The clues behind the 7.2% increase in global pet food production in 2022

Global feed production remained stable in 2022 at 1.2 billion short tons. Pet feed had the highest increase among the surveyed sectors, with a 7.25% rise in production worldwide, compared to aquaculture’s 2.7% increase, 1.27% in the broiler sector, and 0.31% in poultry layer-sector feed. 

According to Alltech, a significant increase in pet feed was primarily due to the rise in pet ownership. North America and Europe remain the top pet feed-producing regions.

Pig feed production decreased globally in 2022 by nearly 3%, followed by dairy feed at 1.32% and beef feed at 0.34%.

Aqua feed production in 2022 was reportedly 52.91 million tons, while the pet sector produced 35.27 million tons of feed. 

Europe, Africa, and the Middle East 

Europe recorded a 1.65% increase in 2022, of which a large chunk came from France. Overall production tonnage stood at 11.78 million in the continent. Pet feed in the northwestern European nation surged 75%, up 2.1 million tons from 1.2 million in 2021. Russian feed production increased by 9%.

Africa witnessed the biggest drop in pet feed production by nearly 25%, with all countries except Kenya seeing a decrease in 2022 compared to the previous year. Alltech notes that several feed mills in Kenya are now manufacturing pet foods.  

Latin America recorded the highest regional growth in the sector at 19.2%, producing a total of 8.86 million tons. Chile saw an increasing demand for pet food and a rise in pet feed production. 

The Middle East, particularly Israel, saw a pet feed production boost of 17.2%. 

Asia Pacific 

Asia-Pacific noted a 9.33% growth, with The Philippines (34%) contributing significantly to global figures. According to Alltech, the pandemic boosted local production, with top food manufacturers getting into the pet food business. South Korea, too, is seeing an increase in pet meal production. 

Pet food manufacturing grew in North America by 5.66%, totaling 11.20 million tons. Inflation in pet food influenced revenue value in the US. Alltech highlighted a 35% increase in freeze-dried and dehydrated pet food capacity with a slight boost in human-grade, frozen, and fresh pet foods. 

Pet feed manufacturing rose by 11% in the Oceania region, largely from Australia (11.1%). 

Aquaculture feed production

China, Vietnam, India, Norway, and Indonesia were the top 5 producers in the category for 2022. The Middle East accounted for the highest growth, with 13.14%. 

Asia-Pacific contributed 38.34 million tons of the global 52.91 million tons manufactured last year.