PET Food Processing - December 2021 - 67

For instance, in the last few years there has been a
strong push for pet owners to subscribe to regular pet
food shipments with direct-to-consumer (DTC) subscription
models.
" There are always going to be shifts in the market and
new trends emerging, " Markenson said. " The independent
pet stores are incredibly resilient and are a critical
source of knowledge to pet owners in their community.
We feel they can continue to grow and we plan to grow
with them. "
Markenson said he would like to see distributors add
more value to the distribution process to help pet stores
thrive. This could be in the form of consumer marketing,
better co-creation of websites, direct-to-home delivery or
in-store merchandising. Sher said she is hoping and praying
that independent distributors continue to emerge as
Evanger's will definitely support them as a partner.
" Running a business isn't easy and they are up against
many obstacles, like competing with online businesses, "
Sher said. " It is incredibly difficult, no doubt. But there
is room for newcomers in some parts of the country and
some retailers are hungry and eager for it. "
A post-pandemic world
After years of strong growth in the industry and especially
since the pandemic, Downey noted many independent
distributors are cashing out, so there are fewer and fewer
smaller independent and family-owned distributors. Still,
he has seen many good independent retailers continue to
succeed and even thrive in today's market.
" These retailers have benefited from a growing trend
in society and pet parents in particular to buy local, "
Downey said. " Retailers tell us that they are now seeing
customers that they haven't seen in a long time coming
back into the store. With the growing problem of supply
chain issues, these trends should continue. A pet parent
finds comfort in knowing that the independent retailer
they support will keep the products they desire in stock.
They don't want to worry about delayed shipping times
for online packages. "
Like other industries, pet food manufacturers have
been challenged with supply chain issues particularly
in ingredient sourcing and packaging materials but, in
spite of that, the industry has continued to report increased
sales. Distributors have been a key partner in
reducing the impact of supply issues.
" As we learn to work together more constructively
and efficiently, there's virtually no limit to the brand equity
we can build and the sales volume we can collectively
achieve, " Cadenhead said.
While e-commerce and DTC channels are projected
to continue growing, Markenson feels pet brick-andmortar
retail will also flourish in the years ahead.
" The assisted sale and the 'buy local' consumer trends
should help, " Markenson said. " Offering distinct brands
will also allow them to differentiate themselves from big
box and other competitors. There is enough growth in
the pet industry for all channels to succeed. "
Top: A comprehensive
plan to
distribution with a
strategic combination
of partners
can help a brand
be more resilient
when faced with
headwinds.
Sosland Publishing Co.
Bottom: Product
distribution done
well results in brand
equity and sales
volumes that benefit
both the brand
and the distributor.
Gott Pet Products
PFP
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PET Food Processing - December 2021

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