Pet Food Market in 2024: Value Growth Despite Volume Decline

The pet food and care market continues its upward trend in 2024, reaching a total revenue of €2.99 billion in major food retail chains. This represents a +1.2% increase in value, despite a -2.4% drop in volume, reflecting inflationary pressure and shifting consumer behaviors.

Hypermarkets and Supermarkets: Still Leading, But With Mixed Trends

Hypermarkets remain the leading distribution channel, holding 39.6% market share, a slight increase of +0.1 percentage point from last year. Supermarkets follow closely with 37.9%, but are down -0.7 percentage point.

Other distribution channels show varied trends:

• Convenience stores: 8.3%, slightly down -0.2 pt

• Private label brands: 7.7%, growing by +0.2 pt

• E-commerce (major food retailers): 6.5%, with the highest growth at +0.7 pt

Cats Dominate Pet Food Spending: 

Cats lead the pack in pet food expenditure:

• Wet food for cats: €1.02 billion, up +1.1% in value, but down -0.8% in volume

• Dry food for cats: €0.94 billion, a strong +4.5% increase in value, despite a -2.1% drop in volume

For dogs:

• Dry food: €0.71 billion, slightly up +0.6% in value, though volume fell by -3.2%

• Wet food: €0.19 billion, sharply down -2.5% in value and -5.2% in volume

Other pet categories (e.g., rodents, birds) experienced a significant downturn: €0.13 billion, down -9.9% in value and -5.7% in volume.

Where Do French Consumers Buy Pet Food?

Large and medium-sized stores remain the top shopping destination, especially for cat owners:

• 70% of cat owners purchase there, compared to 52% of dog owners

Other notable channels:

• Pet shops/Garden centers: 49% (dogs), 32% (cats)

• Online: 29% (dogs), 21% (cats)

• Drive (click-and-collect): 13% (dogs), 15% (cats)

• Veterinarians: 13% (dogs), 9% (cats)

Conclusion: A Shifting Market

Despite declining volumes, the pet food market continues to grow in value. Price increases, premiumization, and the rise of e-commerce are key drivers. Cats, often more urban and more numerous in households, are clearly leading market dynamics.

The diversification of shopping channels and evolving consumer expectations (quality, convenience, proximity) will be critical areas to watch for industry stakeholders.