2022 in review: top 10 most-read articles of the year
New investments, more acquisitions, an increase in the pet population, and the war in Ukraine have added to an eventful year in the pet industry.
With more than 450 articles published in the last 12 months, quite a few garnered attention from visitors, specialists, and curious onlookers.
These ranged from acquisitions, with significant curiosity over rumors and the eventual sale of Champion Petfoods, to inroads made by fashion designers into the pet industry. We also witnessed the pet industry coming together to save animals impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Below are the top 10 most-read articles of 2022:
1) Which are the 5 countries with the most cats and dogs in Europe?
New figures from the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) show that 90 million European households owned a pet in 2021. Germany was the top country with the most dogs and cats, while Estonia had the least number of pets.
2) Fressnapf achieves a record €3 billion in sales in 2021
The pet retail group increased its sales by 19.8% from the previous year. This is the highest revenue the company has posted in its 35-year history. The majority of revenue was seen in the German market, noting an online sales increase of 54%.
3) What we currently know about the rumors around Champion Petfoods’ sale
The Canadian pet food manufacturer could be “exploring strategic options” to sell the business. Bloomberg reported a few days ago that Champion Petfoods were discussing options, including a potential sale that could bring its value to over $2 billion (€1.9B). However, when approached about the potential sale, the company stated that they “don’t typically comment on industry rumors or speculation.”
4) Royal Canin acquires fresh pet food producer Nom Nom
Nom Nom will act as an independent brand within the Royal Canin division, with its own positioning strategies. Royal Canin believes that acquiring the “fast-growing” DTC fresh pet food company will bring synergies to keep supporting the brand’s success in the dog and cat category.
5) What we know about Mars Petcare’s acquisition of Champion Petfoods
The acquisition of Champion Petfoods was completed in November 2022; the exact amount is unknown. As a result of the takeover, both companies will provide a “broader range” of options for pet owners.
6) Fressnapf to open 400 new stores in Europe in the next 3 years
Fressnapf has yet to unveil where it plans to open the new stores. However, they have begun to equip their logistics infrastructure “for the future” with new warehouses in Poland, France, and Austria.
7) Top designer brands enter the pet lifestyle business
This summer saw the launch of several high-end designers into the pet industry. Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss will join Gucci, which has debuted its first dog product line. Several other premium brands are also looking into joining.
8) Mars halts supply of Whiskas and Pedigree to the UK’s largest supermarket chain
Tesco, the largest supermarket chain in the UK, has rejected price hikes by Mars, citing them as unjustifiable. Mars states the cost of inflation as the reason behind the price increases, but they are willing to evaluate their supply chain to absorb the costs so as not to pass these along to consumers.
9) 2021: a hectic year for investors in the pet industry
There was a significantly high number of company acquisitions and mergers in the pet industry in 2021, even with the COVID-19 pandemic in full effect. Some retail conglomerates were hit hard, with various chains closing hundreds of stores. Yet, several private label-producing companies increased their production capacity, and online sales were higher than ever.
10) Pet industry joins forces to save animals from war in Ukraine
In March, we witnessed Kormotech lead an initiative to identify the needs of pet parents, zoos, and shelters on the ground, while other companies sent food and aid from neighboring countries. More pet food companies donated food and continue to do so but are concerned about logistics.