July 7, 2026

Japan Eyes Taiwan's Booming Premium Pet Food Market

JETRO Leads First-Ever Japanese Pavilion at Taiwan's Largest Pet Expo

Japan is stepping up efforts to expand pet food exports to Taiwan, one of Asia's fastest-growing premium pet markets, as domestic demand continues to soften. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has organized its first-ever Japan Pavilion at Taiwan's largest pet trade exhibition, bringing together 14 Japanese companies and one industry organization to showcase high-quality pet products and develop new business opportunities.

The pavilion focuses primarily on premium Japanese-made dry pet food, including products not yet available in Taiwan. Through meetings with local importers and distributors, participating companies hope to establish long-term sales channels and strengthen Japan's presence in the rapidly expanding Taiwanese market.

Taiwan Emerges as a Strategic Export Destination

Taiwan's pet industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by the growing trend of treating pets as family members—often described as "pet humanization." The country's pet food market was valued at approximately US$1.1 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow by around 40% by 2031. Consumers are placing greater emphasis on product quality, food safety, nutritional value, and premium ingredients, creating favorable conditions for Japanese manufacturers known for their high production standards.

The recent easing of Taiwan's import regulations for dry pet food containing beef ingredients has also lowered market entry barriers. According to Hiroshi Takayama, Deputy General Manager of JETRO's Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department, the regulatory changes represent "a significant business opportunity for Japanese pet food producers."

Premium Products Target Health-Conscious Consumers

Among the exhibitors is Orient Trading Co., based in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, which is making its first overseas market entry. The company introduced premium pet treats developed jointly with a traditional herbal medicine pharmacy, reflecting growing consumer demand for functional, health-oriented pet foods.

Executive Director Chiko Tabata noted that expanding economic ties between Kumamoto and Taiwan—particularly following major Taiwanese semiconductor investments in the prefecture—have increased the number of direct flights and improved business accessibility. "The business environment for introducing our products to Taiwan has become much more favorable," she said.

Looking Beyond Japan's Shrinking Domestic Market

For Japanese pet food manufacturers, overseas expansion is becoming increasingly important. Japan's dog population has been declining over the long term, limiting growth opportunities in the domestic market. As a result, many companies are shifting their focus to overseas consumers willing to pay premium prices for safe, high-quality Japanese products.

The Japanese government has identified pet food as one of the promising categories for achieving its goal of raising agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and food exports to ¥5 trillion by 2030. Taiwan's combination of strong purchasing power, growing demand for premium products, and cultural affinity with Japan makes it one of the most attractive destinations for the next phase of Japan's pet food export strategy.