Global Pet Expo Takeaways For the Dog Toys Industry
This year, the Global Pet Expo took place from March 26 to March 28 in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest event in the ...
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This year, the Global Pet Expo took place from March 26 to March 28 in Orlando, Florida. It is the largest event in the pet industry, and this year, there were 216 exhibitors in the dog toy sector. With so many exhibitions and products, the organization had a hard time selecting best-of-show products in every category. Today, however, we will talk about Global Pet Expo takeaways. Think of the event as a fashion show. In the same way, that the Paris Fashion Show dictates trends in clothing, the Global Pet Expo dictates trends in different pet industries.
Pete Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Pet Products Association (the organization responsible for the event), talked about the growth of the industry. He said,
“The innovation showcased at this year’s Global Pet Expo reflects the dynamic growth and resilience of the pet industry. With pet ownership reaching 94 million US households and continuing to expand, it’s clear that pet care remains a top priority for consumers. The award-winning products highlight the creativity and commitment of brands that are not only meeting the evolving needs of pet owners but also strengthening the deep bond between people and their pets.”
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the trends that will mark next year and beyond.
E-Commerce Surge
Online shopping is a major growth driver for the pet industry. According to Global Pet Expo data from 18 countries, there are 1.2 billion new shoppers in 2024. Pet owners shop more often in pet stores, but the amount they spend online is higher.
Pet owners spend twice as much and buy more units, and three times the volume online compared to in-store buying. While they go more often in-store for specific things, they shop online for larger bulk purchases.
The Community Aspect
This trend began in the pet food sector, but we can expect it to move into the pet toys sector as well. In the pet food sector, there are more and more companies with a huge focus on causes and communities. For example, there are companies with focus on causes like children’s health, animal health and well-being, the environment, and people with disabilities.
Recently we spoke about the humanization of the pet industry as a major trend, and the Global Pet Expo confirms that. Pets are more and more seen as parts of the family, and the products we buy for them echo our views on community matters. Companies need to put more focus on communities to make them stand out from the crowd.
Human Health = Pet Health
One thing is clear, consumers want pet products that mirror human health trends. In the pet food sector, for example, consumers are looking for gluten-free products.
In the pet toys industry, that means natural ingredients and BPA-free products. The trend has been around for a while, but more and more companies are adopting it.
Interactive Dog Toys
Gone are the days when companies could sell a simple ball. The new generation of customers wants a bit more from the toys they buy for their furry friends. Toys need to be interactive and provide different ways of playing.
For example, Cheerble, an innovator in the pet technology industry, unveiled its latest Wicket Series of pet toys. The Wicker Ball Air, a toy that has risen among the best-seller ranks on Amazon, is one of the fastest-growing products.
What makes it different is that it offers three play modes, normal jump, passive tap to bounce, and gentle shake or slow roll.
Durability, the Most Important Factor
At Petopia, we take durability seriously. We want to produce toys that can withstand heavy chewers and last for more than just five minutes. Our products go through extensive testing before they are shipped to shelves and online stores.
Speaking of durability, the Global Pet Expo showed that more companies are adopting natural rubber as the go-to material for toys.
Bionic, a company producing toys with bionic rubber, was one of the big exhibitors at the Expo. Again, products show that simple toys do not work anymore. Even their tennis balls made from rubber have a treat pocket for placing tasty treats. As we see more and more, the goal is to keep pups occupied, engaged, and happy for as long as possible. Durable interactive toys can make that happen.
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