-products, helps pets, their owners or the industry long term.Pet Food MarketGrain-free pet food is here to stay, as are pet treatsSales of grain-free pet food in US pet specialty hit US$2.2 billion in 2014. Freeze-dried pet food grew 44%, and pet treats accounted for 16% of US spending.Pet Food MarketNatural pet food sales soar despite fuzzy definitionSales of natural pet food grew 15.2% annually from 2010-2014 and will rise 14.6% a year through 2019; but what does ‘natural’ really mean? Does it matter?Pet Food MarketKansas City pet food players make up 61% of US salesPet food companies within the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor represent 61% of the total pet food sold in the US and 49% of global pet food sales.Pet Food MarketWill pet food labeling studies spur further FDA action?With FSMA regulations finally done and due to take effect this year, FDA might finally focus on pet food labeling and other regulations from a 2007 law.Pet Food MarketPrivate equity reshaping pet food and product industriesAttracted by the pet industry’s growth, private equity is fueling pet food product development while reducing the supply chain for independent pet retailers.Pet Food MarketBaby Boomers, step aside: Millennials now own more petsMillennials have supplanted Baby Boomers as the largest US pet-owning population. What does this mean for pet food product development and marketing?Pet Food MarketShould a sustainable food system include pet food?Six in 10 global consumers want a sustainable food system, while US nutrition experts advocate for food security. Does this apply to pet food, too?Previous PagePage 57 of 83Next Page
