The Ibero-American pet market, a business opportunity for the Spanish pet sector

For the Spanish market as a whole, and specifically for Iberzoo Propet 2026, the consolidation of the LATAM market is not just an economic fact, but a strategic signal. The Iberian region occupies, by definition, a natural position as a bridge between Europe and Latin America, both in terms of cultural affinity and business and language links.

The sustained growth of the pet sector in LATAM opens up internationalization opportunities for Iberian companies in food, products and accessories, veterinary services, and technological solutions in all categories. At the same time, the region is consolidating itself as an industrial hub and a strategic partner in innovation and development.

In this context, IberzooPropet must strengthen its role as a transatlantic connection platform, facilitating alliances, commercial agreements, and knowledge transfer between Iberia and Latin America. Professionalization, sustainability, and responsible humanization will be key pillars for building a common space for sector growth.

LATAM Region: The Pet Market Accelerates Towards $19 Billion

LATAM is not just an expanding market: it is a strategic partner for the future of the Iberian pet ecosystem. The petcare market in Latin America reached a value of $11.38 billion in 2024 and could reach $18.88 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.79% between 2025 and 2033, according to a recent report by IMARC Group.

Beyond the figures, the relevant data point is the structural trend: LATAM is consolidating sustained growth supported by demographic, economic, and cultural factors that are redefining the consumption of products and services for companion animals.

The engines of growth

The market's momentum stems from several converging factors: 

• Increased pet adoption, especially of dogs.
• Expansion of the middle class in economies like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.
• Growing humanization and a stronger emotional bond between animal and owner.
• Premiumization in food, health, and grooming.
• Digitalization and e-commerce, which broaden access to specialized brands and categories.

Dogs continue to lead the market, driving demand for specialized nutrition and advanced health products, although cats and other pets are progressively gaining ground in urban environments.

The changing family structure, with smaller households and a greater emotional connection to pets, is driving up the average cost per pet. Preventative care, functional foods, and specialized veterinary services are experiencing strong growth.

Emerging innovations include:

• Breed-specific diets.
• Nutritional and health supplements.
• Technological devices such as smart collars with AI, apps, etc.

Distribution channels: physical dominant, digital expanding

The offline channel remains dominant: specialty stores, supermarkets, and veterinary clinics maintain their leadership thanks to proximity and personalized service. However, the online channel is experiencing the greatest dynamism, supported by: 

• Subscription models.
• Recurring deliveries.
• Greater availability of premium products.
• Price comparison and convenience.

Opportunities for Spanish companies. Country-by-country analysis

Brazil is the dominant market in the region, with high pet ownership rates and strong spending on nutrition and health. Urbanization and humanization are driving the premium segment.

Mexico shows solid growth supported by the expansion of the middle class and the strengthening of e-commerce. Recent industrial investment to supply the region stands out.

Argentina maintains a strong culture of bonding with pets, with a predominance of affordable products and a gradual transition to higher ranges.

Colombia and Chile are evolving toward premium and sustainable offerings, driven by urbanization and greater awareness.

Peru is strengthening its regulatory framework with new health requirements (certification, vaccination, microchipping), which is professionalizing the sector and raising standards.

Other smaller countries are showing stable growth linked to urbanization and increased pet ownership.

Significant Industrial Developments

2024 showed clear signs of a structural commitment to the region:

Nestlé Purina PetCare announced a 200 million Swiss franc investment to expand its plant in Silao, Mexico, which will become the largest pet food production facility in Latin America, incorporating wet and dry food lines, as well as renewable energy and water recycling systems.

Adimax inaugurated a new production unit in Bahia, Brazil, strengthening its capacity in segments ranging from economy to premium.

Other key market players include Mars Petcare and Colgate-Palmolive, consolidating a competitive ecosystem where multinationals and regional manufacturers coexist.

Strategic Keys for Iberia

For Spain and Portugal, the natural gateway to Latin America, this growth represents:

• Export opportunities for premium and functional products. 
• Potential industrial alliances and distribution agreements.
• Knowledge transfer in animal welfare and professionalization of the sector.
• Development of omnichannel models and transatlantic e-commerce.

Cultural affinity, language, and historical ties facilitate a two-way strategy: Latin America as an expansion market for Iberian companies and, at the same time, as a regional production and industrial hub.