Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Danish pet food market shifted toward premium products as producers emphasized local ingredients and specific nutritional factors like omega-3 fatty acids. Regulatory labeling requirements increased transparency, while growing consumer interest in pet health and life-stage nutrition began to shape demand. The pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, temporarily reducing physical availability, but it also accelerated the focus on pet wellness, leading to more specialized offerings for weight management and health conditions. Consequently, while market volume in kind fell from 110.5 тыс. т in 2018 to 61.4 тыс. т in 2020, its value rose from $112.9 million to $129.4 million, reflecting a move toward higher-priced, quality-focused food.

The market rebounded in 2021 with the entry of new players, particularly in niche segments like fresh salmon-based and organic pet food, intensifying competition. Stricter labeling rules on allergens and traceability further boosted consumer confidence. This drove volume up to 74.0 тыс. т and value sharply higher to $169.5 million. In 2022, Danish producers strengthened their position by focusing on local sourcing and brand loyalty, though overall volume eased to 63.8 тыс. т and value adjusted to $153.0 million as the market consolidated gains after the post-pandemic surge.

Market value continued its strong growth in 2023 and 2024, reaching $233.1 million in 2024, while volume in kind recovered moderately to 71.6 тыс. т. This sustained expansion in value, despite fluctuating volume, underscores the market's ongoing premiumization and consumer preference for specialized, high-quality pet food.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In Denmark, the production value of dog or cat food for retail sale reached 118.4 million US dollars in 2021, marking a significant increase of 10.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 107.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Following a two-year decline, the production volume of dog or cat food for retail sale in Denmark rebounded. In 2021, Denmark produced 83.2 thousand tonnes, representing a slight year-over-year increase of 2.9%. However, between 2018 and 2021, overall production decreased by 35.3%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 13.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 80.9 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Denmark

Exports in kind, K t

Denmark's export volume of dog or cat food for retail sale declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 103.9 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 0.7% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 3.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.1%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 106.1 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 5.4%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest decline of 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Denmark's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Sweden accounted for 14.8% of exports in kind, Italy for 12.9%, and the United Kingdom for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Denmark's export value of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 201.1 million US dollars, a rise of 10.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 174.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, no single market dominated Denmark's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale in value terms. Norway accounted for 17.3% of exports, Sweden for 14.7%, and Italy for 10.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 42.3% of total export value, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to Denmark

Imports in kind, K t

Denmark's import volume of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 94.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a notable rise of 11.0% over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 14.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 80.2 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the main sources for Denmark's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale in kind. Germany accounted for 36.8% of imports, the Netherlands for 18.9%, and Belgium for 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 68.4% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Denmark's import value of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports stood at 252.2 million US dollars, equivalent to an advance of 23.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports surged by 43.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 12.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden—together accounted for 63.5% of the total import value of dog or cat food for retail sale to Denmark.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021