Japan Pet Food Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2024-2032

Japan Pet Food Market Trends & Summary

Japan Pet Food Market will reach US$ 6,283.06 million by 2032, up from US$ 4,240.90 million in 2023, with a CAGR of 4.46% between 2024 and 2032. Some of the major drivers driving the market are the shifting attitudes toward pet ownership and the growing awareness among pet owners; other causes include the development of organic variations and the increasing popularity of pet-related material on social media.

The report Japan Pet Food Market & Forecast covers by Pets (Dogs, Cats, Others), Product Type (Dog Food (( Treats and Mixers, Dry Food, Wet Food)), Cat Food (( Treats and Mixers, Dry Food, Cat Food)), Others (Bird Food, Fish Food, Small Mammal/Reptile Food)), Distribution Channel (Store Based Retailing, E-Commerce, Veterinary Clinics) and Company Analysis 2024-2032.

Japan Pet Food Industry Outlooks

Processed plant or animal extracts that are safe for pets to eat are referred to as pet food. It is expertly blended to offer a balanced combination of vital nutrients for dogs' health and wellbeing. Fish derivatives, animal derivatives, fruit and vegetable derivatives, cereal and cereal by-products, fats and oils, vitamins, and minerals, along with additional additions, are frequently included in pet food. This kind of food has several health advantages for pets, including increased immunity, helping them stay at a healthy weight, prolonging their life, lowering the chance of allergies and skin conditions, and lessening digestive issues. It also provides pet owners with a practical and time-saving alternative. It guarantees that pets receive constant nourishment with little effort and removes the need to make intricate homemade meals.

Growth Drivers in the Japan Pet Food Market

Growing Pet Humanization Trend

The Japanese pet owner increasingly treats pets as family members, which is why premium pet food is in high demand. The demand for organic, natural, and functional pet food products that provide digestive support and joint health benefits has driven the demand. The market's growth is also driven by human-grade ingredients and customized pet nutrition. As a result, pet food companies are innovating with new formulations to meet the evolving needs of pet owners who prioritize their pets' well-being. The pet population in Japan has increased from 54.5 million pets in 2019 to 55.8 million pets in 2023. The cat and dog populations will reach 8.6 million and 6.2 million, respectively, by 2028, as per Euromonitor International, 2024.

A Growing Aging Population and Increasing Pet Ownership Among Seniors

As the population of Japan ages, the elderly is adopting pets for companionship. Therefore, there is a growing demand for pet food products that would be suitable for older pets, such as special diets for joint care, weight management, and overall wellness. As more old people take their pets, so the pet foods companies have already responded with relevant marketing and age-specific formulations accordingly to meet with the nutritional necessities of aging companion animals, setting a steady and upward growth momentum in the industry. Since 1970 annual birth rates throughout Japan have exhibited a steady secular decline. Recently, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare published statistics stating that Japan's total fertility rate fell for the eighth year in a row to a record low of 1.20 in 2023. Considering this demographic shift, many Japanese pet owners consider their pets as their children and are not afraid to spend money to upgrade health facilities for them. As a result, goods and services that meet the demands for the "humanization" of pets are gaining increasing acceptance.

Increased E-commerce and Online Sales of Pet Food

In Japan, the increase in the growth of e-commerce significantly impacted the pet food market. A quiet revolution has occurred as consumers increasingly start opting to buy their pets online to take advantage of convenience, subscription-based models, and greater choices. Online includes product description and customer review to inform their decisions for the right products. The increasing sales of online pet specialties, supermarket delivery services, mainly fuelled the growth in online retailers, so that the pet food brands can target and expand the more elevated clients and increase their sales. September 2024, nationwide deliveries of Pizza-La's Wanko or "Doggy" Pizza were launched. Comif Deli designed the chicken crust pizza, teriyaki chicken, corn, mushrooms, and seaweed. According to Pizza-La, the product is prepared with especially safe dog ingredients.

Challenges in the Japan Pet Food Market

High Competition and Market Saturation

The Japanese market for pet food is highly competitive, with various domestic and international brands competing to gain market share. Established players occupy most shelf space in supermarkets and specialty stores, making it challenging for new entrants to gain visibility. Moreover, the loyalty of consumers to well-known brands is also a challenge to smaller players as they try to introduce innovative or niche pet food products. Therefore, as competition increases, differentiation through unique offerings, superior quality, and effective branding is critical.

Rising Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

Raw material cost fluctuations for meat, fish, and grains make pet food price sensitive. Because most ingredients in Japan are imported, the country is more sensitive to shifts in international markets, trade barriers, and supply line disruptions. The increasing cost of transporting and labor costs also puts upward pressure on the bottom line of manufacturers who then raise their retail prices. Pet food manufacturers will thus need to optimize on sourcing strategies, explore alternative local ingredient sources, and work to bring costs down with efficient production methods.

Japan Dog Food Market

The dog food market in Japan is growing steadily, driven by the increasing number of pet owners and the rising preference for premium and functional foods. Consumers look for high-quality, nutritious options that cater to their dogs' specific dietary needs, such as weight management, joint health, and hypoallergenic formulas. With the rise of small dog breeds, manufacturers also focus on breed-specific diets. The market includes dry food, wet food, treats, and supplements, and most establishments are now using organic and natural ingredients in these products. In October 2024, FamilyMart Co. Ltd will be selling limited-edition Shibanban-themed products at about 16,300 stores across the country starting on October 29, 2024, as part of "Dog Day" on November 1. The products to be sold include baked snacks, chocolates, candies, potato chips, and eco-friendly bags with great packaging and mouthwatering flavors to a new experience.

Japan Dog Dry Dog Food Market

The most popular dog food among the Japanese is dry kibbles because they are convenient, affordable, and durable for a long time. Kibble manufacturers will be putting more emphasis on improving the nutritional levels in this food by using high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and probiotics. Other specialized kibbles include grain-free diets and age-specific formulas have become very popular. Companies are also using technology to enhance palatability and digestibility among specific groups of picky eaters.

Japan Cat Food Market

Japan cat food market is growing as cat ownership, especially among urban-dwelling populations, continues to increase. Urban dwellers with limited space prefer keeping cats over dogs. Pet owners seek high-protein, grain-free, and wet food as they believe these meet their cats' natural diets. Premium and gourmet cat food accounts for growth, and the key growth drivers include functional ingredients such as urinary health, digestion, and coat quality. March 2024, Hills Colgate Japan K.K. developed the new pet food brand called Science Diet Vet Essential for cats and dogs. The brand will be available in veterinary clinics and in specialty stores.

Japan Cat Treats and Mixers Food Market

The cat treats and mixers food segment is growing at a high rate due to pet owners' propensity for variety and enrichment in their cats' diets. More and more consumers are looking for functional treats such as dental chews and hairball control snacks. In terms of toppers and mixers, these enhance the taste and nutrition of standard meals and, therefore, are increasingly purchased. More and more consumers opt for treats containing natural ingredients and minimal additives, reflecting a broader premiumization trend in the pet food sector.

Japan Fish Food Market

The fish food market in Japan is sustained by the country's long history of keeping ornamental fish, including koi and goldfish. High-quality pellet and flake fish food formulations with essential nutrients and color-enhancing ingredients are in demand. The rise of home aquariums and decorative fish ponds has further boosted sales. There are also the emergent fish foods which are environment-friendly and made from insect protein. December 2024. A new farmed fish by the Japanese company, Sakana Dream, specializing in new species of fish has come up, named "Yume-Aji." The latter was created from two different jack mackerel species.

Japan Pet Food Store Retailing Market

Specialty retailing of traditional pet foods is critical to the distribution network in Japan. Specialty stores offer a very selective choice of high-end foods, both organic, raw, and specialty diets that are not sold widely in supermarkets. Sales staff are experts who seek to give individual customers expert recommendations. Online sales channels continue to grow in popularity; however, through brick-and-mortar stores, loyal customers are maintained in this industry because personal service can be trusted, and the product observed before purchasing.

Tokyo Pet Food Market

The tendency of pet humanization and the high rates of pet ownership in the city are major factors driving up the cost of specialty and premium pet meals. Pet owners in Tokyo are well-to-do and discriminating; they are prepared to spend money on premium, well-balanced items, such as gourmet and organic selections. The urban lifestyle also encourages the need for inventive and practical packaging, like single-serve forms and resealable pouches. This trend is also supported by rising disposable money, which enables pet owners to give their pets' health first priority and use cutting-edge nutritional solutions. In addition, Tokyo's cutthroat market is witnessing ongoing product innovation, with companies providing special ingredients and functional foods catered to certain health requirements. Tokyo's pet food business is expanding and becoming more diverse due to these factors as well as rising pet wellness awareness.

Japan Pet Food Company News

July 2023- A new line of MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) approved pollock and insect protein products has been developed by Hill's Pet Nutrition specifically for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin problems. Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins abound in them.

May 2023- New cat snacks under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand have been introduced by Nestle Purina. For mature cats, these spherical snacks come in tastes like chicken and liver as well as salmon and shrimp.

April 2023- Asia-Pacific is now home to Mars Incorporated's first research and development center for pet food. The APAC Pet Center, a brand-new facility, will aid in the company's product development.

Japan Pet Food Market Segments

Pets  – Market breakup in 3 viewpoints:

1. Dogs
2. Cats
3. Others

Product Type– Market breakup in 3 viewpoints:

1. Dog Food

1.1 Dog Treats and Mixers

1.2 Dry Dog Food

1.3 Wet Dog Food

2. Cat Food

2.1 Cat Treats and Mixers

2.2 Dry Cat Food

2.3 Wet Cat Food

3. Others

3.1 Bird Food

3.2 Fish Food

3.3 Small Mammal/Reptile Food

Distribution Channel– Market breakup in 3 viewpoints:

1. Store Based Retailing
2. E-Commerce
3. Veterinary Clinics

All the key players have been covered from 3 Viewpoints:

• Business Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development & Strategies

Key Players Analysis:

1. Mars Incorporated
2. Gex Corporation
3. Royal Canin
4. Hill's Pet Nutrition
5. Unicharm
6. INABA-PETFOOD Co. Ltd
7. Maruha Nichiro Holdings Inc.
8. Nippon Pet Food Ltd

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