Challenges for the pet food industry
Market trends and developments shaping the pet food segment
The pet food industry focuses on making, processing, distributing, and selling food specifically for pets and farm animals. This includes companies that produce and distribute feed for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and farm animals such as cattle, pigs, and chickens. Pet food and pet care businesses operate in the retail and wholesale sectors and offer a wide range of products, including dry food, wet food, snacks, and dietary supplements.
The demand for high-quality and specialised animal feed is increasing
The demand for high-quality, healthy and specialised pet food is growing steadily, fuelled by increasing awareness of animal health and nutrition. Pets in Germany continue to drive demand for specialised pet food. International trade also plays a significant role, with Germany exporting and importing pet food every year.
The technological change within production and the supply chain is gathering pace
Technological and social trends are shaping the industry. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation and blockchain technologies are transforming production processes and supply chains. Blockchain technology plays an important role in improving food traceability and providing livestock farmers with greater transparency regarding the origin and quality of the ingredients used.
Special dietary requirements need to be addressed
The demand for customised pet food tailored to the individual needs of pets is also on the rise. In addition, trends such as sustainability, ethical animal husbandry and growing health awareness are gaining in importance. Pet owners are paying more attention to environmentally friendly and ethically responsible products. In addition, demand is growing for feed that meets specific nutritional requirements, for example due to allergies, tailored diets or age-related needs. These trends are leading to increasing product diversification and dynamic change in the industry.
Trends in the pet food industry
Changing consumer behaviour: more health, more individuality
Today, pet owners place great importance on nutrient-rich, low-allergen and individually tailored pet food. Whether it is diet food, vegan options or organic products – the requirements are diverse and constantly increasing.
- BITO recommendation: Keep ready-picked assortments in BITO bins to facilitate handling of smaller orders with a diverse item range and enable flexible delivery of customised feed packages.
Transparent supply chains boost trust
Traceability and origin of ingredients are becoming decisive criteria for consumers. Smart data management such as blockchain technology make product information available in real time, thus creating maximum transparency and trust.
- Creating more transparency: BITO live storage FIFO systems not only help to keep your goods fresh, but also allow to track batches across all storage levels.
E-commerce places new demands on logistics
Online orders, subscriptions and customised offerings are key to sales. The pet food industry must be able to respond to small-scale shipping volumes and short delivery times without compromising on quality.
- More efficient processes: Integrate picking zones into automated small parts facilities to process online orders quickly and accurately.
Automation & AI: Precisely defined processes, nutritionally balanced feed
Modern technologies such as AI analyse health data, breed and weight of your pet to provide tailor-made feeding recommendations. At the same time, they optimise warehouse processes, inventory taking and restocking.
- Smart storage: Integrate artificial intelligence into your warehouse management system to assign storage positions according to turnover and to optimally monitor processes.
Sustainability is becoming a purchasing criterion
From insect protein to recycled packaging: sustainability is a decisive factor in the purchasing decisions of many pet owners. Companies are expected to meet environmental standards throughout the entire value chain.
- Acting sustainably: BITO multi-trip containers help reduce the amount of single-use packaging and are ideal for the environmentally friendly shipping of high-quality animal feed.
Demands for variety and freshness are leading to increasingly complex logistics
Product diversification, more product packing formats, higher turnover speed: Logistics must reflect both freshness and variety in an efficient, space-saving and secure manner.
- Practical solution: Integrate picking zones into pallet flow rack facilities to ergonomically pick individual items as well as heavy feed sacks while storing them in FIFO order.
What are the requirements for logistics?
Efficient storage and order picking solutions for the pet food industry
FIFO for maximum freshness
BITO Pallet flow systems operate on a first-in, first-out basis, ensuring that older products are picked first – ideal for perishable pet food.
Pallet racking for heavy-weight loads
BITO Pallet racking systems offer sturdy and space-saving storage for heavy feed sacks and cans – perfect for efficient handling and easy access.
Ergonomic assignment of storage positions
Heavy items are picked directly from the lower levels, while smaller items or piece goods are picked from flow lanes. This contributes to ergonomic and quick product handling.
Pre-picked product assortments in BITO bins
Keeping a stock of ready-picked small piece goods or packaged items in BITO storage bins facilitates order preparation and ensures smooth processes – even with a wide variety of items.
Automated small parts storage increases efficiency
Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) provide small parts as needed and increase picking performance while saving space.
Storage strategies that boost quality and performance
Combining static and live storage systems helps to keep products fresh, maintain quality standards, and make logistics more cost-effective for the pet food industry.
Added value for your business with BITO storage systems
How BITO brings your pet food logistics up to speed – efficiently, with digital and future-proof solutions
- Customised storage solutions
BITO supplies customised shelving and racking as well as plastic bins and containers for different packaging sizes and product types – from heavy feed sacks to lightweight snack packaging. - Storage in first-in-first-out (FIFO) order
BITO solutions ensure product freshness through intelligent flow rack design that enables continuous stock turnover. - Digital process optimisation
BITO automated picking solutions combined with efficient warehouse management tools enable seamless integration into existing IT structures and ensure sustainable logistics in the pet food sector. - Space-saving systems for maximum storage efficiency
The BITO portfolio includes vertical storage solutions such as multi-tier shelving and racking as well as live storage racking for optimal use of space and shorter walking distances. - Focus on hygiene and quality standards
BITO offers solutions tailored to the specific requirements of pet food businesses, with a focus on easy cleaning and full product traceability. - Sustainable storage & packaging
BITO uses recyclable materials and provides environmentally friendly storage systems and solutions that support your sustainability goals.