[DE] Packing and shipping pet food: What do you need to bear in mind?

Pet food has a high priority. Just as with the packaging and shipping of food for human consumption, the highest hygiene and quality standards must be met when shipping pet food, the highest standards apply to the packaging of food. To ensure that the pet food arrives fresh and hygienically flawless at the customer’s or end consumer’s premises, shipping must be fast and effective, and the cold chain must not be interrupted at any time. Dogfy Diet, a company that produces and ships pet food in Italy, France and Spain and soon also in Portugal and Germany, explains what exactly is important when shipping pet food.

Germans love their dogs. Currently, around 12.47 million people over the age of 14 live in households with (at least) one dog. And Germans are willing to pay a lot for their dog: according to the Pet Study 2019, dog owners are prepared to spend around 5.6 billion euros a year on their pet – and that accounts for more than half of the expenditure on all pets in Germany! These figures show that dogs are more than “just” a pet. And people’s increasing awareness of healthy nutrition – of course – also affects the dog. This is exactly the business model of Dogfy Diet:

The business with individual and healthy pet food

The idea originated in the United States and is based on selling cooked pet food through a subscription system. In fact, Dogfy Diet jokingly describes itself as the “Netflix for personalised dog food”.

To achieve this, they use an algorithm that analyses the dog’s data, such as age, breed, weight, pathologies and activity. From this, they create a personalised diet of daily meals from four menus: Turkey, Chicken, Salmon and Beef. After a 14-day trial period, the transition from chow to cooked food begins. After that, the cooked food is delivered to the home on a monthly basis.

In 2022, the company’s turnover was €11 million and their target for 2023 is to reach €27 million. They produce about 15 tonnes of food per day, which is equivalent to about 50,000 bags, and have 30,000 customers in Spain, France and Italy, for whom they deliver about 40,000 bags of pet food per month.

Tips when packing and shipping pet food

Dogfy Diet has been working with RAJA® since 2020 and CEO and co-founder, Gonzalo Noy, tells us about their expansion plans in Europe and the importance of our services for the delivery of perishable foods that require special conditions.

It is very important to us that the customer receives the food in perfect condition before noon the next day so as not to break the cold chain.Gonzalo Noy, CEO and co-founder of Dogfy Diet

From the interview with Dogfy Diet:

RAJA: What marketing strategies do you use and what are your main challenges?

Mainly we use the internet: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and influencers. In Spain we started a campaign on TV3 and now we are starting on A3media television. In terms of challenges, our goal is to continue to expand in Europe. We are currently present in Italy, France and Spain. We plan to expand in Portugal, Germany and other countries.Gonzalo Noy

RAJA: Can you explain how deliveries are made, as it is a perishable product, and how important is packaging for logistics?

We use a conventional cardboard box for shipping. For ecological and sustainable reasons, we do not use Styrofoam. We include insulating thermal paper to ensure that the food does not thaw. In addition, we use two cooling elements to keep the food as cool as possible. The packaging is a challenge because it is important to us that the customer receives the feed in perfect condition without interrupting the cold chain.Gonzalo Noy

RAJA: We have installed nine WrapPak paper machines. What advantages have these brought?

Before, we were working with an insulating material that contained a lot of plastic. It was also problematic because we couldn't store it properly, which led to higher storage costs. Thanks to the RAJA® machines and the WrapPak paper, we have achieved economic benefits through easier and cheaper storage management. It is also environmentally sustainable.Gonzalo Noy

RAJA: What can you tell us about the relationship with RAJA®?

It is not easy to find a supplier with whom we can build such a close, personal relationship, both in terms of support and business. RAJA® is a partner that supports us in our growth and European expansion. This is very important as it is not easy to find a supplier that is present in almost all of Europe. In addition, your wide product portfolio is helpful for us in case we need more products in the future.Gonzalo Noy

RAJA: That means you would recommend RAJA® to other companies?

Yes, definitely, and we have already done so.Gonzalo Noy

RAJA: Thank you, Gonzalo, for taking the time. We’ll see you again soon.

Thank you very much, it was a pleasure.Gonzalo Noy