In recent years, China has become one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for salmon, but not all of the salmon the country imports is destined for human consumption. A sizeable portion of the imports goes toward satisfying demand from the nation’s pet food sector.
Susan Xing, the managing director of pet food consultancy firm Lamb Consultancy – which will host the sixth annual China International Companion Animal Food Ingredients Conference in the southern Chinese city of Suzhou from 24 to 26 June – believes the potential for salmon, cod, and other species is barely being tapped in Chinese pet food a market that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) valued at USD 22 billion (EUR 20 billion) in 2024.
Xing talked to SeafoodSource about the opportunities for seafood suppliers in this growing market.
SeafoodSource: Do Chinese pet owners buy pet food with a general label of seafood, or do they specifically seek products that feature salmon?
Xing: Salmon is very attractive to most pet parents because it is considered a premium product and comes at a premium cost.
To further that trend, at our China International Companion Animal Food Ingredients Conference and other trade shows, many seafood ingredient suppliers have been educating pet parents on the benefits of seafood, including on a pet’s brain development, learning skills, coat quality, cardiovascular health, and more benefits.
Salmon is undoubtedly a prioritized ingredient in China’s pet food market.
SeafoodSource: Are there any Chinese pet food products made with other seafood species that are very popular in China but not so much in Western markets?
Xing: Salmon remains the most popular seafood in Chinese pet food products, but we have been organizing conferences for the USDA and Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, which have participated and given presentations on uses of various U.S. seafood products in pet food. We also have hosted webinars and on-site conferences to promote various seafood in pet food production for Aker Biomarine and other suppliers.
Pet food manufacturers have a strong preference for …
