A new market report into pet care in France has shown that the value of the market is continuing to grow. Unlike in many other areas of Northern Europe, the pet care industry in the country seems to have weathered the recent economic storm well.

The report has been put together by Euromonitor International.

Treats lead the growth

The actual number of owners in the country has not changed dramatically though. Instead, values are increasing largely because owners are buying more premium rated foods. The release of new developments and innovations into the markets may have helped here too.

There have been some areas where food sales have dropped off, most notably in the small mammal and reptile market. However, cat and dog treats and specialised foods have taken up any slack this drop off may have left.

This is because domestic animals in France are gaining in status within households. Indeed, many are being seen as ‘lifelong companions’, a significant shift in the traditional sentiments. This shift means owners are more concerned with making their pets happy.

Slowdown predicted

The pet care market place in France is vibrant and dynamic, with consumers able to select their products across a number of leading brands. There are also many outlets online and in store where purchases can be made.

As a rule, major grocery retailers are the preferred purchase area however. When advice and expertise is required though, the specialist distributors and retailers are often the first places to be approached by pet owners.

In the longer term predictions of the report, to 2016, the pet industry in France is expected to drop off. The continuing fall of pet numbers will be largely responsible for this, along with the correlated drop in volume of sales.

For consumers, this is likely to mean even greater competition and deals to be had.

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