Market Trends of poland pet food Industry
The cat population in the country decreased by 37.8% between 2019 and 2022 due to a rise in inflation, pandemic-related restrictions, and a significant decrease in human population
- In Poland, cats are the second most popular pets after dogs, comprising about 29.7% of the total pet population in 2022. This popularity of cats is mainly due to their unique qualities, including agility, independence, and being a more cost-effective option compared to dogs. Additionally, cats are well-suited for small living spaces such as apartments, where owning a dog may not be as practical.
- Despite the popularity of cats as pets in Poland, the overall pet cat population experienced a decline of about 37.8% between 2019 and 2022. Several factors contribute to this decrease, with inflation playing a significant role in reduced pet ownership rates. The easing of pandemic-related restrictions has also impacted the pet cat population as people return to in-person work and school. Furthermore, Poland witnessed a significant decrease in its human population, with 520,000 deaths recorded in 2021, marking the highest figure since World War II.
- Moreover, the Polish Academy of Sciences has classified cats as invasive alien species due to growing scientific evidence of their negative impact on biodiversity. The substantial hunting and killing of birds and mammals by domestic cats have prompted their inclusion on the list. This categorization may discourage some individuals from owning cats as pets.
- However, the trend of humanizing pets and the availability of pet stores that offer a range of cat care services, as well as the rising popularity of cat cafes in Poland, may signal a shift in ownership patterns and attitudes toward cats as cultural and economic factors continue to evolve. These factors are expected to contribute to an increase in the pet cat population in the country during the forecast period.
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Increasing disposable income and demand for high-quality, premium pet food are driving pet expenditure in the country
- In Poland, there has been an increase in overall pet food expenditure, which increased by 23.9% between 2017 and 2022. This growth occurred despite a decreasing trend in the dog and cat population within the country. The key driver behind the increased expenditure on pet food is the rising prices of pet food products. For instance, the prices of wet dog food per metric ton in the country surged from USD 2,078 in 2020 to USD 2,444.9 in 2022, reflecting a significant 17.7% increase in just two years. These increased prices have contributed to the overall growth in pet food expenditure.
- Additionally, the trends of pet humanization and premiumization have played a crucial role. Pet owners, particularly those with higher incomes, are increasingly treating their pets as family members, leading to a surge in sales of premium and natural pet food products. Pet owners are seeking pet food options that offer specific nutrition while addressing safety and health concerns. Consequently, there has been a growing demand for pet food varieties that cater to special diets and incorporate high-quality ingredients. This focus on premium and specialized products has led to an increase in the average unit price, particularly within the premium segment. As a result, between 2019 and 2022, expenditure on dogs rose by 21.8%, expenditure on cats increased by 22.3%, and expenditure on other animals saw a growth of 8.7%.
- Pet food prices in Poland were affected by the political conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, causing challenges in procuring raw materials and leading to an impact on pet expenditure in the country. Despite these challenges, the increasing demand for high-quality and premium pet food is anticipated to drive pet expenditure during the forecast period.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Preference of pet parents towards dogs and the expansion of dog-related services are increasing their adoption in the country
- The evolving pet ecosystem and availability of acquisition channels for other pets' adoption are driving their adoption
