2025 Key Takeaways
The Pet Food Processing team caught up with Pet Food Processing Exchange speakers to capture essential takeaways from their presentations. Watch exclusive interviews with industry experts sharing insights from their sessions.
Turning turnover into tenure
A shortage of technically skilled workers, the rising popularity of remote work, and the shifting workplace demands brought on by younger generations entering the workforce have left many pet food manufacturers struggling to retain their talent. Frank Niles, Ph.D., principal of Business Transformation at BSM Partners, provided attendees with guidance on how to turn turnover into tenure. Following his presentation, Niles shared his top takeaways with Nicole Kerwin, digital media editor of Pet Food Processing.
Collaborating on quality
Pet food manufacturers are constantly striving to maintain the highest quality for their products, but issues can slip through even the most rigorous food safety plans. Lindsay Meyers, vice president of Quality, Nutrition and Compliance at Primal Pet Foods, took the audience through a food safety case study from her own first-hand experience. Following her presentation, Meyers shared her top takeaway with Sofia Muller, digital media associate editor of Pet Food Processing.
Navigating the supply chain through uncertain times
Pet food and treat processors are troubled by a range of issues, from shifting trade and geopolitical dynamics to fluctuating interest rates and a weakening labor market. Alongside those concerns is the ongoing unpredictability of the supply chain. Jim Ritchie, president and chief executive officer of RedStone Logistics, provided attendees with an overview of the macro-economic factors impacting the supply chain, the impact of supply and demand and how economic uncertainty is driving the freight market. Following his presentation, Ritchie shared his top takeaways with Kimberlie Clyma, editor of Pet Food Processing.
The quest for sustainability
Consumer concerns about sustainability and looming EPR regulations are forcing pet food processors to reconsider their packaging options, seeking out more eco-friendly alternatives. Allison Reser, director of Sustainability for the Pet Sustainability Coalition, took the audience on a quest for sustainable packaging. Following her presentation, Reser shared her top takeaway with Sofia Muller, digital media associate editor of Pet Food Processing.
Taking a strategic approach to product development
Evolving pet ownership has led to increased demand for innovative, functional and even more humanized pet food products. Greg Kean, global senior vice president of Innovation and Nutrition at Wellness Pet Company, shared his insights on the best approaches to developing new products. Following his presentation, Kean shared his top takeaways with Nicole Kerwin, digital media editor of Pet Food Processing.
Positive sentiments highlight State of the Industry panel
Consumers are fickle. The economy is shaky. Labor is tight. Regulations won’t sit still. And food safety risks are always lurking. Pet food industry leaders tackled these topics head-on in a candid discussion on the State of the Pet Food Industry panel. Following the discussion, panel moderator Michael Johnson, principal of consumer strategy at BSM Partners, shared his top takeaway with Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma.