- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text='Humanization of Pet Food' Driving New Capacity for Manufacturers, CRB Report Finds https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/378391?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/378391?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/378391?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject='Humanization of Pet Food' Driving New Capacity for Manufacturers, CRB Report Finds&body=ESG News from CRB https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/378391?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Research, Reports & Publications](/CSR-News/research-reports-publications) # 'Humanization of Pet Food' Driving New Capacity for Manufacturers, CRB Report Finds ##### Data-driven Horizons report reveals critical challenges as manufacturers meet rising – and discerning – consumer demand May 17, 2022 12:15 PM ET KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 17, 2022 /3BL Media/ - While many industries struggle with economic and market challenges, a new report from [CRB](https://www.crbgroup.com/food-beverage) finds that pet food manufacturers are racing to add capacity to meet consumer demand for high-quality products, driven by “the humanization of pet food.” Even as supply chain risks, labor shortages and rising costs present stout challenges, CRB’s newest *Horizons* report finds established companies and start-ups alike are chasing consumers who increasingly demand the food they feed their pets matches the quality and manufacturing standards of food they’d feed themselves. The report, released today [as a free download](https://go.crbgroup.com/horizons-pet-food-report) by CRB – a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting solutions to the food and beverage and life sciences industries – is built on the survey responses of 300 pet food manufacturing leaders. *Horizons* features analysis by CRB’s authoritative corps of subject matter experts who share insights on issues ranging from the sourcing of alternative proteins and adapting processes for sustainability, efficiency and quality, to embracing integrated project delivery solutions that raise capacity without sacrificing quality or schedule. “At stake is nothing less than a projected $275 billion, the expected annual value placed on the pet care industry by 2030,” Tim Barba, CRB’s Chief Operating Officer, Global Technical Operations, writes in the report’s opening passages. “To get their share, manufacturers are feverishly expanding and modernizing their production capacity, exploring new segments, and aligning their products with the qualities prized by ingredient-conscious consumers.” Among the essential insights contained in the *Horizons* report: - Product innovation: Pet food manufacturers face the difficult task of balancing premium formulations with acceptable selling prices, expanding beyond bulk kibble and experimenting with alternative ingredients. CRB experts examine these shifts and offer solutions for manufacturers unsure of their next steps. - Processing: Process teams are embracing innovation to find new ways to optimize existing methods. The report examines this quest for getting more from every piece of equipment. - Project execution: More than half of *Horizons* survey respondents plan to embrace integrated project delivery to address automation and sustainability in pet food plant design. - Packaging: While respondents have prioritized packaging as their top capital expense objective for the next five years, how can they ensure the investments will address rapidly changing market conditions? - Operational improvements and efficiencies: The report provides practical insights for pet food manufacturers as they seek to align capital spending strategies with operational goals while future-proofing operations. - Quality and safety: Pet food manufacturing is setting new standards for all food manufacturing regarding quality and safety. The report looks at this trend and how it will impact the future of a maturing pet food industry. - Sustainability: While companies strive to hit net-zero goals quickly, how they achieve them is unclear. Whether driven by retail requirements or consumer demands, the report investigates why barriers and myths must be eliminated to achieve progress. “It’s fascinating to see how the massive adoption of pets in the United States during the pandemic transformed the pet food industry. Despite inflation and other challenges, consumers are seeking high-quality foods for their pets who are treated like family members,” said Jason Robertson, Vice President of Food and Beverage at CRB. Download the report [here,](https://go.crbgroup.com/horizons-pet-food-report) see additional CRB thought leadership at [crbgroup.com/insights](http://crbgroup.com/insights), and connect with CRB on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/crbgrp/) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/CRBgrp). About CRB CRB is a leading provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the food and beverage and life sciences industries. The company's more than 1,600 employees provide world-class solutions that drive success and positive change for their clients, people, and communities. CRB is a privately held company with a long history of serving clients throughout the world, consistently striving for the highest standard of technical knowledge, creativity, and execution. Media Contacts: CRB Chris Clark 816-200-5234 Clarity Quest Bonnie Quintanilla or Phyllis Grabot 877-887-7611 or [phyllis@clarityqst.com](mailto:meganh@clarityqst.com) [![CRB logo](/sites/default/files/Clients/sozly2abj8mzovcz.jpg)](/profiles/crb) ### More from CRB ###### [Flexible ATMP Facility Designed To Reflect Company Culture With Integrated Approach](/news/flexible-atmp-facility-designed-reflect-company-culture-integrated-approach) Jan 25, 2024 12:40 PM ET ###### [CRB Group Announces Key Appointments to Regional Vice President Roles ](/news/crb-group-announces-key-appointments-regional-vice-president-roles) Jan 23, 2024 10:30 AM ET ###### [Mycelium-Based Mega Ranch Scales Production](/news/mycelium-based-mega-ranch-scales-production) Jan 16, 2024 3:30 PM ET ###### [CRB Relocates Its Philadelphia Operations to Central 'Cellicon Valley'](/news/crb-relocates-its-philadelphia-operations-central-cellicon-valley) Dec 27, 2023 11:00 AM ET ###### [Temperature Controls in Food Manufacturing Facilities: Ensuring Optimal Quality, Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability](/news/temperature-controls-food-manufacturing-facilities-ensuring-optimal-quality-safety-efficiency) Dec 6, 2023 12:30 PM ET ###### [Contextual Design: How Life Science Architects Create Environments That Foster Innovation](/news/contextual-design-how-life-science-architects-create-environments-foster-innovation) Nov 28, 2023 11:00 AM ET ###### [Digitalization, AI and Automation Lead Pack of Advances Fueling Life Sciences Industry Growth, New CRB Report Finds](/news/digitalization-ai-and-automation-lead-pack-advances-fueling-life-sciences-industry-growth-new) Sep 26, 2023 10:30 AM ET ###### [The Current Trends and Challenges in Alternative Proteins Production](/news/current-trends-and-challenges-alternative-proteins-production) Sep 21, 2023 12:00 PM ET