Global Pet Expo Takeaways Dog Toys

Collectively, exhibitors felt Global was a huge success, and while that success can be attributed to the show organizers, the exhibiting manufacturers filled the expo with inspiring, innovative and punchy enthusiasm that made the show what it is. Leaders in the dog toys category were at the top of their game during this year’s show, and everything they were able to accomplish solidified all their hard work—making everything worth it.

today,” said Baker. “In addition to lick mats and slow feeder bowls, we have other enrichment solutions including our etrays and ecoins, as well as durable rubber treat dispensers.

“Global Pet Expo was a great show for Mammoth. Customers were excited to see Mammoth’s new ‘Peanut Butter Extra’ and ‘Double Tugs’ dog rope toys. Customers walked away knowing that Mammoth continues to be the rope toy category leader, offering the best-in-class rope quality, variety, value and purpose. The pet industry appears to be strong and vibrant especially with customers who have strong business models strategies.” the show that there would be a strong international presence. This supports our increased focus on the international market. Based on our growth internationally we have added a designated International Sales Specialist as well as a second overseas distribution point in the Netherlands.”

Comparing the event with the company’s expectations, SodaPup felt the event paved the way for the company to accomplish all it had set out to achieve.

“This year’s Global Pet Expo exceeded my expectations for what I hoped to accomplish,” said Adam Baker with SodaPup. “Our business is at a tipping point, where a number of larger retailers and distributors are becoming interested in our products. The show gave us an easy venue to reach many of these potential new customers. As a result of this show, we will likely pick up new distribution on three continents.”

When it comes to those who were unable to make it to the expo or visit SodaPup’s booth, Baker mentioned a few things they should know. “What attendees need to know about SodaPup is that we are an innovation company that brings new products to market every three to four weeks,” said Baker. “Our goal is to continually introduce exciting new products so that retailers have the ability to refresh their assortments and differentiate themselves from other retailers they might compete with. They can use the broad SodaPup product offering to tailor their assortment to their specific clientele.”

“They also need to know that we have the broadest assortment of enrichment products of any brand in the market

— Charles Byrne, Mammoth Pet Products

Even our nylon chew toys have enriched functionality. Finally, we want retailers to know that all of our products are Made in the USA from FDA compliant materials that are safe for dogs.”

Mammoth Pet Products showcased its latest rope toys and solidified presence within the category that has helped set the company apart from competitors. “Global Pet Expo was a great show for Mammoth. Customers were excited to see Mammoth’s new ‘Peanut Butter Extra’ and ‘Double Tugs’ dog rope toys,” said Charles Byrne with Mammoth Pet Products. “Customers walked away knowing that Mammoth continues to be the rope toy category leader, offering the best-in-class rope quality, variety, value and purpose. The pet industry appears to be strong and vibrant especially with customers who have strong business models-strategies.”

Multipet International mentioned the company was grateful for the chance to receive feedback from attendees during the show. “Global is a great platform to get feedback and insights from new and existing customers,” said Leslie Yellin with Multipet International. “Because of the breadth of our product lines this is the perfect venue to showcase our existing items, new items and items we are considering. Global’s platform allows us to get feedback from our existing and new customers. We knew going into

“There is a lot of speculation as to the future state of the pet industry considering elevated inflation,” said Yellin. “While pet owners are cutting back on grooming, expensive diets, and monthly subscriptions, they still want to indulge their pet with the pleasure of a new toy. The sticker shock of a veterinarian or grooming bill does not apply to pet toys. To the consumer, they may be adjusting their dog’s diet to a more economic choice, but toys not only are a wallet friendly purchase, the pleasure pet parents get when giving a toy to their dog or cat justifies their spending decisions.”

Category leader West Paw expressed how sustainability has become a big part of the company’s mission. Furthermore, the company was able to highlight various product expansions and innovations at Global.

“At Global we introduced our first brand collab with Earth Animal with the Funnl enrichment toy launch,” said Spencer Williams, West Paw CEO. “Our team worked hand in hand with our friends at Earth Animal to bring Funnl to our retailers and we were thrilled about the feedback we received at the show. We’ve also added new and improved creamy treats to our assortment - human great nut butters that work perfectly with our line enrichment toys.

Looking for simple and pure ingredients we proudly introduced our first Montana sourced dog treat with our new Air-Dried Beef Lung. We will continue to bring new and innovative r Cont'd on Pg. 29 r From Pg. 27 products to market this year. The best way to stay in touch with all the news at West Paw is to ensure our customers are subscribed to our email newsletters, connect with their sales reps and come see us at trade shows!”

“Our business is built on relationships, and this is the best opportunity to build relationships and connect with retailers,” Williams said. “Trade shows are a significant investment, so we try to get the most out of it. West Paw finds it extremely valuable to attend Global Pet Expo because it allows us to connect with our retail partners and gain critical feedback on how we can best support their businesses, what they are seeing as opportunities in their stores and how we can help address marketplace needs through our products and services. It is also a great way to see first-hand what’s happening in the market and how it evolves over time.”

“Tradeshows are a great way for our team to get a pulse on the marketplace, trends and new innovations and always have our eye to the competitive set and what great work is happening across categories,” he continued. “This informs our work in that we are able to see where there are white space opportunities for innovation. Wide adoption of sustainability both with the growing membership and accreditation of PSC member companies, as well as more brands getting a B Certification—10 years West Paw!”

Impressing and evoking a positive response from the pet owner is as important as stimulating the pet mentally and physically. “Pet owners are looking for plush toy designs that they identify with, and in turn, would love to share with their dogs!” said President Mike Dagne with Huxley & Kent. “If it’s a fun toy, style, theme or even treat they per-