Page 48 - PET worldwide issue 03/2022

Dog food

Freshness, quality

and enjoyment

Dog food is the main driver of sales for the pet product trade.
Manufacturers and retailers face major challenges, however,

as these sales can no longer be taken for granted.

The coronavirus pandemic was informed, mostly via social me- ing director Max Graf Kerssen-
a significant factor behind the dia; they know exactly what they brock with regard to this phe-
massive increase in the number want and are quite happy to in- nomenon.
of dogs kept in European house- vest in quality dog food in the
holds. In Europe alone, the ca- long term. Meat and insects
nine population came to nearly A major beneficiary of this The proportion of fresh meat is a
93 million (source: Fediaf) last trend are treat products, which key consideration when it comes
year. Of this number, almost 73 have seen double-digit percent- to dog food. Many manufacturers
million resided in 25 per cent of age growth in most countries. report strong interest from retail-
households in EU member coun- There’s an obvious reason for ers as soon as it is mentioned in
tries. this. “Treats are the expression the listing discussion that only
Many retailers speak of a new of a habit of spoiling dogs that fresh meat is used. It is stressed
class of customers in their stores makes life easier for owners in the same breath, however, that
in relation to the increase in the while increasing their pet’s loy- the tight situation in the raw ma-
dog population. They are well alty to them,” says Seitz manag- terials markets is making it nec-

Not every retailer can manage the variety and quantity of brands and products.

48 PET worldwide 3|2022

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