REPORT SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
The pet industry is a major segment of the U.S. economy. In 2005, American pet owners spent over $35 billion on their small companions, and in 2006, this figure is expected to approach $37 billion. Recent growth in all segments of the pet industry has provided an opportunity for both existing players and new entrants. A growing number of players as well as consolidation among manufacturers, retailers, and service providers, and globalization of the American economy have transformed the maturing pet industry into a dynamic, highly competitive environment. This BCC Research report analyzes these new developments and their potential impact on the future of the pet industry.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- An introduction and overview of the pet industry in the United States, including detailed definitions and explanations of the industry as it stands today
- Detailed analysis of the U.S. pet industry market, including a five-year market forecast through 2011
- Analysis of market trends and developments
- Review of recent technology
- A discussion of markets, trends, and technology on a global level
- Profiles of the major companies in the industry and a patent analysis.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
BCC analyzed historical growth trends in the U.S. pet population, and developed a simple pet demographic model to projects future population trends. BCC also analyzed historical trends in the market for pet care products and services in the context of pet population trends and other variables, such as economics, consumer trends, competition and price pressures. Based on its analysis, BCC projected the future market for each major segment and sub-segment of the U.S. pet care industry through 2011.
The data on which these projections are based are, in some cases, open to different interpretations. Therefore, BCC has made a point of documenting its analytical assumptions and methodologies as explicitly as possible, in order to enable readers to evaluate them and test the impact of substituting alternative assumptions.
In preparing this report, BCC obtained and analyzed information from trade and mainstream publications, industry and pet ownership surveys, company directories and databases, annual reports, and government sources. The U.S. Government Census, Consumer Expenditure Surveys from Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Department of Commerce provided demographic, consumer expenditure trends, and foreign trade data. Personal interviews were conducted with representatives from major companies, U.S. trade associations and publications, industry experts, and government officials. Foreign government offices, trade associations, and trade publications were contacted for information on international markets.
ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS
This report is an update of an earlier report prepared by Julia Dvorko, a BCC analyst. The analyst responsible for updating the report is Andrew McWilliams, a partner in the Boston-based international technology and marketing consulting firm, 43rd Parallel LLC. Mr. McWilliams is the author of a number of other BCC consumer-oriented market studies, including The Digital Home Entertainment Revolution: Technology Enablers (SMC058A); Materials and Devices for High-Performance Sports Products (AVM053A); Nanotechnology for Consumer Products (NAN037A); Smart and Interactive Textiles (AVM050A); and Evolving Nutraceutical Business (FOD013A).
