The Italian pet industry is thriving, driven by a growing pet population and increasing consumer trends in the pet food market. According to a collaborative report by ASSALCO and Zoomark, Italy had 64.95 million pets in households in 2022, with 42% of families owning at least one pet. Dogs and cats were the most popular choices, with 28% and 22% of households owning them, respectively. The report also highlighted a rising trend of Italians adopting multiple pets, nearly doubling from 9.9% to 17.2% between 2015 and 2022.

This surge in pet ownership has led to a heightened demand for pet products, particularly pet food. Giorgio Massoni, president of ASSALCO, emphasized the significant role pets play in Italian households, providing companionship, stress relief, and alleviating loneliness. Italian pet owners are now dedicating more time and attention to their pets, resulting in a resilient market performance, even during challenging times like 2022.

Despite facing inflationary pressures across various consumer sectors, Italian pet owners are reluctant to cut back on pet-related expenses. A survey revealed that 85% of respondents noticed rising prices, yet only a small percentage of cat and dog owners were willing to reduce their pet spending. Instead, they opted to trim their expenditures in other areas, such as dining out, vacations, clothing, and beauty products. Additionally, Italian pet owners contend with a high value-added tax (VAT) rate on pet food and veterinary care, currently set at 22%. ASSALCO and Zoomark are advocating for a reduced VAT rate of 10%, considering the essential nature of pet food and the important role that pets play in society.

Source:
https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/17010-italian-pet-food-sales-near-3-billion