Middle-East & Africa Pet Food Market Overview 2022-2027

Despite being the smallest market, Middle East and Africa posted strong growth over recent years, given the religious and cultural background of the region. Many countries in the region are dominated by the Islamic religion, which strongly prohibits dog ownership under Islamic law. The market is therefore largely untapped due to the historic restrictions, but increasing acceptance and adoption of dogs as pets is expected to significantly expand the size of the dog population over the forecast period.

According to the report, “Middle East & Africa Pet Food Market Overview, 2022-2027” the market is anticipated to expand with more than 7.5% CAGR for 2022-2027. The food products in the market that ensure enough nutrition and mineral for the healthy growth of pets and development are available as dry food, wet food, snack, and treats. Developing dog food requests alongside higher footing in the premium pet food section is foreseen to drive the pet food market over a period. Soon, the demand for dry natural pet food is likely to increase and capture a considerable market.

Dog ownership in the Middle East was historically very low, not only because of cultural restrictions, but also due to the hot climate and small living spaces making it challenging to own a dog. Social media has been playing a pivotal role in the rising adoption rates in the Middle East as influencers posted about them adopting a dog during the pandemic and their followers then followed suit. In South Africa, dogs had primarily been kept for safety reasons, but, in recent years, the perception of dogs has been changing from guard dog to “heart dog”. Large breed dogs dominate the dog population in South Africa, for example, but small (up to 20lbs or 9kg) and medium-sized (20 to 50lbs or 9 to 23kg) breed dogs have been seeing stronger growth in 2020 and 2021. These figures indicate that owners in South Africa are choosing smaller pets, as they need less space and can easily live in apartments. Globally, we are seeing Millennial and Generation Z consumers emerging as the most prevalent pet owners. Regionally, this trend is also emerging, as the change in pet ownership reshapes the market.

The whole pet food segment has contributed the most to the total pet care market. The rising ownership of pets, especially dogs and cats stressed life causing a need for adoption of pets and being treated like family, increased awareness of the fact that pet should eat pet food rather than home-cooked food, online availability of pet food products, are the factors behind the growth of the pet food market. The pet food market is gaining the maximum market share and will dominate the market in the forecast period as well. Pet owners want healthy food choices for their pets, and they are looking out for the food products that contain the best nutritional value for their pets, which is expected to drive the growth of the Middle East pet food market immensely.

The urban pet parents are demanding dry food products, which pushed the revenue share to more than 55%. The snacks & treats category has witnessed growth as the pet parents consider it as a reward to their pets during practice sessions and playtime. Canned food is generally preferred for dogs as it contains proteins, fats, and barely any sugar. Higher absorbability offered by wet food makes it best for cats and dogs with ailments and those that are finicky eaters. Despite difficult financial conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, humanization and premiumisation are widespread across the region. Historically, dog ownership was very low for several reasons; however, consumers are increasingly receptive to the idea, since education has increased regarding ownership. The pandemic forced retailers to up their game in terms of e-commerce, and it is expected that the shift online will continue over the forecast period.

Covid-19 Impacts:

The pandemic forced retailers to up their game in terms of e-commerce, and it is expected that the shift online will continue over the forecast period. As consumers resume their busy lifestyles post-COVID-19, automation of pet food purchasing will become more important. The nature of pet food makes it ideal for automation through subscription models via e-commerce platforms. Delivery of dog food to the customer every month will make purchasing more convenient for time-poor consumers.

Major companies present in the market

Nestle SA, Mars Incorporated, Colgate-Palmolive, United Pet Group, a Spectrum Brands Company, PLB International, Unicharm Corporation, Raw Gold, Promeal (PTY) LTD, Heritage Foods Kenya Ltd., Lider Pet Food

Considered in this report

• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2016
• Base year: 2021
• Estimated year: 2022
• Forecast year: 2027

Aspects covered in this report

• Middle East & Africa pet food market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise pet care market analysis
• Various divers and challenges
• Ongoing trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report

• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

Segment covered in the report

• Pet foods
• Pet healthcare
• Pet accessories
• Pet grooming

By Pet Type in the report

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Fish Food
• Bird Food
• Others

By Food Type in the report

• Dry Food
• Wet or Canned
• Snacks and treats
• Others