The Ukrainian pet market has shown steady growth despite difficult conditions since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to the expert assessment of the Suziria Group of companies, in 2023, it increased by 27% in hryvnia equivalent compared to 2022. The forecast for 2024 indicates a minimal growth of the pet market by 15%.
One of the key players in the Ukrainian pet market is the Suziria Group family group of full-cycle companies. In 2023, it invested UAH 90 million in infrastructure, created more than 300 new jobs, increased its staff to 2,300 employees, opened about five MasterZoo omnichannel stores every month, and developed and launched a new Half&Half brand for the Ukrainian and international markets. Also, Suziria Group separated the charity vector Suziria Charity and created a charity fund. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of charity and humanitarian aid, UAH 20 million has been allocated, and more than 29.2 tons of fodder have been transferred.
“We have been developing the pet market of Ukraine for three decades, systematically increasing our own R&D potential, distribution and retail capacity. By investing in scaling, the group of companies increases its revenue by 40% annually from 2021. We continue to adhere to our development strategy within Ukraine, simultaneously promoting business in the international arena and showing the world the phenomenon of products created in Ukraine,” — comments Polina Kosharna, co-owner and head of the supervisory board of Suziria Group, founder of the MasterZoo chain of pet stores.
Among the key trends of the pet products market of Ukraine in 2023, Suziria Group singles out the following:
1 – Steady growth: an annual increase of 15% is expected.
2 – Positive dynamics of pet business development among Eastern European countries: the Ukrainian market of pet products grew by 5% in 2023, which is the highest indicator in the region.
3 – Increased spending on pets: Ukrainians treat their pets as family members and are willing to spend more on their upkeep.
4 – Online sales growth: Online sales of pet products increased to 11.2%, up 10.2% from 2022. However, traditional channels — speciality and modern retail chains — remain key for shoppers.
5 – Price, assortment and location: key factors in choosing a place to buy pet supplies.
6 – Receiving pet supplies: Due to the general increase in online shopping, the role of delivery has increased.
In general, the Ukrainian market of pet products continues to show steady growth, which indicates the active and healthy development of the industry and the increased attention of society to pet care issues.
