It's all free online: industry research, the Internet, and pet food

All right, truthfully, it’s not really all free online. For very current and very specific business research, you’ll probably have to turn to premium research databases like those available to HillSearch members and, in varying degrees, at your local public library. But there is still quite a wealth of business research available for free on the Internet… if you know where to look. If you don’t, well, that’s what the Hill Library is for.

We bring together the best free online business sources in the BizToolkit. Click Free Access and check out the Industry Research, Demographics, and Market Research options in the main drop-down menu for starters. By way of example, here’s a report I drummed up – using only free online sources – on the Pet Food industry.

Industry Heading
Dog and Cat Food Manufacturing

Industry Codes
NAICS – 311111
SIC – 2047

Market Size
According to the 2002 U.S. Economic Census the Pet Food Manufacturing industry in 2002 was comprised of 242 companies and had an annual shipment value of $10,662,237,000.
According to the 2006 Annual Survey of Manufacturers Dog and Cat Food Manufacturers employed 14,500 workers and contributed an annual shipment value of $13,596,647,000 to the U.S. economy.
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association forecasts spending of almost $17 billion on pet food in 2008.

Learn more with this Global State of the Petfood Industry (January 2005, PetFood Industry Magazine).
And this Petfood 2011: Global Outlook (May 2007, PetFood Industry Magazine).

Trends
Luxury items, increased retail outlets, and specialized pet food lead a list of trends affecting the pet industry, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Industry Associations
American Pet Products Manufacturers Association
Worldwide Pet Industry Association
Pet Industry Distributors Association

Industry Trade Journals
Petfood Industry
Pet Products News

Top Companies
PetFood Industry Magazine lists the Top Global Petfood Leaders.

Customer Research
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in 2007, 37% of U.S. households own a dog and 32% own a cat. Use this site to calculate the ownership percent in your community.
Consumer Expenditure Survey finds that the average American spends $412 per year on Pets, Toys, and Playground Equipment.

Other Research Sources
Pet Food Institute Reference Desk


It’s all about knowing where to look. If asked, I’d recommend starting research on your industry with the Census Bureau. Then find an industry association. After that, check with a local public library, or with us, for sources for further research. If we can find this much on pet food for free online, just think of the, ahem, fancy feast available in our premium databases.