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Europe Cat Food Market Size

The European cat food market is poised for significant growth, driven by an increase in cat adoption and the rising demand for commercial pet food products. This market's expansion is further fueled by the premiumization trend, where pet owners increasingly view their cats as family members, leading to higher expenditure on quality food. Wet cat food has become a dominant segment due to its moisture content, essential for cats' dietary needs. Additionally, nutraceuticals and pet treats are expected to see rapid growth, reflecting pet owners' health concerns. The market's development is supported by various distribution channels, including the growing influence of e-commerce and omnichannel services.

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Market Size of europe cat food Industry

Europe Cat Food Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 22.36 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 30.66 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Pet Food Product Food
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 6.52 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Germany
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Europe Cat Food Market Analysis

The Europe Cat Food Market size is estimated at USD 22.36 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 30.66 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.52% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

22.36 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

30.66 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

7.06 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

6.52 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

73.67 %

value share, Food, 2022

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The expanding cat population has led to an increased demand for pet food options, making it the largest segment as owners prioritize providing essential nutrition for their cats.

Largest Market by Country

16.29 %

value share, Germany, 2022

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Germany's high cat population, increased consumer demand for quality cat food, and wide product availability, such as treats and specialized diets, have driven the market growth.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

8.64 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, 2023-2029

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The growing demand for vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids and increasing awareness about preventive healthcare with nutraceuticals are increasing their usage.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

11.89 %

Projected CAGR, Poland, 2023-2029

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The growing cat ownership rates and companies' growing investments in the country in developing pet food manufacturing facilities are driving the market growth.

Leading Market Player

10.88 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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Mars, Incorporated is the market leader due to its product launches focused on the cat's specialized nutrition and its expanding manufacturing bases across the region.

The food segment dominates the European market due to the rising cat adoptions in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany

  • Europe is one of the largest regions with a high cat population and a high usage of commercial cat food products, increasing its importance in the global cat food market. In 2022, the European cat food market accounted for USD 19.4 billion. The market grew by 22.5% between 2017 and 2021 during the historical period, which is associated with the increase in the usage of premium products due to the rising pet humanization in the region, including looking after pets and considering them as an integral part of the family.
  • In the European cat food market, food and treats were the major segments, accounting for market values of USD 14.3 billion and USD 2.6 billion in 2022, respectively. The higher shares of these segments were because of their significance in providing regular dietary requirements for cats and for training and entertainment purposes.
  • Cats consume less water and need to be compensated with a wet food diet. As wet food is rich in moisture content, the usage of wet food among people who own cats has increased. Therefore, wet cat food emerged as the major pet food type in the European cat food market, accounting for 53.3% of the cat food segment in 2022, and it is estimated to record a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.
  • Nutraceuticals and pet treats are also expected to grow faster in the European cat food market, with CAGRs of 7.4% and 7.1%, respectively, during the forecast period. Cats are frequent eaters, and pet parents incorporate treats into feeding routines. The rising pet health concerns are also driving the usage of nutraceuticals.
  • Therefore, the rising cat adoption and the increasing usage of commercial pet food products are estimated to drive the European cat food market at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.
Europe Cat Food Market

Germany dominates the European cat food market owing to its large cat population and consumers’ higher expenditure on pets

  • Europe is one of the largest cat food markets globally, amounting to USD 19.4 billion in 2022, owing to pet owners making them a part of the family. The European cat food market increased by 22.5% between 2017 and 2021, which is associated with the increasing usage of commercial cat food products and the growing premiumization in the region.
  • In Europe, Germany was the largest country in the cat food market, amounting to a value of USD 3.17 billion in 2022. The higher market share held by the country is because of the slightly higher cat population along with the higher expenditure of cat owners on cat food. For instance, the cat population in the country accounted for 14.9% of the region's cat population in 2022.
  • France and the United Kingdom are the major countries in the European cat food market, with values of USD 2.79 billion and USD 2.55 billion, respectively, in 2022. Consumers in these countries, which have a higher cat population compared to other regional countries, are increasing their usage of premium food products. The long and harsh winters are driving cat adoption in Poland and Russia, which are also major countries concerning the cat population. The cat food market in these countries is estimated to record CAGRs of 11.9% and 11.6%, respectively, during the forecast period.
  • While supermarkets and hypermarkets and specialty stores are the major distribution channels in the European cat food market, the penetration of e-commerce platforms and the shift in specialty stores to omnichannel services are estimated to drive online channels to register a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.
  • Therefore, the increase in cat adoption and the increase in premiumization are projected to drive the European cat food market at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

Europe 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. France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom are covered as segments by Country.

  • Europe is one of the largest regions with a high cat population and a high usage of commercial cat food products, increasing its importance in the global cat food market. In 2022, the European cat food market accounted for USD 19.4 billion. The market grew by 22.5% between 2017 and 2021 during the historical period, which is associated with the increase in the usage of premium products due to the rising pet humanization in the region, including looking after pets and considering them as an integral part of the family.
  • In the European cat food market, food and treats were the major segments, accounting for market values of USD 14.3 billion and USD 2.6 billion in 2022, respectively. The higher shares of these segments were because of their significance in providing regular dietary requirements for cats and for training and entertainment purposes.
  • Cats consume less water and need to be compensated with a wet food diet. As wet food is rich in moisture content, the usage of wet food among people who own cats has increased. Therefore, wet cat food emerged as the major pet food type in the European cat food market, accounting for 53.3% of the cat food segment in 2022, and it is estimated to record a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.
  • Nutraceuticals and pet treats are also expected to grow faster in the European cat food market, with CAGRs of 7.4% and 7.1%, respectively, during the forecast period. Cats are frequent eaters, and pet parents incorporate treats into feeding routines. The rising pet health concerns are also driving the usage of nutraceuticals.
  • Therefore, the rising cat adoption and the increasing usage of commercial pet food products are estimated to drive the European cat food market at a CAGR of 5.7% 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
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Poland
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
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Europe Cat Food Market Size Summary

The European cat food market is a significant segment within the global pet food industry, driven by a high cat population and a strong preference for commercial cat food products. The market has experienced substantial growth, attributed to the increasing humanization of pets, where cats are seen as integral family members. This trend has led to a rise in the adoption of premium cat food products, which cater to the dietary and health needs of cats. The market is characterized by a diverse range of products, with wet cat food emerging as the dominant type due to its high moisture content, essential for cats' hydration needs. The segments of food and treats hold substantial market shares, reflecting their importance in meeting cats' regular dietary requirements and providing training and entertainment. The growing awareness of pet health has also spurred the demand for nutraceuticals and specialized pet treats, further contributing to market expansion.

Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are key players in the European cat food market, with significant market values driven by higher cat populations and increased spending on premium cat food. The market is also witnessing a shift towards online sales channels, propelled by the convenience and variety offered by e-commerce platforms. This shift is expected to continue, with online channels registering notable growth rates. The market is fragmented, with major companies like ADM, Affinity Petcare SA, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Mars Incorporated, and Nestle (Purina) holding significant shares. Recent product innovations and strategic expansions, such as Hill's Pet Nutrition's introduction of new protein products and Virbac's acquisition of distributors, highlight the dynamic nature of the market. The European cat food market is poised for continued growth, driven by rising cat adoption, premiumization, and the increasing importance of online retail channels.

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Europe 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 France

      2. 1.3.2 Germany

      3. 1.3.3 Italy

      4. 1.3.4 Netherlands

      5. 1.3.5 Poland

      6. 1.3.6 Russia

      7. 1.3.7 Spain

      8. 1.3.8 United Kingdom

      9. 1.3.9 Rest of Europe

Europe Cat Food Market Size FAQs

The Europe Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 22.36 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 6.52% to reach USD 30.66 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Europe Cat Food Market size is expected to reach USD 22.36 billion.

Europe Cat Food Market Report Snapshots

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