Product development from concept to commercialization

Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma is joined by Jaime Cooper, co-founder of D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food, and Buff Greebe, executive director of SKU, to discuss how SKU’s pet care accelerator program provided D.R.E.A.M. with the mentorship and exposure needed to take its business to the next level, and how other early-stage pet care brands can benefit from the program. Show notes 0:40 – Introducing Buff Greebe and Jaime Cooper 1:40 – What is SKU? 2:56 – SKU’s entrance into pet care 3:28 – The vision behind D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food 4:50 – Bringing the D.R.E.A.M. vision to life through branding 5:43 – D.R.E.A.M.’s partnership with SKU 6:47 – The importance of mentorship for startups 8:57 – How access to mentorship benefitted D.R.E.A.M. 10:29 – How SKU finds experts to mentor its startup partners 11:38 – Showcase Day, from SKU’s perspective 12:17 – Showcase Day, from Cooper’s perspective 13:42 – What happens after Showcase Day? 15:18 – How the SKU experience will fuel D.R.E.A.M.’s future 16:30 – Planned branding improvements as a result of SKU mentorship 18:10 – How pet industry brands can get involved in the SKU program

How is inflation really impacting pet product consumers? Is humanization all bark and no bite? And what’s in a channel strategy? Michael Johnson, principal at BSM Partners, answers these questions and many others in this latest episode hosted by Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma. Show notes (00:39) Introducing Michael Johnson (02:28) The impact of inflation (05:04) Evolving consumer demands amid an evolving industry (07:13) Understanding the “pet parent” (08:36) What it takes to truly understand your audience   (11:13) Tailoring pet owner education to specific audiences (12:44) Fine-tuning channel strategies (14:50) Distribution tips for smaller brands (17:03) For startups, the dangers of going it alone (19:23) Humanization and the real consumer (22:51) Consumer sentiments about plant- and insect-based proteins (24:30) Warming up to emerging nutritional approaches (26:35) Susceptibility for subscription-based purchasing (29:52) Channel strategy through the eyes of the consumer

Researchers from the University of Guelph share their latest companion animal nutrition research to support the pet food and treat industry. Show notes (0:39) Introducing researchers at the University of Guelph – Anna Kate Shoveller, Ph.D., Alexandra Rankovic, Ph.D., and Sydney Banton, a current Ph.D. student (2:40) The process of pet food research (6:48) An industry-academia collaboration (7:48) Shoveller’s research on amino acid metabolism (9:33) Rankovic’s research on dietary choline in overweight cats (14:00) Banton’s research on pulse ingredients’ impacts on DCM (17:00) The latest ongoing work in Shoveller’s lab (19:25) Fatty acid research and its impact on shelf stability (20:41) Enhancing collaboration and public outreach (24:21) The need for more industry-wide research funding (25:36) Closing comments

Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer of the Pet Food Institute, details anticipated hurdles as the industry implements new Model Regulations for pet food labeling and shares how her organization will support processors throughout the transitionary period.

Vic Mason, president of the World Pet Association, talks about the success of this year’s tradeshow and its opportunities for industry members. Show notes (00:36) Introducing Vic Mason (01:31) What is the World Pet Association? (02:22) The scoop on SUPERZOO 2023 (03:47) Trends seen across the show floor (05:10) Supporting emerging pet industry players (07:07) Mason’s predictions about the pet sector’s future (08:28) What to expect for SUPERZOO 2024 (10:04) Where to find more information about SUPERZOO and WPA

In this episode, Leah Lambrakis, vice president of research and development, nutrition and scientific affairs for Simmons Pet Food, joins Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma to discuss the complex considerations behind pet food product development, including how to learn from mistakes and the importance of keeping pet health and wellness the top priority.

Austin Therrell, executive director of the Association of American Feed Control Officials, discusses the next steps for pet food label modernization, including labeling changes, implementation and more. Show notes (0:34) Introducing Austin Therrell (1:52) Understanding AAFCO (3:40) What is PFLM? (4:55) Four areas of a label impacted by PFLM (5:51) The upcoming PFLM vote (6:44) What processors need to know about changes under PFLM (7:05) The new Pet Nutrition Facts box (8:10) Changes to the intended use statement (8:56) Voluntary safe handling instructions (9:22) Changes to ingredient listings (9:49) Timeline for implementation (11:39) Feedback from the industry (12:44) Anticipated challenges (14:00) How the industry can stay engaged as PFLM is implemented

Caitlyn Dudas shares how pet food processors can approach sustainability to create the most positive environmental impact. Show notes (0:44) Introducing Caitlyn Dudas and the Pet Sustainability Coalition (1:52) How sustainability has shifted in the pet industry since the founding of PSC (5:59) The many definitions of sustainability (7:31) Shifting from a linear business model to a “net positive” approach (9:48) The importance of customizing sustainability plans to your business (12:35) PSC’s priorities and support areas (13:32) Measuring a business’s environmental impact and identifying opportunities (15:41) Acting on those opportunities (18:42) Celebrating sustainability wins through accreditation (22:09) The pet industry’s biggest opportunities for sustainability (24:38) Creating a community movement around sustainability (34:05) The scoop from Impact Unleashed 2023 (38:57) Upcoming PSC events (40:46) How will PSC continue to support the industry in the future? (45:22) An inspiring parting message from Caitlyn

Pet Food Processing Digital Media Editor Jordan Tyler talks with Dana Peirson of The Partnering Group about how manufacturers can optimize their supply chains, from ingredient procurement to transportation and labor issues. Show notes (0:43) Introducing Dana Peirson (1:22) What are the most pressing supply chain issues? (2:23) Tackling ingredient procurement issues (5:28) Retaining talent (8:38) Bolstering transportation and distribution (12:27) Looking to the future of the pet food supply chain (14:56) How The Partnering Group can support processors

Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma speaks with two leaders at the American Pet Products Association (APPA) — Pete Scott, president and chief executive officer, and Anne Ferrante, senior vice president — about the association’s latest market research, as well as trends seen at Global Pet Expo 2023 that are expected to underpin the industry’s future. Show notes (0:40) Introducing Pete Scott and Anne Ferrante (1:38) What is APPA? (2:20) Looking back on Global Pet Expo 2023 (4:21) State of the Industry data (5:33) Pet industry forecast for 2023 (8:09) Shifts in pet ownership and consumer preferences (11:09) Generational differences in pet ownership (12:02) Post-COVID pet spending habits (13:08) Who is spending more on their pets? (14:00) Post-COVID channel preferences (15:22) Topline pet product purchasing trends (15:59) Making room for the roost (17:23) Closing notes from Pete Scott