Will GMO Legislation Affect Pet Food Packaging?

The US Senate has passed legislation that would mandate the labeling of foods containing GMO (genetically modified organism) ingredients. The bill still needs to pass the House of Representatives to become law, but with both consumers and legislators expressing concern over the current lack of GMO labeling, food manufacturers must be prepared. The bill currently only targets foods for human consumption, but if pet food trends continue to run parallel with human food trends, we may see legislation calling for GMO labeling on food for our furry friends as well. So what do pet food packagers, processors, and manufacturers need to know?

GMO Labeling and Consumer Behavior

The market for natural, organic, and 'free-from' foods has grown exponentially, especially among consumers in their 20s and 30s. GMO-free foods seem to be one of the next hot consumer trends. And with Millennials overtaking Baby Boomers in pet ownership, it only follows that similar behavior will follow in the food they choose to feed their furry friends. This age group is already influencing pet food products in many ways with their values-based purchasing behavior.

According to Petfoodindustry.com, a 2015 consumer behavior study found that "when all respondents evaluated thousands of actual product concepts for dog and cat foods, non-GMO ingredients was the top-performing claim, appearing in 74% of all concepts preferred by consumers across food types and countries." This speaks volumes as to what is of concern to consumers right now and shows that non-GMO labeled pet food products are capturing the attention of pet owners.

GMO Products: To Label or Not To Label

Perhaps sensing that GMO labeling legislation is inevitable and recognizing an opportunity to market their products to a different demographic, many human food manufacturers are being proactive and voluntarily adding GMO labeling to their products' packaging. Pet food companies are following suit and experiencing increased consumer interest in products labeled non-GMO. Whether or not you believe GMO ingredients pose a health or safety risk is now beside the point; consumers have spoken, and are increasingly speaking with their wallets by seeking out non-GMO pet foods.

Non-profit organization Non GMO Project currently lists 25 pet food companies that offer products they have independently verified as non-GMO, with many other companies independently touting their products as GMO-free. 

Pet Food Packaging and GMO Labeling

Many food industry experts feel that GMO labeling requirements are inevitable. Pet food and treat industry insiders aren't as immediately concerned, but still recognize the marketing opportunities that being GMO-free presents. And when it comes to marketing, packaging is everything. It's the first thing a consumer sees when being introduced to your brand, and in the increasingly competitive specialty pet food and treat industry, it must stand out from the competition.

Pouches are dominating the specialty pet food and treat markets, and for good reason. Their shelf appeal is unmatched, they are convenient, and offer a great canvas for marketing and labeling. Viking Masek offers a premade pouch machine for pet food that can revolutionize your production process. Integrate this innovative pet food packaging machine with multi-head scales, metal detectors, and printers for a total pet food packaging solution. Want to advertise what makes your product unique, like the fact that it contains no GMO ingredients? Integrate the Rotary Premade Pouch Machine with an automatic labeler.

Contact Viking Masek for a Pet Food Packaging Equipment Assessment with an experienced packaging expert. We would love to use our many years of expertise in the pet food industry to transform your specialty pet food production with packaging automation.