INDUSTRY SURVEY 7 OUT OF 10 PROCESSORS surveyed reported INCREASED REVENUE in 2018 compared to 2017. PRODUCT you currently sell and plan to sell? Plan to sell Kibble pet food 43% 8% Biscuits/baked treats 37% 12% Extruded treats 35% 18% Wet pet food 33% 6% Dried/freeze-dried treats 22% 14% Dried/freeze-dried pet food 16% 12% Vitamins/minerals/supplements 14% 6% Injection molded chews 14% 2% Dry extruded/freeze-dried 14% 12% Wet toppers/mix-ins 12% 22% Bone broth 12% 4% Pet treats/supplements containing CBD 10% 18% Fresh/frozen cooked pet food 6% 10% DIY pet food dry mixes 6% 8% Dried bone/offal 6% 4% Fresh/frozen raw pet food 6% 2% - 20% Pet food containing CBD 16 PET FOOD PROCESSING | 2019 | www.petfoodprocessing.net growth. Other market factors are presenting challenges as well. Among them are the availability and cost of skilled labor, the rapidly changing trends and the ever-present food safety concerns. Encouraging a conservative approach to capital investment is the generally accepted belief that the US pet food market has matured plus the growth of the volume of pet food sold has slowed. When looking outside the US borders for growth, trade relations can be a cause for concern. But, despite reasons to be cautious, this survey indicates a healthy amount of capital investment is still on the table over the next two years. The demands of this market are keeping processors on their toes, chasing the holy grail of revenue growth and making strategic investments that only time will tell if they were worth it. Processors probably don't have to wait as long as they did in the past to know which decisions are the right ones. As trends emerge more rapidly and speed-to-market may dictate success or failure, the ability to quickly adapt has become the target. This industry draws people and companies passionate about companion animal nutrition and health. It's exciting to be part of a "hot" industry and that enthusiasm was reflected in the responses the processors provided, with one classifying the US pet food and treat industry as an "amazing opportunity." PFP ©Krolone - stock.adobe.com Currently sellhttp://www.petfoodprocessing.net