The Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced it is working to bring the high standards of U.S.-made pet food to more consumers worldwide through its participation in the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The initiative aims to expand consumer awareness of the safety, nutrition and quality of U.S. pet food while addressing regulatory challenges in emerging markets.
With RAPP, PFI is focusing on regions where awareness of U.S. pet food quality is limited and regulatory barriers are significant. “Together with PFI’s ongoing Market Access Program (MAP) initiatives, RAPP allows PFI to deliver critical messages about U.S. pet food quality and safety to a broader audience,” the organization noted.
PFI has been a partner of the USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) for over 30 years, promoting U.S. pet food in established global markets such as Mexico and China. Through MAP, PFI has engaged international consumers and decision-makers via educational programs, trade events and market research, emphasizing the safety and nutritional value of U.S. pet food.
While MAP focuses on marketing and promotion, RAPP enables PFI to address market-specific regulatory issues. By targeting countries with underdeveloped market access or challenging import regulations, PFI aims to educate both regulatory authorities and consumers about the quality assurance and production standards behind U.S. pet food.
In 2025, PFI will concentrate its RAPP efforts on five priority markets: Brazil, Central America, South Africa, South Korea and Taiwan. These regions were selected for their market potential and the complex regulatory hurdles faced by U.S. pet food exporters. For instance, South Africa and Brazil present intricate regulatory frameworks that complicate entry for U.S. producers.
PFI’s strategy includes regulatory engagement, consumer education, and compliance support to navigate these challenges. This approach will help U.S. companies better access these markets while building trust among local consumers.
By combining MAP’s strengths in market promotion with RAPP’s focus on regulatory alignment, PFI aims to expand the global presence of U.S.-made pet food. The organization’s 2025 initiatives will foster greater access to high-quality, nutritious pet food across key regions while addressing unique challenges in each market.
PFI’s efforts are designed to underscore its commitment to meeting the growing global demand for safe and nutritious pet food, reinforcing consumer trust in U.S. products.
Adapted from a press release.
