the pet food market | France

1.1 Introduction and definition of the pet food market

The pet food market includes food for dogs, cats, birds, fish, small reptiles and mammals, excluding farm animals. The pet food market is a segment of the pet market, which also includes the category of pet accessories and pet care and hygiene products.

The pet food market is mainly composed of the dog and cat segments. There are several types of food:

• dry goods (kibbles)
• wet food (swill)
• snacks (e.g. treats)

The pet market is growing in France, and it has been this way for the past 10 years. The segment of products for cats is ahead of that for dogs. The so-called "new pets", such as fish and bird segments are now in slight decline. Small dogs and cats are the most popular, as they are perfectly suited to urban lifestyles and the relatively small spaces available in city dwellings.

The market is driven by a continuous renewal of the type and series of products  and an increased demand for healthier and natural food. Owners are increasingly aware of the ecological and welfare issues of their pets.

The market is also showing some dynamism in the high-end and premium segments. Many dry and wet foods or "snacks" promise to treat a wide variety of health problems with recipes that are increasingly innovative and complex, and most often proposed by leading brands.  

Growth in the French market was also driven by the rise of online sales, although pet food distribution is largely organized around the specialty stores which do not hesitate to open new points of sale, unlike the mass retail sector and gardening centres, which are showing declining results.