The global pet food packaging market size is projected to reach USD 16.50 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.4%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Pet food packaging is becoming increasingly popular among pet food manufacturing companies focusing on capturing brand loyalty.

The industry has evolved over the years with both international and domestic packaging suppliers looking to offer scientifically advanced and developed materials/ products to their clients. The upshot of offering packaging solutions, however, remains to protect the aroma, freshness, flavor, and shape of packaged products.

The industry is likely to witness high penetration in the cat food packaging space. The number of cat owners across the globe has considerably risen over the years. This, in turn, has been fueling the demand for effective packaging products, most notably in the wet cat food segment. Despite the dominance of the dog food packaging segment in the overall market, the cat (animal type) segment is expected to witness high growth in North America and Europe over the forecast period.

Rising popularity of super-premium packaging and increasing export of pet food products are some of the key driving factors in the industry. The demand for super-premium packaging is attributable to the focus of pet food brands on product differentiation. Super-premium food is being increasingly preferred by consumers across the globe owing to rising awareness regarding the health of pets.

Bags & pouches is likely to exhibit robust growth over the forecast period. These products are being increasingly preferred for their ease of use and functionality. From a manufacturing and marketing standpoint, these products, specifically stand-up pouches, enhance the appeal of products at retail shelves in comparison with their metal-based counterparts. The production of bags & pouches also helps manufacturers achieve economies of scale.

North America dominated the industry in 2018 with a share of over 37%. This region is forecast to retain its pole position throughout the forecast period. The U.S. was observed to be the largest market for pet food packaging in this region. The presence of various internationally reputed packaging suppliers has further strengthened the North American market.

Further key findings from the report suggest:

  • In terms of material, plastic segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period owing to rising popularity of pouches and bags in the pet food industry
  • Cans emerged as the largest type segment in 2018. Cans are predominantly used to package cat food products
  • In terms of animal type, the cat segment is grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. Rising adoption of cats in countries such as Japan is expected to boost the demand for cat food packaging in the foreseeable future
  • North America is expected to retain its pole position in the industry throughout the forecast period. The presence of prominent manufacturers in this region is likely to strengthen the position of the North American pet food packaging market
  • Research & development activities are likely to surface in the industry over the forecast period with prominent market players keen on global expansion
  • The competitive landscape of the industry represents intense rivalry among domestic and international players. Product differentiation is expected to remain one of the key strategies among these players over the forecast period