Market Trends of south america dog food Industry
Dogs are the most popular and valued pets in South America, accounting for 29.8% of the total pet population
- In South America, the pet dog population accounted for about 29.8% of the total pet population in 2022. Dog ownership has been increasing across many South American countries. Unlike European countries, South Americans prefer dogs to cats and are highly valued in many cultures across the region, with many families considering them as part of their family. As a result, the pet dog population has been steadily increasing over the years.
- Between 2019 and 2022, the dog population in South America increased by about 6.0%. This could be attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With people spending more time at home due to lockdown restrictions, there was a surge in the ownership of pet dogs throughout the region.
- As of 2022, Brazil held the majority share of pet dogs in South America, accounting for about 60.4% of the total population. Brazil ranked second in the world in terms of the pet dog population, with around 59.7 million pet dogs, only behind the United States. In addition, Brazil has the largest number of small dogs worldwide, accounting for 55.0% of all pet dogs weighing less than 20 lbs.
- In many South American countries, there are accessible stores that cater to the needs of pet owners, including food, toys, and grooming products. Pet stores and veterinary clinics are also becoming more widespread, making it easier for pet owners to provide proper care for their dogs. There is an increasing trend of dog humanization in the region. There are many events, like "Carnaval do Cao" or "Carnival of Dogs," that feature plenty of contests, musical performances, and dog shows with a variety of costumes. These trends are anticipated to increase overall dog ownership in the region during the forecast period.
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Brazil stands out with the highest pet expenditure in the region due to higher-income individuals and premiumization
- The expenditure on pet dogs in South America has been on a steady increase, which increased by about 21.0% between 2019 and 2022. This increase is mainly due to the increase in pet ownership across the region. For instance, the number of households owning a pet dog in Brazil increased by about 6.5%, while in Argentina, it increased by about 6.9% between 2016 and 2020. Additionally, pet owners in the region are increasingly focused on pet humanization, and higher-income pet owners are driving sales growth through the use of natural ingredients and product premiumization. For instance, the retail sales value of premium dry dog food in Brazil saw a rise from USD 335.7 million in 2016 to USD 748.1 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 14.7%, reflecting the escalating demand for premium dog products.
- However, with an economic downturn prevailing across the region, price sensitivity has become a crucial factor in choosing dog food brands. In Argentina, for instance, pet owners frequently switch brands or opt for the most affordable options to manage their expenses. The largest portion of sales in 2020 belonged to 'Economy' food brands, which accounted for 49.9% of the total dry dog food sales value. This trend indicates the leading preference for cost-effective dog food options.
- Offline retail channels such as pet shops, vet clinics, and supermarkets are the preferred distribution channels for purchasing pet food products in the region. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce's share in the distribution of pet food reached 13.2% as of 2022. The higher consumption of premium pet food and growing awareness about the benefits of healthy, nutritious pet food helped in increasing pet expenditure in the region.
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