Thailand was 3rd Largest Pet Food Exporter in 2021, Says Trade Group
Thailand is playing an increasingly visible role in supplying and sustaining the worldwide pet food industry, according to industry group Thai Pet Food Trade Association (TPFA).
Thailand is the world’s third largest pet food exporter in 2021 with export value of more than 65 billion baht, an increase of 27 percent from the year before, according to the TPFA. Thailand’s top five export markets for pet food are the US, Japan, Italy, Malaysia and Australia, while Asian neighbors such as India, Indonesia and Laos see rising demand. The steady growth of Thai pet food exports is accelerating in 2022 with a 43 percent increase in the first seven months.
The abundance of agricultural produce in Thailand, means that 95 percent of the raw materials used in pet food is sourced locally, supporting the country’s production hub status, according to TPFA.
“Our strengths also derive from the long-standing experiences and reputation in canned tuna production which can be broaden into wet pet food manufacturing,” said Dr. Chanintr Chalisarapong, President of TPFA.
Thai manufacturers of pet food brands include Perfect Companion Group’s SmartHeart and Me-O brands, Asian Sea’s Monchou brand, Charoen Pokphand Foods’ JerHigh and Jinny brands and Thai Union’s ChangeTer’s brand. Thailand’s competitiveness has also attracted many international pet food brands to set production bases here, such as Mars Petcare, Nestle Purina, Pedigree and Tiki.
To answer the demand from pet owners, manufacturers are putting the emphasis on producing the pet food which in terms of safety, variety and dietary values are similar to human-grade food. Demand is also increasing for innovative products such as prescription foods and supplements for treatment of pet health issues, like heart, lungs and kidney diseases, TPFA said.
“The trust in our manufacturers’ quality and safety standards from customers, combined with product diversification, innovation and continuous development contribute to Thailand’s competitive edge in the global pet food market,” said Chalisarapong.
The global pet food market is projected to record a CAGR of 4.6 percent from 2022-2027, according to Mordor Intelligence.