The activity is the production of organic, high-quality dietary supplements for dogs. The company is an example of a well-prepared campaign and gaining clients before creating a physical product. At the moment, the supplements are not on sale yet, the first products will appear in the summer.
However, a report on the health and nutrition of dogs has already been prepared with leading Polish specialists and veterinarians. Supuppy is active in social media, building awareness and creating an audience that is already waiting for the product.
This is the first Polish example of dietary supplements that will support the health of the dog and will be 100% organic and natural. Polish law does not regulate this area, therefore the information on the packaging of available products is often not consistent with the facts. This causes animal diseases. Supuppy responds to the needs of conscious consumers and provides a healthy and ecological product.
Challenge overview
The pandemic contributed to the creation and development of the project. Participation in on-line activities, remote work, allowed co-founders from smaller towns to use knowledge, acceleration programs and mentors. They could spend more time developing the company.
There is a huge increase in pet owners after the pandemic – Poland is the second country in Europe in terms of the number of pets, their owners care about their needs.
On the other hand, the pandemic resulted in a significant increase in the prices of products and packaging. The supply chain is delayed, so sourcing products takes longer and is more difficult.
Establishment of the organisation/initiative/enterprise
Co-founders met at a workshop where they were supposed to create a business project. They began to develop it. Currently, they quit the original idea in favour of Supuppy, which has been in development for 2 years.
The need arose when Sara-Zosia’s dog fell ill. It turned out that the market is poor, and there is already a large offer of products abroad. That is why Sara decided to create such a brand herself.
Management structure and governance
The main manager is Sara, who is responsible for management, negotiations, finance, producer sourcing, research, etc. Due to her other professional obligations, Kasia plays a supporting role and helps in marketing matters.
Additionally, in legal matters and negotiations, Sarah’s brother helps. They also cooperate with an external creative agency, currently recruiting a social media specialist.
Principles of work, objectives and activities
The main goal of the activity is the sale of products – currently in the production phase. At the moment, the report has been made, and education, cooperation with specialists and social media are the main areas of tasks. Soon it will also be shipping products to customers.
Consequently, management is conducted on trello, through it to lists. Goals are set – mostly short-term ones.
Target groups
They are mainly women aged 25-40 from larger cities who use social media, who have dogs and want to feed them responsibly. The second group is the so-called Dog parents who care very much about the health and quality of food for themselves and their dogs.
Innovation
The approach to animal health is innovative. The company is 100% transparent and all products are of high quality. The packaging will also be eco-friendly in order to reduce the consumption of plastic.
Key partners
The key partners are the pet ecosystem in Poland: experts, vets, companies that helped to create the report. In addition, as part of acceleration programs, Sara meets many people who help her in her business development.
Impact and Evaluation
Evaluation through marketing research, creating a report and constant exploration of the industry to better understand the group of customers. The main beneficiaries of the solution are the environment as well as dogs and their owners, who can enjoy the health and proximity of pets for longer.
Recommendations
There are similar companies abroad. It is important to research the market – whether it is ready for a premium product for animals. You should check the producers well to select honest companies.
Lessons Learned
The main lesson is that in one year of running a business, you can learn more than throughout your studies. Learn to be responsible, understand yourself and your strengths and weaknesses. Definitely learning self-confidence, openness and better time management are benefits of being an entrepreneur.
References
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