Debbie Phillips-DonaldsonDebbie Phillips-Donaldson is editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry magazine and Petfood Forum.From the Author - Page 78HomeInterview with Tim Callahan, CEO of WellPetThe following is the transcript of an interview Petfood Industry conducted with Tim Callahan, CEO of WellPet, on January 28, 2010.HomeMars starts with the petIn the current economic environment, the opening of a new manufacturing facility is worth celebrating. Add in that the plant is located in the middle of the US (where manufacturing has been steadily declining), it's received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and it will manufacture a new but already successful line of products, and you can understand why plant owner Mars Petcare US is proud.HomeSomething to Chew On: Don't fear the consumer"No manufacturer or supplier should fear an educated consumer." This makes sense, but should you fear a consumer whose education may not be entirely based on fact or science?HomeConsumers in chargeIndustry professionals and others offer perspectives on dealing with educated and empowered pet ownersHomeAll in the familyTuffy’s Pet Foods succeeds by working family to family and doing the small things rightHomeWhat's hot in petfoodIf you're a petfood professional in Russia, Thailand or South Africa, or you make treats, premium petfood or products with health and wellness claims, you're in the driver's seat behind the engines of industry growth. According to Euromonitor International, while the growth rate of global dog and cat food sales fell to about 4% in 2009 after reaching a high of nearly 7% in 2008, that level of growth during a major recession is one most industries would envy.Market Trends and ReportsSomething to Chew On: Petfood's launch partyA trip to Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, USA, in late March provided tangible proof that the pet industry has weathered the recession well and is set for a strong year. There were definitely more people-pet retail store buyers, exhibiting pet product manufacturers and others-than at least year's event, and a palpable buzz filled the aisles and air.Market Trends and ReportsSomething to Chew On: Bright days ahead-with a few clouds"On solid ground." That's how Packaged Facts describes the US pet industry in its new report, US Pet Market Outlook 2010-2011: Tapping into Post-Recession Pet Parent Spending. It shows the pet care market grew last year despite the awful economy, and most signs point to continued growth for the next year and beyond.Market Trends and ReportsSomething to Chew On: If you can't beat 'em …According to recent reports from the American Pet Products Association and Packaged Facts, the US pet industry stared down the recession and won, gaining 5% last year to a total of US$53 billion. The US petfood category also grew 5%, to US$17.56 billion.HomeLeading the packBuilding on the foundation of its legacy companies, WellPet grows by continuing their leading-edge natural nutritionMarket Trends and ReportsSomething to Chew On: What will consumers do now?"No more fear." While that may sound like a marketing slogan or rock band (in fact, it is the latter), Mintel sees it as an overall theme for how consumers will behave this year. "While in 2009, fear played an important role in shaping consumer behavior, 2010 will see a return of confidence and adaptation," says Richard Cope, Mintel director.Market Trends and ReportsSomething to Chew On: Innovation still drives successBusiness and marketing experts have always known the way to continued growth and success is through innovation. In no industry is that more true than petfood.Previous PagePage 78 of 83Next Page
