The pet food market - Spain

The global pet food market, valued at approximately $112 billion in 2021 according to Grand View Research, is expected to exhibit robust growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2022 to 2030. The Spanish pet food market reflects this upward trend and is projected to reach 1.84 billion euros in 2022, marking a significant growth from 1.71 billion euros in 2021. Driving factors include an increasing demand for premium and health-oriented products, humanization of pets, and a shift towards natural and organic ingredients.

Despite a slight dip in volume in 2021-2022, the premium segment and product diversification continue to energize the market. Spain itself stands as a strong player with a 15% increase in sales value in just one year and a notable shift towards premium offerings, even if volumes slightly decreased. Pet ownership in Spain has escalated too, with over 29 million pets recorded in 2021, leading to a pet population growth of 75% for dogs from 2014 to 2022 and a 52% rise for cats in the same period. The fish population experienced a 63% increase, denoting a growing affinity for exotic pets. Additionally, consumer preference trends show a dominance of physical store purchasing, although e-commerce has seen growth, especially due to the pandemic, with online shopping expected to steadily become a part of Spaniards’ habits.

Rising Trends and Preferences in the Spanish Pet Food Market

The Spanish pet food market has witnessed robust growth and shifting consumer preferences, reflecting the evolving relationship between Spaniards and their pets. With a burgeoning pet population and a demand that's increasingly driven by a consciousness for health and premium-quality products, Spain stands as a key player in the European pet landscape. Spain's love for pets is clearly demonstrated by its approximately 29 million pets, with over 40% of households owning a furry, feathered, or scaled friend. This passion transcends across various types of animals, with fish being the most popular due to the common practice of keeping multiple fish as pets. However, in terms of monetary investment, dogs and cats lead the market, commanding the major share as they account for close to 93% of the value in the pet food sector. The market reflects a diversification in the types of pet food being consumed, with dry food being the staple for both canines and felines, accumulating sales between 700 and 750 million euros as of 2022. Meanwhile, wet foods and snacks, though less popular in comparison, exhibit faster growth rates.

This growth aligns with a notable market trend – premiumization. Pet owners are increasingly humanizing their pets and are willing to invest in premium and health-oriented food options, driving the introduction of new, more natural product ranges. This trend towards premium pet foods is exemplified by the significant price variations among pet food products. Snacks, perceived as luxury treats, are considerably more expensive, with their prices per ton being over 10 times that of dry cat food. This price disparity speaks to the premiumization of pet food and the Spanish consumer's willingness to indulge their pets with top-tier products. Spain's export activities in the pet food sector are also noteworthy, importing and exporting hundreds of millions of euros' worth of products and showcasing an appetite for both inward and outward trade within this industry. The market, while enjoying vibrant demand and growth, is dominated by a few key players alongside private labels. These market dynamics, along with the prominent role of health and ecological considerations, serve as the driving forces in the shaping of Spain's pet food sector. The rise of online commerce and specialized physical stores has only added to the multiplicity of channels through which this demand is being met, with offerings ranging from the standard to the specially concocted premium edibles for pets.

Key Operators in the Spanish Pet Food Sector

The Spanish pet food market is a vibrant landscape where a few major players, alongside private labels, hold significant sway. Among these, certain brands have carved out substantial market shares and have become synonymous with pet nutrition and wellness.

• Affinity Petcare emerges as a notable heavyweight with a 22% share in the dog food market within self-service stores exceeding 100m². The company underscores its presence by offering a broad range of pet nutrition solutions that cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
• Nestlé Purina, another industry titan, holds a significant 25% share in the cat food market. This multinational corporation has a longstanding history and is well-regarded for its diverse array of pet food products that span both mainstream and premium categories.
• Mars Petcare, although not stated with specific market share numbers in the provided text, is understood to be a formidable entity. As a division under the Mars umbrella, it benefits from global recognition and the ability to leverage significant resources for innovation and growth. In the realm of private labels, a remarkable trend is evident as they dominate a substantial portion of the market, particularly within the self-service segment. They account for nearly 59% of the dog food market share by value and 48% for cat food. This dominance continues to influence how suppliers and manufacturers like Bynsa approach investment and product development, appealing to cost-conscious consumers looking for reliable quality. Retail chains that specialize in pet products have not been sidelined, either.
• Kiwoko , under Masquepet S.L., with its network of numerous outlets, serves as a one-stop shop for pet owners. Similarly, Agrizoo and Tiendanimal have cemented their reputation for specialty pet care, backed by a strong presence in the physical retail space.
• The alliance between Tiendanimal and Kiwoko, orchestrated by the Peruvian Mulder family, represents a strategic consolidation that aims to create an industry stronghold. This unification seeks to offer a comprehensive suite of pet care products and services, possibly propelling the group to the top ranks in the pet care sector in Spain.
• Online retailers like Zooplus are also taking firm strides by providing customers with a convenient digital platform for their pet food needs, showcasing a growing shift towards e-commerce.

Each of these players — whether operating through physical storefronts or online interfaces — is actively shaping the Spanish pet food market. 

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 26/09/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Revenues of leading companies in the pet food market
• Annual sales of pet food products
• Pet populations
• Global pet food market
• Breakdown of pet market sales by type of animal
• Dog and cat food sales by value
• Dog and cat food sales by volume
• Breakdown of the number of pets
• Main countries of destination for Spanish dog and cat food exports
• Main countries of origin of Spanish pet food imports
• Trade balance in cat and dog food
• Country rankings by dog population
• Country rankings by cat population
• Country rankings by bird population
• Breakdown of pets by type
• Growing pet populations
• Annual expenditure on pet food, by type of animal
• Breakdown of the dog food market by company (for self-service stores over 100m²)
• Cat food market breakdown by company (for stores over 100m²)
• Breakdown of the small animal feed market by company (in self-service stores over 100m²)
• Breakdown of the dog food market by company (in the specialized distribution channel)
• Distribution channels for dog and cat food
• Spanish pet food shopping preferences, by distribution channel
• Sales of dog and cat food by type
• Sales volume of dog and cat food by type
• Pet food prices per tonne by category (in self-service stores)
• Price per ton of small animal feed (in self-service stores)