Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian dog and cat food market expanded significantly from 261 thousand tons in 2018 to 387 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was driven by increasing consumer demand for premium and specialized products, supported by the strong presence of international players like Mars and Nestlé. Local manufacturers also broadened their premium offerings to meet evolving preferences. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to short-term shifts in purchasing habits, but market volume continued to rise as producers adapted by strengthening online sales channels.

Between 2021 and 2022, the market demonstrated further dynamism. In 2021, volume stabilized around 384 thousand tons, but market value jumped 20% to $274 million, reflecting a sustained consumer shift toward higher-value, premium foods. Market consolidation through acquisitions reshaped the competitive landscape. The following year, market volume surged to 496 thousand tons, aided by the entry of new domestic producers, such as Fincsi Pet Food, and the launch of innovative products like pouch-packaged wet foods and premium dry foods.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market contracted to 284 thousand tons in 2023, with value falling to $242 million. A partial recovery followed in 2024, with volume rising to 416 thousand tons and value reaching $261 million.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Hungary

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Hungary's production of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, output reached 755.1 million US dollars, marking a 17.2% rise from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 36%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary's production of dog or cat food for retail sale has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 899.1 thousand tonnes, representing a 2.4% advance from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 33.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.0%.

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

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Hungary's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 668.7 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 5.3% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 30.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Poland, and Germany were the largest buyers of dog or cat food for retail sale from Hungary, accounting for 24.6%, 11.8%, and 6.2% of exports in kind, respectively. However, their combined share was limited to 42.5% of total exports in kind, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Hungary's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 710.2 million US dollars, which is 17.8% higher than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 33.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%.

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

The market base for Hungary's exports in value terms was broad from 2018 to 2021. Romania, Germany, and Poland accounted for 14.4%, 12.6%, and 8.4% of exports in value terms, respectively, jointly representing just 35.4% of total flows. The remaining 64.6% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

Hungary's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 668.7 thousand tonnes, showing a gradual rise of 6.7% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 56.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 16.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Czechia, and Poland remained the main suppliers of dog or cat food for retail sale to Hungary, accounting for 23.6%, 17.5%, and 15.8% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they formed 56.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports tallied 228.9 million US dollars, up by 22.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 62.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.6%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Germany, Poland, and Czechia stood out as the main markets for Hungary's imports in value terms, accounting for 30.9%, 19.1%, and 12.2% of imports in value terms, respectively. Together, they represented 62.2% of total flows.

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

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