SPINS Pet Trends 2020 - What's Driving Today's Pet Parents
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SPINS Pet Trends 2020 What’s Driving Today’s Pet Parents
2 SPINS Pet Trends 2020
We Love Pets.
No matter how hectic the world may be, one.1 During this time, American pet owners
or even in the midst of a global pandemic, have incrementally increased their year-over-
pets will always be a consistent and positive year spend, resulting in 450% growth. Each
source of companionship in our lives. year, pet parents are spending $49 billion
Whether you have a dog, cat, fish, bird, or on pet care, which includes food, treats,
reptile, you love your pets like they’re part and supplies.2
of the family. And judging by today’s trends,
In other words, pet owners are investing
pet owners are taking this mentality to the
in their 4-legged (and 2-legged and
store aisles.
gilled) friends.
Over the last 25 years, the pet industry has
grown steadily, evolving from a simple but
sizeable industry into a complex, booming
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.
SPINS Pet Trends 2020 3
Who Are Today’s Natural similarly to how they may pamper
Pet Owners? themselves: reading the labels
on foods, choosing high quality
Pet owners are synonymously
ingredients, and even treating them
known as pet parents or pet mothers
to luxuries like high-end clothing
and fathers, in turn, making their
and spa days. By now you probably
dogs and cats their ‘fur babies.’
nearly know that it’s no trend—it’s today’s
Whatever you call yourself (and your
default style, and you can thank the
pets), just know that you’re in good
company. According to data from
IRI All Outlet Panel that is enhanced
7-in-10 changing demographics for that.
The Millennial Shift
with SPINS Product Attribution, households have purchased pet
nearly 7-in-10 households have food and treats in the past year. Millennials aren’t the first pet owners
purchased pet food and treats in to view their pets as part of the
the past year. family—they just happen to have the
In fact, today’s pet parents are
making multiple trips to the store.
30% numbers and social savvy to bring
this mentality to the mainstream.
Today, 1 in 3 pet owners is a
In the past year, 61% of households of natural, specialty, and
wellness pet shopper millennial, and between 2007 and
bought pet food and treats at 2015, millennials accounted for
least twice: households have bought
pet food and treats at least 43% of pet owner growth.3
• 35% of households bought twice in the past year. Research from Packaged Facts
dog food also finds:
Source: IRI All Outlet Panel, enhanced
• 28% of households bought with SPINS Product Attribution
cat food • 55% of millennial pet owners
vs 30% of older pet owners
• 28% of households bought
are open to trying holistic and
dog treats
natural-branded nutritional pet
Looking specifically at natural, Millennials accounted for supplements prior to conventional
specialty, and wellness pet pet medication
shoppers, 30% of households have
bought pet food and treats at least
43% • 69% of millennial pet owners
vs 44% of older pet owners are
twice in the past year: of pet owner growth likely to consider foods with
between 2007 to 2015. natural ingredients over mass-
• 13% of households have bought
dog food produced foods
69%
• 13% of households have bought • 75% of millennial dog owners
55% and 64% of millennial cat
dog treats 44%
owners identify fear of pet food
• 6.7% of households have bought 30%
contamination or product safety as
cat food
a key consideration in the foods
A popular Twitter account that simply they buy
spotlights cute dogs shifted the Open to trying Likely to So you might not be surprised that
way we talk about these loveable holistic and consider
today’s pet owners (or pet parents)
creatures and how we imagine natural-branded foods with
nutritional pet naturally-made bring the same scrutiny to labels and
what they’re thinking. It might
supplements ingredients concern for quality to the pet store
seem small, but it’s the perfect
that they take to the grocery aisle.
embodiment of how we care for our Millennial pet owners
pets. For several years, experts in Older pet owners
the industry have been talking about
the humanization of pets, a trend Source: Packaged Facts
that reflects millennials’ increasing
tendency to pamper their animals
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.
4 SPINS Pet Trends 2020
engaged year-round. Seasonal and
personal events affect pet parents’
PETS GET THE BEST FROM THEIR OWNERS
buying patterns, whether that means
grabbing a dog coat in the winter or
a new cat toy to celebrate a holiday.
The COVID Bump
The effects of COVID-19 caused
have purchased
many Americans to stay at home
clothing or costumes
for an extended period of time,
give gift/treat whether it be due to shelter in
at Christmas place orders or work from home
recommendations. Soon after
give gift/treat
for birthday
this increased time at home, pet
shelters saw a surprising and
give gift/treat for uplifting trend: a rise in adoptions
Halloween and fostering. Suddenly homebound
for the foreseeable future, workers
Source: FINN CADY decided they could now devote
their time and energy to take on a
new family member and shelters
saw historic increases that cleared
their cages. The wave of adoptions
Pets Deserve the Best Pets Get the Best
hasn’t yet had a long-term effect
That concern for better foods We’re not just buying high-quality on sales thanks to COVID. Because
and medications is indicative of a treats and foods for our fluffiest pet owners (new and existing
growing desire to give pets the family members. They have birthday alike) stockpiled kibble during the
best life possible. Research firm reminders on our calendars and start of lockdown in March, they
FINN CADY finds that pet owners a spot on holiday shopping lists. didn’t return to the stores quite as
view food as a major component in According to research from frequently afterward, causing sales to
their pets’ well-being:4 FINN CADY, gradually level off. However, there’s
• Approximately 60% of dog and • More than 40% of dog owners still an opportunity to reach these
cat owners are very or somewhat and 25% of cat owners have customers—particularly the first-time
concerned about their pet’s purchased clothing or costumes pet owners—who are looking for
nutrition for their pets. Dog owners are education, exploring new foods and
more likely to buy both clothing treats, and bringing their own lifestyle
• Approximately 8 in 10 dog and
and costumes. habits into the pet parenting styles.
cat owners strongly or somewhat
agree that what their pet eats • More than ½ of dog and cat
impacts his or her health owners give their pets a gift or
treat at Christmas
• More than 8 in 10 dog and cat
owners strongly or somewhat • Half of dog owners and Approximately
approximately ⅓ of cat owners
80%
agree that what their pet eats
affects his or her lifespan celebrate a pet’s birthday with a
treat or gift
• Nearly 8 in 10 dog and cat owners
strongly or somewhat agree that • Nearly ¼ of dog and cat owners of dog and cat owners
what their pet eats affects his or give their pets a gift or treat to strongly or somewhat
her happiness celebrate Halloween agree that what their pet
Brands and retailers can think about eats impacts its health.
how they are communicating with
Source: FINN CADY
and attracting pet owners beyond
the kibble and cat nip to keep them
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.
SPINS Pet Trends 2020 5
What These Trends Tell You
TREND 1
Changing demographics certainly drive much of today’s pet
trends, but that’s not the only factor. Today’s pet owners don’t view The Rise of Natural and Organic
their dogs, cats, lizards, fish, and any other animal as simply pets.
More than ever before, pets aren’t just part of the family—they’re TREND 2
possibly more spoiled than anyone in the household. The trends
Customizing the Pet Diet
we explore in this report all have a common theme: providing pets
with a great quality of life. For some shoppers, that means reading
the ingredients labels. For others it’s about dietary needs. For TREND 3
everyone, it’s about making an informed choice. The Struggle to Achieve
Sustainability Inside and Out
Some trends are newer to the scene and others have been
lurking for years and are finally considered mainstream. No matter
what, they tell you that the days of transactional relationships
TREND 4
with customers are over. Succeeding in the pet business means
Enriching the Neighborhood
showing customers that you not only understand animals but that
Store Experience
you care about them as if they were your own.
somewhat concerned about their Those views are playing out in
TREND 1 pet’s nutrition. Meanwhile, Packaged real time at the checkout line.
Facts finds that 69% of millennial Natural’s strength is apparent when
The Rise of Natural pet owners and 44% of owners over comparing growth rates between
and Organic 35 are more likely to consider common natural and conventional
products with naturally-made products over the past year.
NATURAL’S UPWARD
ingredients versus conventional,
TRAJECTORY
mass-produced foods. CBD: A Pet’s Best Friend
Perhaps no trend reflects pet
owners’ love for their pets more CBD’s explosive growth can likely
than the rising popularity of natural Growth Rates Between Common be attributed to pet owners not
products. While the pandemic has Natural and Conventional Products only wanting to help their pets stay
disrupted shopping habits this year, In the Past Year healthy, but also wanting to give
shoppers are exploring natural them a good quality of life. Although
89% Natural CBD and hemp seed oil’s health
products and causing retailers and
Conventional benefits for animals are still being
brands to take notice. Neighborhood
pet specialty stores understand researched (and the FDA has yet to
36%
the effect this trend is having on approve any CBD products for pets),
17% 14%
business, as 70% of their dollar sales 4% 7% 2% 5% pet owners have begun to make
come from natural, specialty, and -6% -2% this functional ingredient a regular
wellness products. part of their pets’ daily routines.
cat
food
cat
treats
medication /
first aid
dog
treats
dog
food
SPINS research finds that the top
The reason is simple: Pet owners reasons pet owners rely on CBD oil
care about what they’re putting in and treats are for calming their pets’
their pet’s food bowl. FINN CADY nerves and joint relief. Additionally,
finds that nearly 2 in 3 dog and cat Source: SPINS Natural Enhanced
a recent study from Colorado State
Channel and MultiOutlet Channel NPI
owners believe natural pet foods University found that CBD oil did
(powered by IRI) for the 52-week period
are best, and approximately 60% ending July 12, 2020.) appear to have a correlation on
of dog and cat owners are very or
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.
6 SPINS Pet Trends 2020
shifts. When shoppers head to the
HOW POPULAR IS CBD WITH PET OWNERS? pet store, they aren’t just grabbing
the biggest bag of kibble they can
find. They’re doing research before
they arrive and reading labels before
1 in 4 dog owners 1 in 4 cat owners they head to the checkout line. (This
have fed their dog a have fed their cat a might become even more popular in
CBD/hemp seed oil CBD/hemp seed oil light of pets getting a little too many
product product treats during the pandemic and
putting on a few extra pounds.)7
When they’re reading labels for
their pets, shoppers often look for
2 in 3 would Nearly 3 in 4 would the same attributes that they look
do it again do it again for in their own food. Pet owners
Source: FINN CADY
are interested in high protein foods,
natural ingredients, and minimal or
no preservatives or artificial flavors.
reducing seizures in dogs, although grows and the industry innovates, That mindset is evident in sales
they are still unsure of its specific expect CBD’s product lineup to trends for dog and cat food, where
limitations.5 expand with treats and edibles attributes are attracting shoppers
as well. and influencing what lands in their
That versatility is a large reason
baskets. Natural, specialty, and
why CBD pet product dollar growth
wellness-positioned products drive
has been in the triple digits year TREND 2 twice the growth of conventional
over year, and by 2022 its sales
products.
are expected to hit $125 million.6
Customizing the Pet Diet
Today, SPINS data finds that 68% of SPINS finds that attributes are driving
dollar growth in CBD is coming from ALL ABOUT THE ATTRIBUTES growth throughout the market. When
the subcategory of treats and 32% looking at dollar growth:
Humans are no strangers to evolving
of dollar growth is in vitamins and diets; some are trends that come • For cat food, approximately 75%
supplements, a sign that pet owners and go quickly, while others become comes from natural-positioned
want convenient ways to integrate it part of our daily lifestyles. Today’s and grain-free labeled
into their pets’ diets. As the demand pet diets are undergoing similar
ATTRIBUTES DRIVING GROWTH
Product Dollar
Type Attributes Growth
• natural-positioned
Cat Food • grain-free labeled 75%
• raw-positioned
• natural-positioned 67%
Cat Treats
• grain-free labeled
Vitamins and 60%
• CBD
Supplements
• natural-positioned
Dog Food • raw positioned 35%
• frozen
• grain-free
Dog Treats • gluten-free 31%
• raw-positioned
Source: SPINS
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.
SPINS Pet Trends 2020 7
“Ultimately every pet
owner wants their
furry friend to have the
longest, healthiest,
and most comfortable
life possible.”
• For cat treats, 67% comes from Many of the pioneering brands of ingredients in their pets’ diets.
natural-positioned, grain-free that set the standard for natural Limited ingredient diets favor foods
labeled, and raw-positioned and organic began with a clean- that have a single source of protein
• For vitamins and supplements, ingredients mindset. To them, clean rather than a combination of various
nearly 60% comes from CBD has always been synonymous with proteins or meat byproducts. These
natural and organic. These brands foods might contain byproducts, but
• For dog food, approximately 35%
should emphasize this messaging all of the protein sources are from
comes from natural-positioned,
on their packaging and in their the same animal. Although limited
raw-positioned, and frozen
marketing strategies to attract ingredient diets are not new, they
• For dog treats, 31% comes from customers who might not realize they have become a common choice for
grain-free, gluten-free, and are already offering this latest trend. pet owners who suspect their pets
raw-positioned This move might also help natural have an allergy or food sensitivity.
and organic brands stay competitive Limited ingredient diets are one
PETS ARE EATING CLEAN, TOO as conventional retailers ban artificial way to strategically eliminate what
“Clean eating” does not have a strict ingredients from their shelves and ingredients your pet agrees with and
definition, but most shoppers use conventional brands roll out their what may cause a sensitivity.
this term when they’re focusing on own natural and clean products.
whole (unprocessed) foods, avoiding GRAIN-FREE: YAY OR NAY
artificial ingredients, and limiting or LIMITED INGREDIENT With consumers focusing on protein
eliminating added salts and sugars. CONTINUES TO RISE content, grain-free diets have gained
It’s a large umbrella term that can While some pet owners are focused traction and some controversy, similar
include a variety of additional on eliminating artificial ingredients to human diets such as paleo, keto,
attributes and categories within it, or ingredients they deem as lesser and Whole30. Because dog food
such as natural, organic, and quality like by-products, others are often contains a high percentage of
plant-based. simply trying to narrow the number carbohydrates and low protein or
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.8 SPINS Pet Trends 2020
ingredients in dog diets, which
means including ingredients that
haven’t historically been associated
with dog diets but are known to
offer a specific health benefit. For
example, a splash of goat milk in
a bowl of kibble is not uncommon
these days because it’s easily
digestible and can prevent or
help with kidney stones, diabetes,
GI issues, and more.11 You might
even find that your customers are
looking for fruits and vegetables—
either in the ingredients list or as a
supplement—since many of them
provide the same benefits for dogs
that they do for humans. Ultimately
every pet owner wants their furry
friend to have the longest, healthiest,
and most comfortable life possible.
mixed protein sources, pet owners pets dealing with diabetes or
TREND 3
are gravitating toward grain-free obesity. Two years later, the FDA
choices. Similar to limited ingredient and researchers agreed that the The Struggle to Achieve
diets, grain-free is easily digestible connection, if one exists, is more Sustainability Inside and Out
for dogs and high in protein, which complex than simply grain-free
WHAT DO CONSUMERS WANT?
can help dogs stay fuller longer, shed diets. Dilated cardiomyopathy could
less, and have shinier coats.8 They be a combination of many factors, When consumers are reading labels,
often contain starchy alternatives such as breed, overall health, and they’re not just thinking about
like peas, sweet potatoes, and lentils diet. As the Journal of Animal what their pets are eating. They
that are often viewed as “better-for- Science concluded, “Therefore, it care about where that food was
you” carbohydrates. And like limited is impossible to draw any definitive sourced from and what it means for
the environment. Sustainability has
ingredient diets, grain-free diets have conclusions, in these cases, linking
been a growing focus for consumers
the potential to reduce food allergies specific diets or specific ingredients
across the retail space, and that
or sensitivities. to [dilated cardiomyopathy].”10
includes pet parents. FINN CADY
When it was revealed that With no definitive answer just yet, finds that sustainability is a top
dogs diagnosed with dilated research will continue and some factor for customers purchasing
cardiomyopathy (DCM) were on a dog owners will remain wary of cat food and millennials are more
grain-free diet, some medical experts grain. Although there is no proven likely than other demographics to
wondered if there was a connection. link between the two matters,
In 2018, the FDA began investigating expect to see more packaging
possible connections between the messaging about ancient grains GEN Z MILLENNIALS
ailment and various dog breeds and or high protein content.
their diets.9 The publicity had an
adverse effect on sales, and brands FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS 73% 68%
hurried to emphasize the presence FOR A LONGER LIFE
of certain grain in their products. For discerning pet owners, food
Ancient grains became more popular 73% of Gen Z and 68% of
isn’t just a daily ritual for their dogs.
as they were known for containing millennials are willing
It’s an opportunity to help these to spend more for
low or no gluten, having high fiber 4-legged friends live a little longer sustainable products.
and protein content, and having a and stay healthier. That’s evident in
low glycemic index that benefits Source: First Insight
the growing popularity of functional
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.SPINS Pet Trends 2020 9
value sustainable proteins. A study byproducts use more or even all of
from First Insight finds that 73% of the animal, producing less waste,
Gen Z and 68% of millennials are “Almost all the top which is a chief concern for many
willing to spend more for sustainable 100 FMCG companies sustainability-centric shoppers. Keep
products. Today’s shoppers want to (in terms of revenue) an eye on which trend wins out or if
make eco-friendly purchases that both coexist with different audiences.
have made bold
will leave a small carbon footprint on For now, pet owners are caught
the environment- but that can often declarations and
weighing which choice appeals
get complicated.12 commitments to drive most to their values and pet brands
When talking about sustainable food sustainability over the and retailers have to decide which
for humans, a common talking point coming years.” message resonates with consumers.
is how much waste goes into raising – Source: McKinsey
cattle and producing beef. The SUSTAINABILITY ISN’T JUST
conversation also includes broader ABOUT THE INGREDIENTS
topics like working conditions, Sustainability is about more than just
pollution from the supply chain, and would not be approved for human the ingredients in the product itself.
the treatment of animals. Many of consumption but are perfectly fine According to the EPA, approximately
those concerns are the same for for pets to eat.13 In fact, byproducts 80 million tons (or a third) of all
pet owners. are popular in limited ingredient municipal solid waste comes from
diets because they come from containers and packaging, with
Many pet brands are already the same animal as the rest of the nearly half of that recycled. Public
making headway into producing protein. However, they can have awareness over the past several
sustainable foods to meet growing negative connotations to consumers years has led to a move away from
public interest. Based on SPINS who shop with a more human-grade single-use plastics and other less
data, many pet food brands include mentality and avoid ingredients that environmentally friendly options,
and promote their sustainable they consider to be of lower quality. resulting in shifting consumer habits
ingredients: For example, The The sustainability debate gets more and even local ordinances, such as
Honest Kitchen’s cat food products interesting because foods with bans on plastic straws and single-
are protein-rich and sourced from
use shopping bags.14
grass-fed beef and sustainable
fisheries. The company promotes This shift is already hitting the pet
its commitment to “environmental, industry, but it’s far from solved
financial, social and ethical and the space for innovation and
sustainability.” In dog food and eventual outreach to consumers
treats, Taste of the Wild highlights is great. Trade publication Petfood
its sustainably raised salmon with Industry points out that the trouble
a greater focus on high-quality with pet food sustainable packaging
protein sources. Brands like these is that the most popularly used type
are showing that sustainability- is not readily recyclable in most
centric messaging is resonating neighborhood recycling programs.15
with shoppers and could be a McKinsey notes that shifting public
differentiator in crowded markets. opinion has also forced the hand
of many fast-moving consumer
Trends like sustainability and
goods (FMCG) brands: “Almost all
clean diets can conflict when it
the top 100 FMCG companies (in
comes to the use of byproducts.
terms of revenue) have made bold
Controversially, by-products are
declarations and commitments
the most commonly used animal
to drive sustainability over the
ingredient. They are the parts of
coming years.”16 Even zero-waste
the animal that are often discarded
grocery stores are popping up
because they are not from muscle
throughout the country with the aim
tissue. The Association of American
of eliminating all plastic and food
Feed Control Officials explains that
packaging from grocery outlets.
these lesser-used parts of the animal
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.10 SPINS Pet Trends 2020
Already we’ve seen non-food pet
products tap into this trend. Brands
like Cocokitty and Bark Potty
implement sustainability and waste
reduction into their philosophies.
Cocokitty is an organic,
biodegradable, compostable, plant-
based kitty litter from coconut pith.
Coconut pith is already a waste
product and can be reused as a
natural garden fertilizer. For canine
owners, Bark Potty is an all-natural,
disposable pee pad made of real
bark, and a single Bark Potty pad
replaces up to 60 pee pads. As “Local pet stores are a more
brands continue to do their part personable destination than a digital
to minimize waste, expect more
consumers to read packaging retailer or non-specialty store.”
labels for sustainably sourced food
ingredients and recyclable or
eco-friendly packaging.
Prior to COVID-19, Packaged Facts INDEPENDENT IS A
projected that 23% of the pet market DIFFERENTIATOR
TREND 4
will be from online sales. Last year, As we mentioned earlier, natural
estimated online revenue for pet and organic is growing more quickly
Enriching the Neighborhood products was $11 billion. For the than conventional in several areas,
Store Experience neighborhood pet store, this might and evolving trends are creating
feel daunting, especially against a less transactional shopping
WHERE ARE PET
some of the eCommerce Goliaths experience for consumers. This
OWNERS SHOPPING?
out there. This year’s quick rise in is where independent retailers
For pet owners, and every other eCommerce came from the effects are providing unique value to
consumer, convenience is crucial, of the pandemic and is becoming a customers. Local pet stores are a
however, convenience does not mainstay for today’s shoppers, but more personable destination than a
have a straight forward definition that doesn’t mean it’s the only way to digital retailer or non-specialty store,
and can mean something different succeed in 2020. It’s just part of an with the staff to answer questions,
for each person. Maybe that means overall omnichannel approach that stay on top of emerging trends, and
online ordering and home delivery. reaches customers in the digital and suggest new products that might
It could mean curbside pickup. brick and mortar spaces. not be carried anywhere else yet.
Maybe it means a knowledgeable
As shoppers consolidated their Shoppers will continue to go online
staff who can make sense of the
trips to the store during this year’s and grab items at the grocery store,
conflicting information that’s found
pandemic lockdown, they also but they’re not forming relationships
online. Or, it might be a combination
shifted to online purchasing. In April with those outlets.
of all of the above. According to
Packaged Facts, online shopping for and May, according to data from Independent retailers have the
pet owners is growing quickly year IRI All Outlet Panel, enhanced with opportunity to connect with
over year. In 2012, 6% of pet owners SPINS Product Attribution, internet consumers who see convenience
strongly agreed that they were shopping reached its high, earning as having a knowledgeable staff to
buying more pet products online just above 20% of share of wallet, answer questions and recommend
than they used to; in just another clearly taking traffic from pet outlets. products. Staying on top of the
6 years it was nearly a quarter of Internet purchases have subsided in trends and filling the shelves with
shoppers.17 In other words, pet recent weeks but remain well ahead in-demand, high quality products
owners are shopping everywhere. of pre-pandemic levels, while the can go a long way for the
volume has not fully returned to pet independent retailer.
outlets either.
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.SPINS Pet Trends 2020 11
How to Focus On Quality and Succeed SOURCES
1. Statista: “Pet Industry Expenditure in the United
Now that you have a better view of how the industry has changed and States From 1994 to 2020”, statista.com/
where it’s going, you can build your strategy to succeed and grow. With statistics/253976/pet-food-industry-expenditure-
in-the-us
customers who care about providing the best quality of life to their
2. IRI, SPINS, and Statista. iriworldwide.com
pets, you have several ways to appeal to their interests, whether you’re
an emerging brand, a market leader, or a retailer. The key to success 3. Packaged Facts: “1 in 3 U.S. Pet Owners
Millennials: What It Means for the Pet Food
is bringing a personal connection to the customer experience and Market.” packagedfacts.com/Content/
differentiating yourself. Blog/2017/02/07/1-in-3-US-Pet-Owners-
Millennials-What-it-Means-for-the-Pet-Food-
Market
4. FINN CADY: Summer 2020 Survey. finncady.com
EMPHASIZE ATTRIBUTES
5. Science Daily: “CBD Clinical Trial
Shoppers are reading labels, doing research, and keeping up Results on Seizure Frequency in Dogs
‘Encouraging.’” sciencedaily.com/
with the trendiest options on the market. If you have products releases/2019/05/190521101450.htm
with CBD, sustainable foods (and packaging), or natural and 6. New Frontier Data: “Hemp-derived Pet Supplies
organic treats, highlight those qualities. Don’t risk customers in the Growing CBD Market.” newfrontierdata.
com/cannabis-insights/hemp-derived-pet-
overlooking what you have to offer. Get these attributes front supplies-growing-cbd-market/?sscid=a1k3_iogba
and center so you can attract customers who know what
7. Pet Business: “Have Pets Gained Weight During
they want. Quarantine?” petbusiness.com/Have-Pets-
Gained-Weight-During-Quarantine
8. Canine Journal: “Is Grain-Free Dog Food Safe?”
caninejournal.com/grain-free-dog-food
ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP 9. Petfood Industry: “Diet, Genetics Play Roles in
Canine DCM; Mysteries Remain.” petfoodindustry.
Neighborhood retailers have the best opportunity to talk to com/articles/9362-diet-genetics-play-roles-in-
pet parents 1-on-1 and be the educational resource they’re canine-dcm-mysteries-remain
looking for. By offering new-to-the-market products they can’t 10. Journal of Animal Science: “Review of Canine
yet find anywhere else, you also show that you’re on top of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in the Wake of Diet-
Associated Concerns.” academic.oup.com/jas/
the latest innovations. Show these customers you can provide article/98/6/skaa155/5857674
guidance—especially in these highly stressful times—and that 11. Dogs Naturally: “Goat Milk For Dogs.”
you have their pet’s best interest in mind. dogsnaturallymagazine.com/goat-milk-for-dogs
12. First Insight: “The State of Consumer Spending:
Gen Z Shoppers Demand Sustainable Retail.”
firstinsight.com/white-papers-posts/gen-z-
shoppers-demand-sustainability
GET WELL-VERSED IN SUSTAINABILITY 13. Association of American Feed Control Officials:
“What Is in Pet Food.” aafco.org/Consumers/
From ingredients to packaging to non-food products, What-is-in-Pet-Food
sustainability is on the rise and still has room for innovation. 14. EPA: “Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste
Be prepared for consumers to seek out products that show and Recycling.” epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-
materials-waste-and-recycling/containers-and-
responsibility across all aspects of production, from raising the
packaging-product-specific-data#C&POverview
livestock to sourcing the ingredients to packaging the product.
15. Petfood Industry: “The Complexities
As more retailers and brands pop up to meet the growing of Sustainable Pet Food Packaging.”
demand, it’s not a trend you can afford to fall behind on. petfoodindustry.com/blogs/9-trending-pet-food/
post/8620-the-complexities-of-sustainable-pet-
food-packaging
16. McKinsey: “The Drive Toward Sustainability in
Packaging—Beyond the Quick Wins.”
LEAN INTO OMNICHANNEL mckinsey.com/industries/paper-forest-products-
and-packaging/our-insights/the-drive-toward-
Consumers like quick and efficient experiences that alleviate sustainability-in-packaging-beyond-the-quick-
any stress from their busy lives. Find the right eComm partner wins
to help you create a strong omnichannel presence, whether 17. Packaged Facts: “In Omnichannel Market,
Pet Product Online Sales Reach $11 Billion.”
that means online ordering and delivery, curbside pickup, or packagedfacts.com/about/release.asp?id=4476
a strong online presence to augment your brick and mortar
presence. When you can bring together traditional retail with
eCommerce, you can become your shopper’s go-to resource
and build that personal connection, too.
Copyright @2020 SPINS LLC. All Rights Reserved.“The pandemic has created a unique opportunity and a captive
audience for both pet brands and retailers to experience expedited
growth as people acquired all available pets from shelters and
stores—a trend that is expected to continue for the foreseeable
future. Now more than ever, having the right data and expert
insights, like those available through the SPINS Neighborhood Pet
Channel, at their fingertips will help businesses make decisions
that will position them for success in the future.”
– TONY OLSON, OWNER AND CEO OF SPINS
Email growth@spins.com to get in touch with a pet
industry expert and visit spins.com/pet to learn more.You can also read
