MEA Pet Food Market Outlook to 2030

MEA Pet Food Market Overview

• The MEA pet food market is valued at USD 900 million based on a five-year historical analysis. The growth in the pet food market is primarily driven by the increasing pet ownership across urban regions and a growing middle-class population. There is a notable rise in consumer spending on premium pet food, including organic and grain-free products, due to heightened awareness about pet nutrition. The availability of specialized pet products through both traditional and e-commerce channels further enhances market demand.
• The MEA pet food market is primarily dominated by countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia in the GCC region, and South Africa in Sub-Saharan Africa. The dominance of these regions is largely attributed to high pet ownership rates, a growing urban population, and higher disposable incomes. Additionally, strong import networks in these regions facilitate easy access to international pet food brands, contributing to their market dominance. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also benefit from a well-established retail infrastructure and strong e-commerce penetration.
• The MEA pet food market is influenced by various trade agreements and tariffs that affect the import and export of pet food products. For instance, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), implemented in 2021, aims to reduce tariffs between African countries, facilitating easier trade of pet food products across borders. However, countries like Egypt and Kenya still impose import tariffs on pet food, which affect the cost and availability of products. Such agreements and regulations play a key role in shaping the market, impacting how companies navigate cross-border trade.

MEA Pet Food Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The market is segmented by product type into dry pet food, wet pet food, and pet treats. Recently, dry pet food has a dominant market share under the product type segment. This dominance is due to the long shelf life, convenience of storage, and cost-effectiveness of dry food products. Many consumers in the region prefer dry food for its affordability and ease of distribution, particularly in countries where large quantities are consumed.

By Distribution Channel: The market is also segmented by distribution channels into supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retail, pet specialty stores, and veterinary clinics. Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold a dominant position in the market. This is due to their widespread presence across urban and semi-urban areas, providing consumers with convenient access to a variety of pet food options. These stores also offer promotions and discounts, making them popular choices among budget-conscious consumers.

MEA Pet Food Market Competitive Landscape

The MEA pet food market is dominated by both local manufacturers and international players. The market is characterized by the strong presence of established brands that have built customer loyalty through high-quality products. Local manufacturers are increasingly competing by offering region-specific products, while international players dominate premium segments. The rising trend of organic and natural pet food is also seeing several small niche brands gaining market share.

MEA Pet Food Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Pet Adoption Rates: The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region has seen a notable rise in pet ownership, particularly in urban centers. For example, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have witnessed a significant increase in households owning pets, with the UAE pet ownership rate rising to approximately 14% in urban areas in 2023. South Africa, one of the largest markets in the region, reported more than 9 million households owning pets by 2022. This increase in pet adoption contributes to the rising demand for pet food, stimulating the markets growth. As per World Bank, the urban population in the Middle East has also surged, creating further opportunities in urban areas for the pet food industry.
• Shifting Consumer Preferences Towards Premium Products: In the MEA region, consumer preferences are shifting toward premium pet food products. As of 2023, there has been growing demand for grain-free and organic pet foods, driven by increasing disposable income and awareness of healthier pet food options. Premium products now make up a substantial portion of the pet food market in affluent regions like the UAE, where consumer spending on pet care has risen alongside GDP growth rates. Organic pet food options have become particularly popular, with over 5% of pet food sales in Saudi Arabia being organic or grain-free, according to local reports.
• Rising Awareness on Pet Nutrition: There is a growing awareness among pet owners in MEA regarding pet nutrition, with more focus on the nutritional composition of pet food products. Governments are playing a significant role by implementing regulatory standards that require companies to meet specific nutritional content guidelines. For instance, in South Africa, the regulatory requirements under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (Act 36 of 1947) mandate that pet foods meet certain nutritional and quality standards. This increasing focus on proper pet nutrition has spurred the demand for nutritionally enhanced products. Source.

Market Challenges

• Low Penetration of Specialized Pet Products: Although pet ownership is increasing, the per capita consumption of specialized pet products remains relatively low in the MEA region. For example, pet food consumption per capita in countries like Morocco and Nigeria is significantly lower compared to Western markets, averaging only around 5 kg per year, according to recent industry reports. Consumers are still primarily focused on basic pet food, with limited adoption of specialized or premium products. This is compounded by lower awareness and purchasing power in many parts of Africa.
• Stringent Import and Quality Regulations: The importation of pet food products in the MEA region faces stringent regulatory hurdles. Many countries have implemented strict quality and safety standards to ensure that imported products meet local health regulations. For instance, in South Africa, pet food imports must comply with the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, which adds additional costs for manufacturers to meet local guidelines. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requires rigorous testing and certification for imported pet foods, creating barriers for new entrants in the market.

MEA Pet Food Market Future Outlook

The MEA pet food market is expected to show significant growth driven by increasing pet ownership rates, urbanization, and rising awareness about pet nutrition. The growing availability of premium, organic, and natural pet food products is expected to drive higher consumer spending in the market. Additionally, the rise of online retail and direct-to-consumer sales models will provide further growth opportunities, especially for niche brands targeting health-conscious pet owners. The ongoing shift toward sustainability, with brands adopting eco-friendly packaging and sourcing ingredients ethically, will further shape the market's development.

Future Market Opportunities

Expansion into Untapped Regions: The MEA region offers untapped opportunities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and rural areas of the Middle East. For instance, Nigeria and Ethiopia, with large populations and increasing urbanization, represent emerging markets for pet food products. As of 2023, Nigeria alone is home to over 220 million people, many of whom are migrating to cities, leading to a growth in pet ownership and a corresponding rise in pet food demand. The African Development Banks reports on economic expansion in these regions highlight growing consumer markets that international pet food companies can explore.

Growth in E-Commerce Distribution: The rise of e-commerce platforms in the MEA region has created new distribution channels for pet food products. In 2024, more than 60% of consumers in urban centers like Dubai and Johannesburg now prefer to purchase pet food online, utilizing platforms such as Jumia and Amazons regional sites. These digital marketplaces provide opportunities for pet food companies to reach a broader audience without the need for physical stores. Additionally, subscription-based services for pet food, which guarantee monthly deliveries, are growing in popularity, particularly among affluent households in cities like Riyadh.