Discover the most important future trends in pet food with Mintel’s Future Of report. The report identifies the key consumer and industry trends that will impact the pet food industry over the next five years.
Upcoming global trends in pet food are analysed and succinctly presented alongside relevant insights from Mintel’s consumer data. So you can understand how consumer demands will change and identify future innovation and growth opportunities.
Key Pet Food Industry Trends Covered in the Report
- The humanisation of pets continues
- Emotional milestones will create new value for fresh food
- Nutrition will become the added value of upcycling
Purchase the full report for a complete breakdown of the trends shaping the future of the pet food industry. Alongside Mintel’s pick of the most innovative and inspirational pet food launches introduced to the global market. Understanding the future of pet food has never been so easy.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- Where we are now
- In the next two years
- In five years and beyond
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IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS
- Mintel's perspective
- Explore environment-first nutrition
- The first wave of personalisation: age and breed
- Graph 1: select claims within pet foods, 2021-25
- Differences in environment and living spaces affects pet lifestyles
- Graph 2: cats' living situation, 2025
- Graph 3: frequency of walking the dog, 2025
- Pet food will consider lifestyle and environment to create better diets
- Pet foods can reframe current functional offerings toward specific lifestyles
- Inspired by functional foods, pet food brands will create lifestyle-led portfolios
- Brands will create products based on personas
- Design treats for play and purpose
- Treats focus on bonding and physical health – not mental enrichment and play
- Mental stimulation is key to easing separation anxiety – especially for urban pets
- Pet treats can become mental toys
- Graph 4: pet supplies generally purchased, 2025
- Existing treats serve engagement, but don't drive mental stimulation
- Treat format innovation can cater to mental stimulation
- Treats and toys will unlock a new, unified, play-driven ecosystem
- Emotional milestones will create new value for fresh pet food
- Pets are now the 'first family member'
- Graph 5: major life experiences expected, 2024
- Graph 6: pet owners' relationship with their pets, 2024
- Emotional milestones for pet parents will serve as inspiration for pet food
- Graph 7: searches for a new pet product for a special occasion (pet birthday, holiday), by select segment and demographics, 2025
- Position fresh and DIY pet food as the natural fit for milestone celebrations
- Celebratory pet food offerings currently limited
- Fresh food will add value beyond health, and help pet parents celebrate milestones at home
- Brands will pursue partnerships to help pet parents celebrate away from home
- Fresh food brands will create plate-ready dishes for key pet moments
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IN FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
- Mintel's perspective
- Microplastics are inevitable, and will be the next motivator for pet environmental nutrition
- Graph 8: top three packaging materials used for pet food, 2020-25
- Pet food will position fibre as nutritional armour against microplastics
- Graph 9: top five functional claims associated with high/added fibre in pet food, 2023-25
- Upcycling will prove value beyond sustainability
- Nutrient-dense ingredients will give upcycling value beyond its eco appeal
- Reframing upcycled ingredients will premiumise pet food
- Growing multi-species homes create opportunities for pet food brands
- Graph 10: urban pet ownership, 2020-25
- Simplified and unified food ecosystems will turn treat time into a shared routine
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key takeaways
What is a 'Future of' Report?
Have you ever wondered how to get a clear view of what’s next for your industry? Forget the crystal ball, what you need is a Mintel ‘Future of’ reports. The reports offer a forward-looking perspective, helping you identify upcoming opportunities and navigate the trends that will shape your business for the next five years and beyond.
How Mintel Builds a Picture of the Future
Creating a ‘Future of’ report is a comprehensive process that combines deep data analysis with expert human insight. Here’s a look at the core components that make these reports so valuable.
Expert Insights from Category Analysts
Our dedicated category analysts are at the heart of these reports. They bring years of industry experience and a deep understanding of global markets. They interpret complex data, connect the dots, and provide you with expert recommendations on what to expect in the next two years, five years, and even further into the future. They provide the strategic thinking you need to stay ahead.
Powered by Robust Data
Our analysis is grounded in solid data. A key source is Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), a powerful resource that tracks product innovation and launches around the world. By analysing this wealth of information, we can spot emerging patterns and shifts in the market. This data, combined with our knowledge of consumer behavior, allows us to anticipate what consumers will want next.
Designed for Forward-Thinking Strategy
Our ‘Future of’ reports are designed to help you look ahead with confidence. By focusing on trend forecasting and identifying future opportunities, these reports provide the insights you need to innovate and plan effectively. They are crafted specifically to help you anticipate market shifts and make proactive decisions, ensuring you and your business are prepared for what’s to come.
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