Dog or cat food for retail sale market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The pet food market in Portugal saw a notable increase in value from $263 million in 2018 to $370 million in 2024, even as volume fluctuated between 293,000 and 351,000 tonnes. This value growth was primarily driven by the humanization trend, which led pet owners to seek premium and natural products, willing to pay more for specialized nutrition. Concurrently, the retail sector for pet products expanded, with new players like Kiwoko entering the market and specialist chains opening more stores, increasing accessibility and variety.

Key moments shaped the market's trajectory. A surge in pet adoption, with dogs rising 15% and cats 78% in 2019, boosted overall consumption, supporting volume growth into 2020. Despite a dip in physical volume in 2021, market value rose as consumers shifted towards higher-priced wet food, grain-free recipes, and natural ingredients. The period from 2022 onward saw continued retail expansion and a push towards cleaner labels, exemplified by Pingo Doce removing artificial flavor enhancers and colorants from its own-brand products in 2023, reinforcing the premiumization trend.

By 2024, the market was characterized by a strong focus on personalized nutrition, convenience, and pet wellness, with investments in complete foods, snacks, and supplements that promote health. The confirmed entry of additional new players and the estimated market size of around €100 million highlight a dynamic and competitive landscape focused on meeting specific pet needs, from joint support to digestion.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Portugal's production of dog or cat food for retail sale declined after two years of growth. In 2021, output was valued at 101.4 million US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 6.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 13.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 108.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 16.0%.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Portugal's production volume of dog or cat food for retail sale fell after two years of increases. In 2021, 176.9 thousand tonnes were produced, indicating a significant decline of 15.5% from 2020. The peak was in 2020 at 209.4 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.9%.

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

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from Portugal

Exports in kind, K t

Portugal's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country exported 59.7 thousand tonnes, up by 15.0% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 53.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain, Angola, and Greece were the main destinations for Portugal's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale in volume terms. Spain accounted for 61.1% of exports, Angola for 13.6%, and Greece for 5.4%, together making up 80.1% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Portugal's exports of dog or cat food for retail sale in value terms rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 64.2 million US dollars, a sharp increase of 42.2% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 123.3%, with an average annual rate of 30.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Greece were the leading destinations for Portugal's exports in value terms. Spain held 65.6% of exports, Angola 10.1%, and Greece 4.3%, collectively representing 80.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to Portugal

Imports in kind, K t

Portugal's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, import volume totaled 201.4 thousand tonnes, up by 3.8% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 3.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 184.8 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 5.0%, while the largest increase of 5.0% occurred in 2020.

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

During 2018-2021, Spain, France, and Germany were the key sources for Portugal's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale in volume terms. Spain accounted for 63.4% of imports, France for 15.5%, and Germany for 7.0%, together comprising 85.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Portugal's imports of dog or cat food for retail sale in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume came to 241.3 million US dollars, marking a rise of 16.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 18.9%, with an annualized rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 190.4 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 6.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, France, and Germany remained the central markets for Portugal's imports in value terms, together accounting for 79.2% of total import flows.

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

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