The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is optimistic about the prospects of American pet food brands in the Philippines as the local market realizes the quality and safety of their products.
“There are large multinationals that have been very successful. It is just a natural evolution — pursuit of growth of businesses. They reach a point that sometimes they look at expanding business overseas. They may have lower production cost but sometimes less regulatory cost,” said Morgan Haas, agricultural counselor for foreign agricultural service of USDA in a roundtable discussion in Mandaluyong City last week.
A USDA report dated Jan. 26, 2023 projected a 9- percent growth in sales of pet food in the Philippines this year to $434 million from last year’s $397 million.
The report said the US accounts for 26 percent of dog and cat food exports to the Philippines but the bulk or 36 percent comes from Thailand.
…”there is a cost that is associated with US pet food but that cost reflects the quality, safety and rigorous controls we have in place to produce a product in the US. There is implicit guarantee that when you buy from the US, you are getting that premium, quality and safe products,” Haas said.
Nat Davies, vice president of business operations and programs of the Pet Food Institute, said they also want to educate pet owners on the benefits of feeding animals with complete and balanced meals instead of table scraps.
“Pets (need) 40 plus nutrients that are essential for their lives. ..we should have that mindset that not everything we eat is safe for pets,” Davies said.
Onions, a common ingredient in Filipino cuisine, are one of the most dangerous food for pets, the officials said. – Jed Macapagal
