New report paints a picture of the US pet food industry

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) concluded that in 2023, nearly 5,650 US animal food manufacturing facilities—including pet food—will generate $267.1 billion (€‎249.6B) in sales.

One of the big drivers of these positive trends are exports, whose value is increasing 20% year-over-year. Canada is the top export destination by value, followed by China, Japan, South Korea and Mexico.

The US recorded $7.5 billion (€‎7B) in animal food product exports in 2022, of which dog and cat food was listed under the 5 top exports by value.

Capturing market in Vietnam

AFIA highlights that the recently approved export regulations for dry pet food to Vietnam issued by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provide US exporters with “comprehensive guidelines to ensure their products meet foreign standards.”

According to the association, Vietnam is a key market home to a “growing middle class and savvy pet owners.” It is believed that the Southeast Asian country increased the import of pet food by 69% in the past 5 years.

AFIA plans to “capture this growing market” by developing trust with “Vietnamese consumers and differentiating high-quality US products from local and other imported brands.”

Legislation 

The Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working with the Congress to modernize its policy to keep pace with scientific innovation and proposed statutory changes to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and establish a new regulatory category, zootechnical animal food substances.

This new category relates to pet food ingredients that promote greater immunity in pets and support aging pets with mobility and cognitive issues, AFIA explains to GlobalPETS.

The association states that federal policymakers are considering a legislative solution – the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development (Innovative FEED) Act. This move aims to “move the US closer to achieving its public health and environmental challenges,” according to the association.