Cat Food Global Market Report 2024

The cat food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $21.9 billion in 2023 to $23.39 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. During the historical period, growth in the pet food industry can be attributed to several factors, including a rise in pet ownership, the trend of humanizing pets, recommendations from veterinary professionals, the diversification of pet food products, and the development of brand loyalty among consumers.

The cat food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $30.6 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. Anticipated growth in the upcoming period is expected to be fueled by several factors, including the incorporation of natural and organic ingredients, the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions, increased emphasis on customization and personalization in cat food products, the rise of plant-based and alternative proteins, and the growing focus on the health and wellness trends among pet owners. Key trends projected in the forecast period encompass the popularity of grain-free and limited ingredient diets among cats, the emphasis on sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients, the development of functional and specialty cat foods, a heightened focus on customization and personalization options for pet owners, as well as the demand for clean labeling and transparency in the cat food industry.

The increasing population of cat owners is expected to drive the growth of the cat food market. Cat owners, defined as individuals owning one or more cats as pets exclusively, prioritize the quality of cat food for the well-being and longevity of their feline companions. As the number of cat owners rises, so does the demand for cat food. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the percentage of households owning at least one cat increased slightly from 26% to 29% between 2020 and 2022. This trend underscores the correlation between the growing number of cat owners and the expanding cat food market.

The surging growth of e-commerce platforms is anticipated to contribute to the expansion of the cat food market. E-commerce platforms, facilitating online buying and selling, play a crucial role in cat food sales, providing a popular channel for consumers to purchase cat food products. Cat food manufacturers are actively investing in e-commerce strategies to remain competitive in the online marketplace. Notably, in September 2022, the International Trade Administration reported that consumer e-commerce constituted 30% of the UK's overall retail sector, up from 20% in 2020, with an annual e-commerce revenue exceeding $120 billion. The prevalence of online purchases is evident, with 82% of people in the UK having made at least one online purchase in 2021. This growing reliance on e-commerce platforms is a significant driver for the cat food market.

Product innovations emerge as a notable trend in the cat food market, with major companies focusing on developing new solutions to strengthen their market positions. ORIJEN, a US-based pet food company, exemplifies this trend with the launch of ORIJEN GUARDIAN 8 cat food in Canada in March 2022. This innovative adult cat kibble is formulated with high-quality ingredients, utilizing minimal supplements to enhance a cat's diet and long-term health. The first five ingredients of ORIJEN GUARDIAN 8 consist of fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients, delivering biologically appropriate nutrition with a taste that appeals to adult cats. The authentic WholePrey diet reflects the most succulent parts of prey, mirroring what a cat's ancestors consumed in the wild. This emphasis on product innovation underscores the commitment of major players in the market to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Major companies in the cat food market are strategically focusing on introducing advanced high-quality nutrition solutions, particularly in the form of high-quality cat-crafted cat foods, to enhance their market share and profitability. High-quality cat-crafted cat food represents a premium category of products meticulously formulated to provide optimal taste, nutrition, and quality for feline companions. For example, in April 2021, Made by Nacho, a US-based e-commerce company specializing in delivering cat-crafted, feline-only cat food enriched with natural vitamins and minerals, launched a premium line of cat-crafted cat food exclusively designed for cats. This specialized cat food features premium ingredients, emphasizing taste and nutrition. The inclusion of fruits and vegetables such as kale, pumpkin, cranberries, and blueberries serves to balance proteins and provide an antioxidant and immune-boosting effect. Additionally, the wet food recipes are enhanced with increased water content, concentrating proteins, delicious nutrients, and collagen across all dishes.

In January 2022, Mars Inc., a prominent US-based confectionery and pet food manufacturer, made a strategic acquisition of Nom for $1 billion. This acquisition positions Mars Inc. to leverage the synergies between the two companies, contributing to their success in the new category while complementing Mars Inc.'s existing portfolio, which includes Royal Canin and Eukanuba. Nom, a US-based pet food company, specializes in offering jerky-style treats suitable for both dogs and cats. These treats feature USDA-certified beef and chicken proteins, aligning with the industry's focus on providing high-quality and premium options for pets. This acquisition underscores the commitment of major players to diversify and enhance their product offerings in the competitive cat food market.

Major companies operating in the cat food market report are Mars Incorporated, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, The J.M. Smucker Company, Evanger's Dog & Cat Food Company Inc., Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., Affinity Petcare SA, Nutro Products Inc., PetGuard Holdings LLC, Fromm Family Foods LLC, Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc., Beaphar Pet Healthcare Products, Diamond Pet Foods, Harringtons Pet Food, Dave's Pet Food, Boulder Dog Food Company, Real Pet Food Company Pty Ltd., Freshpet Inc., Burgess Pet Care, Nature's Variety, JustFoodForDogs, Steve's Real Food, WellPet LLC, Party Animal Inc., Rollover Premium Pet Food Ltd., Royal Canin SAS, Nutriara Alimentos Ltd.a., Canidae Natural Pet Food Company, SCHELL & KAMPETER Inc., Sheba, Whiskas.

North America was the largest region in the cat food market in 2023. The regions covered in the cat food market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the cat food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary categories of cat food include dry food, wet food, treats and snacks, among others. Dry food is produced by blending and cooking meats, vitamins, minerals, and fats at high temperatures and pressures, enhancing the digestibility of starches. Sources for cat food ingredients encompass animal-derived, plant-derived, and insect-derived elements, varying in nature from organic to mono-protein and conventional. These products are available across economic, premium, and super-premium pricing tiers. Cat food items are distributed through various channels such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialized pet shops, online sales platforms, and other retail outlets.

The cat food market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides cat food market statistics, including cat food industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with cat food market share, detailed cat food market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the cat food industry. This cat food market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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