The pet industry in Poland

The pet industry in Poland

An overview of the pet industry in Poland in 2024, including the most recent statistics and trends.

Poland’s pet industry is growing, driven by a shift toward premium pet food, rising pet adoptions and increasing demand for private-label products. Just like pierogi, pets are becoming a staple in Polish households.

Polish pet population

In Poland, 49% of households have a dog, and 40% have a cat, making it a leader in Eastern Europe for pet ownership. Dogs make up 47.5% of the pet population, with 8.1 million of them in 2023. Cats account for 29.7%, with 7.25 million claiming an important place in Polish homes and the growing pet industry.

Polish pet food market

According to Mordor Intelligence’s report, the Polish pet food market, valued at $2.5 billion (€2.4B) in 2024, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%, reaching $4.8 billion (€4.5B) by 2029.

This growth is driven by a shift from home-cooked meals to commercial pet food, reflecting a trend of pet humanization and a wider range of available products. 

Graphic for the size of the Poland's pet food market.

This has spurred steady growth in the pet food market, which is projected to expand annually by 3.93% due to increased consumer spending. According to Statista, per capita revenue will reach $43.31 (€41.28) in 2024, $20.40 (€19.50) more than in 2018. 

However, Polish pet owners remain cost-conscious in other ways. They often rely on family or friends for pet care during vacations instead of spending extra on daycare. 

Wet food is the most popular category, and smaller food packages under 5 kg dominate the market, especially those under 100 g, which make up over half of cat food purchases. 

Import and export data of pet industry in Poland

Pet food is a significant export commodity for Poland, totaling $2 billion (€1.9B) in 2023, representing 0.5% of the country’s global exports and 4% of its agri-food sector. Dog and cat food accounted for the majority at $1.5 billion (€1.4B), 76% of total pet food exports. 

These products were shipped to 76 countries, with Germany being the largest importer. The Polish pet food market, valued at $1.1 billion (€1B) in 2023, is projected to grow 5-7% annually. 

The country’s growing export relationships, especially with China, and continued investments, such as the acquisition of PsiBufet by Butternut Box, point to a strong outlook for Poland’s pet food sector.

Poland has become a key hub for import and export activity in the pet food market. In 2023, Kormotech’s sales in the country grew by 11%, reflecting its expanding market presence. The company also relocated its warehouses to safeguard operations and strengthen Eastern European distribution. 

Similarly, Suziria Group reported that Poland accounted for 33% of its export sales in the first half of 2024. KIKA Group’s exports to Poland grew by 50%, making it one of its fastest-growing European markets. 

Symrise’s pet food division also saw double-digit growth in Poland, driven by strong market performance and increased production efforts.

Retail landscape

Plaček Group acquired Poland’s largest pet chain, Kakadu, in 2014 and now runs over 390 stores across Eastern Europe. The company is growing both in-store and online, introducing 24/7 self-service Super Zoo locations and investing in a new warehouse in Poděbrady, 64 km east of Prague. 

Future plans include expanding into Western Europe through franchises while focusing on efficiency, private-label products and customer satisfaction.

Fressnapf, Europe’s leading pet retailer, is expanding in Poland with a new 47,500-square-meter logistics center to support its stores and omnichannel growth. The company is enhancing customer experience with grooming salons and digital services, including its app-based loyalty program, “Friends.”

Poland leads Eastern Europe in pet e-commerce, with over 20% of sales online. The premium pet food market is expected to rebound as inflation eases, driven by growing demand for high-protein and natural ingredients.

Graphic for the share of e-commerce sales in pet care.

Private-label pet food on the rise in Poland

Private-label pet food is gaining ground in Poland, with a 3.7% increase in volume and a 5.1% rise in market share. Inflation and shifting consumer preferences have fueled this trend across Europe as more pet owners seek budget-friendly alternatives.

Despite slightly higher prices than other markets, private-label options are expanding, especially in discount stores. With household budgets still under pressure, this segment is expected to keep growing, further strengthening its position in the Polish pet food market.

Strategic investments fuel growing pet industry in Poland

Several strategic moves in Poland underscore its growing importance in the European pet market:

The European Commission approved Bunge’s $34 billion (€32.7B) merger with Viterra, contingent on the divestment of Viterra’s oilseed business in Poland. Assisi Pet Care expanded its European footprint by acquiring Maced, a Polish dog treat producer, while United Petfood boosted its manufacturing capacity by acquiring two production facilities from Cargill in Krzepice, 247 km southwest of Warsaw.

French company Zolux is expanding in Poland, focusing on sustainability by sourcing 74% of materials locally. Meanwhile, BIOFEED has made significant investments in the country, shifting to pet food production with a new high-capacity plant designed to meet growing demand and support global expansion.

These moves reflect Poland’s rising role as a hub for innovation and sustainability in the pet industry. With a growing range of local and international investments, the country’s position as a leader in Eastern Europe’s pet food sector is set to strengthen. This is backed by an expanding market, evolving consumer preferences, and increasing export opportunities.