by Shannon Parsons, International Petfood, UK
Women’s Month, and more specifically International Women’s Day on March 8, has arrived and International Petfood would love to celebrate the women who are a driving force within the industry.
Previously, for many years the pet industry was a male dominated field, yet in the last decade or so there has been a boom of women entering the field. New companies have emerged, new innovations, techniques, and knowledge gained because of women, and we have all seen the growth that women have provided for petfood.
Times change
Within the UK specifically, women for generations were taught to prioritise family while the men went to work, but over the last century the country has put in multiple legal acts that allow women the same workplace opportunities that men receive. This means that acts like the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Equality Act of 2006 and 2010 allowed women to pursue and succeed in careers within the pet industry like men would. Alongside these acts, women have more access to resources, education and childcare to allow them to have the time to learn and pursue their desired careers.
With the surge of women entering the industry, gender norms were challenged and eventually women were able to create a space for themselves in the industry. Some of these careers within the industry that were once primarily men are now female dominated, such as the role of a veterinarian. Gender norms were not the only norms that were challenged, but changes in our generations have contributed to the growth of the industry also.
Millennial women are opting out of parenthood in their early adulthood years, choosing instead to have pets. This eliminates the need for things like the care of a child or family and instead grows the interest in healthy, pet-friendly food and treats, wanting the best for their pets. With the growth and desire to provide what’s best for their pets, people enter the industry to learn what the best foods, treats and medication are available and to improve upon them as much as possible. Curiosity is a powerful tool when wielded by those who desire for the best for their loved ones.
Women in the industry
To truly celebrate women within the industry, International Petfood will be listing some women alongside their contributions and accomplishments related to petfood. It is important to offer visibility to and highlight the significant growth that people offer so let’s offer these women the recognition they deserve.
• Emma Gibbons, CEO and Founder, Huds and Toke – Named Queensland’s Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award winner, women work-force, plant-friendly treats.
• Rebecca Frechette Rudisch, CEO and Founder, Yummers – Maximising nutrition and flavour, freeze-dried foods, bridging the gap between kibble and raw food.
• Katie McCaron, Founder of Portland Pet Food Company – Donating five percent net profit to local animal shelters, human-grade petfood 100 percent sourced in the USA.
• Jess Berger, Founder of Bundle x Joy – Encouraging/elevating BIPOC and women- led businesses, three percent Give Back program, partnered with Betsy BnB that help support victims of domestic abuse.
• Yvonne Hsu, Executive Vice President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition – Balancing the needs of pets versus the perceptions of pet parents, the innovation of Hill’s Prescription Diet ONC Care, innovating with a focus on sustainability.
Awards
There are not many awards focused on petfood specifically, and less so that are only for women. Awards are an important part of the industry however as they encourage people to innovate and highlight how important and incredible their work and contributions are. Some awards to keep in mind alongside their female and female-founded company winners are:
• Dr Andrea Gonzales – Feather In Her Cap Award 2024
• Dr Katharina Bohnenblust – High Flyer Award 2024
• Portland Pet Food Company – Pet Innovation Awards: Dog Biscuit of the Year 2023
• Badlands Ranch – Pet Innovation Awards: Dog Food Functional Diet Product of the Year 2023
• Solid Gold – Pet Innovation Awards: Cat Food Wet Product of the Year 2023
• Tippaws – Pet Industry Federation Awards: Online Buisness of the Year 2023 Doglyness International GmbH – Pet Industry Awards: Sustainability Award 2023
The insights women offer the industry are profound, providing a necessary backbone to uphold the industry in ways people had not seen before. As a next step for the industry, perhaps a look into more women led or women focused training should take place. Women should not be taken for granted for the knowledge and creativity they can impart and by offering them the voices they deserve we help to create a more inclusive space for women.
This Feature was published in the March 2024 Edition of International Petfood Magazine.
