Taiwan’s pet food sales totaled some NT$30.8 billion (US$960 million) in 2023, capturing around 50% of the value of the country’s pet industry which generated aggregate sales of about NT$63.1 billion that year.
Data sourced from the Taiwanese Ministry of Agriculture by local broadcaster TVBS estimated the nation’s 2023 pet population at 1.48 million dogs and 1.31 million cats. This represents increases of 19% and 50%, respectively, since 2021.
Speaking at an Animal Precision Nutrition International Forum held in Taipei last month, Liu I-chen, the head of Research Division VII at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), said the country’s pet population is expected to further rise in the coming years.
The researcher also said local pet owners spend around 50% of their pet-related expenses on food, and pet supplement sales are reporting a growth rate that exceeds that of standard pet food.
Set up in 1976, TIER said its main mission is to research domestic and foreign macroeconomics and industrial economics which impact on Taiwan’s economic development.
Polish dog food brand readies roll out of treats and dry food, launches exports
Poland’s Perro specializes in grain-free dog food made with up to 95% muscle meat. Building on the company’s success in the Polish market, the producer is readying to roll out a new range of dog treats and dry dog food products, and is preparing to kick off export sales, according to a senior company representative.
Marta Przeździecka, a co-owner of Perro, told Petfood Industry the business is currently focusing on its canned high-quality dog food but is also making efforts to broaden its product portfolio.
“We are a group of friends who set up this company back in 2021 because we were interested in feeding our dogs with nutritious food that would benefit their health,” she said. “We only offer premium dog food with high-quality meat, and we currently have 17 flavors in the Perro range. These include wet dog food with duck, pork, beef, pheasant and goat meat, among others. Our latest addition to the range is rabbit meat, and we are working on introducing one more flavor in the near future.”
Przeździecka also said Perro is preparing to initiate export sales of its dog food amid a rising interest from abroad.
“Our other plans include developing a range of dry dog food product,” she said. “We’re working on further product launches.”
Vafo Group opens first Carnilove showroom in the Czech Republic
Czech pet food maker Vafo Group has launched the first showroom for Carnilove, the group’s superpremium pet food brand.
“Carnilove offers a range of superpremium pet food products designed to nourish pets in alignment with their natural, wild instincts,” the company said in a statement. “The new showroom provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the brand’s offerings up close and personal, while also enjoying the selection of over 50 outdoor brands at Nordic Craft.”
The new showroom is located in Mělník, a city located around 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the country’s capital Prague.
“Carnilove has been formulated with respect for the natural dietary needs of dogs and cats,” Vafo Group said. “Grain-free formulas rich in high-quality meats, such as salmon, carp, trout, turkey, rabbit, duck, pheasant, lamb and wild boar, with forest fruits and herbs provide essential proteins, fat, vitamins, and natural antioxidants for excellent physical condition and immune system support. Balanced holistic formula to satisfy dog’s and ca’s instinctive love of meat.”
In the meantime, Vafo Group continues its international expansion. Most recently, the pet food maker took over Austria’s PetCo GmbH. The Austrian business is a major producer of premium pet foods focused on the DACH region which consists of the the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, according to data from Vafo Group.