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).
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.
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 677.52 million in 2019 to USD 848.06 million 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.
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.
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