GfK to Expand Pet Retailer Panel to Canada

GfK is planning to expand its point-of-sale (POS) pet retail outlet panel to Canada, targeting regional retailers and manufacturers across the category.

The firm categorizes pet food on over 30 different criteria, such as gluten-free, LID (limited ingredient diet), seasonal products, grain-free and breed-size. According to GfK, there are more than 2,000 pet speciality retail outlets in Canada, with a strong need for basic sales metrics and trend data.

GfK's Canadian universe study showed that Ontario accounts for more than one-third (835) of 2,063 total pet specialty outlets. Other provinces with a large number of pet stores include Quebec with 425, British Columbia with 343, and Alberta with 249.

Louis McCann, President and CEO of PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) Canada, comments: 'By capturing sales data nationwide and plumbing it for trends and insights, GfK will invigorate the pet specialty marketplace in Canada. The ability to know what is selling across the country, how others are pricing key products, and which categories are growing fastest will lead to smarter decisions for retailers and manufacturers alike.'

Web site: www.gfk.com .