Nestle’s Purina PetCare segment job postings increased by 168% between Q1 and Q3 of 2020 in contrast to the overall hiring trend that witnessed a decline during the same period, according to GlobalData’s Job Analytics database. The firm posted around 800 pet care jobs, with active jobs growing three-fold from January to October 2020.

Ajay Thalluri, Business Fundamental Analyst at GlobalData notes: “Nestle’s job postings were related to product innovation involving research studies on applied pet behaviour, manufacturing and connected tech. This compliments the company’s other product categories: nutrition, cooking aids and beverages – the other key sales drivers for the company.”

Sumit Chopra, Director of Consumer Research, says: “While COVID-19 has significantly impacted various industries and consumers, it has been a boon to the pet care industry with consumers having more time and money to spend on their pets. GlobalData expects this trend to continue in 2021.

“Companies are investing across various streams of operations ranging from digitization to technology advancement, ecommerce capabilities, product diversification and expanded consumer base. It is evident from Nestle’s hiring initiatives that it is not only strengthening business functions across the value chain but also prudently striving towards making the business future proof from competition.”

Purina’s PetCare segment is focusing on tech-enabled connected-pet products.

Thalluri adds: “In fact, senior-level job postings such as Director IoT – Connected Pet were among the 200 job postings designed to build and strengthen the company’s e-commerce capabilities across geographies between January to October 2020, alongside Director – Publications; eBusiness Director; and eCommerce Director.”

Chopra adds: “The proportion of consumers who are using the online channel is increasing, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions. This is providing unique growth opportunities to established brands such as Purina. Consumers are more frequently opting to shop for pet care products online, driven by this shift.

“Accordingly, increasing online presence of pet care products is a real opportunity for manufacturers and retailers. With the emotional connection a key part of sales within this industry, having strong online channels also ensures manufacturers / retailers are able to drive impulse consumer purchases. With already strong global market shares in this sector, it is evident from Nestle’s hiring initiatives they are not only strengthening business functions across the value chain to further grow sales but also prudently striving towards making the business future proof from any disruptive competition. Considering Nestle’s presence across other key FMCG categories, GlobalData expects it to reap strong benefits across the value chain from these hiring initiatives.”

Nestle announced that it is planning to build two new production facilities – one in Eden, North Carolina, and the other in Williamsburg Township, Ohio. The two facilities are expected to create jobs for over 600 people.