More than 3,700 pet food professionals from around the globe converged in Kansas City, Missouri USA last week (May 1-3) for Petfood Forum and Essentials 2023 hosted by my company Watt Global Media; I served as one of their hosts and organizers.)
No matter whether or not you attended Petfood Forum or Essentials (an intensive seminar preceding Petfood Forum), these random data points could prove interesting as an indicator of the strength and vitality of the global pet food industry.
4.4% increase over Petfood Forum 2022 attendance by its 3,700+ attendees–a record attendance mark–signifying not only industry growth but also some degree of normalcy after COVID-19 pandemic. 43 Countries Represented Within Attendees.
371 exhibitors participated at Petfood Forum this year – an increase of 14.5% year over year. 80 new exhibitors displayed at Petfood Forum this year as well, reflecting its continuous expansion. Furthermore, 26 pet food experts shared their insight, research, and expertise as speakers at this year’s event.
14 Tech Talks provided by exhibitors explaining their latest research or services; 12 abstracts presented by students participating in pet food-related academic programs;
4 lunch n’ learn sessions were held, featuring a panel discussion hosted by the Pet Food Institute, two explanatory sessions presented by AAFCO and an informal networking event for Women in Petfood Leadership program.
1. Editions of Women in Petfood Leadership events (the lunch n’ learn was the inaugural event).
David Allison, May 2 keynote and founder of Valuegraphics Project. By connecting with pet owners’ values through marketing or communication strategies, according to Allison’s presentation at Valuegraphics Project’s Valuegraphics Project conference, sales will increase by 12.5%.
4. Rules for Leading People Through Crises, Challenges and Changes with Mary Kelly, Ph.D. as your keynote speaker on May 3.
At US$801: the estimated annual retail sales per U.S. household for dog food and treats by 2022, up from US$681 in 2021–an 18% increase according to David Sprinkle, Research Director for Packaged Facts during his presentation.
US$560: Annual retail sales per U.S. household for cat food and treats in 2022, an 11% increase over 2021’s US$4888 figure.
Mark Strobel, senior research manager of Euromonitor International presented at Petfood Essentials on May 1 and projected sales of premium pet food would reach US$45.7 billion by 2022, up from 40.5 billion last year; that represents 12.8% growth over last year.
15%: growth in economy-priced pet food sales from 2021-2022 globally; mid-priced sales increased 10.7%.
49%: increase in Petfood Essentials attendance since 2022 due to this year’s theme of alternative pet food formats.