South Korea’s pet food market is projected to register a CAGR 8.9%of during the forecast period(2020-2025). The societal change towards animals is fostering the trend of pet humanization, wherein pets are cared for on human lines. These factors are driving the market higher as consumers now prefer specialized or commercial foods. The other important driver for the market is the increase in elderly, and single population who usually prefer pets for companionship, security, or as a healthy distraction for their kids. The increase in disposable incomes and the societal acceptance of pets into restaurants and apartments are the other important drivers for the market. Increasing the import of pet food from other countries is also driving the market growth. Mars, Incorporated, LG UNICHARM. ANF by Texas Farm Products Co. Inc., CJ CheilJedang Corp., and Nestle Purina SA are some of the leading companies in the studied market.

Key Market Trends

Changing Attitude Towards Pets

Rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have brought about a renewed interest toward pets, especially cats and dogs in the country. People are increasingly paying attention to pet food and pet care this has led to the increasing pet food spending and product differentiation in the market. According to the Korea Pet Food Association, in 2016 the dog and cat population was 4.19 million and 1.6 million respectively, which increased to 5.9 million and 2.4 million by 2019. It is observed that many consumers in the country consult with a specialist at specialty stores or vets about what type of pet food to buy for pets which indicates the growing health concern over pets and preference for quality food products. Pet humanization could also explain the rising incomes, changing demographic patterns, and changing consumer preferences which drive the pet food market.

Increasing Import of Pet Food

The growing pet humanization trend and shift in the way pets are being viewed has led to concern over the quality of the food given to the pets. According to the Korea International Trade Association, in 2018, the United States was the largest exporter of pet food to Korea by volume, while China is the largest exporter by value. The United States supplied 28 percent of Korea’s dog and cat food products amounting to 17,736 metric tons followed by France amounting to 14,088 metric tons. Consumers have strong brand loyalty towards U.S. pet food brands thus making the United States remain a leading supplier. Nevertheless, the United States is facing increasing competition from other exporters, such as France, China, and Canada. Pet food import from China expanded by 83 % by 2018, the growth has been driven in part by rapid import growth in pet snacks from China brands.

Competitive Landscape

The South Korea pet market is consolidated with the top players occupying a major share in the market. The competition in the market is driven by consumer loyalty. Since pets would crave for the same kind of food every time during any particular growth stage, gaining a market share of competitors is very tough in the market. Mars, Incorporated, LG UNICHARM. ANF by Texas Farm Products Co. Inc., CJ CheilJedang Corp., and Nestle Purina SA are some of the leading companies in the studied market. These players are product launch and merger & acquisition as their market strategy to strengthen their position in the market.

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