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Argentina 2026: A Pet Food Market Competing on Value, Not Volume
Market Information

3+ MIN

Argentina 2026: A Pet Food Market Competing on Value, Not Volume

The Argentine pet food market enters 2026 with a clearer outlook than in the previous two years. The rapid expansion of 2021–2022 is now behind us, while the deep adjustment of 2023–2024 forced a reorganization of consumption habits and pricing structures. In turn, 2025 delivered a key signal for what lies ahead: recovery is underway, but it is gradual and selective. The market floor is now higher than pre-pandemic levels, although the rules of the game have changed. 
  In this new context, 2026 is not expected to be a year of volume-driven growth. According to data from the study Pet Food Market in Argentina 2025–2026 by All Pet Food Market Insights, per-pet consumption is trending toward stabilization, while the kilo/value is gaining greater relevance within the business equation. This is not simply a matter of higher prices, but of a deeper shift in purchasing behavior: more rational buying patterns, increased segmentation, and more deliberate decision-making by pet owners. For companies, the challenge turns from 'sell more' to 'sell better.'    Fewer Tons, More Strategy: How Growth Will Be Defined in 2026    The first clear expectation for 2026 is that growth will be driven by strategy rather than scale. The market exhibits signs of polarization: while some segments maintain volume, others are concentrating value and setting the pace for profitability. Within this framework, certain categories and species are beginning to carry greater strategic weight within portfolio mixes, prompting new portfolio decisions. 
  This scenario requires a reconsideration of how offers are made. The best-positioned brands in 2026 will be those capable of balancing defensive volume with higher-value propositions, without compromising brand coherence or commercial clarity. Segmentation is no longer a tactical resource—it is becoming central to overall business strategy.    Price, Claims, and Channel: Decisions that Define Margin      Another key takeaway from the most recent full year is that price can no longer be analyzed in isolation. The market increases dispersion in both pricing and positioning, where value is constructed through multiple interacting variables: brand positioning, communication, format, and channel strategy. 
  In this context, the role of claims and the channel becomes increasingly relevant. Each channel builds a different promise and directly influences both consumer perception and willingness to pay. Looking ahead to 2026, these differences are no longer merely descriptive; they represent strategic decisions with a direct impact on margin and competitiveness.    A More Demanding Market, not a Smaller One    The outlook for 2026 is clear: the Argentine pet food market does not shrink but raises the bar. A stronger focus on the domestic market, increased price sensitivity, and consumer evolution require companies to refine decisions that once could be postponed. 
  In this environment, competitive advantage lies not in reacting, but in anticipating. Understanding how consumption patterns are reshaped, where value is created, and which variables weigh most heavily in purchasing decisions becomes essential to sustaining both margin and market share.    Conclusion    Looking ahead to 2026, growth will no longer be solely a matter of volume. Increasingly, it will depend on reading the market accurately and making informed decisions. The Argentine pet food market offers one certainty and several open questions. The certainty is that the landscape has changed: growth by inertia or by replicating past strategies is no longer sufficient. The open questions, however, are those that will define the future: where value can be captured, which segments will sustain margins, which pricing and channel strategies will prove most effective, and how to read a consumer who is adjusting, comparing, and choosing with greater scrutiny. In a market that is becoming increasingly demanding, the difference will not be made by whoever has more information, but by who interprets it better.    Access the study Pet Food Market in Argentina 2025–2026  Source: All Pet Food Market Insights, the market intelligence platform by All Pet Food 

Pet Food Institute Announces Elise Fennig as New President and CEO
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2+ MIN

Pet Food Institute Announces Elise Fennig as New President and CEO

Fennig brings extensive experience leading national trade associations and advancing collaborative, member-driven strategies across the food and consumer products sectors. She is widely recognized for her operational leadership, strategic insight, and ability to guide organizations through periods of growth and change.    'Elise is an accomplished executive with deep experience across the food industry and a strong understanding of the issues facing manufacturers today,' said Scott Salmon, chair of PFI's Board of Directors. 'She is the right leader to build on PFI's momentum and to guide the organization into its next chapter, strengthening our work on behalf of pet food makers and the pets they serve.'    Most recently, Fennig served as chief of staff and as senior vice president of industry engagement at the National Confectioners Association, where she oversaw organizational operations, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional teams supporting membership and events, industry affairs, and global engagement. Previously, she held leadership roles at Consumer Brands Association (formerly the Grocery Manufacturers Association), at the American Frozen Food Institute, and more recently, at The Kraft Heinz Company.    'After eight years leading PFI, I am confident the organization is well-positioned for the future,' said Brooks, PFI's outgoing president and CEO. 'Elise's leadership experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to supporting food makers make her exceptionally well-suited to lead PFI forward. I am proud of what we have built together with our members and look forward to seeing the organization continue to evolve under Elise's guidance.'    'I am honored to join the Pet Food Institute and build on the strong foundation that Dana and the PFI team have established,' said Fennig. 'PFI plays a vital role in supporting pet food makers and reinforcing confidence in the safety, quality, and nutrition of pet food. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and members to advance the industry's shared commitment to pets and the people who care for them.'    Fennig holds a graduate degree in public relations from the University of Florida and a bachelor's degree in foreign affairs and Spanish from the University of Virginia.    Source: Pet Food Institute

Dr Uwe Boltersdorf Appointed Chief Operating Officer of BENEO
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2+ MIN

Dr Uwe Boltersdorf Appointed Chief Operating Officer of BENEO

Uwe completed his doctorate at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT in Oberhausen after studying chemical engineering at the University of Dortmund. He benefits from more than 20 years of international management experience in the areas of production, process development and engineering following previous roles at Bayer AG, Lanxess AG, thyssenkrupp AG and Sulzer AG.   On 1st April 2025, Uwe was appointed to the Executive Board of BENEO's sister company CropEnergies AG, a manufacturer of renewable products from biomass, where he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer. In addition to being BENEO's new COO, Uwe will continue his existing role at CropEnergies AG. In his position at BENEO, he will be responsible for Operations including production, technology, supply chain management, quality, raw material, health, safety and environmental protection, as well as sustainability.   As BENEO's new COO, he is succeeding Dr Mike Eberle who took over the role of CEO of the Sugar Division of Südzucker Group at the end of October 2025. Commenting on his new role, Uwe said: 'I am excited to have the opportunity to use my 25 years of international experience in the plant engineering and chemical industries to support BENEO's growth trajectory. Operations play a critical role in allowing us to serve our customers and support the market requirements. I look forward to driving further operational excellence by leveraging the synergies in my two senior leadership roles as COO at BENEO and CropEnergies AG.'   Source: BENEO

dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners
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6+ MIN

dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners

This transaction follows the sale of the Feed Enzymes activities to Novonesis for €1.5 billion in 2025 and marks the final strategic step for dsm-firmenich to become a fully focused consumer company active in nutrition, health, and beauty. The total enterprise value of ANH, including the prior sale of the Feed Enzymes activities, represents €3.7 billion. The company intends to launch a new share repurchase program to buy back ordinary shares with an aggregate market value of €0.5 billion and reduce its issued capital. The program is planned to commence in Q1 2026.   In addition, dsm-firmenich aims to deliver consistent and sustainable dividends to its shareholders. To achieve this, the company has adopted a 'stable to preferably rising' dividend policy, reflecting the company's commitment to long-term value creation. Under this policy, dsm-firmenich aims to maintain a stable dividend of €2.50 per ordinary share and progressively increase dividends over time.   Highlights ANH is a global provider of science-based animal nutrition and health solutions. The business offers products ranging from vitamins over premixes, to feed additives that improve animal health, performance, feed efficiency, and sustainability across livestock production. Its solutions help producers deliver high-quality animal protein while reducing environmental impact.
  ANH generated annualized net sales of approximately €3.5 billion in 2025, with around 8,000 employees. The divestment includes all ANH activities: Performance Solutions, Premix, Precision Services, as well as Vitamins, Carotenoids and Aroma Ingredients. As previously communicated, Bovaer® and Veramaris™ remain part of dsm-firmenich.
  ANH will be split into two new standalone companies, both based in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland: the 'Solutions Company', including Performance Solutions, Premix, and Precision Services, and the 'Essential Products Company', including Vitamins, Carotenoids and Aroma Ingredients (jointly referred to as the 'ANH Companies'). These companies will continue to work closely together, especially with regards to the vitamin supply in the animal nutrition and health value chain.
  dsm-firmenich will retain a 20% equity stake in both the Essential Products Company and the Solutions Company.
  dsm-firmenich will enter into a long-term vitamins supply agreement with the Essential Products Company to ensure continuity and supply security in human and pet food applications.
  This transaction values ANH at an enterprise value ('EV') of €2.2 billion, including an earnout of up to €0.5 billion, implying a 7x EV/Adjusted EBITDA multiple, based on ANH's normalized Adjusted EBITDA.
  Including the earlier sale of the Feed Enzymes activities, the overall ANH divestment value represents a €3.7 billion enterprise value, implying a 10x EV/Adjusted EBITDA multiple.
  dsm-firmenich expects to receive approximately €1.2 billion after closing of which an estimated €0.6 billion in net cash proceeds, an estimated €0.5 billion in debt and liability transfers to the ANH Companies, and €0.1 billion in the form of a vendor loan note.
  dsm-firmenich will provide the Essential Products Company with a loan facility of up to €450 million, available to be drawn as required, and if needed, additional liquidity support of up to €115 million, to be redeemed latest at exit.
  The deal includes an earnout of up to €0.5 billion, and a 20% equity stake, the value of which will be realized upon exit from each of the respective ANH Companies.
  The transaction is expected to be completed at the end of 2026 and is subject to conditions including regulatory approvals, the finalization of all required employee consultation processes and the creation and separation of a standalone Essential Products Company and standalone Solutions Company by dsm-firmenich.
  The divestment of ANH will result in a non-cash impairment of around €1.9 billion in 2025 before taxes.
  dsm-firmenich expects to incur cash tax, transaction and separation costs of €0.2 billion in 2026.   The assets and liabilities of the divested business have been classified as Assets Held for Sale, and the financial results of the ANH activities have been reclassified to Discontinued Operations. dsm-firmenich will report its full-year 2025 results on February 12, 2026, in line with this new classification as of January 1, 2025. In addition to today's announcement, on February 9, 2026, dsm-firmenich will also publish preliminary comparative figures for the most recent four reported quarters (Q4 2024, Q1 2025, Q2 2025, Q3 2025), as well as full-year 2024, for Net Sales, Organic Sales Growth, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.   Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO of dsm-firmenich, commented: 'Since the creation of dsm-firmenich, we have consistently delivered on every milestone in our strategic roadmap. From building a unique, integrated company to shaping a finely tuned portfolio with distinctive capabilities, we have now evolved into a leading consumer business focused on nutrition, health, and beauty. Today marks the final step in that journey, and this transaction reflects our commitment to accelerating our growth and creating long-term value for all stakeholders. At the same time, this agreement opens an exciting new chapter for ANH, enabling it to thrive and realize its full potential.'   Steven Buyse, Managing Partner at CVC: 'We are delighted to partner with dsm-firmenich and the ANH team. This transaction represents a unique opportunity to create two new leading companies in the animal nutrition & health space. Both businesses offer significant potential for value creation. The Solutions Company will continue to drive innovation and efficiency in animal farming, delivering tailored solutions with high proximity to its global customer base. The Essential Products Company will be built as a resilient global leader in essential feed, food and fragrance ingredients, providing customers with reliable, high-quality supply based on an independent and highly integrated value chain. Both companies will work closely together to create maximum value for the customer.'   The transaction represents the second partnership between dsm-firmenich and CVC. In 2015, at that time DSM, had created the successful joint venture ChemicaInvest, in which CVC also held a majority.   Investor and analyst call today
Today dsm-firmenich will hold a webcast for investors and analysts from 9:00am to 9:30am CET. Details on how to access this call can be found on www.dsm-firmenich.com.   Restated financials
dsm-firmenich will publish preliminary comparative figures on February 9, 2026.   2025 full-year results
dsm-firmenich will announce its 2025 full-year results on February 12, 2026, followed by an investor call.   Upcoming investor event
dsm-firmenich will host an investor event in London on March 12, 2026 (09:00am – 02:00pm GMT) to provide an update on the innovation-driven growth profile of Perfumery & Beauty, Taste, Texture & Health, and Health, Nutrition & Care.   About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world's growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people. www.dsm-firmenich.com   About CVC CVC is a leading global private markets manager with a network of 30 office locations throughout EMEA, the Americas, and Asia, with approximately €201bn of assets under management. CVC has seven complementary strategies across private equity, secondaries, credit and infrastructure, for which CVC funds have secured commitments of approximately €243bn from some of the world's leading pension funds and other institutional investors. Funds managed or advised by CVC's private equity strategy are invested in 150+ companies worldwide, which have combined annual sales of over €165bn and employ more than 600,000 people. CVC has been an established player in the DACH and Benelux regions for over 30 years, where partnerships are at the core of CVC's investment approach, including Messer, the world largest privately held industrial gases company, Breitling, a global leader in luxury watchmaking based in Switzerland, Evonik, a leading global specialty chemicals player based in Germany, Urus, a global leader dedicated to serving diary and beef cattle producers around the world with cutting-edge genetics and customised reproductive services and SD Worx, leading end-to-end HR and payroll solutions provider based in Belgium. For further information about CVC please visit: www.cvc.com.    Source: dsm-firmenich.

Global Pet Care Market to Double by 2035, Driven by ‘Pet Humanization’ Shift
Market Information

4+ MIN

Global Pet Care Market to Double by 2035, Driven by ‘Pet Humanization’ Shift

As owners increasingly treat animals like family members — a trend known as 'pet humanization' — disposable income is being aggressively channeled into premium nutrition, preventative health services, and lifestyle products. Future Market Insights attributes the industry's recent surge chiefly to this phenomenon, noting that it already lifted global pet-care turnover by 5.9% in 2024 and is now accelerating demand for functional foods, customized supplements, and eco-friendly accessories.   Economic Resilience and the Rise of Digital Health   Despite broader inflationary pressures, the sector remains remarkably resilient. In the United States alone, industry expenditures are on track to hit USD 157 billion in 2025. Future Market Insights identifies digital health as a critical growth pillar emerging within this landscape. The report highlights the success of platforms like Chewy's 'Connect with a Vet,' which recently logged its first million tele-consultations.
  'This milestone is a testament to the hundreds of veterinary experts and engineers delivering round-the-clock advice to pet parents,' noted Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy, in data analyzed by Future Market Insights.
  This digital shift is moving the industry deeper into data-driven wellness, coupled with significant brick-and-mortar expansions, such as Chewy Vet Care clinics and Mars Petcare's new PAWS wellbeing-research program. The integration of AI-driven nutrition recommendations and preventative care models is setting the stage for durable, innovation-led growth throughout the decade.   Investment Outlook: Pet Food and Dog Segments Lead the Charge   The pet care market report offers a granular analysis of top investment segments for the forecast period of 2025 to 2035.
  The Dominance of Pet Food (43.2% Market Share) In 2025, the pet food segment is projected to dominate the landscape, holding approximately 43.2% of the total market share. This dominance is fueled by heightening demand for nutritionally balanced, premium-quality products tailored to specific breeds, ages, and dietary needs. Future Market Insights notes that functional pet foods — ranging from grain-free to organic and human-grade options — have gained significant momentum. Brands are increasingly focusing on clean-label formulations and transparency in ingredient sourcing to meet consumer expectations for 'lifestyle' products.
  The 'Dog Economy' (52.7% Market Share) Dogs are expected to command a 52.7% share of the global market by 2025. As the most popular household pet worldwide, specifically in North America and the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region, the demand for dog-centric products remains unrivaled. This segment includes everything from organic snacks and breed-specific grooming to behavior therapy. The report highlights that the segment is further accelerated by the rising trend of adopting rescue dogs, the emergence of social media pet influencers, and the proliferation of tech-enabled services like GPS trackers and health monitoring apps.   Sustainability and Infrastructure Investments   Sustainability and regulatory scrutiny are reshaping the value chain. Future Market Insights reveals that 70% of owners now prioritize environmentally friendly pet goods, prompting brands to adopt recyclable packaging and traceable ingredient sourcing.
To meet this demand, industry leaders are scaling supply chain capabilities. Nestlé Purina, for example, is committing USD 195 million to expand its Jefferson, Wisconsin plant and USD 2 billion in capacity upgrades by 2025. Simultaneously, financial protection for pets is becoming a standard aspect of care; the number of insured pets in North America jumped 12.2% to 7.03 million in 2024, reflecting a deeper engagement with wellness and longevity.   Regional Market Dynamics   The report provides a detailed country-wise outlook, identifying unique growth drivers across key geographies:
  North America (7.3% CAGR): The United States remains the largest market globally, characterized by high rates of pet ownership and a well-developed veterinary infrastructure. The region is in the vanguard of adopting pet wellness routines, subscription-based organic food delivery, and holistic health solutions.
  Europe (7.0% CAGR): The European market is defined by stringent animal welfare regulations and a high appetite for natural products. Germany, the UK (6.9% CAGR), France, and the Netherlands are major markets for organic pet food and homeopathic treatments.
  Asia-Pacific: Identified as the fastest-growing region, driven by rising disposable income in China, India, and South Korea (7.4% CAGR). Japan (6.6% CAGR) remains a leader in aging pet wellness and luxury pet apparel, while India is witnessing a boom in pet food startups.   Market Shifts: From 2020-2024 to 2025-2035   Future Market Insights analyzes the transition from the pandemic-era boom to the future of pet care.
  2020–2024: The market saw a rapid boom due to pandemic-driven adoptions and the 'humanization' trend. However, supply chain disruptions and inflation weighed on costs.
  2025–2035: The market is shifting toward a tech-enabled, sustenance-driven ecosystem. AI-driven health wearables, DNA-based nutrition, and plant- or lab-grown protein foods will become the norm. The focus will move squarely to longevity and personalized wellness experiences that build recurring revenue streams.   Competitive Landscape and Key Players   The global pet care market is highly competitive, with top players driving innovation in science-backed nutrition and smart technology.
  Mars, Incorporated (20-24% Share): Leading the market, Mars expanded its Royal Canin and Pedigree brands in 2024 with tailored breed-specific diets and digital health platforms.
  Nestlé Purina PetCare (17-21% Share): Introduced probiotic-enhanced lines in 2023, addressing digestive and immune health.
  Hill's Pet Nutrition (12-16% Share): In 2025, Hill's launched the Science Diet NeuroCare™ range, utilizing cognitive-supportive ingredients targeting senior pets.
  Spectrum Brands (8-11% Share): Focusing on IoT-based feeders and grooming tools.
  Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd. (7-10% Share): Continuing to lead in clean-label formulas with the introduction of high-protein kibble utilizing novel protein sources.
  Other key players shaping the market include Freshpet, Inc., The Honest Kitchen, and Chewy, Inc., all of whom are capitalizing on the demand for minimally processed meals and subscription-based convenience.
  Source: Pet Age