South America Cat Food Market Size

The South America cat food market is poised for significant growth, driven by an increasing cat population and rising consumer awareness about specialized pet food. The market's expansion is supported by the popularity of wet food and treats, which cater to cats' dietary preferences and are used to strengthen bonds between pets and owners. Brazil holds a substantial portion of the market due to its large cat population, while Argentina is expected to experience rapid growth through premium product offerings. The region's cat food market is characterized by a focus on premiumization, local flavors, and convenient packaging, all contributing to its development during the forecast period.

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Market Size of south america cat food Industry

South America Cat Food Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 2.85 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 5.12 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Pet Food Product Food
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 12.43 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Brazil

Major Players

South America Cat Food Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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South America Cat Food Market Analysis

The South America Cat Food Market size is estimated at USD 2.85 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.12 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 12.43% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

2.85 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

5.12 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

11.50 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

12.43 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

75.44 %

value share, Food, 2022

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Pet foods serve as the primary source of nutrition for cats, prompting owners to spend more on diverse food product options.

Largest Market by Country

55.38 %

value share, Brazil, 2022

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Due to Brazil's higher population, there is high consumer demand for quality pet food and wide product availability compared to other countries, thus increasing the market share.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

16.38 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Treats, 2023-2029

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Increasing awareness, the vital role of treats in training, rewarding, and supporting the well-being of pets, and consumer focus on pet health are driving the market's growth.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

15.73 %

Projected CAGR, Brazil, 2023-2029

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The increasing pet ownership rates and growing consumer power to spend more on premium and nutritional pet food products for cats are driving the segment's growth.

Leading Market Player

22.76 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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Mars, Incorporated is the market leader, primarily focusing on product innovations in the region and launching various pet food lines under the Royal Canin and Nutro brands.

Increasing focus of pet owners on their pet health and the potential benefits of commercial pet foods are driving the market

  • The cat population in South America has been steadily growing in recent years, particularly in urban areas. Cats are known for their independent nature and finicky behavior, making them a popular choice for pet owners who prefer pets requiring less space and attention than dogs. In 2022, cats accounted for 19.5% of the South American pet food market, which increased by 46.2% between 2017 and 2021, with a rise in the cat population by 13.6% over the same period.
  • Wet food has emerged as the preferred choice for cats due to its high moisture and meat content, which aligns with their natural diet and nutritional requirements. Therefore, in 2022, wet food accounted for 52.9% of the South American cat pet food market.
  • The pet treats segment holds the second-largest share in the cat pet food market. In 2022, it accounted for USD 256.8 million in South America. Treats are widely used as rewards and for developing a bond, particularly with newly adopted cats. Freeze-dried treats have gained significant popularity, accounting for 24.6% of the treats segment in 2022. The irresistible aroma and flavor of meat make freeze-dried treats highly attractive to cats.
  • The usage of treats is expected to increase further with the rise in cat adoption, while veterinary diets for cats with infections or allergies are also anticipated to grow. During the forecast period, treats and veterinary diets are projected to record CAGRs of 16.4% and 16.2%, respectively, in South America.
  • Considering the growing cat population, increasing concerns about pet health, and the potential benefits offered by commercial pet foods, the cat food market in South America is estimated to register a CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period.
South America Cat Food Market

Brazil and Argentina are major cat food markets in the South America due higher cat population in these countries

  • Globally, South America is one of the developing cat food markets. The region has a high potential to grow during the study period as there is a high population of cats, growing awareness about specialized pet food, and companies expanding their manufacturing facilities to meet the growing demand for cat food products. For instance, from 2017 to 2020, Agroindustrias Baires and Empresas Carozzi SA expanded their manufacturing facilities.
  • Brazil has a significant market share in the region and is one of the important countries for the development of the region's cat food industry. The country had a market of USD 1.3 billion in 2022 and a significant share in the region due to the highest cat population in the region, as it had a cat population of 28.7 million in 2022 and accounted for 55.5% of the cat population in South America.
  • Argentina is expected to be the fastest growing in the region, recording a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period as there is an increase in premiumization, changing consumer preferences, and county-based companies such as Molino Chacabuco and Baires SA offering new premium products to their customers. In 2022, these companies added new treats, wet food, and veterinary diets to their product offerings.
  • The companies in South America are focusing on providing their customers with premium pet food for cats in the local flavors and recipes through veterinarians, specialty stores, and pet shops. Additionally, they are offering these products in trilaminate packaging that ensures greater convenience and preservation of products.
  • Factors such as an increase in product offerings, premiumization, and high cat population are expected to help in the development of the South American cat food market during the forecast period.

South America Cat Food Industry Segmentation

Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Argentina, Brazil are covered as segments by Country.

  • The cat population in South America has been steadily growing in recent years, particularly in urban areas. Cats are known for their independent nature and finicky behavior, making them a popular choice for pet owners who prefer pets requiring less space and attention than dogs. In 2022, cats accounted for 19.5% of the South American pet food market, which increased by 46.2% between 2017 and 2021, with a rise in the cat population by 13.6% over the same period.
  • Wet food has emerged as the preferred choice for cats due to its high moisture and meat content, which aligns with their natural diet and nutritional requirements. Therefore, in 2022, wet food accounted for 52.9% of the South American cat pet food market.
  • The pet treats segment holds the second-largest share in the cat pet food market. In 2022, it accounted for USD 256.8 million in South America. Treats are widely used as rewards and for developing a bond, particularly with newly adopted cats. Freeze-dried treats have gained significant popularity, accounting for 24.6% of the treats segment in 2022. The irresistible aroma and flavor of meat make freeze-dried treats highly attractive to cats.
  • The usage of treats is expected to increase further with the rise in cat adoption, while veterinary diets for cats with infections or allergies are also anticipated to grow. During the forecast period, treats and veterinary diets are projected to record CAGRs of 16.4% and 16.2%, respectively, in South America.
  • Considering the growing cat population, increasing concerns about pet health, and the potential benefits offered by commercial pet foods, the cat food market in South America is estimated to register a CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period.
Pet Food Product
Food
By Sub Product
Dry Pet Food
By Sub Dry Pet Food
Kibbles
Other Dry Pet Food
Wet Pet Food
Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
By Sub Product
Milk Bioactives
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Probiotics
Proteins and Peptides
Vitamins and Minerals
Other Nutraceuticals
Pet Treats
By Sub Product
Crunchy Treats
Dental Treats
Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
Soft & Chewy Treats
Other Treats
Pet Veterinary Diets
By Sub Product
Diabetes
Digestive Sensitivity
Oral Care Diets
Renal
Urinary tract disease
Other Veterinary Diets
Distribution Channel
Convenience Stores
Online Channel
Specialty Stores
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Other Channels
Country
Argentina
Brazil
Rest of South America
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South America Cat Food Market Size Summary

The South America cat food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing cat population and a shift in consumer preferences towards premium and specialized pet foods. Cats have become a popular choice among pet owners due to their independent nature and lower space requirements compared to dogs. This trend is particularly evident in urban areas, where the cat population has been steadily rising. Wet food has emerged as the preferred option for cat owners, aligning with the natural dietary preferences of cats. The market is also witnessing a growing demand for pet treats, especially freeze-dried options, which are favored for their appealing aroma and flavor. The rise in cat adoption and the increasing focus on pet health are expected to further boost the market, with treats and veterinary diets projected to see substantial growth.

Brazil holds a significant share of the market, supported by its large cat population, while Argentina is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market due to premiumization and changing consumer preferences. The region's cat food market is moderately consolidated, with major players like ADM, BRF Global, Mars Incorporated, Nestle (Purina), and PremieRpet leading the industry. The market's expansion is also facilitated by the establishment of cat cafes and the growing trend of pet humanization, where pet owners are willing to invest in high-quality, natural ingredients for their pets. Despite economic challenges and price sensitivity in some countries, the demand for premium cat food products continues to rise, with offline retail channels remaining the preferred distribution method.

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South America Cat Food Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Pet Food Product

      1. 1.1.1 Food

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Dry Pet Food

            1. 1.1.1.1.1.1 By Sub Dry Pet Food

              1. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Kibbles

              2. 1.1.1.1.1.1.2 Other Dry Pet Food

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Wet Pet Food

      2. 1.1.2 Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements

        1. 1.1.2.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.2.1.1 Milk Bioactives

          2. 1.1.2.1.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

          3. 1.1.2.1.3 Probiotics

          4. 1.1.2.1.4 Proteins and Peptides

          5. 1.1.2.1.5 Vitamins and Minerals

          6. 1.1.2.1.6 Other Nutraceuticals

      3. 1.1.3 Pet Treats

        1. 1.1.3.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.3.1.1 Crunchy Treats

          2. 1.1.3.1.2 Dental Treats

          3. 1.1.3.1.3 Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats

          4. 1.1.3.1.4 Soft & Chewy Treats

          5. 1.1.3.1.5 Other Treats

      4. 1.1.4 Pet Veterinary Diets

        1. 1.1.4.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.4.1.1 Diabetes

          2. 1.1.4.1.2 Digestive Sensitivity

          3. 1.1.4.1.3 Oral Care Diets

          4. 1.1.4.1.4 Renal

          5. 1.1.4.1.5 Urinary tract disease

          6. 1.1.4.1.6 Other Veterinary Diets

    2. 1.2 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.2.1 Convenience Stores

      2. 1.2.2 Online Channel

      3. 1.2.3 Specialty Stores

      4. 1.2.4 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

      5. 1.2.5 Other Channels

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Argentina

      2. 1.3.2 Brazil

      3. 1.3.3 Rest of South America

South America Cat Food Market Size FAQs

The South America Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 2.85 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 12.43% to reach USD 5.12 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the South America Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 2.85 billion.

South America Cat Food Market Report Snapshots

South America Cat Food Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029