Global differences in pet food purchasing channels

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Pet owners around the world buy their pet’s meals from supermarkets more than any other channel. However, this trend has changed in many regions with differences across the globe. In October 2022, market research group TGM Research surveyed 15,000 people in 40 nations about pet ownership. The survey revealed where consumers buy pet food in different countries.

“Supermarkets remain the main channel for purchasing pet food worldwide, capturing 46% of consumers,” Thuyen Vu, marketing director, told Petfood Industry in an email. “However, other channels are gaining momentum.

Europe – Specialty pet chains and online platforms have emerged as strong alternatives to mass market retailers, Vu said.

Asia-Pacific – Considering that Asia contains distinct nations such as India, China and Indonesia, it is not surprising that pet owners have diversified preferences for pet food purchasing channels, including independent stores, online. Across the region there is a distinct trend for pet food, he said.

Middle East and North Africa – In these predominantly Muslim nations, preference leans toward independent pet retailers and convenience stores.

Africa – South of the Sahara desert, pet owners prefer pet food.

North America – After supermarkets, independent pet stores and online channels are popular options.

Latin America – In these regions colonized mainly by Spain and Portugal, there is a tendency towards independent pet stores, followed by convenience stores.

Omnichannel pet shopping is a dominant trend

TGM Research’s survey backs that up Andrea Binder, vice president of sales account development NielsenIQ, said during his Global Pet Expo 2024 presentation on March 21 in Orlando, Florida, USA. In the US pet food market, which is the largest in the world, 78.1% of the dollars spent on pet care are spent by shoppers who patronize multiple channels. Among US pet owners, 57.0% of shoppers said they are omnichannel shoppers in 2023, up 1.5% from 2022.

Pet owners who purchase products exclusively from brick and mortar retailers will account for 39.7% of shoppers in 2023, down. 1.2% from previous years. Those who buy pet products only in person represent 19.3% of the dollars spent on pet products. Despite the growth of online sales during the pandemic, only 3.3% of US pet owners purchased supplies exclusively online, accounting for only 2.5% of dollars spent on pet products .

All over the world, pet owners can continue to diversify their pet food shopping channels, looking for the brands they want at affordable prices.

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