派特鲜生关店近半 宠物鲜食的风口迷局

Core Viewpoint - The recent closure of all physical stores by Pet Fresh, a pet fresh food brand, has raised concerns about the viability of the pet fresh food market, highlighting the challenges faced by companies in this segment [1][3]. Company Overview - Pet Fresh, founded by former Hema founder Hou Yi, aimed to create a pet food retail brand similar to Hema, launching its first store in Shanghai in February and raising $25 million in angel funding by May [3][4]. - The company planned to open 100 stores by the end of the year but has now decided to close all physical locations due to operational pressures, retaining only its online business [3][4]. Market Dynamics - The pet fresh food market has attracted numerous entrants as the pet economy expands, but Pet Fresh's rapid expansion and subsequent closure raise questions about the sustainability of such business models [3][5]. - The operational model of Pet Fresh, which included high overhead costs associated with physical stores and specialized kitchen equipment, proved incompatible with the market's characteristics [4][5]. Financial Challenges - The high costs of rent, labor, and cold chain logistics, which account for about one-third of total costs, have made profitability difficult for Pet Fresh, especially given the lower margins of fresh pet food compared to traditional dry food [4][10]. - The average monthly costs for a pet fresh food store can reach approximately 40,000 yuan for rent and utilities, with additional costs for equipment and ingredients [7]. Consumer Behavior - Pet owners typically purchase pet food infrequently, averaging only 1-2 times per month, which limits the effectiveness of physical store models that rely on high foot traffic and immediate delivery [5][9]. - The price sensitivity of consumers also plays a significant role, as many opt for cheaper dry food options over more expensive fresh food, which can cost significantly more per meal [9][10]. Regulatory Environment - The lack of established safety standards for pet fresh food in China has led to consumer concerns regarding product quality and safety, with many brands operating under unclear guidelines [11][12]. - Current regulations primarily cover pet feed but do not extend to fresh food, creating a regulatory gap that could impact market growth and consumer trust [12][14]. Recommendations for the Industry - Experts suggest the need for a multi-tiered standard system to establish clear guidelines for pet fresh food, including ingredient quality, microbial standards, and cold chain requirements [14][15]. - There is a call for industry associations to develop group standards that can eventually evolve into national standards, ensuring better regulation and consumer protection [14][15].