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Written by Lisa Cleaver, Petfood Industry
Petfood Essentials 2026 will center on “Efficiency unleashed: Optimizing your pet food business,” addressing the need for pet food and treat companies to operate cost-effectively amid ongoing economic uncertainty.
The interactive educational seminar, which will be held April 27, 2026, the day prior to Petfood Forum, will feature experts providing practical guidance on controlling costs, streamlining operations, optimizing formulations and supply chains, and improving manufacturing efficiency through various tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence.
“Petfood Essentials is one of the very few — possibly the only — pet food seminars that focuses on a specific theme, allowing for a deep dive into various aspects of that subject,” said Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “The program is aimed at people who might be newer to the pet food industry or needing to know more about the topic.”
Program addresses operational challenges across business functions
The 2026 program will cover topics including macroeconomic outlook and market impacts, formulation optimization using software solutions, supply chain maximization including new ingredient sourcing, production facility setup for optimal efficiency, and packaging cost reduction strategies that maintain quality and branding integrity.
An interactive exercise will help participants apply insights and develop actionable ideas for their own businesses, whether manufacturing independently or through co-manufacturing partnerships.
Phillips-Donaldson explained the theme selection stems from widespread industry concerns about economic uncertainty affecting supply chains and consumer behavior.
“Companies are looking to operate as efficiently as possible,” she said. “Or, they may be facing changes and difficulties that are forcing them to revise their business plans, even cut back — but they want to do so in a way that doesn’t harm their businesses or brands long term.”
The seminar aims to provide attendees with concrete ideas and options for streamlining operations while identifying cost-saving opportunities through optimized formulations, supply chains, packaging materials and associated expenses.
Petfood Essentials sets the foundation for the entire Petfood Forum experience with more education and more networking, in an informal setting. The full agenda and registration will be announced Fall 2025.
About Petfood Forum
Petfood Forum includes unique networking opportunities with top decision-makers and dozens of educational sessions, led by globally recognized experts focused on the latest pet food trends, processes and innovations. The 2026 event also features a robust exhibit hall floor where attendees will engage with supplier companies crucial to the global pet food industry.