The domestic pet food market has grown to approximately 2.4 trillion won, prompting active targeting of pet-owning households by the food and retail industries. Food companies are increasing functional products tailored to pets' health and life stages, while restaurants and shopping malls are attracting customers with pet-specific menus and companion spaces.
According to industry sources, as of last year, the proportion of households raising pets in South Korea was about 29.2%, with the pet food market estimated at $1.783 billion (approximately 2.4 trillion won). This figure has nearly doubled from $893.5 million in 2018 over the past seven years.
As the perception of pets as family members spreads, demand for nutritious and health-conscious products, as well as spaces for shared experiences, is increasing.
The food industry is actively integrating its accumulated raw material sourcing and research and development (R&D) capabilities into pet food. Dongwon F&B has expanded its tuna-based brand 'NutriPlan' from wet canned products to dry food and treats, exporting to over ten countries, including the United States, Japan, and Vietnam. The company aims to achieve pet food sales of 200 billion won by 2027, focusing on expanding its overseas business, particularly in North America. Recently, it launched a functional pet food called 'DailyMune' enriched with its own omega-3.
Pulmuone has restructured its pet food division as a new growth business under the CEO's direct supervision, developing the 'Amio' brand. The company has broadened its product range from snacks to staple foods, enhancing offerings aimed at senior dogs and weight management. Last year, Amio's sales increased by 33% compared to the previous year.
Daesang Pet Life is expanding its business in the healthcare sector, focusing on protein drinks and nutritional snacks, while hy is developing products for gut health and weight management using patented probiotics.
The restaurant and retail sectors are also expanding companion spaces. Starbucks has established a pet park at its The Bukhan River R branch and a pet zone of about 50 pyeong at its Guri Galmae DT branch, complete with dedicated chairs. The cumulative number of visitors to these two locations has exceeded 2 million. Starfield offers pet stroller rentals and indoor resting areas, and its grass pet parks in Hanam, Goyang, Anseong, and Suwon are equipped with drinking fountains and washing stations.
Mad for Garlic sells dedicated menu items such as pet star meatballs and ginseng chicken soup at its pet-friendly store 'With Pet.' Currently, it operates four With Pet locations at Starfield Market Gyeongsan, Anseong Starfield, Starfield Village Unjeong, and Suwon Convention Center.
Despite market growth, the high dependence on imports for domestic pet food remains a challenge. According to data received by Kim Seon-kyo, a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, the import value of pet food last year was $342.5 million (approximately 460 billion won), about 2.1 times the export value of $160.5 million (approximately 216 billion won). The trade balance recorded a deficit of $182 million (approximately 244 billion won), marking 11 consecutive years of deficits since 2015.
Kim emphasized the need for basic statistics that reflect the scale and changes in the pet market to properly analyze the industry's competitiveness.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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