During the 11th edition of the WorldFood Poland trade fair, an entirely new sector – Pet Food – will be introduced. This sector is dedicated to manufacturers and distributors of pet food and dietary supplements for domestic animals. The decision to launch this sector is a response to the dynamic growth of pet products and the increasing consumer demand for high-quality products for their pets. Learn more about this sector and discover the latest trends in the food industry. Join us from April 8-10, 2025, at EXPO XXI in Warsaw!
The pet food market in Poland is experiencing continuous growth. According to the 2022 FEDIAF report, 49% of Polish households own at least one dog, while 40% have at least one cat, placing Poland among the leading European countries in terms of pet ownership. The value of the dog and cat food market in Poland exceeded PLN 731 million between March 2022 and February 2023, with an upward trend, as indicated by data from the GfK Polonia Household Panel. The wet cat food segment is growing particularly dynamically, with an expected annual increase of 6% over the next three years.
Poland also plays a significant role on the international stage as an exporter of pet food, with exports worth €1.9 billion in 2022. This accounted for 0.5% of the country’s total global exports and 4% of the agri-food sector. These figures highlight the growing importance and potential of the pet product market in Poland. As Grzegorz Rykaczewski, an expert from the Macroeconomic Analysis Department at Bank Pekao S.A., noted in an interview with Portal Spożywczy:
– Between 2019 and 2023, the volume of pet food sales from Poland to the EU market grew by an average of 6% annually. In comparison, the growth rate of intra-EU pet food trade was below 3%. As a result, Poland increased its share in the EU market from 5% to 6% during this period.
The rapid expansion of the pet food sector raises an essential question for experts: what factors contribute to its growth? In both Europe and Poland, there is a noticeable trend of pet humanization. According to petinsider.pl, an estimated 68% of Polish pet owners treat their animals as family members. This shift drives increasing expectations for the quality and variety of pet food, leading to higher spending on premium and super-premium products that ensure the highest quality standards.
Human dietary trends also have a direct impact on the pet food market. The rising popularity of gluten-free, vegetarian, and superfood-based diets has encouraged manufacturers to introduce similar solutions in pet nutrition. Consumers are looking for pet food made with natural ingredients and free from artificial additives, fueling the development of clean-label products.
Environmental awareness is another key factor. More and more people are paying attention to the ecological impact of pet food production. In response, companies are exploring sustainable protein sources, such as insect-based ingredients, and adopting eco-friendly packaging. These efforts aim to reduce the carbon footprint and align with consumers’ environmentally conscious expectations.
Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and the wide availability of specialized pet food and supplements online make it easier for consumers to access high-quality products, further driving market expansion.
In response to the latest market trends, the WorldFood Poland 2025 trade fair is introducing a dedicated Pet Food sector, which will include:
Special attention will be given to products for dogs and cats, as they are the most common pets in Polish households. However, the sector will also feature products for other animals, such as rodents and birds. Exhibitors will present a variety of pet food formats, including dry, wet, semi-moist, frozen, and freeze-dried options, ensuring a diverse selection that meets different dietary preferences and nutritional requirements.
Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest market innovations, including functional pet foods that support specific health aspects and eco-friendly packaging, aligning with the growing trend of sustainable development.
We warmly invite all professionals from the food and pet industry to participate in WorldFood Poland 2025!