The Indian pet food market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period (2022-2027). The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major impact on the pet food market in India. Due to the rampant spread of misinformation on pets' immunity to infection, some people started abandoning their pets, leading the pet food industry to launch awareness campaigns to dispel such rumors. There were a huge supply and demand gap due to panic buying of pet food among pet parents, which the pet food industry was unable to cater to due to disruptions in the supply chain and poor logistic services.
The concept of owning pets and taking care of them is a very urban phenomenon in India. In 2020, major factors driving the demand for pet food in India included increasing pet ownership, rising per capita disposable income, and increasing nuclear families, particularly in urban areas. The initial impasse of the Indian consumers' overspending on pets is slowly giving way to trends such as pet humanization and sensitization, which are well demonstrated by the rapid rise in adoption rates. In India, pet food predominantly includes packaged, ready-to-eat food products manufactured to provide complete nutrition to pets. Most bird owners rely on fruits, millets, seeds, and other protein-rich diets. They rarely buy food manufactured specifically for birds. However, in urban regions, birds are preferred as pets to dogs and cats as they are smaller, easier to care for, and low maintenance. Food for birds also differs according to species. The diets of aquatic creatures vary not only by species but also by size, with companies, such as Tropical Industry and Pacific Blue Taiwan, specializing in catering to the fish food needs of all varieties. Due to a shift in the culture of enhanced pet humanization and the importance given to the health of pets, the pet food market is projected to grow during the forecast period.
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the growing middle-class population, rapidly growing urbanization, a growing number of elderly, and people getting married and having children later than before are transforming India into a pet-owning and pet-loving society, with dogs and cats dominating the market. With Indians welcoming more "paw" buddies, complemented by the trend of pet humanization among pet owners, demand for branded premium products is likely to increase. The younger generation supports this trend and frequently takes their pets to veterinary clinics for regular check-ups and advice on healthcare and dietary supplements. With growing income, urbanization, and increasing health awareness, pet owners are shifting to premium and natural foods that are free of genetically modified organisms, artificial colors, and flavors and aid in promoting the good health of pets. Thus, many companies are launching food with high-quality proteins and vitamins, which help maintain healthy skin, digestive health, etc. With the increasing aged population and declining birth rates, the Indian population is owning pets as companions. According to India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF), an average of 600,000 pets are adopted every year. Nowadays, pet parents are spending more on the health and well-being of their pets. Hence, the demand for pet care products is likely to grow in the coming years due to growing pet adoption, attachment toward pets, humanization, and pets as a status symbol. In 2017, the pet food market’s revenue increased only by USD 5.7 million due to a decline in the sales of pet food products. This decline in sales was due to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and contraction in premium pet food sales. At the same time, as per an article published in 2021, food products make up half of India’s total pet care industry, estimated at up to INR 8,000 crore annually. Dogs are the most popular companions in India, constituting 85% of pets. Northern India accounts for the highest number of pets, and cats and fish are the most popular pet choices in southern India. The trend of pet cafés and spas has been gaining popularity over the years, which has boosted the demand for more pet food products in the country.
India is the fastest-growing market due to the increased level of adoption of dogs and awareness about pet food products among consumers. Rising income levels and the trend of adoption of dogs in the urban parts of the country are driving the growth of the dog food market. Dogs adapt to traditional eating habits, such as meat, non-meat scraps, and leftovers. However, these unhygienic foods lead to allergic reactions in pets. Health concerns for animals and pet humanization have created an opportunity for the pet food market. On the other hand, growing middle-class families in countries like India are more inclined toward adopting pets. About 85% of the pets in India are dogs, with the northern region accounting for the highest pet population. However, on the contrary, cats and fish are more adopted in South India. A rising trend of natural and grain-free pet foods is being witnessed in the Indian pet food industry. Pet owners are switching to gluten-free and grain-free foods in the country. The dog owners’ interest in purchasing healthy and nutritious foods for their pets drives the sales of different types of dog foods, leading to the launch of various dog food products. Thus, due to such factors, the dog segment of the market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period.
The Indian pet food market is consolidated and dominated by major players. Mars International continues to lead the cat food segment. Its flagship brand Whiskas continued to enjoy high levels of popularity among existing consumers and new consumers shifting from home-cooked food to packaged cat food. Mars International was followed by Royal Canin, which competes with a premium positioning. Demand for Pedigree and Royal Canin is primarily supported by the strong consumer base and extensive distribution networks. These major players are investing in new products and improvisation of products, expansions, and acquisitions for business expansions. Another major area of investment is the focus on R&D to launch new products at lower prices.
This product will be delivered within 2 business days.
The concept of owning pets and taking care of them is a very urban phenomenon in India. In 2020, major factors driving the demand for pet food in India included increasing pet ownership, rising per capita disposable income, and increasing nuclear families, particularly in urban areas. The initial impasse of the Indian consumers' overspending on pets is slowly giving way to trends such as pet humanization and sensitization, which are well demonstrated by the rapid rise in adoption rates. In India, pet food predominantly includes packaged, ready-to-eat food products manufactured to provide complete nutrition to pets. Most bird owners rely on fruits, millets, seeds, and other protein-rich diets. They rarely buy food manufactured specifically for birds. However, in urban regions, birds are preferred as pets to dogs and cats as they are smaller, easier to care for, and low maintenance. Food for birds also differs according to species. The diets of aquatic creatures vary not only by species but also by size, with companies, such as Tropical Industry and Pacific Blue Taiwan, specializing in catering to the fish food needs of all varieties. Due to a shift in the culture of enhanced pet humanization and the importance given to the health of pets, the pet food market is projected to grow during the forecast period.
Key Market Trends
Increase in Pet Humanization
According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the growing middle-class population, rapidly growing urbanization, a growing number of elderly, and people getting married and having children later than before are transforming India into a pet-owning and pet-loving society, with dogs and cats dominating the market. With Indians welcoming more "paw" buddies, complemented by the trend of pet humanization among pet owners, demand for branded premium products is likely to increase. The younger generation supports this trend and frequently takes their pets to veterinary clinics for regular check-ups and advice on healthcare and dietary supplements. With growing income, urbanization, and increasing health awareness, pet owners are shifting to premium and natural foods that are free of genetically modified organisms, artificial colors, and flavors and aid in promoting the good health of pets. Thus, many companies are launching food with high-quality proteins and vitamins, which help maintain healthy skin, digestive health, etc. With the increasing aged population and declining birth rates, the Indian population is owning pets as companions. According to India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF), an average of 600,000 pets are adopted every year. Nowadays, pet parents are spending more on the health and well-being of their pets. Hence, the demand for pet care products is likely to grow in the coming years due to growing pet adoption, attachment toward pets, humanization, and pets as a status symbol. In 2017, the pet food market’s revenue increased only by USD 5.7 million due to a decline in the sales of pet food products. This decline in sales was due to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and contraction in premium pet food sales. At the same time, as per an article published in 2021, food products make up half of India’s total pet care industry, estimated at up to INR 8,000 crore annually. Dogs are the most popular companions in India, constituting 85% of pets. Northern India accounts for the highest number of pets, and cats and fish are the most popular pet choices in southern India. The trend of pet cafés and spas has been gaining popularity over the years, which has boosted the demand for more pet food products in the country.
Dog Food Dominates the Animal Type Segment
India is the fastest-growing market due to the increased level of adoption of dogs and awareness about pet food products among consumers. Rising income levels and the trend of adoption of dogs in the urban parts of the country are driving the growth of the dog food market. Dogs adapt to traditional eating habits, such as meat, non-meat scraps, and leftovers. However, these unhygienic foods lead to allergic reactions in pets. Health concerns for animals and pet humanization have created an opportunity for the pet food market. On the other hand, growing middle-class families in countries like India are more inclined toward adopting pets. About 85% of the pets in India are dogs, with the northern region accounting for the highest pet population. However, on the contrary, cats and fish are more adopted in South India. A rising trend of natural and grain-free pet foods is being witnessed in the Indian pet food industry. Pet owners are switching to gluten-free and grain-free foods in the country. The dog owners’ interest in purchasing healthy and nutritious foods for their pets drives the sales of different types of dog foods, leading to the launch of various dog food products. Thus, due to such factors, the dog segment of the market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period.
Competitive Landscape
The Indian pet food market is consolidated and dominated by major players. Mars International continues to lead the cat food segment. Its flagship brand Whiskas continued to enjoy high levels of popularity among existing consumers and new consumers shifting from home-cooked food to packaged cat food. Mars International was followed by Royal Canin, which competes with a premium positioning. Demand for Pedigree and Royal Canin is primarily supported by the strong consumer base and extensive distribution networks. These major players are investing in new products and improvisation of products, expansions, and acquisitions for business expansions. Another major area of investment is the focus on R&D to launch new products at lower prices.
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
This product will be delivered within 2 business days.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
4 MARKET DYNAMICS
5 MARKET SEGMENTATION
6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Companies Mentioned
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes:
- Mars Inc.
- Nestle SA (Purina)
- Nutriara Alimentos Ltda
- Royal Canin India
- Eukanuba
- Jerhigh
- Drools
- Uni-Charm Corp.
- Holistic Select
- Eagle Pack
- Blue Buffalo
- Diamond Naturals
Methodology
LOADING...
