政观长三角丨竞逐宠物经济，异军突起的宿州凭什么

Core Insights - The pet economy in China is rapidly growing, with the market expected to reach 300.2 billion yuan in 2024 and 1.15 trillion yuan by 2028, driven by increasing pet ownership and consumer spending [2][17] - Suzhou is emerging as a leader in the pet industry, boasting the largest pet trading market in East China, with daily foot traffic exceeding 10,000 and an annual transaction volume of 1 billion yuan [9][10] - The local government has implemented policies to accelerate the development of the pet industry, aiming for a market size of over 50 billion yuan by 2027 and over 100 billion yuan by 2030 [17][18] Industry Overview - The pet economy encompasses various sectors, including pet food, medical services, and accessories, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards viewing pets as emotional companions [4][17] - Suzhou's historical background as a "hometown of circus" and its agricultural strengths provide a unique foundation for the pet food production segment [4][5] Market Dynamics - The Suzhou pet market has evolved from a few vendors to a comprehensive trading hub with 385 fixed businesses and around 2,000 mobile vendors, indicating a robust supply chain [9][10][11] - The market's growth is supported by its strategic location at the intersection of major transportation routes, facilitating nationwide distribution [5][9] Future Developments - Plans are underway to construct a new pet trading market that will enhance the existing infrastructure, incorporating e-commerce and various service areas to meet the full spectrum of pet ownership needs [11][18] - Educational institutions in Suzhou are developing programs to address the talent shortage in the pet industry, fostering a skilled workforce to support future growth [17][18]