Pet Food Processing Exchange readies for year 3

KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Pet Food Processing (PFP) Exchange held its inaugural pet food industry education and networking event in 2024. Hosted by Pet Food Processing magazine and parent company Sosland Publishing Co., the Exchange features general sessions, networking and receptions, and ample opportunities for attendees to connect and learn from each other. After two successful years of bringing industry professionals together to learn from experts in the industry, the 1 ½-day event will return to the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

“It’s hard to put into words just how incredible the 2025 Pet Food Processing Exchange was… it truly exceeded all expectations,” said Sean Jones of Glacial Freeze Dry, a 2025 PFP Exchange attendee. “Over two days of education and networking we had the chance to engage with manufacturers, suppliers and seasoned industry veterans, alongside innovative thought leaders who are shaping the future of pet food processing.”

The event is open to all in the pet food and treat industry including pet food and treat manufacturers, as well as professionals involved in animal nutrition, ingredient development, food science, product development, food safety, processing and packaging technologies.

“The professionalism and attention to detail throughout the [2025] program were evident, from the logistics to the quality of the sessions and the engagement of the attendees,” said Marcial Guevara, Ph.D., Novonesis, a 2025 PFP Exchange speaker and attendee. “Connecting with industry peers and sharing insights in such a dynamic setting was a fantastic opportunity.”

Processors, suppliers and solution partners will have the opportunity to gain insights from leaders in manufacturing, R&D and consumer insights through expert-led sessions and panel discussions, while also sharing knowledge and building connections with peers during dedicated networking opportunities.

“I’m excited to speak at this year’s Pet Food Processing Exchange because it’s one of the few events that brings together so many of the industry’s innovators, decision-makers and problem-solvers in one place,” said Mary Tan, founder and principal, Whisker Media, and speaker at this year’s Exchange. “The conversations that happen here don’t just stay in the conference room — they spark new ideas, partnerships and solutions that move the entire industry forward. This event is a ‘must’ for anyone in the pet food industry.”

Content-focused programming

In its continued dedication to delivering impactful content that fosters industry advancement, PFP has assembled an agenda spanning a diverse range of timely and relevant subjects. Industry leaders and experts will share their perspectives and insights regarding artificial intelligence, recall readiness, capital investments, trade barriers, emerging production technologies, regenerative agriculture, animal disease threats, supply chain challenges and the evolving pet parent.

This year’s Exchange will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 29 with registration and a Meet and Greet reception. The official program will begin after breakfast on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The program will kick off with an opening session led by Gail Kulhman, Ph.D., principal consultant of GXK Consulting LLC. Her session, “Shaping the Future of Pet Nutrition and Consumer Expectations” will explore the macro trends influencing product development — from functional nutrition and premiumization to sustainability, transparency and the evolving definition of the modern pet parent. Next, Robert Fredrich, director of Operations, Food & Beverage Division at Burns & McDonnell will offer practical insights about emerging technologies and key considerations for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing operations in his session, “AI’s Role in Modern Pet Food Production.”

Jarrod Kersey, Ph.D., vice president of Food Safety & Quality Assurance at Alphia, will take a deep dive into food safety in his session, “From Prevention to Response: Managing Food Safety Incidents in Pet Food Manufacturing.” Rounding out the morning, Tyler Cundiff, executive vice president of Integrated Sales at Gray, Inc., will share insights on “Protecting Margins in a High-Cost Environment: Smarter Investment and Operational Tradeoffs.”

Wednesday afternoon will kick off with Rebecca Rizzuti, founder of Progressive Trade Consulting speaking trade policies, tariffs and geopolitical pressures impact ingredient sourcing and finished goods distribution around the globe in her session titled, “Tariffs and Trade Barriers: Navigating Global Pet Food Commerce.” Greg Aldrich, Ph.D., chief operating officer of Nulo, will explore new processing technologies in “Beyond Extrusion: Emerging Capabilities in Pet Food Manufacturing.”

Day One of the PFP Exchange will culminate with the State of the Industry panel as leaders from the pet food and treat industry share candid perspectives on the factors shaping operations, profitability, and growth — along with their outlook for the future of the pet food sector. The panel will be moderated by Michael Johnson, principal of BSM Partners, and panelists will include Phillip Bramel, chief executive officer, Vets Plus; Catherine McCarthy, founder and principal consultant, Curious & Co. Strategy + Innovation; and Jennifer Radosevich, Ph.D., senior vice president of Product Development, Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

As labeling expectations continue to shift, manufacturers must adapt formulations, packaging and documentation processes to remain compliant. In the opening session on Day Two of the Exchange, a panel of industry experts will share their insights about emerging regulatory requirements and provide practical guidance for integrating compliance into daily operations without sacrificing efficiency or speed to market in the State of the Regulatory Landscape Panel. The panel will include Austin Therrell, executive director, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO); Haley Larson, assistant professor of Animal Nutrition and Health, Kansas State University Olathe; and Pat Tovey, vice president of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Pet Food Institute (PFI).

Next, attendees will learn how regenerative sourcing can strengthen both the ingredient pipeline and the bottom line as Nathan Essary, chief executive officer of Thousand Hills Agriculture, speaks about “Regenerative Roots: Building a More Sustainable Ingredient Supply.”

Lyn Huffaker, DVM, Ph.D., founder of LH Solutions, LLC, will then discuss how animal disease outbreaks can ripple through the pet food industry — affecting ingredient availability, formulation flexibility, production planning and pricing in her session, “Animal Disease Threats: Protecting the Pet Food Ingredient Supply.” Next, Ken VonderHaar, director of Client Engagement at CRB, will explore methods for improving project success by involving the right stakeholders at the right time and applying the 4Ms: minds, materials, methods and machines in “The Strategic Supply Chain.”

Wrapping up the 1 ½ day event, Tan wil talk about the “Building Loyalty and Connection with Today’s Pet Parent.” The final session of the Exchange will explore explores how pet food companies can move beyond one-time transactions to build lasting trust through storytelling, digital engagement, sustainability commitments and product innovation.

“I’m excited to be part of this year’s Pet Food Processing Exchange because it brings together the forward-thinking leaders and ideas shaping the future of our industry,” Kuhlman said. “We are at an exciting inflection point where innovation, technology and evolving consumer expectations are redefining pet nutrition and the value we deliver to pet owners. I look forward to sharing perspectives, learning from peers, and being part of the conversations that will help shape what’s next for pet food.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with speakers and other industry professionals during breakfast, lunch and networking breaks each day and at a cocktail reception following Wednesday’s presentations.

The 2026 edition of the Exchange is sponsored by Handtmann, Camlin Fine Sciences, Malt Products Corp., Parker Freeze Dry, Peel Plastics, The Peterson Company and Thanh Phu Plastic Packaging, and has the support of industry organizations Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA), the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), PFI and the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA). 

For more information about the Pet Food Processing Exchange agenda, speakers and activities surrounding the event, visit petfoodprocessingexchange.net.