Sofía helps grow Bolivia's pet food market | PetfoodIndustry

The country’s pet food market is one of the newest in Latin America with an annual pet food consumption of around 38,000 tons.

Bolivian company Sofía, a well-established name in the food industry, made its entry into the pet food market in 2018. Known for its extensive experience in producing meat products and processed foods, Sofía quickly became a key player in a pet food sector that is still developing but full of growth potential.

According to Vannia Avilés Oyola, marketing manager, and Luis Romero, production manager – Pet Food Division, the company identified a significant opportunity for growth in Bolivia, where the pet food market is still emerging. They emphasized their commitment to educating consumers about proper pet care and nutrition, while expanding their product portfolio to meet local demand.

Sofía operates four production lines: three dedicated to dog food and one to cat food, under brands that are steadily transforming consumer habits in Bolivia. The country’s pet food market is one of the newest in Latin America. Until recently, many pet owners in Bolivia fed their dogs and cats with table scraps. Thanks to efforts from companies like Sofía, however, consumers are gradually moving toward more balanced and nutritious feeding options for their pets.

Bolivia’s annual pet food consumption is around 38,000 tons, with a population of 1.72 million household dogs, according to Triplethree. It's important to note, however, that Bolivia does not produce all this pet food domestically; approximately 50% of pet food is imported. This indicates substantial room for growth in the local production of pet food. Sofía's entry into the market began with Podium, a premium brand, but they also offer Dogstar, aimed at the wholesale market, and Mican, targeting the maintenance segment. In addition to dog food, Sofía provides a line of cat food and dog snacks under the Podium brand.

Sofía's strategy extends beyond product sales; they actively engage in social responsibility initiatives by supporting animal shelters and working with local veterinarians to educate the public on pet care. The company is committed to building stronger connections with Bolivian consumers, emphasizing the importance of pet health and family bonds.

With a certified production plant ready for export, Sofía is well-positioned for international expansion. As the pet food market in Bolivia continues to evolve, the company’s diverse product offerings and strategic approach will likely make them a dominant player, both locally and in the broader Latin American market.

Iván Franco is the founder of Triplethree International and has collaborated on hundreds of research projects for several consumer goods industries.