Consumer trends and their impact on Wet Food Processing technology

. Taking care of pets, especially food, is a crucial discussion. Experienced parents care about the well-being of their pet. New parents demand sustainability. They want manufacturers to care about animal welfare. Both new and experienced parents are changing the ways they meet feeding needs.

Market trends

Globally, the humanization of pets has received a lot of attention. The move from owner to pet parent has been a crucial and defining trend in the pet food market, even more so in developed countries.

With new pet parents entering the market and many long-time owners taking more time to research the products they give their pets, there has never been a better time to think carefully about how to position the products in the market.

Consumers are becoming aware of the health of their pets and are buying foods with high nutritional value in order to promote their well-being. Therefore, today they are not only looking for basic products, but also locally produced, natural, with specific health benefits and a smaller environmental footprint, including vegetarian and hybrid options.

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The trend of humanization has increased health awareness and has generated a demand for foods free of sugars, grains, coloring or chemical additives. Many consumers are likely checking pet food labels.

With the emerging trends of humanization and premiumization, the demand for pet food is expected to grow even more in the coming years.

Wet pet food

With the new trends, wet food has gained an important role, as consumers look for food based on the benefits that wet food offers.

Wet foods are higher in protein and fat than dry foods ... wet foods are often perceived by pets as tastier than dry foods. Also, most wet foods do not contain preservatives, so they are intended for quick consumption, unless they have gone through sterilization processes.

In general, the benefits of wet food are:

• Higher Moisture Content - Wet food may be a good option if your pet isn't drinking as much water as he should, or if he has a medical condition that could benefit from adequate hydration.

• Palatability: wet food is often more aromatic and flavorful compared to dry food.

• Satiety: wet food tends to create a longer-lasting feeling of being "full." Increased satiety is helpful for weight control

• Easier to chew: Pets that have dental disease or other oral abnormalities may find wet foods easier to chew than dry foods.

Global data for wet pet food

Revenue from the Wet Food for Cats and Dogs market was USD 24,709 million in 2020 and will reach USD 37,833 million in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.48% between 2020-2025.

South America is slower growing, but wet food growth is faster than any other category. The current behavior in the leading countries shows that this trend will have a strong impact on the continent.

The projection for the next 5 years for South America shows that countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile will increase more than 5% in volume.

Sustainable solutions for processing

At JBT we offer a global solution for the processing of wet pet food. Our JBT-FTNON brand, with over 60 years of industry experience, supplies a complete pet food processing line starting with the hopper system, then extruded into ropes, steamed, cooled, and finally it is cut into standard or irregular pieces.

Energy efficiency is a key element of this system, designed to be as modular as possible, using the same components or spare parts. Its easy maintenance means that cleaning times can be shortened, while there is a strong focus on achieving a consistent, high-quality result in terms of texture, color and taste.

Food preservation: A key element

Packaging selection can significantly influence shelf appeal and build long-term brand loyalty.

Cans remain the predominant packaging for wet food, emerging as the largest segment in 2018. Cans are predominantly used for packaging cat products, with a focus on easy-pull openers that make a "pop noise" to which many cats react instantly.

JBT - TwinTec, our one-piece filler / sealer, offers perfect synchronization between filling and sealing. TwinTec technology sets new standards in hygiene and food safety: long-lasting stainless steel with integrated cables that ensure easy access, perfect operation and maximum operator safety. Available with a Unifiller Filler or Vacuum Filler, this machine fills and closes cans at speeds up to 600 cans per minute.

Key Element: Sterilization

Container sterilization is a proven thermal processing technology that makes low acid food products (pH> 4.5) safe to consume and extends shelf life, without refrigeration, for wide and stable distribution.

The Batch Retorts are all equipped with a steam water spray system, which guarantees uniform and efficient thermal processing of packaged foods, offering consistent high quality products, thanks to the excellent temperature distribution.

JBT - Your Global Solution

Our global network of research and technology centers allows you to work with a team of experts who ensure that your products will be processed, sterilized and packaged effectively: less time, better quality and less energy.

Source: JBT Corporation