The infographic below, Top 10 Pet Food Packaging Trends, contains important information for anyone involved in the manufacturing, marketing and sales of pet food. There’s no question that pet owners’ preferences have changed significantly over the past few years; as a result, being behind the curve in packaging could be costly in terms of new sales and customer retention.
The key factor driving changes in pet food packaging is humanization of pets. As younger Americans put off having children, and as aging and sometimes isolated Americans seek companionship, pets have become in some ways, replacements for family and friends. This dynamic has driven huge changes in the pet food industry. No longer content with assembly-line, basic food choices, pet owners look for gourmet food options with fresh ingredients and high nutritional value.
Packaging high-quality pet food in generic, industrial-grade bags would clearly send a mixed message to consumers. For gourmet food, pet food packaging must have an air of elegance and be as noticeable and appealing on the retail shelf as a bottle of French perfume. Even when pet food is ordered online, premium pet food packaging remains very important. Skimping on pet food packaging for e-commerce pet food businesses may reduce cost and attract an initial order, but pet owners will not come back for more if they believe the product they have ordered is of inferior quality.
But as the infographic points out, sophistication is by no means the only requirement for pet food packaging. Functionally, pet food products with high content of fresh ingredients requires packaging that holds in freshness for long periods of time. And, as pet owners are gravitating toward smaller dogs and cats, individual servings are not as generous as in the past. Resealable bags to keep air out and various formulations of barrier plastics are thus much more important in pet food packaging construction and design.
An important benefit of the premiumization of pet food packaging is its impact on both the perception and reality of pet food safety. A recent study showed that 60% of pet food owners are concerned about food safety.* Packaging materials that extend shelf life, resist damage and contain no toxic materials certainly contribute to safer food, and packaging designs that convey quality rather than low-budget economy ensure the message is conveyed to consumers who want only the best for their pets.
For more pet food packaging insights and trends, please continue reading below.
Infographic created by Meyer Industrial, offering double flap airlock valves designed for medium-pressure applications
* Source: https://www.packagingstrategies.com/articles/91109-pet-food-packaging-safety
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