Market Trends of thailand pet food Industry
Increasing adoption of cats due to their cultural significance in the royal housewarming ceremony and the rain-making parade is driving the growth of the cat population in the country
- Cats have held a significant place in Thai culture since ancient times, and they are considered more than just pets. Their charismatic and mysterious aura is often associated with bringing good fortune, and they have been an essential component of many auspicious traditions, including the royal housewarming ceremony and the rain-making parade. Due to their cultural significance, cats have become one of the most popular animals kept as pets in Thailand, making up 20.3% of the total pet population in 2022.
- Despite cultural significance, the number of cat owners in Thailand is lower than the number of dog owners. In 2022, the pet cat population was 121.2% smaller than pet dogs. However, there has been an increase in the proportion of households owning cats, rising from 10.4% in 2017 to 11.1% in 2021. This trend can be attributed to the appealing characteristics of cats, including their adaptability to small spaces and unique personalities.
- The pet cat population in Thailand has been steadily increasing, with a rise of 18.1% between 2019 and 2022, mainly due to the need for companionship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the pandemic is anticipated to be witnessed for 5-10 years, as the average lifespan of cats is more than 20 years. The trend of pet humanization is becoming increasingly prevalent in the country as Gen Z, Gen Y, and the elderly populations prefer pets. About 35.0% of individuals who rent homes have relocated to a new residence more suitable for their pets. These factors are likely to contribute to an increase in the population of pet cats during the forecast period.
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Premiumization, with the growing demand for premium high-quality pet food products, is driving pet expenditure in the country
- Pet owners in Thailand are significantly increasing their expenditure on pets. The pet food expenditure in the country grew by about 16.9% between 2019 and 2022, primarily due to a shift in pet ownership toward pet parenting, where pets are considered beloved family members or even children. This changing perception is contributing to the increased demand for premium pet food products.
- The factors driving the heightened demand for premium pet food include the humanization of pets, growing awareness among pet owners about their pets' well-being, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors have led to a surge in demand for specific nutrition and pet food that addresses safety and health concerns. Premium dry dog food sales in the country increased from USD 94 million in 2017 to USD 130.4 million in 2021, while premium dry cat food sales increased from USD 43.6 million in 2017 to USD 74.9 million in 2021. The major premium brands sold in the country include Royal Canine, Whiskas, and Me-o.
- This increasing demand for specialized pet food increased the average unit price, particularly in the premium and super-premium segments. In 2022, pet owners spent the highest amount (USD 596.1 per year) on pet food products, with an average spending of USD 148.4 per year on veterinary diets. In 2022, store-based retailing accounted for most pet food sales in Thailand, i.e., 91.5%. The remaining sales are through e-commerce, with an 8.5% market share, with online retailing experiencing growth during the pandemic. The premiumization of pet food and growing awareness of high-quality pet food benefits are expected to continue driving pet expenditure in the country.
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OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Growing pet humanization and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the dog population in Thailand
- A shift in pet owners’ preference toward non-traditional pets for their accessibility is driving their adoption in the country
