Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dog and cat food in Germany grew from 1 297 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 479 thousand tonnes in 2024. This expansion was initially driven by the premium segment, with premium dog food, treats, and cat food identified as key growth drivers since 2018, supported by a consolidated landscape of major manufacturers and retailers. The cat food segment, particularly wet food and snacks, consistently contributed to volume growth, evidenced by a 13.6% increase in wet cat food volume in 2022.

Market value growth accelerated, reaching 3 034 million US dollars in 2023, significantly influenced by premiumization trends such as demand for vegetarian formulas, insect protein, and biologically appropriate raw feeding (BARF). Concurrently, consumer preferences shifted towards grain-free recipes, natural ingredients, and tailored diets, further elevating the average sales price.

New regulatory measures in 2024, including mandatory EU organic labeling for pet food and sustainability requirements for certified feed, shaped production standards. The market structure evolved with a 14.9% surge in online pet product sales and the entry of new brands like Lily's Kitchen in the premium segment, while production in key regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia increased, with cat food output rising 18.5% to 103,500 tonnes in 2024.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 2 874 million US dollars, marking a 15.2% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany's production of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 1 613 thousand tonnes were produced, up by 9.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 11.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 436 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.0% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 006 thousand tonnes, representing a 13.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The structure of Germany's exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 shows a diversified set of trading partners. Poland accounted for 13.0% of exports in kind, France for 11.7%, and Austria for 10.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 35.5% of total export flows, while the remaining 64.5% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's export value of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 2 213 million US dollars, indicating a robust rise of 21.7% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 38%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 11.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Poland, Austria, and France were important buyers of dog or cat food for retail sale from Germany. Poland accounted for 14.2% of exports in value terms, Austria for 11.6%, and France for 9.5%. Their combined share reached only 35.3% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 64.7% distributed among many other partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 780 thousand tonnes, showing a controlled uptick of 5.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 11.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 692 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.4% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and France formed the main group of sources for Germany's imports in kind of dog or cat food for retail sale. Poland accounted for 22.8% of imports in kind, the Netherlands for 18.3%, and France for 12.6%. Together, they represented 53.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's import value of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 1 685 million US dollars, which is 11.2% greater than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and France were the largest but not dominant suppliers of dog or cat food for retail sale to Germany. Poland accounted for 20.1% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 13.6%, and France for 11.3%. Together, they accounted for 45.1% of total imports in value terms, against a broad background of smaller partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020