Steadily developing

According to a recent study by the French marketing agency Into The Minds, the French pet food industry in France is performing well this year, in line with its strong performance over the last decade.

This is also confirmed by official statistical data, which show that the market grew from €4.7 billion in 2017 to €5.7 billion in 2024 – an increase of over 20% in seven years. While the official results for 2025 have not yet been published, most of analysts expect the market’s total value in 2025 to be close to €5,8 billion.

The current growth of the industry can be attributed to several important factors. Firstly, there has been a steady increase in the number of pets. France now has 26.3 million cats and dogs, making it the largest pet food market in Europe. These two species account for the bulk of the sector’s economic value, representing over 80% of total revenue.

The ongoing trend of premiumisation which dominates product launches, also contributes to the market’s current growth, primarily in value terms. Currently, grain-free, single-protein, high-animal-protein, or functional-benefit products dominate new launches in the French market. This trend reflects owners’ desire to provide their pets with food of the same high quality as their own.

Traditionally the French ­market has been of interest to global companies, particularly Nestlé Purina and Mars Petcare, both of which have strengthened their positions in France significantly in recent years and are planning further expansion in the coming years.

In an exclusive interview, Isabelle Taillandier, the general manager of Nestlé Purina France, said that the company has high hopes for its future development in the French market. As part of these plans, the company intends to launch new products more actively in the market. ‘2025 was a year paced by both great product innovation and powerful brand activations that reinforced our leadership. On the innovation side, our main focus was on the ultra-premium category with the expansion of our Gourmet Revelations line,’ commented Taillandier. 

This year, the company plans to expand its local range with the further launch of various innovative products. Taillandier also added that the company’s core strategy is to energise the market by launching eight new innovations that will pioneer and develop a new consumption segment.

Purina currently holds an estimated 28.84% share of the market, making…