Argnetina Pet Food Market- Size, Trends, Competitive Analysis and Forecasts (2021-2026)

Argentina holds the record of a country with the most pets per capita. Around 80% of the population own at least one pet. Dogs are the most popular pets in the country, with more than 65% of the population owning dogs, followed by cats owned by 32% of the population. The pet food industry in Argentina is well established and exhibited a robust growth rate in the last decade. However, the economic recession since 2015 has hit the pet food industry negatively. The pet food market in Argentina was worth $996.0 million in 2020 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2021 to 2026.

COVID-19 Impact

Argentina has been in an economic recession since 2017. The Government announced a strict mandatory lockdown on March 19 to control the COVID-19 outbreak. This movement restriction caused supply shock due to disruption in manufacturing, demand shock due to social isolation & job losses, and shutdown of many small and medium businesses. According to the Government publication, the economy contracted 4.8% in the first quarter of FY2021 due to the closure. Also, in the same quarter, the unemployment rate rose to 10.4%. Most workers are losing earnings, and companies have bearing losses due to the pandemic. Around 45% of the population are expected to slip into poverty in 2020 as an effect of the shutdown. The weakened economy has led to reduced consumer spending. As a result, a large number of pet owners are switching to economy pet food from premium products and also to table scraps. The poor economic situation has also led to large scale pet abandonment, especially by old people and after the death of an elderly pet owner. Thus the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the reduction of the pet food industry both in value and volume terms in Argentina.

Market Dynamics

The aging population, rising single-person households, late marriages, and couples not opting for kids has triggered pet adoption in the country for companionship. The Argentian population treats their pets as their children. In most households, the expenditure on pets exceeds the monthly expenditure on humans. Moreover, the Argentinean population is very much aware of the effect of pet food on a pet’s health. Based on the awareness, the demand for pet food with functional benefits targeting the digestive system, immune system, weight loss, fur and coat, liver, and heart health has been increasing. However, the prolonged economic recession has proved as a dampener to the pet food industry. Due to skyrocketing inflation, many pet owners are forced to switch to table scraps or abandon pets.

Segmentation

The market is segmented based on animal type, product type, price segment, ingredients used, and distribution channel. The dog is the most preferred pet in Argentina. Dog food accounts for more than 75% of the market share, followed by cat food. Dry food is the chosen food type for both dogs and cats. Economy products hold around 50% share of the pet food market volume. Due to rising inflation and economic woes, more consumers are switching back to economy products from premium and super-premium products.

Supermarkets and Pet specialty stores hold around 70% share of the distribution channel of pet food. The pet owners prefer these channels due to the availability of a wide range of products. With increased internet penetration and consumers recognizing the convenience associated with e-commerce, the online sales channel is projected to exhibit the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

Nestle Argentina SA, Mars Inc., Royal Canin Argentina SA, Grupo Pilar SA, Metrive SA, Agroindustrias Baires SA, Grupo Molino Chacabuco S.A. are the major players in the Argentina pet food market. Around 70% of the market share is concentrated among these players. Large multinational players are investing in branding for wider consumer awareness and cover current consumer trends by introducing more product categories, especially in treats & snacks, and pet food. They also acquire successful local small & medium manufacturers as well as private brands to expand production capacity. Local players strategize on capacity expansion and increasing exports.

Key Deliverables

• Market trends since 2017 and five-year forecasts of market growth
• Detailed analysis of the micro and macro elements influencing demand trends
• Identifying opportunity spaces across segments
• Supply & demand side trend and analysis
• Price trend analysis, investment prospects and competition pattern
• Insights on the growth potential of the market
• Detailed analysis of major producers covering financial investments & strategies adopted
• Competitive landscape of the industry