The Pet Food market in Colombia

In this feature we´ll be analyzing the pet food market in Colombia.

The change, a notorious fact

A few years ago, going to a pet store meant a walk ... a bit boring: we only found food and the occasional accessory. Today, however, the offer of toys, snacks, products and varieties of food is much larger.

In the Central American countries we have a common trend: the decision to delay or erase the idea of ​​having human children, and the replacement with dogs, cats and any other pet. This is how, as the number of pets increases, the appearance of nurseries, stores, veterinarians, hairdressers and dog training, among others, also increases.

Likewise, food with high nutritional standards and the use of products such as clothing or transport cars promote and expand due to the humanization process that is taking place with domestic animals.

In addition, with the arrival of the pandemic, many people spent more time at home even than they had in years, and this had an impact on the need and desire to add members, mostly dogs and cats, to the houses.

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Regarding the pandemic, face-to-face services, such as bathing, spa and animal training, did suffer a drop during 2020, due to the impossibility of face-to-face activity.

Colombian pet food, in numbers

• According to the latest survey conducted by Fenalco, 43% of Colombian households have a pet, which is equivalent to approximately 4.4 million pets. Of this figure, 67% say they have dogs, 18% cats and 16% both.

• In 2017 there were around 2,700 retail stores for pet food and accessories, and this number has been increasing since then.

• Currently, Colombia is in the 4th position of countries that invest the most in their pets with an average growth of 13%. Brazil, Mexico and Chile are the countries that lead the top 3.

• Approximately 56% of pet owners buy food in supermarkets or department stores; 17% in stores, 14% in warehouses specialized in domestic animals, 13% in barns; and 1% give you 'leftovers' of homemade human food.

• Despite the pandemic, 2020 was a year of growth for the sector, since growth in the second semester showed an improvement and allowed the year to end with an increase of 17%, compared to the same period of 2019.

• The segment in which they invest the most money for pets is that of food, whose variety ranges from traditional dry feed to natural foods, supplements, sweets, ice cream and treats.

• Second, Colombians invest more in professional veterinary services and accessories such as toys and beds.

Current trends for the Pet food market in Colombia

Colombian export ventures

The development of the pet food, snacks and accessories sector has been so great in recent years, that today we find many Colombians who are committed not only to undertake in the industry but also to conquer it beyond the borders of Colombia, internationally with different products and experience.

Agility in feeding

The food that is at hand and that is easy to provide to pets is the one that is increasing its demand the most due to the entry of women into the workplace and the little time that families have to give them homemade food. This change, consequently, has decreased the time spent preparing food and caring for all family members, both humans and pets. And although, for example, there are trends that are betting on the natural one such as the barf diet, the truth is that many families decide to stay in the safety and practicality of the food prepared and nutritionally balanced.

E-commerce

This point does not surprise us at all, given that Colombia, like all countries hit by COVID-19, has had to adapt and adapt its exchanges to the world of the Internet. Thus, companies in the pet food sector have had no choice but to reinvent themselves; Pleasantly, there has been a rapid adaptation to orders and procedures over the Internet. In many cases, businesses decided to bet and develop specialized channels that are in charge of online sales.

A clear example of the increase in orders for pet food and accessories in a virtual way is that of Rappi. According to the company, although the category of pet products had been growing at double-digit rates, in 2020 the increase has been between 15% and 30%, depending on the time of year. Cleaning and pet care products are the line in which the most increase was perceived.

The best brands in the Colombian pet food market

Currently, the brands with the best reputation in the Colombian pet food market are:

Orijen

This brand is considered, worldwide, one of the best in terms of dog food. This is due to its high quality of ingredients, where 90% is from animal sources, while only the remaining 10% is based on fruits and vegetables. In Colombia it is only found for adult dogs and puppies.

Taste of the Wild

Taste of the wild is a brand with a holistic approach, which leaves out grains and cereals to offer a diet rich in good quality animal protein and fruits and vegetables. Its range of flavors is very wide: bison, venison, wild boar, salmon and duck, among others.

Hill's

Hill's is one of the most recognized brands worldwide. Its main lines: the traditional Hill's Science Diet, the veterinary Hill's Prescription Diets and the more natural Hill's Ideal Balance meet the demand and need of a large part of the market. All its products have animal protein as the main ingredient, but stand out for a great balance of vitamins and nutrients.

Conclusion

Keeping and caring for an animal in Colombia is increasingly important, and day by day the pet food and pet accessories sectors acquires more and more importance within the family economy.

Do you think the sector is taking advantage of the great moment of growth?

Source: All Pet Food