The value of the British pet food market grew GBR10 million (US$14.8 million) in 2014 to GBP2.8 billion, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA), whose 67 members account for more than 90% of the UK market.
However, the PFMA said, the total volume of the pet food market fell slightly to 1,476,000 tons.
The PFMA’s data is based on actual production figures and are consistent with falling pet ownership, it said.
The treats category has seen strong growth, with dog treats growing 5% in volume and 7% in value to reach GBP395 million. Cat treats saw a 17% increase in value to GBP120 million.
Dog food market volume fell slightly to 830,000 tons, with value holding steady at GBP1.3 billion. This results in average spending of GBP150 per dog per year, with 35% of dogs fed wet food and 50% fed dry food.
Cat food market volume dropped 2% to 405,000 tons, with the value holding steady at GBP1 billion. This results in average spending of GBP130 per cat per year, with 75% of cats fed wet food and 22% fed dry food.
Multi-serve wet cat food saw the largest drop, at 7% of volume to 102,000 tons, while single-serve cat food grew 1% in volume to 209,000 tons.
In the small animal market, the rabbit category remains dominant at 53,000 tons with a value of GBP52 million. Total volume for rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents was about 75,000 tons. Value fell 2% to GBP73 million.
