Pet Fair South East Asia returns to Bangkok as pet market soars

THAILAND – The international pet industry will converge in Bangkok from October 29 to 31, 2025, when the fourth edition of Pet Fair South East Asia takes place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC). 

The three-day trade show, organized by VNU| Asia Pacific and Globus Events, will gather businesses, innovators, and distributors from across the globe, reinforcing Thailand’s position as a fast-growing hub in the global pet economy.

Organizers say the event is designed exclusively for business-to-business engagement, with exhibitors and buyers spanning the full pet supply chain, from food and nutrition to healthcare, accessories, and services. 

The fair will occupy Halls 98 to 100 of BITEC and is expected to attract a wide mix of international companies seeking to expand across the ASEAN region and beyond.

The 2025 event builds on the momentum from the 2024 edition, which attracted over 400 exhibitors and more than 10,000 attendees from around the world. 

This 4th edition promises to outdo past editions, offering a platform for networking, product launches, and exploring cross-border opportunities in a sector experiencing rapid growth.

Thailand’s pet economy expands

Pet Fair South East Asia arrives at a time when Thailand’s pet care industry is experiencing unprecedented expansion. The market is forecast to reach between US$1.3 billion and US$1.5 billion in 2025, growing by about 8 to 10 percent annually. 

Analysts note that this pace outstrips many other consumer categories, reflecting how deeply pets are embedded in Thai households.

Recent studies show that over half of Thai pet owners consider their animals family members, a sentiment that is driving both spending and demand for higher-quality products. 

Cats now slightly outnumber dogs in multi-pet households, a shift influenced by urban lifestyles and smaller living spaces.

Quality, rather than price, ranks as the top factor influencing pet food purchases. This trend is fuelling the rise of premium brands such as Royal Canin, even as mass-market names like Pedigree, Me-O, and Whiskas continue to dominate shelves. 

At the same time, e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Lazada are reshaping distribution by capturing more than a third of pet care sales, complementing traditional retail outlets and specialty pet shops.

Humanization drives new trends

Industry experts point to “pet humanization” as the defining trend in Thailand’s market, a trend also observed in the rest of the Southeast Asia Region. 

Pet owners are increasingly treating animals as children or close companions, a mindset that is spurring demand for premium food, wellness products, and even lifestyle services. 

Urban developers are responding with pet-friendly housing, while businesses ranging from bakeries to cafes now cater specifically to four-legged customers.

According to the TGM Pet Care Report 2024, six in ten Thai urban pet owners prioritize their animals’ needs above their own spending, underscoring the emotional and economic resilience of the sector. 

As a result, sales of health-oriented foods, smart pet technology, and even pet insurance are expanding at double or triple the pace of the broader industry.

Regional and global relevance

While Thailand is at the heart of these changes, Pet Fair South East Asia positions itself as a regional trade hub with global reach. 

Thailand ranks among the world’s leading pet food exporters, supplying products to markets across Europe, the United States, and Asia. 

The show offers both local and international players an opportunity to tap into this network, expand distribution channels, and respond to the shifting demands of pet owners in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.