Global Pet Expo Takeaways Dog Treats

Dog treat leaders were in an agreement: Global Pet Expo surpassed all expectations. Companies showcasing within the category were able to connect with partners, scope out the latest trends and hot topics while enjoying their time within the community-oriented space that is the pet industry.

“We went to Global Pet Expo 2023 with the primary goals of launching new products, meeting new customers, garnering more exposure to our brand and connecting with our current customers to listen to feedback and also to help grow their offering and profitability with USA-made treats, chews and frozen section items like ice creams and protein packed frozen snacks,” said Amy Marcoot, Co-Owner of Dog-O’s. “This year, we far exceeded our goals and expectations. The new product showcase in particular really generated tons of interest with attendees about all the new products we launched at the show.”

Dog-O’s has continued to expand its product lines, and Global Pet Expo provided the perfect platform for the company to generate buzz surrounding these new treats. “Our product lines are expanding! Following the resounding success we had last year with our DogO’s Cheesy Chompers, we are now moving into the freezer section and have expanded our product line to include clean-label USA Dog-O’s ice creams we make fresh every day, which is available in four flavors. In addition, we added two new flavors of our fan favorite Cheesy Chompers line with Berries and Sweet Potato. It was also great to offer our retailers expanded distribution options for placing orders. With partnerships with both regional and national distributors, we want to continue to offer a great level of service and access for any retailer,” Marcoot said.

While many companies enjoy the opportunity to speak with current and potential customers, Preppy Puppy Bakery also appreciated the chance to not only showcase its latest products but also get customer feedback. “Our goal at tradeshows is always to connect with our customers one-on-one and to meet new customers,” said Preppy Puppy Bakery Vice President Sarah Cotter.

“We also love the opportunity to showcase our line in person and get customer feedback. We thought the attendance at Global this year was lighter than last year, but we do feel as though we were left with several new opportunities and new customers.”

“With several dog bakeries producing product outside of the US, it’s important to know all of our treats have ingredients sourced in America and produced in America—we are American to the bone! Our product offering is innovative and trendy,” she said. “Preppy Puppy released 24 new items with several new custom colors to add variety. We also released some new Spanish birthday items, our Feliz Cumpleaños bones and cakes are great for stores with a higher Spanish demographic.”

Project Hive Pet Company was excited to attend Global and show off its latest innovations and while the company was able to achieve this goal, it was also able to walk away with confirmation of the company’s mission. “The biggest takeaway for us was the validation of our brand and mission,” said Jim Schifman, Co-Founder of Project Hive Pet Company. “There was such enthusiasm for it, and many people wanted to partner with us! We found some exciting innovation within the pet category that aligns with our values, so we anticipate growth with like-minded partners.”

“Global Pet Expo exceeded our expectations!” Schifman continued. “We’ve been working hard to connect with retailers to carry our innovative USAmade dog toys and treats. Many of those accounts stopped by our booth, which allowed us to have really engaging conversations about our products. They were super enthusiastic about our brand and mission to save the bees, and we continue to connect with many accounts post-show. The New Item Showcase was also a highlight—it made it easier for people to check us out ahead of time and plan out their time at the show.”

Consumer trends have been known to drive categories forward within the pet industry, and Global Pet Expo gave retailers and exhibitors a chance to see these trends in action while com- panies continue to listen to what consumers are demanding. “‘Sustainability’ was a hot topic,” Schifman said. “So many brands are making marketing claims about being sustainable, and people feel that they’re starting to see more and more greenwashing in the pet industry. In our booth, we talked a lot about the importance of authentic brands and transparency. People were impressed with our giveback to create habitat because it’s tangible and easy to understand. The habitat we’re helping to develop not only saves bees. It also provides habitat for other pollinators like birds, butterflies and wasps and it improves air, soil and water quality. And our recent B Corp certification adds credibility and authenticity. Giving buyers the opportunity to make a difference through their purchases seemed to resonate with people. And we don’t think this is just a trend; we think this is the future of business.”

The last three years have demonstrated the pet industry’s resilience, but with that, came some hardships. There was a time when Global Pet Expo was unable to meet in person and when companies finally could, the number of people had been smaller than expected or hoped for. Royal Animals noticed that this year, Global exceeded so many expectations and seems to be back to how it once was. “This year Global was full of life and excitement,” said Royal Animals President Susan Traub. “The buyers that were representing large and smaller stores were looking for newness and the exhibitors were happy to comply. The energy was high, and the room was packed. Global is back with a vengeance. This is exactly what I was looking for in essence. Global exceeded my expectations.”

“The attendees that did not visit my booth missed a great opportunity to learn about Royal Animals’ apparel and Sabrini’s Royal Treats,” Traub continued. “Sabrini’s are dehydrated and all natural with no fillers and nothing artificial and are sourced in Canada. Our treats are spot on as pet owners are recognizing the importance of our healthy treats.”

Designed with safety in mind, PawsibleTM chews are both long lasting and 100% digestible. Free from rawhide or animal products, these plant-based chews are infused with flavors your dog will love. Available in three shapes for di erently sized chewers!