$60 Billion – that’s a lot of money! According to the Wall Street Journal, that’s how much Americans spent on their pets in 2015. It’s over 4% more than they spent in 2014, and over 25% more than they spent 5 years ago!  The trend is similar in many countries around the world – South Africa included. Despite the tough economic climate, consumers are still willing to shell out for their pets.

We can safely conclude that the pet food industry is booming. So how can you as a pet food manufacturer stand out on the shelf in this burgeoning market?

Packaging the perfect bag of food

To justify spending the money, pet-owners must be attracted to the perfect bag of pet food. Packaging is more than window dressing – it’s one of the first marketing points potential customers see. Stylish packaging provides multiple opportunities to make a sale through presentation and education.

Using flexible plastic packaging provides an opportunity for enhanced graphics which leads to product differentiation and shelf appeal.

Top pet food packaging trends

Much like ‘human food’ packaging, top trends include handled bags and pouches, re-closable bags and pouches, easy-open packaging, and single servings.

These trends means that a lot of what is coming off the production line is in flexible packaging. And therein lies the challenge for manufacturers: how do you control the safe cartoning of your unique flexible product for a great in-store presentation?  The answer: you must look to key solution providers for customisable end-of-line solutions.

A mixed breed

Label and packaging equipment for pet food packaging needs to be customisable in order to meet multiple packaging styles; whether you need American or wrap-around cases, or cartons.

When you are looking for custom end-of-line packaging machines in South Africa, you need look no further than Acufill’s packaging equipment. Contact us to find a packaging solution that would make Spot say: “woof”.