Turkey as supplier base of the Eurasian region?

The global pet sector is ranked among the top 5 developing industries with attractive prospects, and in Turkey things are looking very positive too. Although pet ownership is still only about a third of that in European countries, it is increasing rapidly, particularly among younger people. Currently, 12% of Turkish households own a pet.

Expanding sector

Turkey has a population of 84 million, and the growing number of pet consumers is leading to a very visible expansion in the pet care sector. There are now 7,000 pet stores and veterinary clinics, and more pet food factories, cat litter and other production facilities have opened.

Volume growth

Since the pandemic began, pet market volume in Turkey has grown by about 25%, and numbers of manufacturers and suppliers are increasing at the same pace.

Istanbul has the easiest access to global markets, so the city has the largest share of the pet products sector and leads in both production and consumption. Head offices of many companies are located here. Other important centers for the sector are Izmir, Ankara, Bursa and Antalya.

With a $200 million (€175M) export market and $600 million (€525M) domestic market by the end of last year, Turkey’s sales in the pet sector are on their way to reaching the 1 billion dollar mark.

Product and service diversity

The diversity of suppliers and products in Turkey has increased significantly – especially in the past 5 years. There is 4 times the number of companies, covering all possible market segments. From dry food to wet food to treats, food supplements to pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, textiles and garments to other accessories, and aquariums to cages to cat litter. Since 2018, there has been rapid growth in pet services too, meeting increased demand for grooming, training, pet hotels and even pet taxi services.

Flying high

Pets other than cats and dogs are also popular among the Turkish population. Turkey has the second-highest number of birds kept as pets, after Italy. More and more brands are selling bird foods and fish feed, and these products are exported to 30 countries too.

Exhibition breaking records

From Ulusal Fuarcılık’s perspective, as a company that organizes international pet exhibitions in Turkey, the diversity of domestic and foreign exhibitors and visitors proves, first of all, the accessibility of the Turkish market, as well as that of Eurasian and global markets via Turkey. And interest in the Turkish pet market continues to grow. The record exhibitor and visitor numbers at the recent PETZOO Eurasia 2021 exhibition were further evidence of this.

Investing in the Turkish market

The developing market in Turkey certainly has a part to play in the growing global pet sector. And the many opportunities it offers will encourage domestic and foreign companies and exporters to invest more and more in the Turkish pet sector.

Key stats

GROWTH RATES IN 2021:

• Physical pet retail channel sales – 7%
• E-commerce channel sales – 20%
• Pet product sales outside the metropolitan areas – 25%
• Foreign trade volume – 128%

GROWTH FORECASTS FOR 2022-2025

• Total pet product sales – 15% per year
• Over $400 million (€350M) pet product exports by 2025