Hi-tech accessories lead category sales

Sales of pet supplies (excluding pet food) reached $11.1 billion last year, an increase of 2% over 2010, according to a new Packaged Facts study. Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association expects annual spending on pet products to increase, especially in the convenience segment of the pet accessories segment.

Vetere said sales of products that help pets care for themselves — such as programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats — are on the rise.

As consumers pay more attention to ingredients and choose more natural and organic products for themselves, they are also buying more of those products for their pets. A recent study from Simmons Market Research Bureau found that nearly half of all dog- and cat-owning households seek out natural or eco-friendly products for their pets.

Toys that challenge pets, such as interactive and treat-dispensing toys, are a key trend, and grooming products have seen a spike in sales as new products enter the market.

The article above is part of the DSN Category Review Series. For the complete Pet Care Buy-In Report, including extensive charts, data and more analysis, click here.