In the first half of 2025, Nestlé’s Purina PetCare segment reported modest growth amid broader category headwinds, despite a modest decline in sales. Nevertheless, Purina outperformed several other Nestlé business units and contributed significantly to the company’s overall performance.
“In PetCare, growth was positive, with solid performance in cat, offset by weaker category dynamics impacting sales in mainstream dog brands and snacks,” Purina executives wrote in the company’s half-year report.
Purina PetCare performance overview
Purina PetCare generated CHF 9.2 billion (US$11.56 billion) in sales during the first six months of 2025, down slightly from CHF 9.45 billion (US$11.87 billion) in the first half of 2024. However, despite this top-line dip, the segment still posted organic growth of 1.3%, driven by real internal growth (RIG) of 1.8%, which was the highest RIG of any Nestlé product category during the period. Pricing was slightly negative at –0.5%, reflecting competitive pressures and category softness, particularly in developed markets.
“PetCare delivered 1.3% organic growth, reflecting a general slowdown in category growth,” Purina executives wrote. “Growth was led by our billionaire brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Felix, Purina ONE and Tidy Cats. Our super-premium science brands continue to show strong momentum.”
Regional performance for Purina PetCare
- Zone Americas: PetCare showed positive growth, with robust performance in cat food. However, sales in mainstream dog brands and treats were constrained by weaker category dynamics. The U.S. remained the largest market by sales volume.
- Zone Europe: Purina brands, including Felix, Purina Pro Plan and Purina ONE, delivered low single-digit growth, primarily driven by RIG. Growth was broad-based across markets, helping to secure market share gains in a challenging economic environment.
- Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa: Purina PetCare sales declined overall. Although there was strong momentum in emerging markets, this was offset by a sales decline in developed regions.
Comparison to overall Nestlé performance
While Purina’s 1.3% organic growth outpaced several key segments such as Prepared Dishes (–0.9%) and Nutrition (0.0%), it trailed Nestle’s average organic growth rate of 2.9%. Nonetheless, its performance was notable for generating stable profit margins and leading in real volume growth at a time when Nestlé’s total RIG was nearly flat at 0.2%.
Overall, Nestlé reported sales of CHF 44.2 billion (US$55.55 billion) in H1 2025, down 1.8% from the previous year due to foreign exchange effects. Purina PetCare remained a top contributor to Nestlé's profitability, with steady margins and positive volume growth amid a decelerating pet food category.
