Pet Food - South Africa

South Africa

Revenue in the Pet Food market amounts to US$0.52bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 12.57% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated in the United States (US$59,740m in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$8.13 are generated in 2024.
In the Pet Food market, volume is expected to amount to 386.70m kg by 2029. The Pet Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 9.6% in 2025.
The average volume per person in the Pet Food market is expected to amount to 4.1kg in 2024.

Key regions: Russia, Spain, Philippines, United Kingdom, India

Market

Region

Region comparison

Currency

Analyst Opinion

The Pet Food Market in South Africa is seeing a mild growth rate, influenced by factors such as rising pet ownership, increasing awareness of pet health, and the convenience of online pet food services. This growth is expected to continue as more pet owners prioritize their pets' nutrition and well-being.

Customer preferences: With the growing trend of pet humanization, consumers in South Africa are increasingly looking for high-quality and nutritional pet food options. As a result, there has been a rise in demand for premium pet food brands that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences of pets. Additionally, there is a growing interest in natural and organic pet food products, driven by consumer concerns for the health and well-being of their pets. This shift in consumer preferences is also influenced by the rise in pet ownership among millennials who view their pets as integral members of their family.

Trends in the market: In South Africa, the pet food market is experiencing a shift towards organic and natural pet food products. This trend is driven by the increasing awareness and concern for pet health and wellness among consumers. As a result, there has been a rise in demand for premium and specialty pet food products. This trend is expected to continue as the market grows and consumers become more educated about the benefits of natural and organic pet food. This presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to expand their product offerings and cater to the evolving preferences of consumers. Additionally, the trend towards natural and organic pet food aligns with the growing focus on sustainability and ethical consumption, further strengthening its significance in the market. However, this trend may also lead to increased competition and price sensitivity, as consumers become more discerning in their purchasing decisions. Overall, the trajectory of the natural and organic pet food trend in South Africa is expected to continue upwards, presenting growth opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Local special circumstances: In South Africa, the Pet Food Market is heavily influenced by the country's diverse geography, with varying climates and landscapes affecting the types of pets and their dietary needs. Additionally, cultural practices surrounding pet ownership, such as the preference for certain breeds and traditional feeding methods, play a significant role in shaping the market. The market is also regulated by strict import and export laws, limiting the availability of certain ingredients and impacting pricing and supply. These factors contribute to a unique market landscape, setting it apart from other global markets for pet food.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Pet Food Market within The Food market in South Africa is affected by several macroeconomic factors. The country's economic health, global economic trends, and fiscal policies all have a significant impact on the market's performance. For instance, a stable economy and favorable government policies can boost consumer spending and drive demand for pet food products. On the other hand, economic downturns and restrictive policies can lead to a decline in consumer purchasing power and negatively affect market growth. Furthermore, the increasing trend of pet humanization and the rise of the middle class in South Africa are also key drivers of the pet food market, as these factors contribute to an increase in pet ownership and spending on pet products.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.