Despite continuing difficulties in the German economy in 2005, the pet supply market was able to grow by 2.3%, thus reaching a total of €3.08 billion, according to Industrial Association of Pet Care Producers (IVH).
23
million pets
The cat was the favourite pet in 2005 with 7.6
million living in Germany; small animals are next at 6.2 million, followed by
dogs at 5.3 million along with 3.9 million birds.
In addition, there are 1.9
million aquariums in German households, and ornamental fish are swimming in 1.3
million garden ponds while there are 420,000 inhabited terrariums spread across
the country.
With this total of 23 million pets – fish and terrarium animals
not included – there are about the same number of pets as the year before
(2004) and one third of the households in Germany have at least one.
Good year
“Overall, 2005 was a good year for the
pet care business despite challenging economic conditions”, expressed Gerd
Köhlmoos, IVH Director. “The remarkable growth of 2.3% is cause for some
optimism” Köhlmoos adds, “and the fact our branch has been able to sustain this growth
and continue its positive market development seems to reflect that our love for
pets has not been affected by economic trends”.
Related link:
IVH