No end to growth

The pet food industry grew by 4.8 per cent worldwide last year to a sales volume of over $ 75 bn. This latest market data from market research company Euromonitor International proves that our pet sector is healthy and likely to carry on growing in the future, regardless of how the global economy develops. One especially pleasing aspect of the figures is that growth is by no means limited to one particular region. Sales of pet food were significantly higher in 2016 than in the previous year in all parts of the world. Even in North America and Western Europe, where the pet food market is actually considered to be saturated, a slight increase continues to be recorded. The growth rates achieved here may no longer be on the scale observed in emerging regions such as Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where the pet sector is still in its infancy; but they still highlight the fact that, even in saturated markets, the sector continues to develop and find new niches with which to generate fresh growth. 
The USA and Western Europe continue to dominate the global pet supplies sector with a market share of nearly 70 per cent. These two regions, which are home to virtually all the leading pet food manufacturers, are where all the products are currently being developed that then spread across the globe. This situation might change at some time in the future, but probably not any time soon.

Some new trends in the international pet food industry may be revealed at the upcoming international trade shows Global Pet Expo in Orlando and Zoomark in Bologna. This year, when no Interzoo takes place, these two fairs are the key trend-setting events in the international pet sector. Both shows expect to set new records for the number of exhibitors, additionally underlining their significance for the sector. One thing is certain - pet owning is growing in popularity as a hobby all over the world. Dogs and cats are increasingly regarded worldwide as part of the family and valued as such. The dog and cat food segments are the chief beneficiaries of this development.
Ralf Majer-Abele
Contact details Phone +49/72 43/575-230 • E-Mail r.majer-abele@daehne.de