Petco to Stop Selling Pet Products with Artificial Ingredients

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Petco, one of the largest pet food retailers, has stated that they are no longer going to sell cat and dog food made with artificial ingredients. They have since announced that any items made with artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors will be pulled from their shelves. This came as a shock for many people who are used to buying pet food products with artificial ingredients, but it was not surprising to the millions of pet consumers demanding clean label ingredients for their furry friends.

New CEO, New Policies

This in part came about after the new CEO Ron Coughlin came into his new position back in June of 2018. He brought about this change to remind consumers what Petco’s primary objective is as a company.

They chose to do this based on their commitment to the wellbeing of pets. Petco wants for owners to treat their pets as family, and this includes the way that they eat. Beginning in the new year, over 50 different artificial ingredients will no longer be allowed in Petco’s stores. Petco wishes to have all artificially made products removed from their shelves before May of 2019.

Although this may seem like a substantial financial risk for the company, Petco’s CEO has since stated that it was the right thing to do. Their goal is to positively impact the lives of the animals we call our pets. This is more important than the potential financial blow that may follow after this move.

These changes will impact large companies such as Cat Chow and Pedigree. Petco has since stated that they are working with these companies to have them change the way they create their products and make the switch to a more natural alternative.

The only exception would be two specially branded cat foods meant to assist cats with a rare health issue. In some cases, there is not yet a natural alternative to the artificially made ingredient, which explains why it will be allowed to stay on shelves.

Petco is Leading the Way

This is a significant move on Petco’s part as other pet food retailers will probably begin to follow suit. It is safe to assume that companies that produce pet foods will also start to adopt new means of production that exclude artificial ingredients. This change will most likely negatively impact companies who have been producing artificial ingredients.

Petco maintains over 1,500 different locations and employs over 20,000 people. Their company has been known to put the wellbeing of animals over their desire for profit. In 2010, Petco launched a National Pet Food Bank to allow financially struggling owners to keep their pets and feed them properly.

Petco is a retailer that strives to continue serving animals and owners alike, with their primary goal of delivering positive experiences for pets and owners. This company has continued to serve the pet loving community for over 50 years.

This decision to pull artificial ingredients directly reflects their vision of healthier, happier pets across the world. Be expectant to see Petco continue to pursue changes that directly influence the pet food market, and that will ultimately ensure that more animals can live long, happy, healthy lives as our faithful companions.

Inspired by fortune.com

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Fruit Powder Industry Expected to Grow to $23.96 Billion by 2025

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Fruits contain concentrated amounts of plant-based vitamins and minerals. They also contain high amounts of fiber and antioxidants. Consumption of fruits is beneficial to the body but not everyone loves eating them. People also have to consume a lot of fruits to get the health benefits that your body needs. This is where fruit powders come in. The fruit powder industry is expected to grow to $23.96 billion by 2015 according to Hexa Research. Fruit powders have a positive outlook specifically in the nutraceutical industry as many consumers are looking for ways to supplement their nutrition using natural food products.

Rising Awareness to Healthy Food Ingredients

There is a rising awareness for consuming healthy food ingredients. Fruit powders contain important micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. They also contain high amounts of amino acids. Aside from the rising awareness of healthy food ingredients, fast-paced lifestyles have also inclined people to opt for convenience without sacrificing the nutritional content of their food. This grab-n-go mentality is fueling the demand for fruit powder worldwide.

fruits vegetables fruit powder vitamins minerals plant-based ingredientsPreventive Healthcare Is Another Driving Force

Another driving force of the nutraceuticals industry is healthcare. Organizations are developing measures for preventing cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruit powders contain high amounts of antioxidants that have been proven to help reduce the risk of cancer progression. It is no wonder why those in the healthcare industry are also using fruit powders to develop products for preventive health care.

Studies show that the intake of more fruits and vegetables can help prevent gastrointestinal tract cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), low intake of fruits can increase the risk of stomach cancer by 30%. In fact, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables resulted in 5.2 million deaths around the world in 2013 alone.

Large Companies Are Following Suit

The increasing demand of fruit powders from the nutraceutical industry is propelling this particular sector. This is expected to drive even large companies to use fruit powders or extracts to improve their product line. For instance, companies such as Unilever are improving their image by developing product lines such as the Replenish Shampoo and Trireme Botanique Nourish – both containing coconut extracts. Fruit powders are not only popular in the food industry but also in the cosmetic industry.

Other large CPG companies are looking at fruit powders to add back the vitamins and minerals typically lost in processing. NutriFusion fruit powders and vegetable powders are some of the most robust in the industry. With NutriFusion fruit powders, brands can add 50% daily value of 6 different vitamins from fruits with only 225mg of powder. Check out the NutriFusion R&D kit to learn more.

Global Implication for Fruit Powder

Consumers are becoming more aware of their health and this is evident in their preference for simple food ingredients such as fruit powders. This trend is not only popular in the United States but also in other countries. In Europe alone,  the reported revenue for the fruit powder industry exceeded $3 billion in 2017. Fruit powder demand has formed micro-industries such as the probiotics and superfoods. Aside from the European market, the fruit powder industry is also expected to grow in the Asia-Pacific region with an expected track of 8.4% annually particularly in countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Hex research believes supportive government policies can boost the production and growth of this industry over the long term.

Inspired by www.prnewswire.com

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Greater Food Brand Loyalty is Linked to Food Transparency

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According to a retail food study, consumers showed a higher incidence of brand loyalty to food products that generate a deeper connection via transparency. As much as 75% of shoppers are more than ready to switch brands when confronted with a product that has a more detailed label. The new study shows that shoppers are getting more demanding when it comes to food transparency.

Inside the Report

The report was developed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) with the purpose of outlining how shoppers define transparency and how it influences their food buying behavior. The report is known as The Transparency Imperative. According to the CMO, “We titled this report The Transparency Imperative because as we executed the research to bring the key findings of our 2016 studies current, we see clearly that transparency is only becoming more important to consumers.”

The paper looks deeply into the behavior and attitude within shoppers who are health-conscious as well as those who are digitally-active. It also looks into the response of consumers across different ages.

Targeting these varied consumer demographics, the study offers various and needed steps that brands should look into to further show their commitment to transparency; to track the ever-changing scenario of consumer preferences; to meet the ever-increasing expectations of food-buyers; to comprehend the exact needs of essential groups of buyers; and to transmit data over and beyond the list of ingredients.

The Results Show Brand Loyalty for Transparent Brands

 

As much as 86% of the correspondents agree that food retailers and manufacturers that provide a gateway to easily look-up their products’ ingredients definitions are easy to understand and complete—would lead to greater trust from them.

Further, a staggering 80% commented that they would definitely be more loyal to a brand that offers a significant amount of data on their products, more than what’s usually contained in the product label.

Lastly, more than half of the correspondents, 54% to be exact, would pay more for products with this included information.

Defining Transparency

According to Generation X and Baby Boomers, transparency is directly linked to nutritional information, ingredient descriptions, and a complete list of ingredients. Millennials, on the other hand, have a more detailed expectation when it came to transparency. Aside from what the older generations have listed, they are more likely to focus on fair trade and labor practices, animal welfare, descriptions of ingredient usage data, claims and certifications as well as allergen information.

Health-Conscious Shoppers Committed to Transparency

As much as half of the households in America have an individual who follows a health-related diet. Making these households more likely to put a significant importance on transparency. In fact, as much as 89% of shoppers are more likely not to buy a food product when the label is not sufficient to meet their needs.

Further, households that have children have an increased tendency to lean toward transparency. As much as 87% of these households use their smartphone while grocery shopping to check product information while in store.

All these findings point to advocating transparency by food brands can lead to better consumer relationships, brand loyalty and profits. Natural food brands should look for simple ingredients that help create a transparent, clean label. Learn more about GrandFusion fruit and vegetable powders to add real vitamins and minerals to your products.

Fruit Powders and Vegetable Powders Are Versatile for CPG Brands

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With growing demands from consumers for clean label products, the popularity of fruit powders and vegetable powders has skyrocketed. While fruit and vegetable powders have been used for a long time in baked goods, the movement of clean labeling and eating has revolutionized the use of these powders and extended their use to many other categories.

Recent trends of food focus on more than just taste and color as many consumers are looking for products that have functional benefits and clean labels. Fruit and vegetable powders fit the bill as they can easily be incorporated in labels and they give the consumers the impression that the product is more natural and healthier than the conventional products.

Today, many food manufacturers have incorporated fruit and vegetable powders in making their products. They are not only used in making healthier versions of donuts, muffins, and cookies but virtually many types of products including pasta, cereals, and so much more. Powdered produce is way better than fillers as they increase the nutrient content of food. GrandFusion powders especially set products apart from the crowd. The NutriFusion technology enables companies to add a small amount of fruit and veggie powder (225mg) and add 50% daily value of 12 different vitamins at the same time. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of fruit powders and vegetable powders.

The Benefits of Fruit Powders and Vegetable Powders

There are so many benefits of using fruit and vegetable powders. Several studies indicate that it can boost overall health. In the 2016 study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, adults who consume powdered blueberry showed better signs of cognitive performance. Researchers noted that consumption of such powders can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Other studies noted that fruit powders contain rich amounts of polyphenols that can help maintain good heart and cognitive functions. What makes powdered produce powerful is that they are denser compared to whole foods thus the concentration of nutrients is larger. Imagine that one teaspoon of powdered spinach may be equivalent to several cups of raw spinach. So, if you use two or more teaspoons, you do the math.

The Need for Nutrient-Dense Food is High

 

There is a growing desire especially among the younger consumers for foods that are loaded with high amounts of nutrients and minerals. In a recent report released by market research company Mintel entitled “Snacking Motivations and Attitudes US 2015,” it is more likely that younger consumers prefer snacks with added nutritional value such as fiber and protein content compared to the elderly consumers.

Powdered produce also contains high amounts of antioxidants and fiber content. In fact, one can get more fiber and antioxidants with a few tablespoons of powdered produce compared to eating a whole cup of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, they also contain high amounts of natural sugar thereby omitting the need for more free sweeteners.

Inspired by www.bakingbusiness.com

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Nielsen: Private Label Sales Grew 3X Faster Than National Brands

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In a recent report released by Nielsen and cited by Food Navigator, private label sales surpassed the sales of national brands. Private labels are manufactured by one company under another company’s brand or private label. Also called OEM products, they can add margin to stores as well as provide more credibility to shoppers.

The Benefits of Private Labels

Whether it is a bottle of orange juice or a bottle of ketchup, today’s shoppers are comfortable with private labels, which they also called “generic” brands.  There are a lot of benefits to using private labels. Private skip the big brand name, so there is no added cost which allows vendors to add cost or value to their product in other areas to make it more reliable. It is also a solid strategy for retailers as it can reduce competition in different categories.

The Growth of Private Label Sales

 

The Nielsen report has shows that private labels have experienced a complete reversal regarding its growth, sales, and popularity. In fact, future projections indicate that there will be continued growth for such products and that the market share could hit 25.7% by 2027. This translates to an 8% growth rate over the next ten years.

The popularity of private labels has resulted in retailers like Lidl, Aldi, and Trader Joe’s to earn more revenue and build customer loyalty. In fact, such retail companies have emphasized these products in their online and brick and mortar stores with much success.

National Brands Vs. Private Labels

Big food manufacturers are watching this trend with alarm. And even the brands that remain strong and unsurpassed by private label products are still watching with keen eyes and ready to react. Most national brands are working on convincing shoppers that national brands have been tried and tested and worth the extra cost. But in reality, market experts noted that longtime legacy brands could get an extra boost especially if they continue to innovate and do not rest on their laurels.

While the private label brands are not yet posing too much threat to national brands, there is still a possibility that it can happen. If national brands cannot keep up with the private labels, the market scene in the United States will look more like in Europe where private label commands more loyalty from consumers.  In fact, in the UK, private labels hold 45% of the market share within the grocery sector. The reason why private labels are popular in Europe is that they provide more value for the money and that they offer more choices to shoppers.

Private labels will be huge in the following years. If private labels keep up with the changes as well as offer more value and choices to shoppers, they can ride the current trend for a long time to come.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

Sales of Pet Food Growing Faster Than Packaged Human Food Sales

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Pet manufacturers have been racking up the sales from their pet foods over the past few years. They have been doing so well that they are now growing faster than packaged human food sales. The video above digs into a little more detail on just how quickly pet food sales are growing.

The latest acquisition in the pet food space shows how big pet food brands can be. General Mills recently acquired Blue Buffalo for $8 billion. Mars also purchased VCA pet care provider in 2017 for $9 billion to go with their purchase of IAMs for $3 billion 2014.

So Why so Much Capital Investment in Pet Food?

The $30.6 billion U.S. pet food market is expected to grow by 2.3% over the next five years compared to 1% in packaged human food. The fast-growing pet food market is not slowing down anytime soon, and investors want to grab profits while the industry is hot.

NutriFusion Adds Plant-Based Vitamins & Minerals to Premium Pet Food

Why does NutriFusion care about the pet food market? We developed a patent-pending method for stabilizing the naturally occurring vitamins in fruits and veggies. Premium pet food manufacturers are in love with our product because now they don’t have to add synthetic supplements to their fantastic products. With our grandfusion blends, you can dial in the exact amount you need without losing large percentages in the production process. Interested in learning more? Download our GrandFusion for Pet Resource kit today!

Daymon Report: Private Label Brands Are Booming

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Daymon, global consumer retail, and private label brand agency, recently published its first Private Brand Intelligence Report. In the report, Daymon analyzes how retail brands and private label brands are competing based on proprietary survey data, category research, and expert insights.

Significant Findings in the Private Brand Daymon Report

Daymon’s analysis found some interesting insights for private label brands and some dangerous ones for national brands. The agency found that 81% of shoppers buy private label brands on every or almost every shopping trip. 85% of consumers in the study indicated that they trust store brands as much as their national counterparts. On top of these shopper stats, private label brand sales are up 4% over national brands in the past 12 months.

Daymon CEO, Jim Holbrook, believes that this is a “renaissance period” for store brands. He attributes this growth in private label to the way retailers are creating one-of-a-kind brands that national competitors are even having a time emulating. Grocery discounters like Aldi and Lidl are causing turmoil for traditional retailers because of their low cost, organic private label brands. The report concludes that the majority of shoppers (60%) want retailers to create more private brands in the fresh products category. Consumers can expect retailers to listen and start competing more aggressively in this category over the next 36 months.

Private Label is Disrupting Retail in a Big Way

 

The Private Label Manufacturer’s Association reports that store brands make up 17% of all grocery sales with a market size of $150 billion. Retailers like Aldi and Target have changed the way consumers think about private label. They now often recognize these store brands with quality and trust. National products are finding it tougher and tougher to compete with lower cost alternatives that are built on transparency and trust.

However, the private label market is facing some inside challenges. Brandless, San Francisco-based e-commerce startup, offers 115 “brandless” private label brands for the same price. For only $36, consumers can get free shipping all year on all orders.

As private label gets more competitive, it’s imperative for retailers to get savvy and compete even more. Simple ingredients and clean label products will be a win-win for store brands. Download our GrandFusion R&D Resource Kit to learn more about how our products can help you stand out from the crowd.

Pet Food Trends to Watch in 2018

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It is expected that pet food sales in the US will continue to grow substantially into 2022. Packaged Facts released a report that last year alone pet food sales were more than $26 billion. They attributed this increase to millennials’ love for their pets. Just like with other sectors, millennials are becoming the prominent market consumers. Secondly, online sales are also a driving factor behind the growth in sales.

So, here are the critical pet food trends to watch for in 2018:

Protein as the #1 Ingredient

Just like humans, pets are also primarily protein consumers. With new research, newer protein-focused products are being rolled out. These studies aim to replicate the diet of our furry friends, just as if they were in the wild. So, there’s considerable interest in exotic proteins, multiple proteins, protein as the first ingredient, and even single-protein products. Aside from the massive interest in high-quality protein, the industry is also interested in whole prey pet food that mimics the wild animal diet. Other companies are digging into plant-based proteins for their four-legged friend’s diet.

 

Do-It-Yourself Pet Food

Just like with the human diet fad that shuns processed foods, another emerging trend for the year is DIY pet food. If you look at Kindle book sales, they are selling varieties of pet food recipes that are made from whole and natural foods. Pet food makers are tapping into this market by offering products that can be combined with whole foods or products that can be personalized to their pet’s diet. This trend unlocks the door for the pet owner to customize their pet food.

Functional and Micro-Niches

Canine friends are beloved companions of their human owners, that’s why as much as possible pet owners try to lengthen their pet’s lives by providing preventative diets that hopefully keep their pets healthy. These functional benefits in pet food can be specific food products that are solely targeted to specific dogs with chronic health conditions, activity level, breed, age, size, or even the type of fur.

Preventative Benefits

As mentioned earlier, pet parents take good care of their pets by providing them with food that is meant to prevent illness and promote good health. It is perceived by pet parents that high-quality foods for their canine or feline friends are seen to be more efficient in improving good health in their pets. You will see brands adding new ingredients like GrandFusion to add plant-based vitamins and minerals instead of fortifying with traditional supplements. Interested in learning more? Download more information on our pet food products to see the benefits for yourself.

Home-Delivered Pet Food

To some, this may be something new, but to avid pet lovers, this is no longer an idea but a fact. Actually, there are several pet food producers that provide this service and they are Ollie, JustFoodForDogs, and The Farmer’s Dog to name a few. What’s great about this concept is that they deliver fresh food and customized offerings. Add to that the convenience of delivery and enjoyment of high-quality food is a win-win situation both for the pet and the owner.

Inspired by www.petage.com