Spreading the message on pet nutrition

Mars Petcare banks on consumer awareness to support its growth in China, says top executive

Shifting demographics and spending patterns will weigh on profit margins of pet food makers in China, but the long-term prospects still remain bright, the top official of a leading global company said. Though China is already home to one of the world's largest pet populations, success in the niche market hinges on providing healthy and wholesome products for pets, which also calls for a certain level of knowledge about pet nutrition, said Carl Su, general manger of Mars Petcare China.

According to Su, there are three groups that require formula food - infants, astronauts and pets. Tackling the complex pet food market has been a big challenge in China compared with other developed-markets, he said, largely due to the lack of nutrition awareness.