SuperZoo is just around the corner, and I'm excited. In the latest episode of Petworking, I sat down with three industry leaders to discuss upcoming trends and innovations in pet nutrition ahead of this major event, and what we can hope and expect to see on the show floor in Las Vegas this week. My guests were Dr. Greg Aldrich, COO of Nulo Pet Food, Greg Kean VP of Global Innovation and Nutrition at Wellness Pet Company, and Dr. James Templeman, Director of Nutrition at Primal Pet Foods.
Key discussion points included:
Alternative processing methods: The experts expect to see continued innovation in minimally processed pet foods, including raw, frozen, freeze-dried, and gently cooked options. These products aim to provide optimal nutrition while addressing consumer demand for less processed foods.
Affordability and value: With economic pressures affecting pet owners, companies are working to balance premium nutrition with affordability. This includes offering smaller package sizes and positioning some products as meal toppers rather than complete diets.
Consumer experience: The panel emphasized the importance of creating positive feeding experiences for both pets and owners. This includes factors like aroma, texture, and variety to keep pets interested and owners satisfied.
Fresh and refrigerated foods: While fresh pet food continues to grow in popularity, the experts noted challenges around profitability, logistics, and consumer education. They expect continued innovation in this space to address these issues.
Science-backed nutrition: There's an increasing focus on conducting feeding trials and other research to validate nutritional claims and build veterinarian and consumer trust.
Sustainability: The experts hope to see more innovation around sustainable nutrition, including alternative proteins and upcycled ingredients.
Cat food innovation: With the growing cat population, there's an opportunity for more product development specifically for felines.
While it's challenging to predict the next big breakthrough, the experts agreed that Super Zoo often provides surprises in terms of new product concepts. They look forward to seeing how companies continue to innovate to meet evolving consumer demands and pet nutritional needs.
As the pet food industry continues to evolve, it's clear that balancing nutrition, affordability, sustainability, and consumer experience will be key drivers of innovation. Super Zoo 2024 promises to showcase the latest advancements in these areas, potentially unveiling the next big trend in pet nutrition.
Listen to the episode, and share your thoughts in the comments!
