Pawsitive News for Pet Retailers
Pets are part of the family. As such, they provide unconditional love and companionship, so it is no wonder that pet ownership is on the rise. This is great news for pet retailers, who are experiencing a rise in sales. As we supply packaging for several independent pet brands, we were intrigued to find out more.
Pet Food Sales on the Rise
The European Pet Food Organisation published the latest data* over the summer. It revealed that 46% of European households now own one or more pets. That figure has been growing in recent years, which has been reflected in pet retailers’ sales figures.
In the UK, sales of pet food increased by 12.7% in 2022 and there is no sign of the pace slowing.
What the research found is that the UK and Italy are leading the field in new product ranges and innovation. However, this drive for change hasn’t been led by established pet retailers. Instead, it’s the small, independent brands that have been ahead of the game and launch fresh ideas.
Many pet owners want to provide the very best for their loyal friends and this has called into question the contents of off-the-shelf options. Small brands have filled the gap. Firstly, by providing age-based products or pet food for specific animal breeds. Secondly, with a shift towards nutritionally balanced, quality food, that aids pet health and longevity.
What’s the UK’s Pet Population?
According to a 2023 survey** conducted by UK Pet Food, we live alongside 12 million dogs, 11 million cats and 1.5 million rabbits. Other popular pets include hamsters and guinea pigs. For those who prefer a less cuddly companion, snakes, lizards, tortoises and birds are favoured. That is a lot of animals to be fed and cared for!
E-commerce Boxes for Pet Retailers
Many of these small pet retailers are not found on the supermarket shelves. Preferring to maintain quality with smaller-scale production, most sell online or at specialist shops or markets. For this reason, we’ve had a number of enquiries for branded e-commerce boxes for pet retailers.
Our pet packaging customers include:
The Treat Pantry – a small Buckinghamshire business that started making natural, wholesome dog food and treats after adopting a dog from Hungary that needed extra TLC.
Bunnies That Lunch – launched several years ago by passionate animal lover, Jess, whilst she was studying for her A’levels, this rabbit retailer is still going strong.
Pure Pet Food – a brand that was made memorable when founder Dan ate their dog food as part of a Dragon’s Den pitch. That’s one way to prove the product is full of goodness!
Cattitude Box – with monthly gifts and treats for cats and their owners, this subscription box service keeps everyone happy.
We’ve worked with them, and others, to design and manufacture branded e-commerce packaging that best suits their products and budget. In many cases, we start small, with a low volume run, which grows alongside the business.
How can we help your pet retail business to ship those online orders?
If you have any questions or would like to request a quote or packaging sample, get in touch. Our team are willing to offer advice, so call 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk
** https://www.ukpetfood.org/information-centre/statistics/uk-pet-population.html
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