Trevor Crotts
CEO at American Pet Works - Creating Best in Class Pet Products That Keep Pets Happy and Healthy
April 1, 2024
Dear Pet Pros,
It's that time of the year again, where we dive into the heart of innovation, trends, and glimpses of the future in the pet industry—yes, I'm talking about the Global Pet Expo. Every year, this event sets the stage for what's to come, and 2024 was no exception. With my keen eye for what's next and a passion for pushing the envelope, I’ve distilled the buzz, the chatter, and the sheer variety of products into five trends that are shaping our industry. Let's dive in.
1. Technology Beyond the Gadgets
At first glance, technology in the pet sector seems to be all about the "watch my dog" camera systems. You would expect the big breakthrough to be AI related. I was disappointed with the technology talks I attended. They discussed AI use in marketing but not in actual products! This year, the real game-changer was the Compana Pet Brands’ Vets Best Hydro Water Activated Smart Bowls. These aren't your average bowls; they encapsulate the ingredients, waiting for just a splash of water to unleash their magic. Compana makes it much more efficient to get onto store shelves by serving it without water. This isn't just innovation; it's a revolution in how we think about efficiency and interaction in pet care. It’s the sort of simple, yet profoundly impactful, technology that gets me excited about the future.
2. Collagen and Colostrum – The New Superfoods
Here’s something fresh off the innovation deck: collagen and colostrum are making waves, and they're being added to everything. This isn't just about jumping on the bandwagon of human superfoods; it’s about recognizing their profound benefits for our pets. These ingredients are about enhancing wellness, supporting joint health, and boosting immunity. These elements are being integrated into pet products from bullysticks to coconut oil supplements, paving the way for a new standard in nutritional care.
3. Sustainability as the Standard
Walking through the expo, it was clear: sustainability isn't just a trend; it's becoming the backbone of our industry. Products that marry innovation with eco-friendliness are no longer the exception; they’re the rule. There was a lot of sustainable innovation around waste bags. It’s inspiring to see such dedication to our planet, paralleled with care for our pets.
4. "People Quality" Pet Food
The line between human and pet nutrition is blurring, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the evolution of pet food. Fresh, frozen, gently cooked—these are the formats taking over the spotlight, pushed forward by our desire to offer our pets nutrition that mirrors our own, with diets that maintain the integrity of their ingredients through gentle cooking.
It’s a trend that’s not just about innovation; it’s about love, care, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in pet nutrition.
5. The "Me Too" Trend – A Call for True Innovation
Now, for the elephant in the room—the "Me Too" trend. It seems that despite the leaps we're making, there’s a wave of new companies repackaging old ideas as revolutionary. It’s a reminder that innovation isn't just about creating something; it's about making something better, solving a problem in a way that hasn't been done before. This trend is a call to action for all of us in the pet industry: to innovate, to think outside the box, and to truly differentiate in a market that thrives on novelty.
As we look back on Global Pet Expo 2024, let’s not just see it as a showcase of products but as a beacon guiding us towards a future where innovation, sustainability, and nutrition lead the way in pet care. The journey doesn’t stop here; it’s just getting started. And I, for one, am excited to be on this path with you, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the pet industry.
If you have product ideas or need help getting to product to market in the pet industry...reach out. This is what we do at American Pet Works. Talk soon!