Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/12/2014 -- While sales of dog and cat food appear to be less vulnerable to the adverse effects on consumption of a recessionary economic environment, the current steep and prolonged economic downturn in Italy showed only negligible growth in 2012 as well as slightly altered purchasing habits. Private label share has grown slightly over the past several years, while there has been a modest shift towards the economy end of the price spectrum as economically battered consumers seek to save money on their shopping bills. Italians overwhelmingly prefer wet dog and cat food to dry varieties, a pattern that has not been altered by the current recession, despite the fact that dry pet food is generally more inexpensive. In terms of packaging, this preference has made aluminium/plastic pouches the biggest form of packaging type, accounting for over 40% of volume sales of dog and cat food in Italy in 2012. In fact, over the review period, the importance of aluminium/plastic pouches in dog and cat food grew more pronounced, coinciding with the precipitous decline in the use and purchasing of metal packaging, particularly aluminium trays, for wet dog and cat food. Consumers increasingly prefer stand-up pouches and flexible plastic packaging as they offer greater ease of use and convenience and are resealable.

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Industry Prospects

While the Italian economic recovery is expected to be fragile at best over the next several years, sales of dog and cat food are expected to be almost flat during the 2011-2016 period. The overall resilience of dog and cat food sales in a very difficult economic environment is due in no small part to the high degree of humanisation of pets in Italy. Under this scenario, pet owners will increasingly indulge, pamper, spoil and cater to the wants and needs of their dogs and cats. This will translate into increasing sales for dog and cat treats and mixers, particularly those that offer added health and wellness benefits. For packaging, this development will be accompanied by rising sales of aluminium/plastic pouches as well as flexible plastic packaging. A growing number are expected to feature convenience features such as zip/lock closures and other features that will allow the snacks to remain fresh and retain their nutritional properties for a longer period of time. Similarly, there is expected to be continued growth of foods that indulge pets, ranging from wet and dry offerings with gourmet recipes, fresh and natural ingredients, exotic seasonings and condiments to those with functional qualities.

Report Overview

Discover the latest market trends and uncover sources of future market growth for the Dog and Cat Food Packaging industry in Italy with research from Euromonitor's team of in-country analysts.

Find hidden opportunities in the most current research data available, understand competitive threats with our detailed market analysis, and plan your corporate strategy with our expert qualitative analysis and growth projections.

If you're in the Dog and Cat Food Packaging industry in Italy, our research will save you time and money while empowering you to make informed, profitable decisions.

The Dog and Cat Food Packaging in Italy market research report includes:

- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volumes in units and filled volumes
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth  
- Robust and transparent market research methodology, conducted in-country

Our market research reports answer questions such as:

- What are the major food pack types and how are they performing in Italy?
- How are consumption trends impacting the food packaging landscape?
- What have been the key trends seen in new packaging developments?

Reasons to Get this Report

- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions

Product coverage: Cat Food, Dog Food.

Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

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