This webinar will broadcast at 10:00 AM CDT (Chicago) / 3:00 PM GMT (London) / 11:00 PM CST (Beijing).
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- Uncover the top global trends influencing pet food and treats in 2026
- Learn where the pet food market currently stands amidst economic changes
- Explore industry growth projections and key factors driving the industry’s future
This webinar is sponsored by Freemen Nutra, Scoular, and ThrivePop and presented by Petfood Industry.
Speaker Information
Dr. Lonnie Hobbs, Jr. is an assistant professor of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University and a researcher specializing in pet food economics, consumer demand and agribusiness strategy. His work focuses on understanding how evolving consumer values, particularly around sustainability, premiumization, ingredient sourcing and health claims, shape purchasing behavior and market positioning in the global pet food industry. Dr. Hobbs’ research integrates advanced demand modeling with practical industry insights to help firms navigate shifting market dynamics and competitive pressures. He teaches courses in food and agribusiness marketing and commodity futures at Kansas State University, and holds a B.S. in Agribusiness from Prairie View A&M University and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University.
Lindsay Beaton is the editor of Petfood Industry magazine, a monthly print and digital publication focusing on the interests of global pet food and pet treat manufacturing professionals, published by WATT Global Media. She is also the host of a semi-monthly industry-focused podcast, “Trending: Pet Food,” where she discusses with industry experts the latest trends in pet food, including various market segments, pet nutrition, consumer impact and other hot topics. Lindsay has been a guest pet food expert on the History Channel show “The Food that Built America,” has been a judge for several pet industry-related pitch competitions, and speaks at multiple industry conferences annually on industry trends. Her focus has been in the pet food industry since 2013, with prior work in the animal agriculture and produce industries.