Welcome

SOUTHEASTERN, PA. — The Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) announced the appointment of Melynda Johnson to the newly created role of director of meetings and marketing. She brings more than 15 years of association experience to the new position.

In her new role, Johnson will work alongside Nina Bull, PIDA’s new manager of member and attendee engagement, and PIDA President Celeste Powers on the Pet Industry Leadership Summit.

During her previous roles, Johnson developed creative and profitable events including board meetings and conferences for more than 300 attendees in the United States and internationally. She also helped manage an education conference and trade show for more than 3,000 attendees. Throughout her career, she has helped manage boards of directors, association membership and various committees.

“Melynda prides herself on customer service and relationship management,” Powers said.

Johnson grew up in Moorestown, NJ, and now lives in Central New Jersey with her two children, Beckett and Elle and their Australian Labradoodle, Happy.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.

BOULDER, COLO. — The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) released its new Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins resource to help pet food processors make informed decisions regarding the environmental and social impacts of sourcing animal proteins. 

According to the PSC, the drive for companies to produce cheap, abundant products to meet consumer demand has contributed to significant issues, including rising environmental and social impacts, and concerns on animal welfare throughout the pet food supply chain. 

“The pet food industry often flies under the radar when it comes to discussions about sustainability. However, it plays a pivotal role in the global food system, with a significant impact on both the environment and society,” the PSC shared. “The industry’s influence stretches far and wide, from the sources of its ingredients to the sustainability practices it promotes. This is why we’ve created an extensive Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins for the pet food industry with all the risks, challenges and information you need to make decisions regarding proteins in your pet food products.”

The guide aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Science-Based Targets (SBTi), and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). 

The Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins provides a deep look into the impacts of different animals commonly used as protein sources in pet food production, including cattle, deer, sheep, pigs, broiler chickens, egg-laying hens, turkey and salmon. For each species, the guide uncovers the animal’s impact on: 

• The environment, taking into account greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biodiversity loss, water consumption, pollution and natural ecosystem conversion
• People and communities, taking into account land resources and rights, child labor, employment practices, rights of indigenous peoples, non-discrimination, forced or compulsory labor, occupational health and safety, wages and more
• Animal welfare, taking into account breeding, feeding, housing and transporting practices, as well as humane slaughtering.

View the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s Blueprint to Responsibly Sourcing Animal Proteins here.

Read more about sustainability efforts across the pet food and treat industry. 

Conversations about the health of the planet and the limits of its natural resources are no longer restricted to a roomful of scientists at an annual meeting. It’s an everyday topic among many people, and the desire to know more and do more shows no signs of slowing down.

In response, food and beverage marketers are more mindful of ingredients they source, often with the intent to communicate an ingredient’s sustainability journey.

There are challenges to the effort and risks, but in the end, if the data support the claim, it’s a win for the planet.

“Consumer preferences are placing increased emphasis on environmental responsibility,” said Will Templeton, director of corporate social responsibility, Amway, Grand Rapids, Mich. “Brands with strong sustainability practices are attracting and retaining customers who prioritize ethical sourcing and environmentally conscious production, and this movement is reshaping the landscape of corporate responsibility.”

Amway’s consumer research shows consumers are thirsty for transparency about their products. In countries throughout the world, consumers want to better understand where their products come from and how they are made.

“The reason why they want this level of product traceability varies according to cultural needs,” Templeton said. “Some are looking for proof of safety, some for proof of authenticity and purity of the product, and others want more peace of mind in the purchasing decisions they make, and traceability can give them the insight they want. Some simply just want to feel emotionally connected to the products and the people behind those products.”

Many are looking for evidence of sustainable practices along the supply chain. The challenge is there’s no universal definition of “sustainable practices.”

The Federal Trade Commission has published its Green Guides, which are guidelines that caution against making unqualified environmental claims that may mislead consumers. It is a best practice for food and beverage companies to follow the recommendations. However, as with all marketing, there are risks involved with making sustainability claims. The risks involve future regulation, as well as deceptive practice lawsuits filed by organizations policing claims.

Suppliers vary in their approach

Ingredient suppliers are more widely using third-party validation services to manage sustainability claims. The claims run the gamut of water stewardship to regenerative agriculture to upcycling.

“There is no standard or consistency in data collection across suppliers,” said Jennifer DuCray, sustainability manager, North America, for Kemin Industries, Des Moines, Iowa. “This lack of cohesiveness makes comparisons of ingredients dependent on assumptions that may not have the most accurate data. Validation is critical to reduce greenwashing across the ingredient segment so consumers have a solid understanding of what they are buying.”

For Kemin, sustainable cultivation methods include managing plant life cycles, minimizing inputs and using good agricultural practices. Such practices enable the company’s specialty crop improvements division to grow plants with more of the desired active molecules with less land, water and other input usages. The practice may be seen in the company’s rosemary crops, which yield an extract that helps prevent lipid oxidation in a variety of foods, thereby extending shelf life.

“Focusing on shelf life is an approach that enhances manufacturing efficiencies, improves distribution channels and reduces food waste generated by manufacturers, retailers and consumers,” said Karen Winkowski, vice president, innovation, Innophos, Cranbury, NJ. “Extended shelf life lowers both the economic and environmental impacts of wasted food, helping to feed more people and sustain our planet.”

Fruit d’Or, Villeroy, Quebec, prioritizes organic farming practices intended to preserve soil health and biodiversity. The company has processing facilities near its cultivation areas to reduce transport distances and carbon emissions.

“Innovative technologies and AI-driven processes help us manage energy consumption, air emissions and water use more efficiently,” said Annie Bouchard, senior brand manager at Fruit d’Or. “Our closed-loop growing systems exemplify our commitment to resource conservation, where water collected from rain and snowmelt is reused to irrigate and protect crops during winter months.”

Most farmers look for ways to do more with less, and advanced technologies are making the effort easier.

“Advancements like precision watering and cover crops have cut irrigation water use by 60%,” said Laurie Isley, farmer director health and nutrition supply work group lead, United Soybean Board, Chesterfield, Mo. “No-till farming and smarter fertilizer and pesticide use keeps our soil healthy by reducing erosion, keeping more carbon dioxide locked up and helping the soil retain water, in tandem with detailed nutrient management plans. Precision agriculture, including drones, GPS-enabled tractors, satellite imagery, guidance control and integrated pest management, further reduce the use of natural resources.”

Minneapolis-based Cargill uses AI-enhanced remote satellite monitoring systems to monitor deforestation. Satellite data also may be used to identify and confirm certain farm management practices, offering another layer of compliance assurance.

“These monitoring and verification programs can help build trust, but only if they are accompanied by transparency,” said Julie Robey, customer sustainability leader for food solutions, Americas, at Cargill. “In response, ingredient suppliers are providing dashboards; environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports; and even digital portals that serve as a central hub for a company’s sustainability metrics. The best of these platforms give customers clear and robust information on where raw materials come from, how they are produced and how sustainability investments are supporting improvements.”

Another growing area of interest in the sustainability conversation is upcycling. Upcycled foods use ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption. They are proured and produced using verifiable supply chains and have a positive impact on the environment, according to the Upcycled Foods Association, Denver, which defined the term in 2020.

Formulators and marketers have started quantifying their use of upcycled ingredients and making this part of the product’s selling points. Ocean Spray Ingredients, Lakeville-Middleborough, Mass., for example, upcycles cranberry seeds captured through one of the company’s fruit processing side streams. Such ingredients help marketers create products that address reducing food waste.

“They are a beautiful red color, full of fiber, contain omega-3 and -6 fatty acids and protein,” said Katy Galle, senior vice president-research, development and sustainability. “They provide a healthy and colorful ingredient, especially to baking items.”

When possible, Kerr by Ingredion, Salem, Ore., will purchase produce that is not visually appealing for retail sale. The fruits and vegetables are turned into nutrient-dense ingredients for further food manufacturing.

No farm needed

Precision fermentation also is being embraced for its more earth-friendly approach to producing ingredients. Bioengineering techniques are used to program microorganisms by giving them a specific genetic code to produce a compound of interest when fermented under precise conditions. The code is the exact copy of the DNA sequence found in a digitized database of animal or plant DNA sequences; however, it requires no animal or plant involvement. The result is the molecularly identical ingredient made by microorganisms.

Such precise fermentation enables the production of large amounts of specific compounds. EverSweet stevia sweetener, for example, is produced using a technology by Avansya, the joint venture between Cargill and Switzerland-based DSM-Firmenich.

“Stevia leaves contain dozens of sweet components, but two of the best-tasting, Reb M and Reb D, comprise less than 1% of the stevia leaf,” Robey said. “We pioneered an innovative and more sustainable production process using fermentation to produce EverSweet instead of a more resource-intensive crop-based system. Our latest third-party-verified life-cycle assessment affirms that decision, finding EverSweet requires less water, less land and produces a smaller carbon footprint as compared to sugar and other stevia sweetener choices.”

Another company choosing precision fermentation is Phytolon, an Israel-based startup using technology from the Weizmann Institute of Science. The technology involves using baker’s yeast to produce natural colors.

Most natural food colors are derived from fruits and vegetables, which requires a lot of natural resources and is also dependent on Mother Nature. With precision fermentation, the company uses two strains of baker’s yeast, one modified to secrete a water-soluble yellow pigment and the other to secrete a water-soluble purple pigment. Phytolon then combines the two to produce a range of colors that are stable across a wide pH range and may be produced consistently all year long.

Wilmington, Del.-based IFF launched enzymatic technology for the development of bio-based materials in 2023. Unlike synthetic polymers, the process uses biotechnology to create structurally diverse polysaccharides like those found in nature but at scale and with a purity, quality and consistency typically only found in petrochemical polymers.

“Using sugar, water and enzymes, we can design functional materials that can be bio-based and biodegradable without compromising performance,” said Renée Henze, chief sustainability officer at IFF. “The results of an extensive, peer-reviewed life-cycle assessment validated two key sustainability benefits of these polysaccharides.”

First, the manufacturing process can be carbon-negative, depending on co-product utilization. And because it is derived from sugar, there’s net land use reduction.

“We can work together to build a more sustainable future that brings benefits to farmers, brands, investors and perhaps most importantly, Earth itself,” Robey said.

LONDON — With rising consumer demand for plant-based and alternative protein pet foods, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) launched a new policy position on diet choices for cats and dogs on July 24, calling on the veterinary and pet food industries to support pet owners in choosing healthy, more sustainable diets for their pets. 

According to new research from the BVA, many pet parents are choosing non-traditional diets for their cats and dogs. Ninety-four percent of veterinarians reported their clients are feeding pets a raw diet, 42% have clients feeding meat-free diets, and 29% have clients feeding insect-protein. Despite this transition to more sustainable pet foods, BVA found that these pet owners do not routinely consult their veterinarians regarding these choices, as 6 out of 10 veterinarians were unsure which of their clients’ pets were being fed meat-free diets.

With this in mind, the BVA released its new policy position, encouraging veterinarians to communicate with pet owners about what diet they have selected to feed their pets. Additionally, the association is urging veterinarians to record any resulting issues to help the industry understand the long-term health effects of these alternative pet foods. 

“We know that owners of cats and dogs are increasingly drawn to pet diets that reflect their own personal values and lifestyle choices, and this is leading to a surge in alternative approaches to pet food,” said Anna Judson, president of the BVA. “We support owners making informed choices about what to feed their pets, but they must be aware that these choices play a pivotal role in the health of the animal and can also have a wider impact on human health and environmental sustainability.

“One of the key issues in these conversations is the lack of long-term, evidence-based research,” she added. “If vet teams are to maintain our position as the ‘trusted voice’ in these conversations, it’s vital that we ask the right questions and also record as much data as possible so that we can understand the long-term impact of some of these newer diets.”

For the pet food industry, BVA intends to lobby for better labeling and traceability of animal byproducts in cat and dog foods. Under the new policy position, the association recommends that pet food companies provide additional information on UK pet food labels to help improve consumers’ access to information. The association also recommends that processors collaborate with suppliers to ensure traceability and welfare standards for animal-based ingredients and communicate this with pet owners.  

The BVA stressed that its new position does not attempt to determine the “best” diet for each individual pet, rather it aims to support pet owners in their feeding choices and ensure pets’ nutritional needs are fully met. 

“Innovation should be embraced, but not at the expense of animal welfare through poor nutrition, so more research is needed to improve confidence in all diet types,” the policy statement reads. “…Balancing sustainability and nutritional needs for a pet’s diet is complex. Public awareness of sustainability issues and the potential impacts of their decisions must improve, and owners must make decisions based on science rather than trends to protect both the planet and the health and welfare of their animal.”

Read more on the BVA’s new policy position. 

Stay up to date on the latest pet food processing industry headlines on our News page. 

ARLINGTON, VA. — The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) has added new materials to its Animal Food Industry Sustainability Toolkit. The new resource defines 16 material issue areas identified as important for consideration in animal food industry sustainability efforts.

IFEEDER’s toolkit, launched in 2023, aims to provide business leaders within the animal feed and pet food industry with practical resources for developing their internal sustainability programs, responding to stakeholders’ requests and communicating their sustainability stories. 

“As the animal food industry continues to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability, the need for well-defined, actionable guidance has never been more important,” said Lara Moody, executive director, IFEEDER. “This new resource addresses that need by describing the scope of each issue in conjunction with real-world examples underway within the industry.”

In phase one of its Sustainability Road Map project, IFEEDER identified 16 key issues that are material to the animal food industry and its stakeholders. These issues span three main pillars: people, planet and governance. 

The new, comprehensive resource, which was launched July 22, offers detailed descriptions of each issue, insights into its potential value to the industry and illustrative examples from industry members that highlight the tangible benefits of addressing these issues. The materials developed through this project will be added to the toolkit and are also available for all animal food industry stakeholders on IFEEDER’s website.

The complete toolkit is available for free to American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) members and IFEEDER donors on IFEEDER’s website, and available for purchase to nonmembers in AFIA’s online store.

The project was completed in collaboration with animal food industry members and students at Iowa State University, led by Kurt Rosentrater, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Agricultural Biosystems and Engineering, with generous support from Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Kent Nutrition Group, IFEEDER said.

To access these resources or learn about this project, visit ifeeder.org/materialissues. IFEEDER will continue to add industry examples to this resource as they are made available. Those interested in contributing to this project, or future sustainability-related topics, may contact IFEEDER at ifeeder.org/contact.

Founded in 2009 by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), IFEEDER supports education and research initiatives in the animal food industry that ensure access to a safe, healthy and sustainable food supply.

PARIS — Danone SA is exploring a multi-year collaboration with Microsoft to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) throughout its operations.

A Danone Microsoft AI Academy will launch to ensure all Danone employees have the digital tools they need in an AI-driven economy, Danone said. 

The Paris-based international food and beverage manufacturer said 50,000 of its employees already can leverage AI in their day-to-day jobs. A recently launched DanSkills program aims to reskill about 100,000 Danone employees to jobs in the future and attract new talent.

Initially, Danone and Microsoft will explore creating an AI-enabled supply chain that will manage logistics and manufacturing through predictive forecasting, real-time adjustments and streamlined operations. The AI-enabled supply chain also will develop digital twinning of skills to assist data-driven decision-making by employees in Danone’s procurement, production and distribution teams.

“Our collaboration with Microsoft will accelerate our AI transformation, providing us with the tools, technology and expertise to explore new frontiers in data analysis, operational efficiency and consumer engagement,” said Juergen Essser, Danone’s deputy chief executive officer in charge of finance, technology and data. “Working together is not just about technology; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation and performance across our organization.”

WASHINGTON — The Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced a recently launched webinar series to help inform and educate pet food processors on upcoming pet food label changes under Pet Food Label Modernization (PFLM). 

In July 2023, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) approved new labeling guidelines for dog and cat foods. These new model regulations aim to make pet food labels more closely resemble those on human foods. According to the PFI, the modernization of pet food labels will provide “greater consistency and understanding to pet owners when they shop for food, treats, or supplements for their dog or cat.”

To ensure processors are fully educated on changes under PFLM, the PFI has introduced a five-part webinar series. The educational program consists of five webinars, which began with an introduction into labeling changes on July 10. The next webinars are set for:

• Aug. 14, which will cover the Intended Use Statement guidelines
• Sept. 11, which will cover the Pet Nutrition Facts Box
• Oct. 16, which will cover Fiber and Calorie Calculation
• Nov. 13, which will cover Ingredient Statements, Handling and Storage

“We are encouraged by the large participation from the first webinar and the level of discussion surrounding the changes resulting from the Pet Food Label Modernization effort,” said Kelly Kanaras, director of communications and membership at PFI. “These changes will help pet food labels convey the best possible information about pet food products to regulators, veterinarians, and, most importantly, pet owners.”

All webinars are free to industry members. The PFI will also launch a hands-on PFLM workshop in early 2025. 

Register for the PFLM webinars. 

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.  

ARLINGTON, VA. — The American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) annual Equipment Manufacturers Conference (EMC) will be Nov. 6 to 8 in Bonita Springs, Fla., with the theme “Feed Industry 4.0 – Leveraging New Technologies.”

The three-day event kicks off with an annual golf tournament, which raises money for the Institute for Feed Education and Research’s (IFEEDER) EMC scholarship fund, a program designed to encourage college students to consider careers in the feed or grain sciences. 

“We are extremely excited about this year’s Equipment Manufacturers Conference and look forward to welcoming both new attendees as well as past attendees,” said Gary Huddleston, director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs at the AFIA. “With this year’s theme centered on ‘Feed Industry 4.0,’ we look forward to showcasing how new technologies can drive efficiency, growth and innovation in the animal food industry.”

Early-bird registration runs through Oct. 4, with a discounted rate of $720 for AFIA members and $1,450 for nonmembers. To register or learn more about EMC, visit afia.org/EMC2024.

Read more about pet food and treat industry events. 

MCLEAN, VA. — The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) announced it has hired Allison Wachter as the new vice president of engagement and business development. Wachter will work alongside President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew R. Ott, who joined the association in late March.

As part of the association’s rebranding initiative, FPSA announced a name change from the Food Processing Suppliers Association to the Food Production Solutions Association during its annual Executive Exchange & Conference in Indian Wells, Calif., on March 27.

Wachter’s new role as vice president of engagement and business development will play a critical role in developing new offerings and resources for FPSA members as a part of the association’s rebrand. Wachter will also oversee membership, event and volunteer initiatives for FPSA.

“As we continue to evolve with a new name, brand and vision, Allison is arriving at an exciting time in the organization’s history,” Ott said.

Wachter added, “I am excited to work with the staff and the board of directors on improving our existing member benefits and developing new programs, services and events that help ensure continued success for FPSA and our member companies.”

Wachter joins FPSA with more than 20 years of association experience leading teams and development strategies to improve member engagement and increase revenue.

“We look forward to tapping into her many years of non-profit experience as we continue to improve engagement and collaboration amongst companies from across the food industry,” Ott said.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.

KANSAS CITY, MO. — While exports of US pet food declined 3% from $2.48 billion in 2022 to $2.41 billion in 2023, pet food manufacturers still consider exporting to be a solid market opportunity for their products. 

Canada continues to be the largest export market for US dog and cat food at a value of $1.20 billion in 2023, up 6.9% from $1.12 billion in 2022. China is the second-largest market with $257.60 million in 2023, and Mexico continues to grow as the third-largest market — up 16% from $177.93 in 2022 to $206.31 million in 2023.

Pet industry associations, such as the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), are doing their part to help processors find new markets while also promoting US pet food products in these potential international markets. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Market Access Program (MAP), for example, provides funding to groups — including PFI and AFIA — that organize marketing campaigns promoting the safety, quality and nutritional efficacy of US pet food products in 17 targeted international markets. These countries currently include Brazil, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. 

AFIA received $170,000 in federal funding through the (MAP) for fiscal 2024.

 “The US animal food industry has the potential to sustainably enhance the efficiency and quality of global animal nutrition practices and pet food diets. However, existing foreign regulatory and policy constraints hinder fair competition for these products in foreign markets,” said Constance Cullman, president and chief executive officer of the AFIA, in January. “We appreciate the opportunity to continue collaborating with the USDA to overcome these trade barriers and promote our products.”

Mallory Gaines, director of Market Access and Trade Policy at the American Feed Industry Association. 

| Source: American Feed Industry Association

As the director of Market Access and Trade Policy for the AFIA, Mallory Gaines is responsible for developing, implementing and communicating the AFIA’s trade policy goals and activities, and supporting the growth of trade-related policies that are in the best interests of expanding US exports. 

During the inaugural Pet Food Processing Exchange Oct. 7 to 8 in Kansas City, hosted by Pet Food Processing magazine and parent company Sosland Publishing, Gaines and other subject matter experts will share their knowledge on the growth and opportunities in this evolving industry. Leaders in areas such as product formulation, animal nutrition, data analysis, packaging, food safety and automation will take the stage to provide their perspectives on the formulation, production and safety of pet food.

On Oct. 7, Gaines will share her expertise about “Global Market Opportunities: Expansion Through Exporting.” With the remarkable surge in pet food sales worldwide, processors can learn how to capitalize on this growth and successfully navigate this potentially arduous process.

Speaking with Pet Food Processing magazine, Gaines discussed how new and emerging international markets are offering opportunities for pet food manufacturers to expand beyond US borders. 

Pet Food Processing: Why is there so much growth potential for US pet food processors to distribute abroad?

Gaines: As the middle class grows around the world, families are adopting more pets into their homes and are starting to prioritize better pet care. They see healthy pets who live longer, fuller lives as a benefit and are increasingly interested in providing them with complete diets. In many countries, pet food is still a luxury item but is becoming more attainable as economies and middle classes grow.

PFP: When it comes to international growth potential for the pet food market, which areas of the globe show the best opportunity?

Gaines: The AFIA supports market programs in Latin America and Asia, where there is growing interest in feeding complete and balanced pet food to companion animals.

PFP: If pet food processors want to expand their distribution internationally, where do they need to start the process?

Gaines: AFIA is here as a resource to the pet food industry to help processors get started with their international distribution journey. There are several tools that are easy to access to peek into a market — in fact, I’ll be sharing more information about what those tools are during my upcoming presentation at the Pet Food Processing Exchange.

PFP: What services does American Feed Industry Association offer to help processors learn about potential international markets?

Gaines: The AFIA serves as a liaison and can answer members’ questions about a market or help solve problems that limit their ability to export into that market. Through the MAP, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) partners with US agricultural trade associations, cooperatives, state regional trade groups and small businesses to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities that help build commercial export markets for US agricultural products and commodities. As a cooperator and implementer of the MAP funds, the AFIA also works to build awareness and interest for US pet food in global markets of interest of our members. 

PFP: How does AFIA’s MAP help processors explore exporting opportunities?

Gaines: The FAS’s MAP funds are a great resource. The AFIA can assess a market utilizing this funding to help build a marketing campaign, to support a product, such as pet food, or target setting up business-to-business relationships.

Attendees of Pet Food Processing Exchange can learn more about global opportunities for the pet food and treat industry during Gaines’ presentation during the event. Learn more and register for Pet Food Processing Exchange here.