全球宠物食品市场持续升温：以情感消费驱动产品精细化与高端化

Core Insights - The global pet food market is experiencing strong and sustained growth driven by changing consumer perceptions and the increasing status of pets as family members rather than mere companions [1] - The market is evolving not only in terms of consumption volume but also in consumer philosophy and product structure [1] Group 1: Market Trends - In Italy, the pet food market is set for significant expansion in 2024, with the total number of pets stable at approximately 65 million, and cat ownership rising from 10.2 million in 2023 to 11.9 million in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 16.7% [2] - The growth of cat ownership is attributed to urbanization and the increasing proportion of single and empty-nester populations, making cats more appealing due to their lower care costs and interaction demands [2] Group 2: Product Categories - The global pet food market is primarily divided into wet and dry food, with the wet food market expected to reach $35 billion in 2023, accounting for 27% of total sales [3] - Cat food dominates the wet food segment, holding a 61% market share, and is projected to grow significantly faster than dog wet food over the next five years [3] - Despite a temporary stagnation in wet food growth in 2022, the market has regained momentum in 2023, with a projected annual growth rate of 1.4% due to increased consumer focus on quality [3] Group 3: Emotional Consumption - The rapid growth of the pet food market is driven by the emotional value pets hold in human lives, with pets now seen as family members and emotional supporters [4] - The younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, exhibit diverse and refined consumption attitudes towards pet food, seeking high-quality ingredients and emotional satisfaction from their purchases [4] Group 4: Premiumization - The trend towards premiumization in pet food is becoming increasingly evident, with the global premium pet food market expected to grow by 2% in volume and 10% in market value in 2023 [5][6] - Consumers are willing to pay a premium for higher quality, healthier, and more personalized products, reflecting a deeper concern for their pets' overall well-being [6] Group 5: Future Outlook - The evolution of the pet food market is shifting from mere functional satisfaction to emotional resonance and cultural co-creation, focusing on quality, health, and personalization [7] - Competition among brands is transitioning from product strength to emotional connection and understanding of pet owners' lifestyles, indicating a new consumer landscape that integrates technology, culture, and social attributes [7]