The pet industry in Ukraine

Ukraine’s pet industry has proven remarkably resilient amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Local manufacturers have responded by expanding their international presence and enhancing operations to keep up with rising demand. Let’s find out more about the pet industry in Ukraine. 

Pet population in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has caused a significant 16% drop in the country’s pet population, contributing to an overall 1.9% decline in Eastern Europe’s pet population.

Despite this, Ukraine’s pet landscape remains diverse. Cats are the most popular pets, with around 7.6 million, followed by 4.9 million dogs.

The FEDIAF European Pet Food report also highlights other pet populations, including 778,000 birds, 447,000 aquarium inhabitants, 893,000 small mammals and 897,000 reptiles, demonstrating the country’s varied pet ownership.

Pet industry in Ukraine: size and growth perspective

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s pet industry grew by 27% in 2023, with expectations for a 15% increase in 2024, according to Suziria Group data. 

Local producers are gaining ground, particularly in the premium pet food segment, which continues to lead the market as pet owners seek high-quality, balanced nutrition. 

According to recent insights by local company Kormotech, the Ukrainian pet food market saw a 9% increase in volume in the first 10 months of 2024, with the snack category doubling its market share. 

This growth is further fueled by the rise in pet ownership, especially through increased shelter adoptions.

Alongside the demand for premium products, the market is shifting toward greater social responsibility, with initiatives focused on animal welfare becoming more prominent. 

Local manufacturers are expanding their product ranges and export capabilities to meet domestic and international demand. 

With premiumization, online sales growth and a stronger focus on socially responsible practices, Ukraine’s pet market is poised for continued success in the years ahead.

The country’s pet food market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.33% from 2024 to 2029, reaching 312.8 million kg by 2029. 

Ukraine’s pet industry focuses on import/export growth amidst challenges

The war in Ukraine has severely disrupted the pet industry, impacting regional trade and supply chains. 

Baltic pet manufacturers, for instance, have faced rising raw material costs due to the conflict, forcing them to absorb these hikes to remain competitive. 

The war’s effect on Ukraine’s grain output, a key ingredient in pet food production, has also contributed to global price increases.

Black Sea grain deal
Russia’s termination of the Black Sea grain deal has further compounded the situation, disrupting global grain exports, including from Ukraine.

This has led to notable price hikes in pet food across several European countries, with prices rising by as much as 18.5% in markets such as the UK, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands.

Despite these challenges, local pet food producers like Suziria and Kormotech are pushing forward with their expansion plans. Suziria has secured a $2 million (€1.9M) USAID grant to build a new facility in Kalush, intending to reduce imports and boost exports to neighboring countries. 

Similarly, Kormotech is advancing its expansion with a $2.1 million (€2M) EBRD loan to establish a second factory in Lithuania, improving its export capacity and diversifying its geographic presence.

Meanwhile, Baltic companies like KIKA Group are seeing growth. In 2023, exports to Ukraine increased by 63%. KIKA plans to expand further by opening a new wet food production facility to enhance its presence in European retail chains, including in Ukraine.

Pet industry in Ukraine’s retail landscape

Operated by Suziria Group, Master Zoo has expanded to 170 stores nationwide as of late 2023. With plans to reach 300 locations, the retailer is aiming for a 10% share of the pet retail market in Ukraine. 

Rozetka is leading the online pet supplies market in Ukraine and achieved net sales of approximately $40 million (€38.4M) in 2023.