The easing cost-of-living crisis across Europe has boosted pet food sales, but Eastern Europe experienced sluggish growth in 2023 due to inflation, with recovery underway in 2024. The pet care market saw slower value growth of 13% in 2024 compared to 20% in 2023, with mid-priced products rebounding and private-label sales increasing due to affordability and improved quality. In Hungary, high inflation and economic hardship impacted pet ownership, with shelters filling up as some owners returned pets. Despite challenges, healthy and premium pet food trends remain strong, driven by consumer focus on pet well-being and ingredient transparency.
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