Latest news with #petindustry
Bloomberg
11-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Intelligence: Performance Food Said to Get Takeover Interest From US Foods
Watch Paul LIVE every day on YouTube: Bloomberg Intelligence hosted by John Tucker and Isabelle Lee -Crystal Tse, Bloomberg US Deals Reporter, discusses Performance Food Group attracting takeover interest from US Foods Holding. It's a potential deal that would create a food distribution company with combined sales of roughly $100 billion, people familiar with the matter said. -Mary Ross Gilbert, Bloomberg Intelligence, Senior Equity Analyst, Covering Retail,discusses earnings from Levi Strauss. Levi Strauss raised its revenue outlook, expecting sales growth to outweigh the effect of President Donald Trump's tariffs. -Woo Jin Ho, Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Technology Analyst, discusses Bloomberg Intelligence's midyear outlook for global communications and networking equipment. BI says that tariffs and economic uncertainty could trip up the global networking sector's 2H sales recovery and earnings momentum. -Diana Rosero Pena, Bloomberg Intelligence Consumer Staples Analyst, discusses Bloomberg Intelligence's deep dive into the $500 billion pet economy. BI analysis says people are humanizing their pets more than ever, a trend that will help global pet-industry sales increase as much as 36% to reach almost half a trillion dollars by the end of the decade.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Topbreed, SmartHeart, and Superdogs Among Winners at 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition in Vienna
LONDON, July 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition marked its fifth instalment, bringing together leading pet and animal brands from every corner of the globe. These brands were celebrated for their outstanding achievements, earning recognition as National, Regional, and Global Winners. The awards ceremony, held at Vienna's prestigious Hofburg Palace, welcomed winners across diverse categories, including pet food, retail, wellness, pet exhibitions, and aquatic products. Mounia Berrada-Gouzi expertly hosted the evening, which culminated in a grand celebration of brand excellence. "The Animalis Edition of the World Branding Awards recognises brands that have achieved the highest distinction—genuine recognition in the hearts and minds of consumers. Tonight, we honour those whose names resonate globally, whose values inspire loyalty, and whose presence defines excellence in the pet and animal industry," said Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. Out of over 950 brands nominated by more than 80,000 consumers in a global online survey, only the top 105 brands from 25 countries achieved the coveted title of winner. Earning a World Branding Award is a significant achievement, solidifying their status as industry leaders. Proving their excellence and impeccable branding, the Global tier winners include Frontline (Germany), Kit Cat (Singapore), KONG (UK), Sheba (USA), and Whiskas (USA). Winners from The Philippines include Topbreed, SmartHeart, and Superdogs. Other National tier winners include Bamboodles (UK), CIAO (Japan), Cooper and Gracie (UK), Delibest (Switzerland), Heads Up For Tails (India), Kaniva (Thailand), Kasty (Thailand), Nutriment Natural Treats (UK), Pampered Pets (Singapore), Petio (Japan), Powercat (Malaysia), Pramy (Thailand), and Vancat (Türkiye), to name a few. Regional tier winners include Alps Natural (Malaysia), EHEIM (Germany), and Hikari (Japan). These brands were voted as consumers' favourites in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region. As the 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition concludes, the highly anticipated Global Edition of the World Branding Awards is set to return to the stage this November. For more information, visit ABOUT WORLD BRANDING AWARDS The World Branding Awards is the premier award of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The awards recognise the achievements of some of the world's best brands. SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: View source version on Contacts EDITORIAL CONTACT Email: editorial@
National Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
The 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition Honouring Leading Pet and Animal Brands Globally
Article content Article content LONDON — The 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition marked its fifth instalment, bringing together leading pet and animal brands from all around the world. These brands were celebrated for their outstanding achievements, earning recognition as National, Regional, and Global Winners. Article content Article content The awards ceremony, held at Vienna's prestigious Hofburg Palace, welcomed winners across diverse categories, including pet food, retail, wellness, pet exhibitions, and aquatic products. Mounia Berrada-Gouzi expertly hosted the evening, which culminated in a grand celebration of brand excellence. Article content 'The Animalis Edition of the World Branding Awards recognises brands that have achieved the highest distinction—genuine recognition in the hearts and minds of consumers. Tonight, we honour those whose names resonate globally, whose values inspire loyalty, and whose presence defines excellence in the pet and animal industry,' said Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. Article content Out of over 950 brands nominated by more than 80,000 consumers in a global online survey, only the top 105 brands from 25 countries achieved the coveted title of winner. Earning a World Branding Award is a significant achievement, solidifying their status as industry leaders. Article content Proving their excellence and impeccable branding, the Global tier winners include Frontline (Germany), Kit Cat (Singapore), KONG (UK), Sheba (USA), and Whiskas (USA). Article content National tier winners include Bamboodles (UK), Bok Dok (Thailand), CIAO (Japan), Cooper and Gracie (UK), Delibest (Switzerland), Heads Up For Tails (India), Kaniva (Thailand), Kasty (Thailand), Kelly & Co's (Thailand), Nutriment Natural Treats (UK), OhMyPet! Expo (Malaysia), Pampered Pets (Singapore), Petio (Japan), Powercat (Malaysia), Pramy (Thailand), Topbreed (The Philippines), and Vancat (Türkiye), to name a few. Article content Regional tier winners include Alps Natural (Malaysia), EHEIM (Germany), and Hikari (Japan). These brands were voted as consumers' favourites in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region. Article content As the 2025-2026 World Branding Awards Animalis Edition concludes, the highly anticipated Global Edition of the World Branding Awards is set to return to the stage this November. Article content The World Branding Awards is the premier award of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The awards recognise the achievements of some of the world's best brands. Article content SOCIAL MEDIA Article content Facebook: Article content Article content Twitter: Article content Article content Instagram: Article content Article content LinkedIn: Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Pet Startups Struggle In A Market Dominated By Mars And Chewy
Getting on these shelves is harder than ever. Five years ago, launcing a pet startup felt like riding a wave of opportunity. Today that wave has crashed into a wall of corporate consolidations, locked contracts and shrinking shelf space. To an outsider, the pet industry looks highly fragmented, with a mix of big-box retailers like Amazon, Chewy, and PetSmart alongside small, independent pet stores, vet clinics and brands. But below the surface, acquisitions by major players have made it more difficult than ever for startups to gain a foothold. Consolidation Is Reshaping the Industry The wave of acquisitions has fundamentally changed the competitive landscape, making it harder for new entrants to scale. "Finding your way in this space is much more complicated than five years ago," says Brett Furlong, CEO of pet transport company Starwood Pet. "With so many acquisitions having been made and expecting high growth, there is a rush to find the unicorn in an increasingly crowded space," Furlong says. Insights shared at the Kisaco Pet Connect conference by Bruce Truman of BLT Technology and Innovation Group and Candise Goodwin of Outlier Advisors illustrate just how much industry consolidation is reshaping opportunities for innovation and competition. Veterinary Care: A Tough Market for Innovation Approximately 30% of veterinary practices are now owned by large corporations or private equity groups, with Banfield Pet Hospital and Mars-owned VCA Pet Hospitals leading the charge. This consolidation often brings centralized procurement, reducing flexibility and limiting new product adoption. Consumers remain largely unaware of these affiliations, yet they experience the impact in the form of fewer choices and standardization of care. Adding to the challenge, canine visits to veterinarians declined 3.3% in the year ending August 2024, according to Vetsource. The hardest-hit sector? Veterinary pharmacies, as pet owners increasingly opt for mass-market retailers for their pet prescriptions. In a shrinking market, growth can only come from capturing competitors' market share—an expensive and difficult path that often leads to cost-cutting rather than investment in new products. Big Contracts and Consolidation are Choking Pet Tech and Food Startups What was once a regional diagnostics and technology business has gone national, with industry giants like Mars, Zoetis, and IDEXX locking in long-term contracts with veterinary groups. While these deals provide financial incentives to clinics, they create high barriers to entry for newcomers. Even faster, more cost-effective solutions struggle to break through when existing contracts restrict adoption. The pharmaceutical sector has also experienced consolidation, with Elanco and Zoetis leading acquisitions. Bob Rubin, CEO and Founder of pet business strategy advisor Breakaway Advisors, says that in the pet food space, 'it's super hard to get in unless you have something differentiated through innovation in the product itself and/or branding.' Mars and General Mills dominate, making it increasingly difficult for new brands to secure retail shelf space or veterinary recommendations. Why Innovation Is Failing In A Consolidated Pet Market NeilsenIQ reports that mass merchants continue to gain market share at the expense of independent pet shops, further squeezing startup opportunities. Truman and Goodwin describe this challenge as a "broken rung of innovation," where consolidated procurement and long-term exclusivity agreements prevent new entrants from gaining traction. The cost of pet ownership has also skyrocketed—up 49% since 2020, according to the American Pet Products Association. Rising prices are making consumers more cost-conscious, further dampening the growth of discretionary spending within the industry. How Startups Can Still Succeed Despite these challenges, opportunities remain for those who can carve out a highly specific niche. One of the things we've found in our mergers and acquisitions business is that so often the companies we sell have found a white space that was always there but no one else saw. Sonya Petcavich, Founder and CEO of cat-sitting company Meowtel, says that to succeed, "you have to go especially niche in the pet industry' and be 'the best there is within that segment." Petcavich says companies are focusing on 'specific species and breeds' because owners 'are looking for offerings that speak directly to them, rather than to a breed they can't relate with.' Petcavich says that kind of specificity is an opportunity and just the kind of particularism we see when we sell companies. Cecelia Carrera, Founder & CEO of wet cat food feeder BistroCat, emphasizes the importance of working with—not against—industry giants. Competing with the big players that have so many resources is not an ideal strategy, she explains. Carrera says startups should look for 'ways to complement their strengths." BistroCat, for example, designs its cat feeder to serve major brands' food products, which has helped open doors within the industry. Rubin of Breakaway Advisors says that even after all the conslidation, 'There are holes in the market and cat is a hot category right now' While premiumization in dog food has been happening since 2007, 'premiumization of cat food is just starting in the last year or two.' He points out that Tiki Cat just sold to General Mills for over $1 billion so there is still a lot of excitement about that market. Adaptability Is Key The pet industry is undergoing a seismic shift, but for founders who understand where the market is moving and how to align themselves strategically, the opportunity is still enormous. The question for founders is: Can you find the white space and get your company in it before someone else does? Niche innovations and leveraging industry partnerships are a path to growth despite the mounting barriers to entry.
Fox News
18-06-2025
- Fox News
Automatic litter boxes that make cat care a breeze
Advancements in pet care technology have led to the development of automatic litter boxes. These smart devices handle the dirty work for you, ensuring a consistently clean environment for your feline friend while saving you time and effort. Below is a list of 10 automatic litter boxes that'll get the job done – so you don't have to! The Whisker Litter-Robot 4 is an automatic litter box known for its sleek design, quiet operation and strong odor control with its sealed waste drawer and carbon filter. The accompanying app provides detailed insights into your cat's litter box activity, including waste drawer and litter levels. If you plan to be away for an extended time, have no fear: purchase the brand's Litter Hopper, and it'll keep adding fresh litter to ensure optimal levels for both your cat and the machine's performance. The Catlink Scooper SE is designed for multi-cat households, featuring a triple odor control system, a spacious 70-liter capacity and a low entry point suitable for senior cats. It offers multi-cat identification through gravity-sensing technology, generating personalized health reports via the brand's app. Don't forget to pick up some specially designed waste bags, as you'll need them for this machine. If you're looking for an affordable option that's still low maintenance, the PetSafe ScoopFree uses scented disposable trays filled with crystal litter that absorbs moisture and odors. After your cat uses the box, a rake automatically sweeps waste into a covered compartment. The system requires minimal maintenance, with tray replacements needed every few weeks. Original price: $699 The PetSnowy SNOW+ features a patented self-packing design that traps odors and dust, while its curved walkway prevents litter tracking. The brand's app monitors usage and provides health insights, making it a comprehensive solution for modern pet care. It works best with PetSnowy's clumping clay litter, so be sure to pick that up as well. Original price: $599.99 If your cat is enclosed-design averse, the Neakasa M1 at Chewy offers a spacious, open-top design that reduces feelings of confinement. Its rotating mechanism and sensors ensure safety during cleaning cycles, while the unique drawer and drawstring bag system keep odors at bay. Since it is an open design, consider purchasing a litter-trapping mat on Amazon to keep the area around the box clean and debris-free. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Original price: $599.99 The PetKit Pura X features an integrated deodorizing system and an app that monitors your cat's health metrics. Additionally, the bundle on Amazon comes with everything you need to get started. Its enclosed design provides privacy and the self-cleaning mechanism ensures a hygienic environment. You can opt for the Arm & Hammer litter and take advantage of Amazon's subscribe and save plans so you never run out when you need it. Casa Leo's Leo's Loo Too at Wayfair offers a modern design that complements your home decor. With its whisper-quiet operation and large waste drawer, it is ideal for apartments or other small spaces, reducing the frequency of cleanings. And Amazon also has a similar option available. The Omega Paw Elite self-cleaning litter box offers a manual self-cleaning solution by simply rolling the box onto its top and back, waste is separated into a pull-out tray for easy disposal. Don't forget the litter shovel so you can easily fill the box through its top compartment without spilling litter all over the floor. The Petivity smart litter box monitor system is an AI-powered device that monitors your cat's health by tracking their weight and litter box habits. When placed beneath any litter box, it collects data on your cat's weight, urination and defecation events, sending this information to the Petivity app, which provides easy-to-read charts and monthly email reports. By identifying changes in your cat's litter box behavior, the monitor can alert you to potential health issues such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism and obesity, allowing for early veterinary intervention. You can also purchase it on Amazon and also take advantage of your free Prime shipping. For more deals, visit The PetZone Smart Scoop at Walmart uses a metal rake to remove waste, depositing it into a carbon-filtered compartment. It's compatible with various clumping litters and features a delay timer to ensure your pet's waste clumps before scooping. It doesn't require the purchase of waste trays or cartridges and also helps conserve litter, as clean litter is pushed right back into the box, rather than into the waste tray. Another option in this style box is the MagicScoop on Amazon.
