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Pet Food Trends and Insights To Watch
What do pet food trends and insights look like for the next year? What are consumers demanding when purchasing pet food? What should suppliers and manufactures consider when producing a product?
These are just a few of the questions addressed by Eric Pierce, Director of Business Insights for New Hope Natural Media during the 2016 Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Mo.
Pierce explained that there is a consumer awakening happening. Consumers are becoming more aware of the foods they bring into their lives. So what are some of these trends? The following are my takeaways from Pierce’s presentation.
Ancient Wisdom – focuses on whole, nutrient dense ingredients that are closer to nature.
Pierce explained that there is a consumer awakening happening. Consumers are becoming more aware of the foods they bring into their lives. So what are some of these trends? The following are my takeaways from Pierce’s presentation.
Ancient Wisdom – focuses on whole, nutrient dense ingredients that are closer to nature.
Growing Focus on Nutrients & Antioxidants – Companies are combining multiple superfoods into one product. Successful companies are telling a nutrient story and engaging consumers.
Cultural Momentum – Many times consumers make purchasing decisions based on whether or not others would buy the same product.
Transcendent Transparency – Consumers are taking note of ingredients, marketing messages and manufacturing processes used to produce pet foods. Consumers are demanding a clean label with simple and recognizable ingredients because this demonstrates trust and aligns with their values. When manufacturers list their labels on the fronts of pet food bags it sends the message that they have nothing to hide while building consumer trust and confidence.
Traceability – Consumers want the capabilities to trace the origins of the products they are purchasing. It builds a deeper connection. They want to know where their products are sourced from and where they are processed. Successful companies are now listing where their ingredients are sourced from which, is a complex task but responds to consumer demand.
Beyond Value Shopper – Consumers are now moving beyond price in order to purchase products they believe in and can stand behind. Many consumers will choose mission-based brands over competing brands because they feel good about their purchasing power. Consumers also feel good about their purchasing decisions when they know that the products they are buying are environmentally friendly.
Sourcing Local – Consumers seek out pet foods made with locally grown ingredients. Raw materials that are sourced locally can increase sustainability and community involvement.
MFiber is proud to offer a product that falls into many of these categories. MFiber is all-natural fiber ingredient processed from Miscanthus, which is grown by local farmers in the Midwestern United States. By working directly with local farmers we are able to produce a product that is 100% traceable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. We take pride in our truly transparent production cycle.
MFiber is proud to offer a product that falls into many of these categories. MFiber is all-natural fiber ingredient processed from Miscanthus, which is grown by local farmers in the Midwestern United States. By working directly with local farmers we are able to produce a product that is 100% traceable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. We take pride in our truly transparent production cycle.
Lynzee Glass, Director of Communications
Lynzee Glass has always had a passion for agriculture. Lynzee grew up in a small southwest Missouri town on her parents’ beef cattle operation. Her true appreciate for agriculture was developed during her involvement in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Lynzee attended Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications. After graduation Lynzee worked as the managing editor of Ozarks Farm and Neighbor newspaper, a regional livestock publication, where she had the opportunity to share the stories of Ozark farmers. Throughout that time, Lynzee was published over 100 times. Under her direction as managing editor, Ozarks Farm and Neighbor was award first-place in newspaper- general excellence by the Livestock Publications Council. She has also been recognized in the industry for her writing and photography skills.
Today, her role as Director of Communications gives her the opportunity to continue working in agriculture. Lynzee oversees the website, social media, event planning, marketing and advertising.
When Lynzee is not at the office she can be found volunteering within her church, serving as the marketing chair for Missouri State University Darr School of Agriculture Alumni and spending time with family and friends.