Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dog and cat food in Lithuania began the period at 42.6 thousand tons in 2018 before a slight dip to 38.3 thousand tons in 2019. Consumer preferences were already shifting toward canned food and greater attention to pet health and well-being, setting the stage for later developments.

A sustained expansion started in 2020, driven by consumers' growing willingness to pay for premium, locally sourced, and sustainably produced food, alongside the emergence of new segments like superfoods and plant-based diets. The market's growth accelerated significantly from 2021, peaking at 67.3 thousand tons in 2023, largely due to an amendment to the Animal Welfare and Protection Law that doubled registrations of dogs and cats, directly enlarging the pet-owning base. This period also saw the retail sector grow by an average of 10% annually, with e-commerce and social media marketing making pet food more accessible and amplifying demand.

Geopolitical instability from the war in Ukraine disrupted supply chains and raised raw material costs in 2022 and 2023, contributing to higher market values in dollar terms. In 2024, the market volume corrected to 62.0 thousand tons, with value falling to 93.6 million US dollars.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Lithuania

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Lithuania's production of dog and cat food for retail sale has grown for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 200.7 million US dollars, marking a significant 17.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 28.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 144.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 7.6%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Production of dog and cat food for retail sale in Lithuania has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, Lithuania produced 135.3 thousand tonnes, showing a robust 16.2% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 29.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The minimum value was 96.7 thousand tonnes in 2019, which experienced the largest decline of 7.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 20.3% jump.

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

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Lithuania

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of dog and cat food for retail sale from Lithuania have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 119.1 thousand tonnes, up 3.4% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 19%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 98.2 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 1.9%. The largest increase was in 2020, with a 17.4% surge.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland were the top destinations for Lithuania's exports of dog and cat food for retail sale in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 33.2% of exports, Germany for 13.6%, and Poland for 8.7%. Together, these three countries represented 55.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of dog and cat food for retail sale from Lithuania have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export value reached 186.0 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 8.3% increase from the year before. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The minimum value was 150.2 million US dollars in 2019, which experienced the largest decline of 7.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 14.3% rise.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Poland formed the core of Lithuania's exports of dog and cat food for retail sale in value terms. The United Kingdom held a 31.2% share, Germany 13.9%, and Poland 8.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 53.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to Lithuania

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of dog and cat food for retail sale into Lithuania have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Lithuania imported 47.8 thousand tonnes, up 9.3% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 24.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Poland, Hungary, and Latvia were the main sources for Lithuania's imports of dog and cat food for retail sale in volume terms. Poland accounted for 34.0% of imports, Hungary for 14.5%, and Latvia for 14.4%. Together, these three countries made up 62.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of dog and cat food for retail sale into Lithuania have risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 80.1 million US dollars, showing a sharp 28.7% increase year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports surged by 56.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 16.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 50.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 2.3%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, the import market for dog and cat food for retail sale in Lithuania in value terms was relatively dispersed. Poland accounted for 19.3% of imports, Germany for 15.8%, and Hungary for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 50.0% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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