According to a publication by ProChile, the total global market value is estimated at US$ 45 billion. However, it is expected to grow to US$ 96 billion in 2017 in view of the slight macroeconomic recovery of markets, the increase in pet population and changes in consumer preferences.

The market is expected to grow to US$ 96 billion by 2017 

The publication indicates the decrease in birth rates and the increase in “single person households” as factors where pets are increasingly integrated as family members and as companions by individuals living alone, enabling this market’s continuous growth. The increase in urban population and the available income in emerging markets also significantly contribute to the rise in number of households with pets, driving the demand for food.

A market research conducted by Euromonitor reveals that in 2015 the United States (U.S.) will be the biggest value market followed by Brazil, Japan and France. However, India, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Thailand present interesting opportunities since their markets are growing at a higher pace. 

A Pet Food Industry article reveals that China has a broad market for pet products and accessories, representing over US$ 1 billion a year. Food, however, only accounts for 37% of total pet expenses. 

In contrast to the rest of the world, non-food pet products dominate the Chinese market although food sales have been rising at an annual 10% rate in recent years.   

The potential for growth in the Chinese pet food industry is high. According to the article, only 7% of Chinese households currently own dogs and only 2% own cats. However, merely 10% of households feed these with prepared pet food.  

Premium or quality brands are driving much of the industry’s growth, representing an annual growth rate of approximately 15% for dog and 12% for cat food. Although the percentage of cats and dogs as pets in China is low, the market still accounts for 51 million animals with owners. This positions the country in third place only behind Brazil with 52 million and the U.S. with approximately 170 million cats and dogs. 

A study conducted by Tully & Holland reveals that the majority of pet owners in the U.S. typically buy prepared pet food. The pet treat sector is one of the segments with the highest consumption in addition to the dry food market, the healthy product lines and premium food or that with similar features as food for human consumption. 

According to ProChile, the home brand market is another dynamic sector growing in the U.S. This presents an opportunity for producers interested in penetrating the North American market as suppliers of an already established brand instead of starting out from scratch. However, the article notes to keep in mind the high volumes required for using this channel.

There are several fairs around the world that provide a useful insight on new market trends and serve to develop business contacts. Below follow some of the most important fairs:

• Pet Fair Asia: is organized every year. Last year the fair brought in 50,000 visitors including 12,351 industry professionals, 36,000 pet owners and 506 exhibitors from 25 countries. For more information: www.petfairasia.com

• Global Pet Expo: is considered the largest annual fair of the pet food industry in the United States. In 2013 it had 964 exhibitors and 2,686 booths where over 3,000 products were launched. More than 5,000 registered buyers attended from around the world. For more information: www.globalpetexpo.org

• Zoo Expo: each year the Mandalay Bay Convention Center of Las Vegas, Nevada, organizes one of the most important exhibitions of its type, gathering the main distributors and suppliers of the global pet food industry. It has a training program called SuperZoo University to learn about new market strategies and trends. For more information: www.superzoo.org