On June 13, Petfood Forum Europe attendees learned pet care, including pet food, is one of the largest and fastest-growing e-commerce categories worldwide, outpacing total global online retail sales and growth, according to Jodi Watson, industry consultant and vice chair of True Leaf Pet. Watson was one of many speakers who presented during Petfood Forum Europe 2019 in Cologne, Germany.
Watson’s data showed that while overall e-commerce is rising by double digits each year, pet care e-commerce sales in the U.S. alone increased by 67% in 2018. She also shared information and advice on why and how pet food companies should consider starting or expanding their own direct-to-consumer e-commerce business.
“Petfood Forum Europe speakers provided important insights on brand loyalty, direct-to-consumer business and social media, in addition to presenting new pet food research,” said Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “The large number of attendees at this year’s conference shows how pet food professionals are seeking knowledge and insights on this dynamic and growing market.”
Petfood Forum Europe attracted pet food professionals from Europe as well as other regions of the world. Attendees had the exclusive opportunity to learn from internationally recognized pet food experts on a variety of topics including how to revive brand loyalty, handling pets’ aging process, microbiome research in pet nutrition, fish proteins for pet health benefits, microencapsulated ingredients for better process control, and more. They were also able to interact with Petfood Forum Europe sponsors including AFB International, Alltech, AM Nutrition, Balchem, Darling Ingredients, DSM Nutritional Products, Extru-Tech Inc., Gelita, Schenck Process, Sonac, Vestkorn and Wenger Manufacturing.
Petfood Forum Europe was held in conjunction with VICTAM International 2019. The biennial conference will take place again in June 2021 in Europe.
