While there is a lot of bad news to report: the housing market is still off, unemployment rising, and taxpayer money for government bailout is being used to pay for private company big bonuses--the silver lining to that ominous black cloud prevails in at least two (perhaps unlikely) industries: pet food and online dating.
So, if you're considering a new field you might sniff out the pet food industry. It's $20 billion strong and growing. Pet food is one of the top ten packaged-goods categories and now the latest development is the first national brand of refrigerated high quality dog food. Tyson Foods, Inc. announced this week that it is focused on bringing refrigerated fresh pet food products to the doggy world.
Tyson is the world's largest supplier of protein-based products and the second-largest U.S. food company. It began a small start-up called Freshpet (which it has a minority investment in) with the help of a group of veteran pet industry entrepreneurs. Now Freshpet and Tyson will bring "real food" to our beloved four-legged friends. The kind of pet food that you'll refrigerate instead of storing in a pantry.
Australia has refrigerated dog food. In fact, it's 20 percent of the market. The Freshpet dog food and treats made up of chicken, egg, vegetables, and brown rice are in about 3,000 U.S. stores and another 1,000 are expected to carry the refrigerated doggy edibles soon.
Why in a time when people are cutting back on nearly everything would consumers support a new more expensive product for man's best friend? That's it exactly. People are having children later in life. They are instead "humanizing" their pets in the absence of kids. The makers believe even in a down economy, people will pay for these doggy meals while sacrificing elsewhere.
So, don't be surprised if Fido learns to open the refrigerator to search for his next tasty meal. You might need to doggy proof it!
Dogs may not be what are inspiring another industry to skyrocket but just like in the movie "Must Love Dogs" they can play a role in helping attract the opposite sex.
Online dating is doing better than ever. According to the New York Times, Match.com had its best fourth quarter--stronger than any in the last seven years.
Apparently, even though people are cutting back in many areas, love and dog food don't get scrapped. It seems in tough recessionary times, people want comfort, companionship, and someone to confide in. The online dating world offers that promise.
The blossoming online romance and personal matchmaking businesses can come with high price tags for those people who are searching for that perfect match. Some sites charge more than $1,000 for just a dozen face-to-face dates. And some high-end matchmakers charge $25,000.
Those who are raking in the bucks say their job is recession-proof. As the economy tanks, people want security, connection, and someone to be by their side--it's human nature.
 Phoebe Chongchua | |
| About the author: | |
Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet does a body good! Phoebe will show you how to lose weight, eat healthy, and love your life! Join her for fitness videos, living well articles, healthy cooking tips, and recipes, click here to visit Phoebe Chongchuacom.
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