CRC’s Pet Insights Team Attends 2025 Pet Industry Leadership Summit in Bonita Springs
By Cleveland AdminThe CRC Pet Insights Team traveled to Bonita Springs, Florida, for the 2025 Pet Industry Leadership Summit, held Jan. 13- 15. This event brought together more than 250 pet care industry leaders for networking, education, and collaboration, hosted by the American Pet Products Association, Pet Advocacy Network, Pet Industry Distributors Association, and World Pet Association.
As a trusted source for pet industry research, CRC attended to gather exclusive insights on the latest economic trends, consumer behavior shifts, and strategic opportunities shaping the pet landscape.
Event Highlights
The Summit featured a robust agenda, beginning with a “First-Time” Attendee Happy Hour and Welcome Reception, followed by two full days of speaker sessions. One highlight was “Pitchfest,” where emerging brands had the opportunity to showcase their products to distributors.
“It was great to reconnect with so many familiar faces in-person and meet new industry members. The pet community is a welcoming, talented, and tenured group of professionals, all coming together to tackle the slowing growth across the industry,” said Claire Obertin, a research associate on CRC’s Pet Insights Council.
Keynote speakers Ryan Estis and Joe Theismann kicked off the morning by sharing their leadership takeaways, mixing in a football anecdote or two. Their sessions set the stage for a full day of engaging, pet-focused discussions.
CRC’s Key Takeaways from the Pet Industry Leadership Summit
CRC’s Pet Insights Council provides actionable insights that help businesses navigate the evolving pet industry. Here are our key takeaways from the event and what they mean for brands.
Economic Keynote Presentation – Align Resources for the Ride Ahead: Brian Beaulieu
- An extended rise in inflation outlooks requires brands to be diligent and tactful when adapting their pricing strategies.
- Economically speaking, the pandemic’s effects are very much in the rearview. Companies must focus on navigating the “new normal.”
- Labor costs are estimated to increase 28% by 2029.
State of the Pet Industry: Expert Insights Panel – Dave Bolen, Candace Goodwin, and Andrea Binder
- The pet industry enters 2025 likely against a very high benchmark for consumer demand and growth.
- Industry stakeholders must help promote pet ownership amid muted adoption outlooks.
- It is important for brands to meet pet parents where and how they prefer to shop.
- Innovation – especially in hardgoods – remains crucial for brands competing in the global marketplace.
Tariffs, Trade, and Pet Products: Outlooks and Uncertainties – Dr. Terry Clower
- The luxury pet market (think premium hardgoods and fresh/frozen pet food) is resilient – until it isn’t. Instead of trading down, consumers in this segment are more likely to exit the category entirely.
- Rising living expenses may begin to outweigh the drive for pet ownership, requiring pet industry stakeholders to monitor inflation’s impact across categories.
AI Strategy Simplified – Zack Kass
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming less expensive for businesses and individuals to implement as it becomes more widely available.
- We are currently in “Phase 1” of AI, with enhanced applications like Siri leading the way. Phase 2, expected around 2027, will likely include autonomous agents, while Phase 3, expected by 2035, will be defined by natural language operating systems.
- These phases are iterative, as machines need time to learn how to effectively collaborate with humans.
- How can you prepare for AI?
- Embrace adaptability as a strategy.
- Adopt a continuous learning mindset.
- Design with an understanding of where AI cannot replicate or optimize human qualities.
What’s Next
The 2026 Pet Industry Leadership Summit will take place Jan. 26-28 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Before then, you can find the CRC Pet Insights Team at Global Pet Expo (March 25-28) and SuperZoo (Aug. 12-15).
Attending one of these events? Let’s connect! Reach out to the CRC Team to schedule a meeting or grab a coffee while onsite.
Stay Ahead with CRC’s Pet Industry Research
CRC’s Pet Insights Council provides market research insights that go beyond what’s shared at industry events. Members receive exclusive access to:
- Proprietary pet industry research reports
- Unlimited analyst engagement
- Benchmarking analysis on consumer behavior, market growth, and innovation
- Real-time webinars sharing best practices
Click here to learn more about how a CRC Pet Insights subscription can help your business stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.