7/31/2020 By Jeannie SwedbergAs you’d expect in this year like no other in our collective memory, sales in pet foods have been erratic. The year started off on a positive note with year-over-year sales steadily beating 2019 numbers through Feb., according to IRI data. Then March hit and a two-week period of panic buying set in or some serious stocking up took place. And with that, sales spiked about $100 million above previous levels. After that, pet food sales sank below historic market expectations as...READ MORE
7/9/2020 By Tina EricksonBeing able to personally connect with our customers and fellow team members is essential for any business. Before Covid-19, our sales teams were traveling several times a month visiting customers, attending trade shows, and working side-by-side with internal teams. So much has changed in a few short months. I thought I’d share a few tips on staying connected and engaged ... READ MORE
6/15/2020 By Jeannie SwedbergDepending on which consumer research you look at, somewhere between 74% and 80% of people say they are trying to limit or avoid sugar in their diet. Consequently, the mandatory labeling of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel of packaging as of January 1 of this year couldn’t have come at a more opportune time...READ MORE
6/5/2020 By Kevin HollandWhy are there so many different varieties? I had an economics professor long ago proclaim that every dollar you spend is a vote. It’s a vote for a company to continue to produce something good. It’s no different with apples. Apple growers typically grow for the fresh market (the grocery stores) and will plant varieties that will maximize their profits. Growers are searching for the next great apple that ... READ MORE
5/26/2020 By Jeannie SwedbergIn my last blog, I contemplated how the COVID-19 pandemic would impact pet food sales. Of course, like everyone else, I saw the initial stockpiling back in March. But now it’s mid-May and market watchers have had a chance to absorb some of the consumer behavior taking place. According to Nielsen’s Sean Simpson speaking at a recent Petfood Industry webinar, the pet food segment ...READ MORE