Operating environment
Market outlook
Published in the Interim Report October–December 2020.
Musti Group operates in the Nordic pet care market, broadly defined as the sale of pet food, treats, products, services and veterinary care across Finland, Sweden and Norway. The market was estimated to be worth approximately EUR 2.9 billion (in 2019), with Sweden as the largest market, accounting for approximately EUR 1.2 billion, and Finland and Norway estimated to be similar in size, at approximately EUR 0.9 billion and approximately EUR 0.8 billion, respectively.
“Pet Parenting” refers to the tendency of people to treat their pets like family members. As a result of this trend, people are spending more on higher quality and more premium food, as well as a more diverse range of products and services. This underlying trend that drives the long-term structural growth of the pet care market remains robust, shifting spend towards higher quality nutrition, a more diverse range of accessories and wider adoption of services. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected market dynamics since spring 2020 mainly through an increased number of puppies and kittens, in line with historical evidence of developments during economic downturns, and increased demand in online channels.
The pet care market is resilient, underpinned by non-discretionary purchasing behaviour. Non-discretionary categories such as food, cat litter and veterinary services make up approximately 75% of total market spend and are characterised by repeat purchasing behaviour that is consistent through the cycle. Consumers display willingness to sustain spending on nondiscretionary pet care purchases even while expenditure on alternative categories has been affected.
Trends in the Nordic pet care market
