Western Europe

Pet care was among the hardest hit industries by inflation and general price increases in Italy, at least in the first half of 2023. However, these price increases were not seen across the board in all distribution channels, with the biggest…

France’s pet population remained relatively stable in 2023, albeit dropping slightly from the peak in 2022 as financial pressures took their tool and consumers looked for savings. When looking at dogs, small and medium-sized dogs remained the most…

Despite a slowdown in the Belgian pet population, the pet care industry continues to benefit from an increase in food volume growth and a moderate increase especially of cats and dogs. The population slowdown has been consistent since the aftermath…

In 2024, against the current economic challenges and an observable decline in the dog and cat populations in 2023, a distinctive 6% surge has been witnessed in the small mammal/reptile population in the UK. This rise can be attributed to the…

Other pet food registered a slight decline in retail volume terms in 2023 although this was supplemented by an increase in current value terms, with value growth boosted by price increases implemented by companies in response to rising costs. Despite…

Sales of cats and dogs in pet shops and superstores and garden centres is now forbidden due to a new law that came into effect on 1 January 2024, but the sale of small mammals, birds, fish and reptiles remains authorised. Nonetheless, in late 2022,…

The value sales of other pet food in Belgium are set to rise in 2024. However, the populations of reptiles, birds and fish continue to drop as the cost of housing and looking after these animals has risen over the previous couple of years. The…

Despite a slowdown in the unit price growth of dog food in the UK, influenced by a reduction in energy and electricity costs, manufacturers and suppliers are still passing on some costs to end consumers. Challenges resulting from key commodities such…

Sales of dog food recorded modest growth in retail volume terms in 2023 but this this was still relatively impressive given the economic challenges facing many owners and the impact of significant price rises on the market. The price increases seen…

Dog food registered double-digit growth in current value terms in 2023 but this was largely due to the impact of price rises with sales declining in retail volume terms in both dry and wet dog food. A similar pattern has continued into 2024 with…

Value sales of dog food in Belgium are expected to rise in 2024. Despite inflationary measures, increased prices, and a higher dog abandonment rate than in previous years, the dog population is still growing, albeit at more moderate levels than in…

In 2023, the UK experienced a marginal decline in the cat population, whereby the rate of abandonment surpassed the rate of adoption, resulting in an overall retail volume decline for cat food. Despite the increasing popularity of cats as companions,…

Sales of cat food recorded moderate volume growth across all categories in 2023. This was accompanied by strong growth in current value terms which was largely the result of elevated inflation and price increases introduced by retailers and companies…

There are far more cats than dogs in France and while the cat population decreased in 2023 it is expected to stabilise in 2024 and could even increase slightly. Local associations reported a drop in pet adoptions in 2023 whilst abandonments remained…

Sales of cat food are expected to register a moderate rise in value terms in 2024. The cat population in Belgium continues to rise albeit at a slower rate than the rate seen in the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. However,…

Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…

This report examines inflation levels and drivers globally and in key countries in Q4 2023 and 2024. Global inflation is moderating, although divergence remains among the key economies. Higher volatility in the energy markets and disruption of…

Technology and connectivity have emerged as dominant trends in local pet products. This evolution is driven by the increasing integration of smart devices and digital solutions into pet care, offering convenience, monitoring capabilities and…

2023 is an interesting year in terms of developments in the German pet care industry. The pandemic years meant growth for pet care since owners were spending greater time at home with their pets, increasing their desire to treat them, while also…

Fish food in Germany is being impacted by changes in the popularity of owning aquariums as a hobby following the pandemic. As prolonged home seclusion led to shifts in consumers’ lifestyles, priorities and leisure activities, the demand for…