The US pet treat market continues to exhibit good growth potential. The market survey company Packaged Facts estimates that total US retail sales of pet treats exceeded $5 billion in 2014, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 per cent during the 2010 to 2014 period. According to the company, the treat market has consistently outpaced the more mature pet food market and pet supplies in general.
The growth in the pet treat market was accomplished even in the face of greater scrutiny by US pet owners due to ongoing concerns regarding the safety of Chinese-manufactured pet treats and concerns about the potential contamination of pet products produced stateside. Sales growth in the treat market moderated in 2012 and 2013 after a wave of recalls, but quickly rebounded as the treat market overall saw an increase of almost 6 per cent in 2014.
The detailed findings were published in the new Packaged Facts report “Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S.”. In the report, Packaged Facts also identifies three key emerging trends in the pet treats market related to humanisation that are expected to have an impact on present and future sales. These include homemade and artisanal pet treats, superfood ingredients in pet treats and pet treats featuring wine and beer themes.
