It’s getting easier for Ivette Gonzalez get diapers and mats for her two adult dogs ages 15 and 12. She recounted that more than ten years ago (when she had another adult pet) she was almost impossible to obtain these products that are now present in any supermarket chain.
At that time, the acquisitions were made through Amazon and accumulated in a warehouse. “Before they were only sold in some veterinarians and they were very expensive.” González has been buying, for about four months, at least three weekly packages of these items since his pets suffer from urinary incontinence.
In addition, Julian Culquiwho is dedicated to the care of cats and dogs, commented that he can buy wholesale in several distributors both pads (a kind of absorbent mats that are used to train puppies) and diapers of different sizes for the shelter in which he collaborates. “Before we bought pads used by people who suffer from bedsores and we put normal baby diapers on them, but the puppies were uncomfortable because there was no hole for the tail”.
And it is that, in Ecuador, the market for diapers and absorbent mats for pets is growing more and more. Currently, there are more than 12 models of these products in different sizes and colors for different breeds. The demand for these products, according to the people who are dedicated to producing and marketing them, grew in at least 50% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
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Veterinarian Katherine Mejía He said that one factor that explains the growth in demand for these products is the longer stay of pet owners at home. “Before the pandemic, owners would leave their dogs or cats indoors and not pick up odors during the day.” According to the veterinarian, there is now a greater interest in improve cleansing rituals, Therefore, for some families, the purchase of these products together with odor repellents or spray Neutralizers ceased to be a luxury expense.
For Miguel Ángel González, president of the Guayaquil Chamber of Commerce (CCG), the pet products market is no longer just about leashes and food. Now, he noted, it’s very common to see products that focus on comfort, as well as personalized accessories. “This type of product is found in various types of stores, on web pages, social networks and not only in specialized stores.”
In the market you can find diapers from $5 in packs of 12 and eight units and mats from $1 a unit. Douglas Principal, factory owner Molly Petslocated in Guayaquil, indicated that during the confinement, sales of both the pads like diapers. At the moment, he noted, although demand is down, it remains above pre-pandemic levels.
In his specific case, since March 2020 sales peaks have been recorded for months. For example, they went from manufacturing 200 or 300 units at the end of 2019 to almost 500 by the end of 2021 to distribute nationwide. The diapers produced by the firm are made of cotton with elastic, adjustable straps and imported polypropylene. Sizes range from XS for small breed pets to XL, which are made to order. The pads They come in 12 models up to 60 centimeters.
Patricio Brito, commercial manager of the electronic platform specialized in supplies for pets Takoo.ec, explained that diapers and mats are the third most demanded product after food and toys. The firm markets four brands.
The novelty, Brito pointed out, is that there are more and more specifications and demands from customers. For example, he explained that there is a sustained demand for colored diapers Jean, of biodegradable mats or Potty Patch, which are training trays with an artificial grass surface.
Pigaro Pads has in its catalog traditional biodegradable rugs and in varieties with the smell of grass, charcoal and eucalyptus. The brand sells these products that are made with absorbent polymers, ecological plastic, cotton and pressed toilet paper.
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Supermarkets also register a dynamism in sales of this product segment. Aunt Storesfor example, said that during 2021 the sale of pads for pets increased 120% compared to the previous year. Currently, the chain sells three brands, one of which is imported and another is its own brand. The product is called Cocki. These items, said Tía, are the most requested by customers in stores located in large cities, such as Guayaquil, Daule, Samborondón, Quito and Cuenca.
Favorite Corporationinstead, records that in 2021 the units sold doubled compared to 2019. The firm offers both pads as diapers of six brands (four imported and two national). Given the demand, they have also increased the product portfolio with current suppliers.
For the CCG, the growth of this market is limitless. The guild affirmed that it will become more dynamic as supply and demand grow. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
