Category: food

MORTON GROVE, ILL. — Lifeway Foods, Inc., a manufacturer of fermented dairy products, said it expects to realize approximately $5 million in net profit following the recent sale of Simple Mills to Flowers Foods, Inc.

Lifeway, which was an early investor in Simple Mills in 2015, said it previously realized a $1.5 million gain on the investment back in 2019. With the most recent sale, Lifeway said it expects total net proceeds from its investment in Simple Mills of approximately $6.5 million.

“We extend our congratulations to Simple Mills and its CEO Katlin Smith for its successful exit based on the impending $795 million acquisition by Flowers Foods,” said Julie Smolyansky, chief executive officer of Lifeway. “When we first invested in Simple Mills, we saw the potential growth of the company and we are delighted that Lifeway’s shareholders will benefit from our early investment.”

The acquisition of Simple Mills is subject to regulatory approval and is projected to close during the first quarter of 2025. The transaction was first announced in early January.

OLYMPIA, WASH. — IndiePet, an organization focused on strengthening the independent pet retail channel, will be expanding its presence at Global Pet Expo 2025, which will be held March 25 to 28 in Orlando, Fla. The organization, which seeks to support independent pet retailers, will be exhibiting at booth #5824 and will host several events for its members.

On March 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., IndiePet will conduct its 2025Q1 Board Meeting, providing organization members with the opportunity to connect. In addition to sharing the financial management of the association, the meeting will include discussions on retailer needs, insights on what retail strategies are working and more. 

On March 26 from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., the organization will host a live IndieChat panel to help independent pet retailers with daily issues. The panel will include a discussion on “Ideas that Move the Needle” and will be moderated by Candace D’Agnolo, founder and chief executive officer of Pet Boss Nation. 

On March 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the organization will host a new event: The IndiePet Power Breakfast. The networking event will include breakfast and six presentations for retail members. Additionally, attendees can speak with leaders of sponsoring associate member companies and other retailers.

On March 27 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., IndiePet will join the American Pet Products Association to co-host a night of golf and refreshments. 

Read more news from associations and agencies in the pet food sector.

WASHINGTON — Representative Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) recently reintroduced the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025 to increase funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), as well as to help American farmers compete in global markets. 

Previously called the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act, this legislation would double funding for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MAP and FMD programs. These investments could increase agricultural exports, support rural economies, and create new opportunities for US agricultural businesses, according to Representative Newhouse. In fact, a recent study by Texas A&M University projected that doubling funding for these programs could generate an additional $44.4 billion in US agricultural exports between 2024 and 2029.

“Farmers in Central Washington, and across the country, rely on strong access to foreign markets and my bipartisan legislation expands these export opportunities,” Newhouse said. “By delivering our agricultural products into new markets, we can ensure that American farmers remain competitive on the global stage. I want to thank my colleagues and stakeholders who have supported this effort, and I look forward to advancing this important initiative.”

Newhouse was joined in introducing the legislation on Feb. 6 by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine).

“Robust agricultural trade is essential for the success of America,” Mann said. “Congress must responsibly invest taxpayer dollars in places where we can see a wise return on those investments. The Agricultural Export Promotion Act strengthens America’s flagship agricultural trade programs, increases American export revenue, adds jobs to the economy, and promotes US agricultural sales overseas while simultaneously supporting rural economies like those in the Big First District. This legislation strengthens the tools in America’s toolbox to get the best deal for our agricultural producers in the international marketplace.”

The legislation is supported by more than 150 stakeholder organizations, including the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the North American Renderers Association (NARA). 

Since 1993, PFI has engaged in export promotion through MAP to promote US pet food in key foreign markets, aiding in the export of $2.4 billion in US pet food in 2023, with products shipped to more than 90 countries. As a cooperator in MAP, PFI uses USDA grant funds to engage in marketing activities across 18 countries to promote the safety and quality of US pet food.

“For PFI’s members, who make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, boosting exports of pet food and treats is critical to ensuring continued market growth,” said Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer of PFI. “This legislation would benefit US pet food makers by supporting them in maintaining and expanding their global presence. As pets continue to be seen as valued members of families, and pet owners seek to provide their pets with complete-and-balanced commercial pet food, significant opportunities continue to grow in international markets.”

As a long-standing advocate for US agricultural trade, NARA is also a firm supporter of the legislation. The association also has long supported the MAP and FMD programs as critical tools for maintaining US leadership in international agricultural trade.

“Rendered products are an essential part of global supply chains, contributing to sustainable animal nutrition, renewable fuels, and countless other applications and products we use every day,” said Kent Swisher, president and CEO of NARA. “Expanding export promotion programs will provide our members with greater opportunities to compete internationally, reach new customers, and expand their market share — ultimately driving growth for the entire rendering industry.”

This legislation comes at a time when uncertainty looms over President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Although a trade war was averted on Feb. 3, only time will tell what is to come regarding US international trade.

Find more articles related to pet food export opportunities and trade. 

HOBOKEN, NJ. — As the Hain Celestial Group seeks to regain its financial footing, the company is eyeing opportunities with consumers who are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss or diabetes.

Company management sees the effort as building on Hain Celestial’s position as a better-for-you food manufacturer.

“We are currently developing our criteria to define what is GLP-1 friendly based on available science, and we have already identified a number of products in the US that are a good fit for these consumers across our beverage, soups and yogurt brands,” said Wendy Davidson, president and chief executive officer, during a Feb. 10 conference call to discuss second-quarter results. “We plan to begin marketing certain items within our portfolio to GLP-1 users in the near future. These authentic better-for-you credentials position us well to meet increasing consumer demand for better-for-you products.”

Hain Celestial, which offers a variety of brands and products, including The Greek Gods Yogurt and ParmCrisps, is following in the footsteps of companies like Nestle SA and Conagra Brands that already have begun marketing products for the GLP-1 user.

Davidson said Hain Celestial has been doing consumer research for about a year to really understand what consumers are looking for in the better-for-you category.

“Because we continue to say that we’re a leader in better-for-you, we believe in healthier living, but we wanted to make sure that we had real science and real consumer insight to back that up,” she said. “We learned from that (about) very clear attributes the consumer was looking for.

“They don’t want to sacrifice taste. They don’t want to sacrifice convenience. They don’t want to sacrifice availability and affordability. They don’t want pure health, but they do want healthy nudges. So it is a presence of positive and a little bit of a nudge down of the negatives.”

As the food and beverage market deals with the initial impact of GLP-1 usage, Davidson compared the emerging trend to other diets to which the industry has had to adapt.

“… It’s almost like every other diet — keto, high protein, gluten-free, dairy free, etc.,” she said. “Consumers have particular needs, and we want to make sure that it is easier to shop our portfolio to make it easier for them to eat without sacrifice for whatever diet they’re on.

“As we’ve worked with our experts to look at our portfolio through the lens of a GLP-1 diet, what products do we have that are ideal for that first three months of GLP-1, what are products we have that are really good for in the middle, and then what are those products that are ideal for maintaining? And we will message openly to the marketplace to make it, again, easier for consumers to be able to be on whatever diet they’re on, and Hain will be there to help support their healthier living.”

COLUMBUS, OHIO — In an effort to respond to rising consumer concerns about chemicals in packaged products, Battelle, a nonprofit research and development organization, announced it is offering testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in packaged products, including pet food.

Invented in the 1940s, there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, and some are very useful; however, exposure to other members of the PFAS family can be dangerous to human health and the environment, according to Battelle. 

Through internal investments and expertise, Battelle has developed PFAS capabilities, as well as comprehensive vulnerability assessments to help companies understand and mitigate their PFAS risk. Additionally, the organization invented the PFAS Annihilator, an invention to help destroy unwanted chemicals, and created a company called Revive Environmental to use that invention in the field. 

“We are not just testing for PFAS; we are helping companies understand their entire PFAS landscape, from supply chain to final product,” said Amy Dindal, PFAS business line director at Battelle. “Our goal is to provide data that empowers companies to make informed decisions about their products and practices.”

In order to provide companies with the best PFAS testing capabilities, Battelle has recently expanded its testing capacity, created comprehensive risk mitigation, and continued to build innovative techniques and technologies. According to Battelle, this is part of its commitment to helping companies understand where their risks lie and how to mitigate them.

Read more about pet food safety on our Operations page. 

STAMFORD, CONN. — Global Pet Expo announced its new keynote series for the 2025 event, featuring speakers Bert Jacobs, chief executive officer and co-founder of Life is Good®, and Tyler Mathisen, news anchor and vice president of events strategy for CNBC. The pet industry event, presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), will be held March 26 to 28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

The new keynote sessions will explore insights, inspiration and topics relevant to the pet industry. According to Global Pet Expo, the keynote programming is part of an effort to introduce opportunities to learn and connect, with sessions featuring common themes of optimism and entrepreneurship for the gathering of professionals representing the $150 billion industry.

“At APPA and PIDA, we recognize that attending Global Pet Expo is an investment in your pet business,” said Peter Scott, president and CEO of APPA. “By introducing keynote sessions at this year’s event, we’re maximizing the attendance value for pet industry professionals around the globe, offering insightful, engaging programming to reinvigorate their business in 2025. This latest addition to the show reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing the pet industry through expanded education, research, insights and networking opportunities.”

Jacobs’ session will be held on March 26 from 9 to 10 a.m. during which he will share his story of entrepreneurship, inspiration and positive social impact to demonstrate the meaning behind his company, Life is Good. Mathisen’s session will be held on March 27 from 8 to 9 a.m., during which he will discuss how key factors like tariffs, interest rates, employment and artificial intelligence (AI) shape the industry’s economic outlook. 

Both keynote sessions will take place on the General Session Main Stage at Global Pet Expo 2025. 

Keep up with pet food industry events through our Event Tracker here.

ATLANTA — Coming off a few significantly strong years as a result of COVID, the pet food industry has now stabilized to normal levels, creating shifts in demand and sales. Michael Johnson, principal of consumer strategy at BSM Partners, shared this during the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) 2025 Pet Food Conference on Jan. 28, detailing how the market has changed and how pet food processors can better meet evolving consumer trends.

“We had a few really, artificially inflated years between 2020 and 2022 that kind of made us a little ‘fat off the hog,’ if you will,” Johnson said. “Then we’ve slowed down over the last couple of years as we come back to reality… The average consumer today doesn’t know if the economy is good or if it’s not good. All they know is what they’re comfortable spending on, and what they’ve learned over the last couple of years is they can really adjust their spending when they have to. And we’ve seen a lot of that in pet and that’s why the market has been a little bit different than it has been. 

“That said, the market is still very, very strong,” he added. “The dynamics of the marketplace are great. The pet population is still growing, people still want to own pets, and people still want to spend on pets, so this market will continue to be strong.”

According to Johnson, nearly two-thirds (87 million) of US households own a pet, and consumer spending on pets has risen, following housing, food and gas. 

To stay successful in this strong market, companies must overcome several hurdles including high competition and market saturation, lack of consumer awareness and education, continued supply chain disruptions, a tough labor market, consumer concerns about animal welfare and sustainability, and the critical impact of recalls, which have evolved from impacting individual brands to damaging the entire industry. Processors will continue to battle these challenges, well into the future. 

Trust comes with understanding

Trust is critical for today’s consumers as they become increasingly concerned about how their pet’s products are made and what ingredients the formulas contain. According to data shared by Johnson from BSM Aperture, 93% of consumers believe pet product companies should be more transparent regarding their supply chain and production methods. Additionally, when it comes down to ingredients, 77% of consumers want to know what the ingredients in their pets’ products are and 73% want to know where the ingredients come from. 

When it comes to marketing and advertising, majority of consumers are concerned about misleading advertising in pet products. According to BSM Aperture, 79% of consumers occasionally or often feel pet product advertising is misleading and 82% believe there should be more regulations in the pet food industry to ensure labels are honest and accurate. 

Speaking of regulations, consumers are also concerned about the safety and nutritional value of their pets’ food. Seventy-six percent of consumers believe there should be more regulations in the pet food industry to ensure product quality and safety, and 75% believe there should be more regulations to ensure products are nutritious, according to BSM Aperture. 

“Pets are extremely important in [consumers’] lives, but they don’t understand everything that the people in the marketplace are doing,” Johnson explained. “You know far more about what you’re doing in the world of pet than the consumer knows about what you’re doing in the world of pet. So, what are you doing to make them feel good about it? We can do a lot better, and we have to do a lot better.”

Through its marketing efforts, Johnson revealed the industry is failing at educating consumers as only a fraction understand certain product claims:

• 49% understand what “traceable supply chain” means
• 43% understand “regenerative agriculture”
• 40% understand “biologically appropriate”
• 39% understand “ancestral diet”
• 38% understand “upcycled ingredients” 
• 37% understand “fermented ingredients” 
• 36% understand “microbiome” 
• 32% understand “bioavailability”

And even less understand what specific ingredients are and why they’re important to pets:

• 35% understand novel proteins 
• 35% short-chain fatty acids 
• 34% L-carnitine 
• 34% post-biotics 
• 32% taurine 
• 30% hydrolyzed proteins 
• 29% DHA/EPA
• 25% Beta-glucans

“Consumers are not smart, not at all. I don’t say that as a denigrator, that’s just how it goes,” Johnson said. “… How are we helping them better understand things? Yes, we only want to do the absolute best thing for pets and that requires different ingredients and novel ingredients and other formulations — but how do we dumb it down? How do we help them understand the value they’re getting? How do we help them understand the safety they’re getting? 

“We are at a point of complexity in pet marketing that consumers can’t grasp,” he added. “A study by the USDA said most consumers do not understand differences in marketing and label claims… They have to get it, they have to trust it, they have to believe it before they pick it up.”

Future demands

As most in the industry know, trends in the human space often make their way into the pet space, from functional nutrition to health-monitoring technology (think smart watches turned smart collars). In line with this, Johnson shared several human trends that the industry should keep tabs on, including the rising interest in self-care, mental health and in-home testing.

Additionally, human food trends like farm-to-table, food as medicine, home-cooking, plant-based foods, alternative proteins, fermented or gut-focused foods and others are expected to continue making their way through the pet food industry, especially as today’s pet owners continue to prioritize their pets’ health and wellbeing — and, at times, putting it above their own. 

Pulling out the figurative crystal ball, Johnson provided a brief look into the next five years of consumer trends in the industry. When asked “How would you like to see the pet industry change in the next five years?” consumers desired better affordability, greater transparency and ethics, more innovation, and more truth and less marketing. 

Clearly, marketing and advertising have gained widespread distrust and scrutiny from consumers, as evidenced by its overt complexity. When asked, “What changes would you like to see in the way pet products are marketed and sold?” consumers want more honest advertising, better product education, a greater focus on health benefits, and more sustainable options. 

Actions to take

With all these insights in mind, Johnson highlighted what the pet food industry can do to keep their paw in the market. But first, he shared the importance for brands to understand their consumer, not just overall pet parents. 

“In the industry, we call these people blanket ‘pet parents,’ which is the lamest, laziest piece of marketing,” he explained. “… If you are not innovating to a specific consumer, you’re missing the target, and you may be wasting a whole lot of money. So, know your consumer and know what your consumer actually values.”

With this in mind, companies seeking to stay competitive in the market should focus on increasing product safety, nutrition, value and ease; innovating with consumer needs top of mind; educating consumers and making marketing more truthful and clearer; embracing transparency, sustainability and ethics; and fully leveraging technology to its fullest extent. 

Additionally, Johnson highlighted the critical importance of branding. With such a highly saturated market, consumers have unlimited choices and will easily switch brands as they choose depending upon price, convenience, accessibility and other factors.  

“The pet industry is a very me-too industry,” he shared. “If a trend catches on, everybody jumps on that train; whatever is hot we all want a piece of it… There’s nothing that another company in pet cannot take from you, except who you are… Brand is kind of your defense against that. Brand is the meaning, brand is I know you and what you stand for, and you stand for the same things that are important to me. So, you may be more expensive, may be harder to get or more confusing in your marketing, but I know you, I trust you. 

“Your brand will carry you across the finish line, make sure the consumers understand what you stand for,” Johnson added. “Make sure that consumers understand that brand because they have numerous opportunities to buy different pet products in this marketplace.”

Read more of our coverage from the 2025 Pet Food Conference. 

BOULDER, COLO. — The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the World Pet Association’s (WPA) Good Works program. According to PSC, this funding will allow it to drive new sustainability initiatives in the pet industry, such as advancing eco-friendly packaging, promoting responsible ingredient sourcing and educating businesses on measurable environmental strategies.

Since PSC’s inception 11 years ago, it now has more than 200 members in 18 different countries. The organization’s mission is to create profitable, measurable changes that benefit people, pets and the planet. The WPA Good Works program, which has donated more than $15 million in the last 15 years, shares this same vision, according to PSC. 

“Investing in organizations that provide meaningful change is essential,” said Vic Mason, president of WPA. “This grant reflects our belief in the power of collaboration and innovation to create a more sustainable future, one that benefits the environment, industry and communities alike.”

The grant will be used to support data, research and education and help expand resources. PSC will use the grant to create the 2025 “Sustainability in the Pet Industry Report, which will provide data on consumer trends, retailer behaviors and key sustainability issues. On the educational side, PSC plans to organize webinars and cohort sessions on topics like greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, sustainable packaging and ingredients, and anti-greenwashing. The grant will also support an expansion of PSC’s free toolkit, which provides resources like anti-greenwashing guidelines, the HowGood ingredient database and the packaging legislation tracker. 

“We are deeply honored to receive this 2025 grant from WPA, marking another milestone in our growing partnership,” said Jim Lamancusa, executive director of PSC. “As a non-profit organization, this support is vital to our mission of launching groundbreaking industry data, enhancing member education, and providing new and upgraded free resources accessible to everyone in the pet industry. WPA’s unwavering commitment makes these transformative initiatives possible, and we are profoundly grateful for their support.”

Read more news from associations and agencies in the pet food sector. 

ATLANTA — Following several months of regulatory uncertainty in the pet food industry, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) shared several critical updates at the 2025 Pet Food Conference, Jan. 28 in Atlanta. 

Leah Wilkinson, vice president of public policy and education at the AFIA, and Austin Therrell, executive director of the AAFCO, discussed several regulatory topics, including new policies for manufacturers to prevent animal diseases and a new ingredient pathway. 

HPAI raises the alarm

Wilkinson first took the stage, providing an update on the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Traditionally a wild bird disease, the virus has made the leap over the past couple years to mammals. According to Wilkinson, the disease has shown up in dairy cows, skunks, field mice, raccoons, dolphins, zoo animals (including polar bears, tigers and lions), foxes and the latest — domestic cats. The H5N1 strain of the virus poses particularly dangerous towards felines, with many who have contracted the virus experiencing severe illness and even death. Dogs are also able to contract the virus, however, they usually exhibit mild signs and low mortality compared to cats. 

Toward the end of 2024, the Oregon Department of Agriculture discovered a pet cat died from contracting the virus after consuming raw cat food that tested positive, leading to a recall. Later, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health discovered several cats that had also tested positive for the virus after consuming raw pet food. 

Following this, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is now requiring pet food manufacturers to reanalyze their food safety plans to include HPAI as a hazard. According to Wilkinson, this is the first time the FDA is invoking this part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations. 

“If you use uncooked or unpasteurized poultry or cattle products, you must reanalyze your food safety plan,” Wilkinson shared. “Specifically, the H5N1 strain should be considered a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard in your food safety plan.”

Though the FDA’s original announcement on this specifically mentioned manufacturers that use uncooked or unpasteurized ingredients derived from poultry or cattle, Wilkinson believes this extends far beyond to include all dog and cat food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers. 

According to Wilkinson, it has yet to be determined how soon this reanalysis needs to be done, but the current estimation is around 90 days for validation. 

“I would advise you to not wait, get working on this especially if you have multiple facilities, suppliers,” she said. “You don’t have to have it done tomorrow, but don’t wait and don’t delay. The FDA will come check during inspections… they’re going to look specifically for your reanalysis.”

The ingredient pathway 

Wilkinson then provided a brief update on the latest news on the animal food ingredient pathway. The issue first emerged last August, when the FDA announced it would not renew its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AAFCO that outlines the regulatory process for new animal nutrition ingredients. Following expiration of the MOU in October, the FDA introduced its new Animal Food Ingredient Consultations (AFIC) and the AAFCO introduced its new process with Kansas State University Olathe (K-State Olathe). 

Prior to the expiration of the MOU, there were three ingredient approval pathways: the AAFCO-FDA process, the FDA generally recognized as safe (GRAS) notification, and the FDA food additive petition process. Now, with the new FDA and AAFCO processes, the industry has four different processes. 

According to Wilkinson, the FDA’s new AFIC process is currently open. 

“It is meant to essentially replace the old AAFCO ingredient pathway,” she said. “The data that is required for submission is very similar to what was required through AAFCO submission. It does add more transparency to the process. The FDA will have a public-facing website where they will post once you have made a submission through AFIC and started the consultation. Then once they have finished the consultation, they will post the final determination.”

A new piece to this, different from the GRAS and food additive petition, is a comment period. Through the AFIC process, the FDA will take comments for 60 days, accepting scientific data regarding the safety of the ingredients. 

Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO, presenting at the 2025 Pet Food Conference.

| Source: Sosland Publishing Co.

Moving to AAFCO’s new ingredient process, Therrell took a deep dive into the association’s current plans for the process with K-State Olathe. The process will begin with an AAFCO Investigator review, which is expected to take 30 days, followed by a review from a panel of subject-matter experts led by K-State Olathe, which is expected to take 60 to 90 days. The panel will then make a recommendation. The ingredient will then pass on to the association’s Ingredient Definitions Committee, then the board of directors, and finally to general membership approval. 

According to Therrell, this process is estimated to decrease ingredient review time by half. 

“With an ideal submission within this new process, we’re looking at a potential pathway to bring new, innovative ingredients to the market in about nine months versus 18,” he shared.

Through this process, there will be three tiers for submission, each costing a fee:

• Basic Scientific Reviews will be for the modification of an AAFCO definition that requires a scientific review from at most two subject-matter experts. These reviews will cost $10,000.
• Full Submission Package will allow for data for one to two animal species and a minimum of two subject-matter experts. These reviews will cost $25,000.
• Expanded Submission Package will include data for three or more animal species and a minimum of three subject-matter experts. These reviews will cost $35,000. 

Additionally, AAFCO plans to charge an additional $5,000 per subject-matter expert if additional ones are needed. 

“Essentially, this offers an ability to bring ingredients to the market with a lot more flexibility than what we had previously under some of the old regulatory pathways,” Therrell said. 

To help in creating this process, the association will be creating a Steering Committee of industry members. The committee will provide insight on new procedures to select subject-matter experts, figure out extra panel fees, provide guidance on how potential conflict of interest can be avoided and more. 

According to Therrell, AAFCO plans to have this new process up and running by the third quarter of this year. 

Additional AAFCO updates

In addition to the new ingredient approval process, Therrell also shared other updates from the association’s Mid-Year meeting held earlier this year. 

The biggest update from the meeting includes the approval of ingredients including dried mealworm meal and dried crickets for use in adult dog food, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) oil for use in adult cat food, clam meal, shellfish and alligator. Additionally, the association updated the calcium/phosphorus ratios in the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profile. 

The association also established the Technical Assistance Network (TAN), a new mechanism on AAFCO’s website to help industry members with regulatory interpretation. 

Lastly, Therrell provided an update on AAFCO’s position on the PURR Act 2025, which was reintroduced earlier this year, expressing concern about the legislation.  

“AAFCO will continue, as we go through this year, to speak out against this piece of legislation,” Therrell said. “We realize as an association that we are not perfect. When we look at the regulatory system across the United States, there are a lot of improvements that still need to be made… So, I say that knowing that there are issues that exist, but we don’t believe federal legislation is the way to address this issue. 

“When consumers find out that this bill wants to take authority away from state regulators and hand it over the FDA to retroactively try and enforce, I think consumers will find that to be very off putting,” he detailed. “Consumers want oversight, and they want transparency, and that’s what we strive to do.

“When we look at the regulatory system, we have to balance it out by not being overly burdensome while supporting innovation, the ability to bring new ingredients into the marketplace, and clear guidance to make marketing claims,” Therrell added. “We want to promote that within the industry and there’s a smart, efficient way to do that with state regulation.”

Read more of our coverage from the 2025 Pet Food Conference. 

ATLANTA — Marketing trends, brewed proteins, shifting regulatory policies and impacts of animal diseases — the pet food industry gathered to learn about these topics and others during the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Pet Food Conference on Jan. 29. Held in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, the conference brought together 500 professionals — a new record, according to the AFIA.

“It is exciting to see the continued growth of the AFIA Pet Food Conference, reflecting the industry’s commitment to growth and innovation,” said Louise Calderwood, director of regulatory affairs at the AFIA. “This year’s conference delivered valuable insights on everything from novel ingredients used in pet food and the latest consumer trends in pet food, to addressing critical regulatory updates. 

“Staying up to date with these changes is essential for the industry, and we appreciate the engagement from our record-breaking audience and look forward to continuing these conversations in the years ahead,” she added.

Hear some highlights from the Pet Food Conference by Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma below. 

Michael Johnson, principal of consumer strategy at BSM Partners, took the stage to kick-off the event with a dive into consumers and marketing trends. According to Johnson, consumers are looking for better affordability, greater transparency and ethics, more innovation, and “more truth and less marketing,” meaning that to stay competitive in the industry, pet food brands must commit to more honest advertising and better product education, focus more on health benefits, and embrace sustainability.

Johnson also spoke about the problematic term of “pet parent.” When considering their audience, Johnson urged pet food companies to steer away from “pet parent” and get more specific, as pet parents range the gamut of demographics. 

“In the industry, we call these people blanket ‘pet parents,’ which is the lamest, laziest piece of marketing,” he explained. “… If you are not innovating to a specific consumer, you’re missing the target, and you may be wasting a whole lot of money. So, know your consumer and know what your consumer actually values.”

Among the many trends Johnson covered, sustainability and innovation are a top priority for consumers. In fact, many are expressing more interest in alternative proteins as a means to advance sustainability. Of these many alternative proteins are those developed through precision fermentation. Rich Kelleman, chief executive officer of Bond Pet Foods, discussed the use of this technology and its application in pet nutrition. 

“What we do for [these dogs] matters, because what they do for us matters,” she said.

After a quick break, three students shared their latest research. Sydney Banton of the University of Guelph discussed the impacts of high-protein, low-carb diets on heart health in dogs. Hilary Carrera of Auburn University shared her research on pet owners’ sensory perceptions of jerky pet treats made with swine pluck, which includes pig heart, trachea, esophagus and lungs. And Elizabeth Geary of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign dived into her research on the impacts of various processing methods on amino acid digestibility and energy content of dog foods.

Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) then provided a peek into IFEEDER’s Pet Food Consumption Report. The report covers 602 pet food ingredients, representing 9.28 million tons and $13.2 billion in value. The full report is expected to be released sometime this month. 

With significant changes happening in the regulation of pet food, Leah Wilkinson, vice president of public policy and education at the AFIA, and Austin Therrell, executive director of Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), provided critical updates on the regulation of animal food ingredients. 

Wilkinson also shared updates on highly pathogenic avian influenza, highlighting the need for pet food manufacturers to reanalyze their food safety plans to consider the virus as a new hazard. 

AAFCO Executive Director Austin Therrell presenting at the AFIA 2025 Pet Food Conference.

| Source: Sosland Publishing Co.

In addition to sharing details on AAFCO’s new animal food ingredient regulatory pathway with Kansas State University Olathe, Therrell also shared several updates from AAFCO’s mid-year meeting held mid-January, including newly approved alternative protein ingredients. 

Ending the conference, Grace Danao, Ph.D., research associate professor at the Food Processing Center at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and Julia Guazzelli Pezzali, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the Pet Food Program at Kansas State University, shared how their respective universities support the pet food industries. From preparing future industry leaders to enter the workforce to the various facilities and processing capabilities each university offers, the industry continues to benefit from these partnerships with academia.

Stay tuned for more coverage from the 2025 Pet Food Conference.