Safety Concerns Expected to Breed $1.2 Billion in Sales Growth for Natural Pet Products Market

New York, October 9, 2007 — Consumer concern over pet food safety, stemming from the spring 2007 pet food recalls, combined with an already high consumer interest in natural and organic products, will propel the market for natural pet products from $1.3 billion in 2007 to $2.5 billion by 2012, according to Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S., a new report from Packaged Facts.

The report shows tracked sales of natural pet food through supermarkets, drugstores, and mass merchandisers surging in 2006, rising more than 200% to reach $29 million. Sales exploded during the first two quarters of 2007, however, nearly tripling to $82 million and further showing the impact of changing consumer perceptions in the wake of the recalls. Packaged Facts expects to see full-year 2007 tracked sales of natural pet food at approximately $180 million—more than a 500% jump over 2006 sales.

Yet the surge in natural sales isn’t limited to pet food alone. Accounting for approximately one-fifth of 2007 sales, natural pet care products registered a 19% CAGR from 2003 to 2007, and are forecasted to turn in a 10% CAGR from 2007 to 2012, bringing sales to $458 million.

“The impact of the pet food recall may be felt for years to come, as consumers make product safety a top concern and marketers respond by placing appeals like product safety, reliability, and quality at the forefront,” notes Don Montuori, Vice President of Publishing. “Although pet specialty outlets are still the primary venue for natural and organic products, these products are rapidly infiltrating mass-market outlets, where growing demand represents big opportunities for natural and organic marketers.”

Now in its 2nd edition, Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S. provides a comprehensive look at the market for dog and cat products specifically positioned as natural, organic, or eco-friendly in both food and non-pet-food categories. The report examines new product trends, offers competitive profiles of industry leaders, and looks at consumer trends and behaviors. The report is available from Packaged Facts by visiting: http://www.packagedfacts.com/Natural-Organic-Eco-1391923.

About Packaged Facts
Packaged Facts publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods, food and beverage, and demographics. For more information visit www.PackagedFacts.com, or contact Tom Ehart at 240-747-3014, or tehart@marketresearch.com.