Pet food manufacturers are looking at ways to cut waste and build better facilities, a topic that took center stage during this week’s Petfood Industry News Quiz. The questions focused on insights from Foro Mascotas in Guadalajara, Mexico, covering everything from how much moisture grain loses in storage to the rising popularity of wet food. Industry experts discussed the balance between automation and labor costs, while data showed a distinct shift in what Mexican consumers are buying.
Erwan Gilet, a speaker at the event, argued that pushing for total automation isn’t always the smartest move. He noted that automating between 80% and 90% of operations usually captures most of the available benefits. The final push toward 100% automation often brings diminishing returns, Gilet explained, adding that any automation effort should be justified by safety, quality, labor savings and return on investment.
Storage conditions play a critical role in maintaining inventory value. Néstor de Miguel pointed out that grains can lose moisture quickly if stored above 33 degrees Celsius. Under those conditions, moisture loss can reach as much as 3% in less than three months. This reduction in weight directly impacts profitability, making temperature and ventilation control essential for producers.
When planning a new dry pet food plant, the technology driving the process should dictate the layout. Antonio Huerta emphasized that extrusion is the core technology in dry food production. He said plant design must integrate the complete process around this central machinery, with drying, coating, cooling and supporting systems designed as parts of the same workflow.
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While dry food production relies on these heavy machinery setups, the market for wet products is expanding. Since 2021, wet pet food sales have grown faster than dry food sales in Mexico. This surge is driven by improved formulas and a shift in how the products are positioned. Wet food is increasingly marketed as enriching, higher quality, and capable of preserving nutrients, although affordability remains a key factor for the average consumer.
Euromonitor data released during the quiz highlighted a major shift in Mexico’s pet population. Cat populations have grown approximately 7% to 8% annually over the past several years. This growth contrasts with large-dog populations, which have declined. Urbanization, smaller household sizes and a rising demand for companion animals are reshaping the market.
As urban centers expand and living spaces shrink, the type of animal that fits into daily life changes. A small apartment dweller may find it easier to care for a cat than a large dog, influencing everything from purchase decisions to shelf space at retailers. Manufacturers are adjusting their product lines to match these demographic shifts, focusing on convenience and smaller portion sizes that fit modern lifestyles.
The move toward premium wet food and the specific needs of cat owners suggest that the market is moving away from one-size-fits-all strategies. Producers must now handle a more segmented environment where efficiency in the factory and relevance in the store are both required.
