Mars Petcare Positions Mexico as a Global Pet Food Market Leader

Mars Petcare is set to expand its pet food production plant in Queretaro, making it the largest facility of its kind worldwide. Globally, the pet food market is expected to reach US$290.01 billion by 2029, with Mexico projected to contribute US$4.58 billion, positioning itself as one of the largest pet food markets in the world.

Mars Petcare, owner of brands like PEDIGREE and WHISKAS, announced an investment of MX$3.5 billion (US$196.3 million) to expand its wet food plant in Queretaro. Originally inaugurated in 2018, the plant's remodeling will quadruple its initial productive capacity. By 2025, 14 additional production lines are projected, with 8 already in operation.

With this new injection of resources, Mars Petcare’s Queretaro will become the largest wet food production facility for the company worldwide, highlighted Mauricio Espinosa, Director of Manufacturing, Mars Pet Nutrition Mexico. “This achievement complements those already reached, as Mars Petcare in Queretaro currently holds the title of the largest and most efficient dry food plant for Mars. Over seventy products will be manufactured at this plant, making it an exemplary case in the industry,” stated Espinosa.

The company also operates a wet food plant in Jalisco, and along with the new production lines, these facilities will be key to meeting local demand and dedicating part of the production to supply the rest of the Americas. “This will allow our business in Mexico to consolidate as an export hub for Mars Petcare, expanding our impact in both the local and foreign markets,” underscored Espinosa.

Mars Petcare’s investment also includes the implementation of energy optimization systems and water-saving measures, allowing for more than 80% of water to be reused. Additionally, digital systems will enable quicker decision-making, and a new packaging manufacturing method will result in logistic efficiency and CO2 mitigation. Finally, the plant will operate with 100% renewable electricity from the Dzilam Bravo wind farm in Yucatan.

Globally, the commercial value of the pet food market is estimated at US$192.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$290.01 billion in 2029, according to data from Mordor Intelligence. The consultancy highlighted that the market experienced growth of 59.4% between 2017 and 2022, attributed to a 13% increase in the pet population during this period, paired with growing trends of pet humanization and premiumization.

In 2022, North America emerged as the largest regional market for pet food, valued at US$77.4 billion. The United States and Mexico are the main contributors to the North American market due to high pet ownership rates in these countries. Specifically, in Mexico, the industry is projected to grow from US$3.2 billion in 2024 to US$4.58 billion by 2029, as reported by Mordor Intelligence.

“Market growth is associated with the changing economic and social landscape in Mexico and the rapid rise in middle-class income levels, along with an aging population. This has resulted in an increase in pet ownership, driving the demand for pet food,” pointed out Mordor Intelligence.