Analysts within the United States’ Division of Agriculture (USDA) consider there are alternatives for extra exports of pet meals from the US to Canada. The U.S. is by far the most important exporter of pet meals to Canada, and Canada is the most important export marketplace for U.S. canine, cat and different pet meals. Nonetheless, USDA International Agricultural Companies analysts detailed additional potential within the report “Alternatives for Increasing U.S. Pet Meals Exports to Canada.”
At present, 90% of Canada’s pet meals imports come from the U.S., adopted by Thailand at 4% and China and the European Union at 2% every.
“In 2021, Canada was the vacation spot for practically half of all U.S. pet meals exports,” USDA analyst Kortni Blalock wrote within the report. “Canada’s geographical proximity, massive disposable earnings, excessive pet possession fee, well being consciousness, and desire for e-commerce make it a wonderful market alternative for U.S. pet meals exporters.”
Citing Euromonitor Worldwide knowledge, Blalock wrote that Canada’s pet meals retail worth is forecast to develop past US6.7 billion by 2027. In 2021, Canadian pet meals imports from the US reached US$958 million. These imports grew by 19.6% within the first eight months of 2022, in comparison with the identical interval final yr.
Canine and cat meals imports by Canada
In 2021, premium canine kibble gross sales had been 14 instances increased than premium moist pet food gross sales, and will enhance to US$1.9 billion by 2027. Contemplating cat meals, retail gross sales are forecast to exceed US$1.7 billion USD by 2027, led by premium dry cat meals. On-line gross sales of cat meals grew from 2019 to 2021, rising 92.3%, whereas grocery retailer gross sales fell 15.9%. In 2021, cat meals gross sales in grocery shops reached US$582 million, whereas e-commerce gross sales had been valued at US$262 million.
In April 2021, the Canadian Meals Inspection Company (CFIA) stopped requiring import permits for processed, shelf-stable pet meals or treats. Import circumstances do nonetheless embrace a zoosanitary certificates and an importer’s assertion of compliance.
“Alternatives for U.S. pet meals in Canada are promising and proceed to develop,” Blalock wrote. “Potential exporters want to contemplate meals traits, demographics, and the significance of e-commerce when advertising to the Canadian shopper. Canadian pet house owners are inserting rising significance on their animals and need the best high quality substances afforded by their excessive disposable incomes. These components, together with Canada’s proximity and comparable well being requirements, make Canada a wonderful marketplace for U.S. pet meals exports.”
