South Korea Cat Food Market Report: Trends, Growth and Forecast (2025-2030)
By Product (Wet Cat Food, Dry Cat Food, Treats and Mixers), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), By Ingredient (Animal Derivatives, Plant Derivatives), By Pricing (Economy, Mid-Priced, Premium), By Pet Type (Kitten/Pup, Adult, Senior), By Packaging (Pouches, Bags, Folding cartons, Tubs & Cups, Can, Bottles & jars), By Sales Channel (Retail Channels, Non-Retail Channels)
- Food & Beverage
- Nov 2025
- VI0158
- 115
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South Korea Cat Food Market Statistics and Insights, 2025
- Market Size Statistics
- Cat Food in South Korea is estimated at $ 640 Million.
- The market size is expected to grow to $ 890 Million by 2030.
- Market to register a CAGR of around 5.65% during 2025-30.
- Product Shares
- Dry Cat Food grabbed market share of 55%.
- Dry Cat Food to witness a volume CAGR of around 5.26%.
- Competition
- More than 20 companies are actively engaged in producing Cat Food in South Korea.
- Top 5 companies acquired 55% of the market share.
- Dongwon F&B Co Ltd, Cargill Agri Purina Inc, Lotte Nestlé Korea Co Ltd, Royal Canin Korea, Daejoo Inc etc., are few of the top companies.
- Sales Channel
- Retail Channels grabbed 95% of the market.
South Korea Cat Food Market Outlook
South Korea cat food market will continue to grow steadily between 2025 and 2030 with the increasing cat population and rising popularity of keeping cats as pets. As households increasingly become smaller and people move toward urban living, cats are favored over dogs as they are easier to maintain. This trend is likely to continue to propel the demand for cat food, particularly dry food, that is cheaper and more convenient for most pet owners in urban centers.
The economic difficulties of persistent inflation and sluggish recovery are affecting consumer trends. While the premium dry cat food still retains its appeal to pet owners concerned about health, economy dry cat food is also increasing fast. This is helped by a rise in individuals feeding stray cats, which is perceived as more economical to demonstrate care for animals. Mid-prices are meanwhile losing traction, with a distinct gap in consumer expenditures.
Issues of trust arising from the 2024 mass feline fatalities will take a long time to impact the market. With the cause still shrouded in mystery, most consumers are opting for foreign brands, which are deemed safer and more trustworthy. Local brands will have to regain trust with enhanced safety features and improved openness to stay competitive.
E-commerce will continue to be a leader in cat food distribution, with convenience and price benefits available on platforms such as Coupang and Naver. Offline channels like Daiso will also play a key role, however, providing affordable, accessible products for price-conscious consumers.
South Korea Cat Food Market Growth Driver
The number of cats in South Korea is increasing much more rapidly than that of dogs, primarily because of increasing urbanisation and the growing number of one- and two-person families. Cats are considered low-maintenance companions that are suitable for small flats and hectic city lives. With their capacity to acclimatise to small living spaces, cats are an obvious choice for most city residents. This trend further raises the number of urban cat owners, thereby directly enhancing the demand for feline cuisine.
South Korea cat owners also have more powerful purchasing capabilities than dog owners and tend to spend more on their pets overall. Wet cat food is one of the primary areas of expenditure, as it aids in hydration – a top priority for feline well-being. Although dry cat food is still the largest contributor to the market, cat wet food is increasingly popular, and because it tends to cost more, this further fuels overall market expansion.
South Korea Cat Food Market Opportunity
Rising competition from low-cost retail chains such as Daiso is likely to generate fresh prospects for sales of cat food in South Korea during 2025–2030. With economic uncertainty persisting, consumers are expected to prefer low-priced and easily available products. Daiso's tight price policy—no product more than KRW5,000—places it in a good position to satisfy this demand. Its increasing range of pet care products, including popular cat food brands, is likely to tempt cost-conscious shoppers seeking convenient, value-for-money products.
In contrast to bulk packages offered by online or big-box stores, Daiso offers individual pieces, allowing customers to try multiple products easily, particularly for finicky cats. With more than 1,500 stores across the country and a strong impulse purchase rate, Daiso can expect to contribute to wider market growth. This trend can also prompt other offline stores to launch low-cost, smaller-pack units, enhancing consumer optionality and future demand.
| Report Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Forecast | 2025-30 |
| USD Value 2024 | $ 640 Million |
| USD Value 2030 | $ 890 Million |
| CAGR 2025-2030 | 5.65% |
| Largest Category | Dry Cat Food segment leads with 55% market share |
| Top Drivers | Urban Lifestyle and Changing Pet Preferences Driving Market Demand |
| Top Opportunities | Rising Potential of Low-Cost Retail Formats in Boosting Cat Food Demand |
| Key Players | Dongwon F&B Co Ltd, Cargill Agri Purina Inc, Lotte Nestlé Korea Co Ltd, Royal Canin Korea, Daejoo Inc, Inaba Pet Food Co Ltd, Mars Korea Inc, Wooriwa Co Ltd, Harim Pet Food Co Ltd, Sajo Donga One Co Ltd and Others. |
South Korea Cat Food Market Segmentation Analysis
The retail e-commerce segment has the largest market share in the sales channel and is set to represent approximately three quarters of South Korea's cat food value sales in 2025. This is a significant increase from a third in 2020. Convenience, competitive value, and quick delivery have fueled growth. Sites such as Coupang have become popular due to their Rocket Delivery feature and prices, while Naver is used for product comparison or out-of-stock items. Subsequently, the previous segmentation—where cat owners preferred specialist sites—has been lost, with the majority now utilizing general marketplaces.
Even with the supremacy of online shopping, offline channels like supermarkets, hypermarkets, and pet stores are still popular. Cat owners tend to trust recommendations in person from friends or veterinarians, particularly because they cannot taste the food for themselves. These offline channels continue to influence habits even when the final order is placed online.
Top Companies in South Korea Cat Food Market
The top companies operating in the market include Dongwon F&B Co Ltd, Cargill Agri Purina Inc, Lotte Nestlé Korea Co Ltd, Royal Canin Korea, Daejoo Inc, Inaba Pet Food Co Ltd, Mars Korea Inc, Wooriwa Co Ltd, Harim Pet Food Co Ltd, Sajo Donga One Co Ltd, etc., are the top players operating in the South Korea Cat Food Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Report
1. Market Segmentation
1.1. Research Scope
1.2. Research Methodology
1.3. Definitions and Assumptions
2. Executive Summary
3. South Korea Cat Food Market Policies, Regulations, and Standards
4. South Korea Cat Food Market Dynamics
4.1. Growth Factors
4.2. Challenges
4.3. Trends
4.4. Opportunities
5. South Korea Cat Food Market Statistics, 2020-2030F
5.1. Market Size & Growth Outlook
5.1.1.By Revenues in US$ Million
5.1.2.By Quantity Sold in Kilo Tons
5.2. Market Segmentation & Growth Outlook
5.2.1.By Product
5.2.1.1. Wet Cat Food- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.1.2. Dry Cat Food- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.1.3. Treats and Mixers- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.2.By Nature
5.2.2.1. Organic- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.2.2. Conventional- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.3.By Ingredient
5.2.3.1. Animal Derivatives- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.3.2. Plant Derivatives- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.4.By Pricing
5.2.4.1. Economy- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.4.2. Mid-Priced- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.4.3. Premium- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.5.By Pet Type
5.2.5.1. Kitten/Pup- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.5.2. Adult- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.5.3. Senior- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.6.By Packaging
5.2.6.1. Pouches- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.6.2. Bags- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.6.3. Folding cartons- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.6.4. Tubs & Cups- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.6.5. Can- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.6.6. Bottles & jars- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.7.By Sales Channel
5.2.7.1. Retail Channels- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.7.1.1. Retail Offline- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.7.1.2. Retail Online- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.7.2. Non-Retail Channels- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.7.2.1. Veterinary Clinics- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
5.2.8.By Competitors
5.2.8.1. Competition Characteristics
5.2.8.2. Market Share & Analysis
6. South Korea Wet Cat Food Market Statistics, 2020-2030F
6.1. Market Size & Growth Outlook
6.1.1.By Revenues in US$ Million
6.1.2.By Quantity Sold in Kilo Tons
6.2. Market Segmentation & Growth Outlook
6.2.1.By Nature- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
6.2.2.By Ingredient- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
6.2.3.By Pricing- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
6.2.4.By Pet Type- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
6.2.5.By Packaging- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
6.2.6.By Distribution Channel- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
7. South Korea Dry Cat Food Market Statistics, 2020-2030F
7.1. Market Size & Growth Outlook
7.1.1.By Revenues in US$ Million
7.1.2.By Quantity Sold in Kilo Tons
7.2. Market Segmentation & Growth Outlook
7.2.1.By Nature- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
7.2.2.By Ingredient- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
7.2.3.By Pricing- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
7.2.4.By Pet Type- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
7.2.5.By Packaging- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
7.2.6.By Distribution Channel- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
8. South Korea Treat and Mixer Cat Food Market Statistics, 2020-2030F
8.1. Market Size & Growth Outlook
8.1.1.By Revenues in US$ Million
8.1.2.By Quantity Sold in Kilo Tons
8.2. Market Segmentation & Growth Outlook
8.2.1.By Nature- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
8.2.2.By Ingredient- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
8.2.3.By Pricing- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
8.2.4.By Pet Type- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
8.2.5.By Packaging- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
8.2.6.By Distribution Channel- Market Insights and Forecast 2020-2030, USD Million
9. Competitive Outlook
9.1. Company Profiles
9.1.1.Royal Canin Korea
9.1.1.1. Business Description
9.1.1.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.1.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.1.4. Recent Developments
9.1.1.5. Financial Details
9.1.1.6. Others
9.1.2.Daejoo Inc
9.1.2.1. Business Description
9.1.2.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.2.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.2.4. Recent Developments
9.1.2.5. Financial Details
9.1.2.6. Others
9.1.3.Inaba Pet Food Co Ltd
9.1.3.1. Business Description
9.1.3.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.3.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.3.4. Recent Developments
9.1.3.5. Financial Details
9.1.3.6. Others
9.1.4.Mars Korea Inc
9.1.4.1. Business Description
9.1.4.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.4.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.4.4. Recent Developments
9.1.4.5. Financial Details
9.1.4.6. Others
9.1.5.Wooriwa Co Ltd
9.1.5.1. Business Description
9.1.5.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.5.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.5.4. Recent Developments
9.1.5.5. Financial Details
9.1.5.6. Others
9.1.6.Dongwon F&B Co Ltd
9.1.6.1. Business Description
9.1.6.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.6.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.6.4. Recent Developments
9.1.6.5. Financial Details
9.1.6.6. Others
9.1.7.Cargill Agri Purina Inc
9.1.7.1. Business Description
9.1.7.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.7.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.7.4. Recent Developments
9.1.7.5. Financial Details
9.1.7.6. Others
9.1.8.Lotte Nestlé Korea Co Ltd
9.1.8.1. Business Description
9.1.8.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.8.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.8.4. Recent Developments
9.1.8.5. Financial Details
9.1.8.6. Others
9.1.9.Harim Pet Food Co Ltd
9.1.9.1. Business Description
9.1.9.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.9.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.9.4. Recent Developments
9.1.9.5. Financial Details
9.1.9.6. Others
9.1.10. Sajo Donga One Co Ltd
9.1.10.1. Business Description
9.1.10.2. Product Portfolio
9.1.10.3. Collaborations & Alliances
9.1.10.4. Recent Developments
9.1.10.5. Financial Details
9.1.10.6. Others
10. Disclaimer
| Segment | Sub-Segment |
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| By Product |
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| By Nature |
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| By Ingredient |
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| By Pricing |
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| By Pet Type |
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| By Packaging |
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| By Sales Channel |
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Research Methodology
This study followed a structured approach comprising four key phases to assess the size and scope of the electro-oxidation market. The process began with thorough secondary research to collect data on the target market, related markets, and broader industry context. These findings, along with preliminary assumptions and estimates, were then validated through extensive primary research involving industry experts from across the value chain. To calculate the overall market size, both top-down and bottom-up methodologies were employed. Finally, market segmentation and data triangulation techniques were applied to refine and validate segment-level estimations.
Secondary Research
The secondary research phase involved gathering data from a wide range of credible and published sources. This step helped in identifying industry trends, defining market segmentation, and understanding the market landscape and value chain.
Sources consulted during this phase included:
- Company annual reports, investor presentations, and press releases
- Industry white papers and certified publications
- Trade directories and market-recognized databases
- Articles from authoritative authors and reputable journals
- Gold and silver standard websites
Secondary research was critical in mapping out the industry's value chain and monetary flow, identifying key market segments, understanding regional variations, and tracking significant industry developments.
Other key sources:
- Financial disclosures
- Industry associations and trade bodies
- News outlets and business magazines
- Academic journals and research studies
- Paid industry databases
Primary Research
To validate secondary data and gain deeper market insights, primary research was conducted with key stakeholders across both the supply and demand sides of the market.
On the demand side, participants included decision-makers and influencers from end-user industries—such as CIOs, CTOs, and CSOs—who provided first-hand perspectives on market needs, product usage, and future expectations.
On the supply side, interviews were conducted with manufacturers, industry associations, and institutional participants to gather insights into current offerings, product pipelines, and market challenges.
Primary interviews provided critical inputs such as:
- Market size and revenue data
- Product and service breakdowns
- Market forecasts
- Regional and application-specific trends
Stakeholders consulted included:
- Leading OEM and solution providers
- Channel and distribution partners
- End users across various applications
- Independent consultants and industry specialists
Market Size Estimation and Data Triangulation
- Identifying Key Market Participants (Secondary Research)
- Goal: To identify the major players or companies in the target market. This typically involves using publicly available data sources such as industry reports, market research publications, and financial statements of companies.
- Tools: Reports from firms like Gartner, Forrester, Euromonitor, Statista, IBISWorld, and others. Public financial statements, news articles, and press releases from top market players.
- Extracting Earnings of Key Market Participants
- Goal: To estimate the earnings generated from the product or service being analyzed. This step helps in understanding the revenue potential of each market player in a specific geography.
- Methods: Earnings data can be gathered from:
- Publicly available financial reports (for listed companies).
- Interviews and primary data sources from professionals, such as Directors, VPs, SVPs, etc. This is especially useful for understanding more nuanced, internal data that isn't publicly disclosed.
- Annual reports and investor presentations of key players.
- Data Collation and Development of a Relevant Data Model
- Goal: To collate inputs from both primary and secondary sources into a structured, data-driven model for market estimation. This model will incorporate key market KPIs and any independent variables relevant to the market.
- Key KPIs: These could include:
- Market size, growth rate, and demand drivers.
- Industry-specific metrics like market share, average revenue per customer (ARPC), or average deal size.
- External variables, such as economic growth rates, inflation rates, or commodity prices, that could affect the market.
- Data Modeling: Based on this data, the market forecasts are developed for the next 5 years. A combination of trend analysis, scenario modeling, and statistical regression might be used to generate projections.
- Scenario Analysis
- Goal: To test different assumptions and validate how sensitive the market is to changes in key variables (e.g., market demand, regulatory changes, technological disruptions).
- Types of Scenarios:
- Base Case: Based on current assumptions and historical data.
- Best-Case Scenario: Assuming favorable market conditions, regulatory environments, and technological advancements.
- Worst-Case Scenario: Accounting for adverse factors, such as economic downturns, stricter regulations, or unexpected disruptions.
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