Italian Pet Food Market Size
| Study Period | 2018 - 2028 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2022 |
| Market Size (2023) | USD 2.98 Billion |
| Market Size (2028) | USD 3.75 Billion |
| CAGR (2023 - 2028) | 4.70 % |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Italian Pet Food Market Analysis
The Italy Pet Food Market size is estimated at USD 2.98 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 3.75 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.70% during the forecast period (2023-2028).
- Italy is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. Pets are not only recognized as part of the family but also part of the community. Around 55% of Italians owned at least one pet, with 64.8 million pets in the country. According to the National Association of Manufacturers for Food and Care of Companion Animals (ASSALCO), roughly half of the Italian households include dogs or cats. The country's pet population includes 8.7 million dogs, 10.1 million cats, 12.9 million birds, 29.9 million fish, 1.8 million small mammals, and 1.4 million reptiles.
- Pet owners in Italy increasingly consider their pets part of their families. Their presence influences several aspects of their lives, such as the holiday decision-making process. Italy spends far less on pets than other developed countries. In fact, Italy is amongst the bottom four in terms of expenditure per pet in the developed world, ahead of only the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. However, the market is anticipated to grow over the forecast period due to the growing awareness of feeding pets with premium and packed pet food. The main driver for the market is the humanization of pets, wherein human characteristics are ascribed to pets, and they are treated similarly. This trend resulted in an increased focus on pet health, nutrition, weight, and overall wellness.
Italian Pet Food Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the Italy Pet Food Market according to our research experts:
Humanization of Pets
According to the National Association of Pet-Food and Pet-Cared Care Companies (ASSALCO), there are around 60 million pets in the country, with a dog population of 8.7 million. Dogs are the second most popular pets in the country, accounting for 46.5% of the pet food market. Cats, with a population of 10.1 million, dominate 53.5% of the market. The number of pets in Italy has been on the increase in recent years. Furthermore, around 55% of Italians own at least one pet.
The increase in pet ownership was reflected by a significant increase in the number of households purchasing dog and cat food, which reached 12.2 million in 2021, about 1 million more than the previous year. Modern Italian families increasingly have pets for companionship. This new role is a result of Italy’s changing demographics, family structure, and general regard for animals. As said above, the increased number and importance of pets translate into greater care and into higher expenditures for food, health, accessories, and services. The latest industry figures indicate that the Italian pet food market’s growth potential remains significant. According to studies, this is because 60% of Italian pet owners feed their pets with commercial pet food rather than homemade food or leftovers.
Rising Pet Food Imports
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), France, Germany, Thailand, and Hungary are the major exporters of dog and cat food for Italy. Import in terms of value is significantly increasing in the Italian market from USD 677,516 thousand in 2019 to USD 848,068 thousand in 2021. Pet food is highly regulated in the European Union, including Italy, to conform to the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and quality.
In the European Union, pet food is subject to feed marketing legislation and veterinary legislation. Its feed marketing legislation covers food for pets as well as feed for food-producing animals. Accordingly, Pet food products containing an animal-origin ingredient must be sourced from approved establishments and have to be accompanied by a veterinary certificate. All exports of pet food to the European Union must comply with European Union requirements, including rules on labeling, hygiene, animal health, certification, and the use of additives. The pet food exporters must verify the full set of import requirements with their European Union customers. Final import approval is subservient to the importing country’s rules as interpreted by border officials at the time of product entry. Despite the legislation in the country, imports have been increasing due to domestic demand.
Italian Pet Food Industry Overview
Italy's pet food market is highly consolidated with major players such as Coop Italia, Mars, Nestle, Colgate- Palmolive, and Archer Daniels Midland (Neovia). Both multinationals and local companies are increasing their research and development (R&D) to provide more specialized products that accommodate the varying demands of pet owners.
Italian Pet Food Market Leaders
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Coop Italia
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Mars Inc.
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Nestle Purina Petcare Company
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Hill's Pet Nutrition
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Archer Daniels Midland
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Italian Pet Food Market News
- April 2022: Mars companies Nutro brand introduced a new line of products for dogs, So Simple. This product line is introduced as an alternative to complicated dog food options. The products include treats and meals for dogs with high-quality ingredients.
- April 2022: Hills Pet Nutrition a subsidiary of Colgate Palmolive launched its prescription diet pet food line, which focuses on aspects like new formulations and packaging redesigns. This product line has been launched to address specific pet health concerns, introducing 66 total dry and wet foods and treats for dogs in the product portfolio.
- March 2020: United Petfood acquired the Italian company, Effeffe Petfood, to strengthen its position in the country.
Italian Pet Food Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.3 Market Restraints
4.4 Porters Five Force Analysis
4.4.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
4.4.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Product Type
5.1.1 Dry Food
5.1.2 Wet Food
5.1.3 Treat/Snacks
5.1.4 Others
5.2 Animal Type
5.2.1 Dogs
5.2.2 Cats
5.2.3 Birds
5.2.4 Other Animals
5.3 Distribution Channel
5.3.1 Specialized Pet Shops
5.3.2 Online Channel
5.3.3 Supermarket/Hypermarket
5.3.4 Other Channels
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Most Adopted Strategies
6.2 Market Share Analysis
6.3 Company Profiles
6.3.1 Mars Inc.
6.3.2 Nestle SA (Purina)
6.3.3 Colgate Palmolive ( Hill's Pet Nutrition)
6.3.4 Merric Pet Care
6.3.5 Aller Pet Food
6.3.6 Sunshine Mills
6.3.7 J.M. Smucker
6.3.8 Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
6.3.9 P&G Petcare
6.3.10 Coop Italia
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Italian Pet Food Industry Segmentation
Pet food is animal feed that is commercially prepared and intended for consumption by pets.
The Italian Pet Food Market is segmented by Product Type (Dry Food, Wet Food, Treats/Snacks, and Others), By Animal Type (Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Others), & By Distribution channel (Specialized Pet Shops, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Channel, and Other Channels). The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of value in USD million for all the above segments.
| Product Type | |
| Dry Food | |
| Wet Food | |
| Treat/Snacks | |
| Others |
| Animal Type | |
| Dogs | |
| Cats | |
| Birds | |
| Other Animals |
| Distribution Channel | |
| Specialized Pet Shops | |
| Online Channel | |
| Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
| Other Channels |
Italian Pet Food Market Research FAQs
How big is the Italy Pet Food Market?
The Italy Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 2.98 billion in 2023 and grow at a CAGR of 4.70% to reach USD 3.75 billion by 2028.
What is the current Italy Pet Food Market size?
In 2023, the Italy Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 2.98 billion.
Who are the key players in Italy Pet Food Market?
Coop Italia, Mars Inc., Nestle Purina Petcare Company, Hill's Pet Nutrition and Archer Daniels Midland are the major companies operating in the Italy Pet Food Market.
Pet Food in Italy Industry Report
Statistics for the 2023 Pet Food in Italy market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Pet Food in Italy analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2028 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
