Ukraine’s Pet Sector Grows in 2025 as Premium Demand and Exports Strengthen Market Resilience

Despite ongoing challenges caused by the war with Russia, Ukraine’s pet industry continued to expand in 2025. Leading domestic manufacturers—including Suziria and Kormotech —reported strong perform

Despite ongoing challenges caused by the war with Russia, Ukraine’s pet industry continued to expand in 2025. Leading domestic manufacturers—including Suziria and Kormotech—reported strong performance driven by premiumization, export growth, and strategic investment in new production facilities.

The sector’s ability to grow amid instability highlights both the resilience of Ukrainian companies and the rising sophistication of consumer demand.

1. Market Growth: Suziria and Kormotech Strengthen Their Positions

Kharkiv‑based Suziria increased its market share to over 16%, with sales across its manufacturing and distribution divisions rising 15% YoY.

Lviv‑based Kormotech also reported solid expansion, with turnover reaching €161.3 million ($174.2M) in 2025—up from €150 million ($162M) in 2024, representing 7.5% YoY growth.

These results demonstrate that even under wartime pressure, Ukraine’s pet sector continues to advance through innovation, premium product development, and international diversification.

2. Premium Segment Drives Expansion

Suziria attributes much of its growth to the premium and super‑premium categories.

Savory: A Rising Super‑Premium Brand

Grew for four consecutive years

Entered the top 5 super‑premium brands in Ukraine

Achieved 35% growth in 2025

Now available in 4,000 retail outlets across 7 countries

Suziria’s distribution business also performed strongly, with VAFO’s portfolio increasing 21%.

Non‑Food Categories Rebound

Suziria reported 32% growth in pet equipment for cats and dogs—including bowls, litter boxes, scoops, paw cleaners, and accessories—double the overall market growth rate.

Kormotech: Growth Across Standard and Super‑Premium

Standard segment: +12.4% volume

Super‑premium segment: +10% volume

Consumers increasingly seek:

Natural formulations

Clean‑label positioning

Transparent ingredient communication

This shift is pushing manufacturers to simplify recipes and emphasize naturalness.

3. Export Expansion: New Markets and Stronger International Presence

Suziria’s Export Strategy

In 2025, Suziria expanded into the United Arab Emirates, adding to its existing 12 markets, including:

Ireland

Poland

Czech Republic

Slovakia

Hungary

Croatia

Romania

Moldova

Georgia

Latvia

Japan

Bulgaria

Although exports currently represent less than 2% of total business volume, Suziria aims to secure at least 1% market share in each priority country.

Poland and Moldova are now its strongest export markets, with Poland seeing the launch of Savory’s own D2C website.

Kormotech’s Export Balance

Domestic sales: ~70%

Export sales: ~30%

Export share remained stable compared to 2024

Kormotech continues to strengthen its presence in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond.

4. Operational Challenges: Energy, Labor, and Infrastructure

Despite strong growth, both companies faced significant disruptions in 2025.

Suziria’s Challenges

Energy crisis and rolling blackouts

Labor shortages

Supply chain disruptions

Infrastructure damage

Additional costs for generators and backup power in MasterZoo retail stores

Temperature fluctuations affecting store operations

Suziria opened 16 new MasterZoo stores in 2025 despite these obstacles.

Kormotech’s Challenges

Workforce shortages due to mobilization and legislative changes

Energy insecurity caused by attacks on infrastructure

Strict electricity limitations on production facilities

From mid‑November to mid‑February, Kormotech’s wet food production ran entirely on diesel generators to maintain supply continuity.

5. Outlook for 2026: Investment, Expansion, and Premiumization

Suziria’s 2026 Priorities

Focus on stabilizing and optimizing its new wet food facility in Kalush, located 550 km from Kyiv.

Facility details:

Investment: €10 million ($10.8M)

Size: 2,400 m²

Capacity: 5,000 tons/year, with plans to double by end of 2026

Will produce Half&Half and CATCH! (6 SKUs each)

Kormotech’s 2026–2029 Strategy

Expand globally, especially in Central and Eastern Europe

Grow Kormotech America

Increase export share significantly by 2029

Expand premium and super‑premium product lines

Launch second wet food facility in Lithuania

Invest further in dry food production

These initiatives aim to offset inflationary pressures and currency devaluation.

Source:GlobalPETS