SuperZoo, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from August 13-16, showcased the latest trends in the pet retail industry. With over 1,100 exhibitors, including 300 first-time exhibitors, the event provided a platform for established brands and emerging innovators to display their products.
The Bolen Group, a leading industry trade group, reported that sales of pet care products are growing at a rate three times faster than any other category of fast-moving consumer goods. With an anticipated revenue growth of almost 3 percent for the rest of the year, the pet industry is on an upward trajectory. The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute found that 98 percent of pet owners view their pets as family members, with 87 percent experiencing improved mental health and 76 percent reporting better physical health due to their furry companions. This trend of humanizing pets is driving industry growth.
According to the PetFood Industry, there are five global trends shaping the pet retail landscape: sustainability, health and wellness, value, engagement with pets, and the use of artificial intelligence for reviews and recommendations. Marketing strategies are evolving to include social media influencers, digital storefronts, email campaigns, and pay-per-click advertising.
Don Tomala, President and CEO of Matrix Partners, emphasized the long-standing trend of humanizing pets in marketing. With over 50 years of experience in brand marketing, Tomala highlighted the shift towards offering functional and nutritional products for pets. He noted that events like SuperZoo and Global Pet Expo in Orlando serve as crucial platforms for retailers to showcase new ideas and products to consumers.
Caleb Gilmore, co-founder of Suzie’s Treats, shared his success story of building a strong brand presence through effective booth design and presentation. With six years of exhibiting at SuperZoo, Gilmore emphasized the importance of creating a compelling brand image to attract customers.
PremieRpet, a Brazilian company specializing in pet nutrition, showcased its Natoo brand at the event. The products featured natural, traceable, and ethically sourced ingredients, earning the company the Pet Sustainability Accredited Business title from the Pet Sustainability Coalition. By adopting 100 percent solar energy in their production facilities, PremieRpet has set a new standard for environmentally conscious pet food manufacturing.
In the realm of innovative pet products, StitchLeash unveiled its All-in-One Smart Leash at SuperZoo. Chief Innovator Jenni Morse demonstrated the leash’s versatile design, which includes compartments for essentials like poop bags, water bowl, treats, and more. This multi-functional leash offers convenience and practicality for dog owners on the go.
Rouge Pet Science, founded by Nate Dewsbury and Blake Jackson, focuses on holistic and natural pet products. Their latest offering, powered G.O.A.T Milk, is sourced from pasture-raised goats and free of by-products, preservatives, and GMO ingredients. With an emphasis on transparency in sourcing and affordable pricing, Rouge Pet Science is making waves in the pet nutrition space.
One standout at the trade show was Corgi Club Colton, a popular corgi breed influencer with a significant following on social media. With over 569,000 Instagram followers and 493 YouTube subscribers, Corgi Club Colton’s endorsement of various products garnered attention at SuperZoo.
Established in 1950, the World Pet Association’s SuperZoo has become a premier event for the pet industry to connect, learn, and conduct business. With a focus on extensive education offerings, a user-friendly show floor layout, and a vibrant atmosphere, SuperZoo has solidified its reputation as a must-attend event for pet retailers. Las Vegas has been the host city for SuperZoo since 2004, and the event is set to return in 2025, continuing its legacy of showcasing the latest trends in the pet retail industry.