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Pet owners drive the growth of European pet care market
Image cat eating
Cat food represents more than half of all pet care sales across Europe.

A recent report shows pet food sales in 2013 boosted the European pet market to €8.5 billion

A recent report suggests pet owners helped to keep the European pet market afloat in 2013, despite the continuing recession.

The Pulse Report was launched during National Pet Month in the UK, and showed that last year's pet market was worth €8.5 billion, growing in value by 1.7 per cent across six key markets - France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and the UK.

The report, which is published by global market and shopper intelligence firm IRI, reveals trends and insights into popular retail categories across the UK and Europe.

According to IRI, this growth in value was driven by an increase in product price inflation and the availability of smaller sizes of premium branded products, rather than the volume of sales.

In consistency with previous years, cat food appears to be the trendsetter in pet care, representing more than half of all pet care sales across Europe in 2013. Cat owners in particular fuelled the market's success, with cat food delivering the fastest growth after pet accessories. This growth in cat food sales was driven by the availability of single-serving packs of wet and dry cat food, and especially of premium brands.

The report also showed that dog food increased its share in 2013, but at a slower pace, with sales of more than €3 billion driven by dog snacks and treats.

Paulo Garro, Director of Business Insights IRI, says:

"It's interesting that pet care appears to be an increasingly polarised category. Shoppers are trading down, with private labels growing across most European markets, offering a cheaper but acceptable alternative to premium brands during challenging economic times. But shoppers are unique in this market, and a dog owner may shop very differently to a cat owner, so manufacturers must continue to innovate and defend their brand equity."

According to the report, there was limited product innovation in 2013 compared to previous years, with the exception of the major brands developing premium tastes in small sizes, or new user friendly packages. "Oral care" snacks and treats continued to grow in importance.

The IRI Pulse Report for pet care can be viewed here.

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.