Year in review: The 20 GlobalPETS stories that captured the industry’s attention
The corporate moves, capital injections, market insights and regulatory changes that resonated most with readers.
From corporate developments to evolving regulations and key market insights, GlobalPETS reported on the stories that shaped the pet industry in 2025.
As the year comes to a close, we look back at the 20 articles that resonated most with our audience.
Company moves
Zooplus’ owners reportedly considering sale amid valuation projections decline
This year’s most-read story was the coverage of zooplus’ private equity owners facing challenges in selling the company.
In 2021, Hellman & Friedman (H&F) and EQT jointly acquired zooplus for €3.7 billion ($3.8B), a price 58 times the company’s operating profit (EBITDA).
EQT is looking to sell zooplus to another company in 2025 or possibly take it back to the stock market with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2026.
Colgate-Palmolive paves the way to exit private label pet business in 2025
Following low sales volume, Colgate-Palmolive has decided to exit the private-label pet food market. This story was the third most-read on GlobalPETS this year.
In Q4 2024, the American company’s net sales decreased 0.1% year-over-year (YoY) to $4.9 billion (€4.8B), while organic sales increased by 4.3%.
The pet portfolio, making up around a quarter of the group’s overall sales, remained strong despite the private label’s performance.
Earnings and performance
European expansion boosts Thai pet food manufacturer’s earnings
The January coverage of Asian Alliance International’s (AAI) earnings report was popular among GlobalPETS readers.
The pet and human food retailer reported a 63.9% YoY gross profit increase to THB 357 million ($10.6M/€10M) in the first 3 quarters of the financial year.
The firm owns the Pro Dog, Pro Cat, Hajiko and Monchou brands, which target high-end, mainstream and low-end consumers. It began developing its pet food portfolio in 2019.
General Mills investor day: Company chases growth in pet food
At its Investor Day in October, General Mills outlined its growth strategy in the pet food segment, focusing on investments and acquisitions.
Before the event, the company acquired Edgard & Cooper and Whitebridge Pet Brands. Dana McNabb, Group President for North America Retail and North America Pet units, said that the company will “leverage our pet portfolio to tap into the pet humanization trend and accelerate our company’s growth.”
Ratings in the pet sector: 2025 brings upgrades and new entries
For the first time, GlobalPETS reported on credit ratings in the pet sector. The story ranked 20th on the most-read list.
This year, animal health firms Zoetis and Elanco saw rating upgrades from S&P Global, one of the Big Three credit ratings agencies.
New entries were also recorded, with Symrise, a German ingredient manufacturer, receiving its inaugural rating from S&P, while private label producer United Petfood joined Fitch’s ratings.
Expansions and investments
Mars Petcare launches 2 new production lines at French facility
Mars Petcare’s European production facility expansion took the 10th spot on our most-read list this year.
The report, published in January, noted that the company launched 2 new production lines at its French facility, in which it invested €120 million ($140.5M).
The expansion, which began in April 2022, brought the facility’s daily production capacity to 600,000 boxes and 1 million pouches.
Pet Food Institute aiming to expand reach of US pet players after funding boost
In January, the Pet Food Institute (PFI), a trade association, was awarded $1.65 million (€1.6M) from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) and an additional $1.34 million (€1.3M) from the USDA’s Market Access Program.
The funding will support global expansion, which will focus on Brazil, Central America, South Africa, South Korea and Taiwan. The initiative is expected to benefit all US pet food companies, including both non-members and member brands such as Purina, Mars and General Mills.
Fressnapf expands into Asia with new Hong Kong hub
The latest coverage on the list, published in November, ranks 16th. German pet retailer Fressnapf’s expansion into Asia was popular among our readers.
Fressnapf created a new entity in Hong Kong, Fressnapf Asia Limited. The office will be led by Christopher Smith, who will join as Managing Director in January 2026.
The group also said it will open an Asia Sourcing Office in the special administrative region of China, which will be operational by the end of 2026.
REWE to open ZooRoyal locations across Germany from 2026
In an article published in March, GlobalPETS reported on Rewe’s nationwide rollout of its ZooRoyal store concept, which will bring physical pet retail to urban locations across Germany starting in 2026.
The German supermarket chain pilot-tested 4 locations in Hamburg, achieving results that exceeded expectations.
Each location was run by experienced Rewe retail managers, supporting the company’s aim to open a “high double-digit” number of ZooRoyal stores while focusing on sustainable growth.
Market analysis
Analysis: US pet food industry braces for tariffs as Trump returns to Washington
Another January coverage makes it to the list. Donald Trump’s return to the White House sparked trade concerns among industry groups, and GlobalPETS highlighted the barriers the situation could create.
Those include massive tariff threats and increased production costs. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)’s President and CEO, Constance Cullman, said that both Trump’s tariffs, which would charge American companies for their imports, and retaliatory measures from other countries were a threat to the pet food market.
Financial snapshot: Growth slows in pet food, but premium shows resilience
In October, GlobalPETS covered the half-year results of Colgate-Palmolive, Freshpet, i-Tail, Nestlé and Symrise, some of the biggest names in the pet food manufacturing industry.
The report highlighted varying results across the companies, while also noting shared concerns, including the macroeconomic uncertainty, a potential US tariff shock and cautious consumers.
Country reports
The China industry report explored the country’s rising pet population, where dogs and cats are now considered part of the family. This trend has led to a surge in luxury pet products, tech gadgets and even pet hotels.
It also covered China’s pet care market, including key retail channels, consumer trends and preferences, while offering an overview of the international trade landscape.
Another country report that made the list was about the UK pet industry, which revealed that in 2024, 60% of British households owned non-aquatic pets.
Dogs were the most popular pet in the UK, totaling 13.5 million, followed by cats at 12.5 million, indoor birds (1.5 million), domestic fowl (1.3 million) and rabbits (1 million). Other popular pets included 700,000 tortoises, ponies, hamsters and snakes.
As an emerging pet food market in Asia, Malaysia drew the attention of GlobalPETS readers in June. Aside from rising pet ownership, regional trade partnerships and growing demand for premium and sustainable products are boosting the local pet industry.
A 2023 report revealed that over half (51.1%) of Malaysians own pets, with 26.4% owning more than one.
The pet industry in the United States
This industry report on the US market made it into the top 10, ranking sixth in readership in 2025. GlobalPETS found that while 84% of US dog owners view their dogs as children, the cost of pet ownership is weighing on them.
Overall pet ownership reached 196.9 million animals in 2024, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and small mammals.
The pet industry in the Philippines
Another Asian market coverage piqued the interest of GlobalPETS readers. The Philippines’ snapshot highlighted both industry opportunities and market gaps.
On the opportunity side, specialty and pet-friendly services such as pet salons, hotels and wellness products are gaining traction. Meanwhile, the market is also facing a shortage of veterinarians, with only 1 available for every 10,000 pet owners.
Country report: Brazilian pet market set for modest 3.5% rise in 2025
The last country report to make the list, published in September, is about Brazil. The report highlights market fluctuations amid rising inflation, volatile exchange rates, and weaker consumer spending.
By sector, pet food is the largest segment in the country, accounting for 53.3% of the market, followed by pet sales (10.9%) and veterinary products (10.6%).
CBD
Is the popularity of CBD for pets on the rise?
The use of CBD – or cannabidiol – for pets was among the most-read coverage this year.
Despite the lack of licensing for veterinary use, pet owners in Denmark and the US were increasingly giving their pets CBD to help manage conditions such as anxiety, pain, arthritis and even cancer and seizures.
Regulations
Legislators revive bid to streamline pet food regulation in the US
In February, representatives in the US Congress reintroduced a bill to create national standards for pet food labeling.
The Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform (PURR) Act of 2025 proposes specific definitions and labeling restrictions and reinforces prominent disclaimers for transparency.
The bill would only apply to treats, supplements, ingredients and traditional pet food for dogs and cats. Producers of food for rabbits, fish, and other small animals will continue following the old rules.
VAT update: Italy confirms higher tax on pet litter
And lastly, the GlobalPETS coverage on Italy’s Value Added Tax (VAT) rules for pet litter rounds out the list.
According to the article, Plant-based pet litter became subject to Italy’s 22% VAT, ending an ambiguity that created loopholes for product manufacturers.
However, as manufacturers get tax credits for selling products, much of the VAT cost will be passed on to consumers.
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