Wet Pet Food Market Size 2024-2028

The wet pet food market is forecast to grow by USD 11.01 billion, at a CAGR of 6.99% from 2023 to 2028. This growth is largely driven by the rise in pet ownership and the expansion of the organized retail sector for wet pet food. Wet pet food’s popularity has surged due to its nutritional benefits, convenience, and the growing consumer demand for organic and high-quality food options for pets. Pet care companies are investing heavily in R&D to provide innovative, organic wet pet food options to meet the evolving demands of pet owners.

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Market Segmentation

By Product

• Cat Food: This segment is expected to witness significant growth, driven by the demand for wet food that offers hydration and caters to cats’ preference for palatable, aromatic meals.
• Dog Food: Wet dog food remains popular, with high protein content and digestibility being key factors for growth.
• Others: This includes food for other pets, including birds, contributing to the market expansion.

By Distribution Channel

• Pet-Specialty Stores & Vet Clinics: These remain dominant due to their expert services and personalized offerings.
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets: These channels provide accessibility and convenience for pet owners.
• Convenience Stores: These stores offer convenient options, further broadening the availability of wet pet food.
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• South America
  • Chile 
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Rest of Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • India
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increase in Pet Ownership: The rise in dog and cat ownership is a key driver, with wet pet food gaining popularity due to its high protein content and palatability. The humanization of pets has led to an increased demand for premium offerings.
• E-commerce Growth: Online channels have created new opportunities for pet food brands to reach customers, build loyalty, and offer competitive pricing.
• Urbanization: Increased urbanization is contributing to higher pet adoption rates, further fueling the wet pet food market’s growth.

Trends

• Customized Pet Foods: Growing awareness of pet health has led to a surge in demand for customized pet foods. Vendors are offering tailored wet pet food to meet pets’ individual dietary needs, taste preferences, and caloric requirements.
• Sustainability: There is an increasing focus on eco-friendly and sustainable packaging, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting biodegradable packaging.
• Premium Offerings: The trend towards premium products is driven by pet owners who treat their pets as family members, seeking high-quality, nutritious meals for them.

Challenges

• Product Recalls: Product recalls, such as Nestlé Purina PetCare's recall of its Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat wet dog food in December 2022, can damage consumer trust and impact revenue.
• Environmental Concerns: The use of single-use plastics in packaging is raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact.
• Price Sensitivity: Although e-commerce is helping to mitigate this, price sensitivity remains a concern among consumers.

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Key Players

• Beaphar Beheer BV
• Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd.
• C and D Foods Ltd.
• Champion Petfoods Holding Inc.
• Clearlake Capital Group L.P.
• Colgate Palmolive Co.
• Darling Ingredients Inc.
• De Haan Petfood
• Evangers Dog and Cat Food Co. Inc.
• FirstMate Pet Foods
• Freshpet Inc.
• Harringtons Pet Food
• Mars Inc.
• Nestle SA
• Phelps Pet Products
• Schell and Kampeter Inc.
• Simmons Foods Inc.
• Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.
• Tiernahrung Deuerer GmbH
• VAFO Group a.s.