Bangladesh's Booming Cat Food Market: Local Brands Lead the Way
The pet food market in Bangladesh, particularly for cats, is booming. With a growth rate of 10% to 15% per year, it's a sector to watch. Imports of cat food alone reached 32,156 metric tons in the 2024-25 marketing year. But it's not just about numbers; pet humanization is also driving this growth.
Fatema Tuz Zohra, the founder of Chonk, the first local cat-food brand in Bangladesh, has played a significant role in this growth. In 2024, Chonk became the first local brand to launch production of dry cat food, a milestone for the domestic market. Currently, the Bangladeshi cat food market is estimated at BDT 5 billion (US$43 million), with BDT 4 billion (US$38 million) met by imports.
The government is optimistic about replacing these imports with local production in the coming years. The increase of the middle-class population and higher disposable incomes are key drivers of this market growth. Cats, accounting for 90% of pet ownership in Bangladesh, are at the heart of this boom. Cat adoption has doubled over the past three years, further fueling the demand for pet food.
The Bangladeshi cat food market is thriving, with local brands like Chonk leading the way. As the market continues to grow, driven by increasing cat ownership and a supportive economic environment, the government aims to reduce reliance on imports. This growth presents exciting opportunities for both local and international players in the pet food industry.
