Rrrip! The stock boy opens and places a tray of product on the shelf. Rrrip! He does it again.

According to a recent survey by petMD, there is still much confusion about pet nutrition.

Welcome to our annual Packages of the Year cover story.

Submit your package for the Best of Food and Beverage Packaging awards. Submit yours by February 28.

The US stand-up pouch market has seen dramatic growth over the past five years, increasing by 50% in unit volume terms to approaching 17 billion units in 2013. Beverages and pet food are the largest end use categories, each accounting for one-third of demand, closely followed by human food applications with around 30% share.

Check out this video on new packages adorning store shelves. These packages, including a pet food bag, caught our eye.

Blackwood recently tasked Kick with re-packaging two of their legacy brands, in hopes of extending their retail footprint and gaining new market traction.

As pet owners seek to provide their animals with the best lifestyles possible, spending on premium quality products is on the rise. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in the past 5 years there has been an increase of almost 25% in pet related expenses, with Americans alone spending an estimated $53.33 billion on their pets in 2012. .

According to a report from the American Pet Products Association regarding industry statistics and trends, Americans are pampering their pets by purchasing items for them that go well beyond the bare necessities. Pets now receive gourmet and organic food options with special consideration for allergies, dietary restrictions or a special healthy diet.