Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the Estonian dog and cat food market was shaped by national microbiological and packaging requirements for production, which established baseline quality standards. The Animal Protection Act and related EU proposals on pet trade regulation introduced in 2020 influenced pet ownership patterns, coinciding with a slight reduction in market volume to 20,261 t that year.

Market volume surged to a peak of 24,297 t in 2021. However, the implementation of the EU organic production regulation (EU 2018/848) from January 2022, exacerbated by raw material supply chain disruptions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, led to a sharp contraction in volume to 19,671 t. New EU animal health rules requiring registration of livestock enterprises also came into force, affecting producers.

The market began to recover in 2023-2024, reaching 20,155 t in 2024. This turnaround was supported by the entry of new local retailers and e-shops, an expanded product assortment featuring super-premium and functional foods from producers like Platinum, and a sustained consumer shift towards natural, grain-free formulations, which also drove consistent market value growth.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Estonia's production of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 7 590 K $ US, marking a sharp rise of 65.1% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 196.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Estonia's production of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, 7 243 tonnes were produced, representing a 63.9% year-on-year uptick. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 187.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 42.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2021, Estonia exported 3 711 tonnes of dog or cat food for retail sale, marking a significant decrease of 22.7% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 799 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring that year at 113.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Norway, and Lithuania were the key destinations for exports in kind. Finland accounted for 47.6% of exports, Norway for 16.3%, and Lithuania for 12.4%. Together, these three countries represented 76.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Estonia's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 10 832 K $ US, up by 57.5% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 259.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 53.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia were the main destinations for exports in value terms. Finland accounted for 32.0% of exports, Lithuania for 27.3%, and Latvia for 19.1%. Together, these three countries made up 78.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

Estonia's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 20 765 tonnes, showing a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 9.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Hungary, and Germany were the largest contributors to imports in kind. Poland accounted for 29.4% of imports, Hungary for 15.9%, and Germany for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 57.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 48 008 K $ US, up by 13.9% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 39%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Poland, France, and Hungary were the top contributors, accounting for 16.9%, 15.1%, and 13.1% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 45.1% of total flows, while the remaining 54.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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