AFB Goes to IPPE 2023

The International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) marked the first trade show of 2023 for AFB International. IPPE was held in Atlanta, Georgia from January 24-26, 2023. It was a great opportunity for the AFB team to network with customers and suppliers while staying informed about the latest trends and developments in the pet food industry. Educational resources were found at the Pet Food Committee Meeting, the one-day AFIA Pet Food Conference, and the extensive exhibit show floor.

The AFB team was especially impressed by the AFIA Pet Food Conference. It was a full day of various speakers and panels, representing a variety of relevant industries and functions. All sessions were in one room so there were no concerns about missing any content – which often happens at conferences when simultaneous sessions are presented in different rooms! The variety of topics and presentation styles kept the audience engaged and attentive. “The panel format, with a moderator to guide the conversation, was a great set-up. The information from the discussion was incredibly valuable,” said Tim Koester, Director, Product Management at AFB.

Innovation and sustainability were big topics throughout IPPE this year. In addition to data collection and strategic planning, many companies are now focusing on how to execute to achieve results. These strategic efforts have ripple effects throughout the supply chain so better understanding of focus areas, timelines, and priorities are critical. As a supplier for the pet food industry, AFB is certainly trying to stay ahead of the trends while closely supporting customers and their needs. IPPE was a valuable experience, and the team is looking forward to attending again next year!