🐾 The Pet Industry Today: Growth, Challenges & Strategic Opportunities

The pet industry remains one of the most dynamic consumer sectors globally, with sustained growth even in uncertain economic times. In 2024, the global pet care market was valued at over $275 billion and is projected to exceed $350 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of ~5–6%.

What’s behind this resilience? A deep transformation in consumer behavior. Pets are family members, and their wellbeing is now a household priority.

🔑 Key Trends Shaping the Market

📌 Premiumization & Humanization

• Global sales of premium and super-premium pet food are growing faster (+8% YoY) than economy products.

• Functional food & supplements addressing digestion, mobility, or immunity are capturing market share.

• Pet parents are willing to spend 20–30% more for products that mirror human nutrition standards.

  
  

📌 Private Label Growth

• Private label pet food in Europe already represents 25–30% of retail sales.

• Retailers are investing in quality and branding to compete directly with established manufacturers.

• Strategic partnerships with reliable producers are increasingly valuable.

  
  

📌 Digital Acceleration

• E-commerce accounts for ~25% of pet food sales in Western Europe and is expected to grow further.

• Subscription models and D2C (direct-to-consumer) approaches strengthen customer loyalty.

• Brands without strong digital visibility risk market irrelevance.

  
  

📌 Sustainability as a Differentiator

• 70% of millennial pet owners say they prefer eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.

• Companies that fail to address sustainability may struggle with long-term brand loyalty.

  
  

📌 Global Expansion

• Markets in Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East are seeing double-digit annual growth.

• Export-oriented brands gain a competitive advantage by diversifying geographically.

  
  

🎯 Strategic Implications for Brands & Distributors

1. Adapt your portfolio: Focus on premium and functional products that reflect human health trends.

2. Build digital-first strategies: Online distribution and social media presence are not optional anymore.

3. Invest in sustainability: From packaging to sourcing, green choices are now a business imperative.

4. Leverage partnerships: Collaborating with brokers, agents, and distributors accelerates entry into new markets.

5. Explore private label: Strong demand from retailers creates opportunities for contract manufacturing.

   
   

🌍 Our Perspective at Petfood Brokers

Through our global B2B exhibition platform ONE PLACE, already hosting 100+ international brands, we see clear signs of where the industry is heading:

• Buyers are more selective, searching for brands that combine innovation, value, and sustainability.

• Manufacturers need agility and market knowledge to expand internationally.

• Success in the coming years will be defined by strategic collaboration, digital readiness, and consumer trust.

  
  

💡 The pet industry is evolving rapidly. The question for every brand today is not if they should adapt, but how fast.