Symrise says pet nutrition slowed as pricing normalized

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Symrise said its pet nutrition business saw a temporary slowdown in the first quarter of 2026 as pricing continued to normalize, even as volumes stayed positive. In its Q1 2026 results, the company said Pet Nutrition posted a slight organic decline, while the broader Taste, Nutrition & Health segment, which includes pet food, delivered 1.7% organic growth on €749 million in sales. Symrise also reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, signaling that the softness appears tied more to pricing dynamics than to a drop in underlying demand. At the same time, the company is continuing to invest in pet nutrition capacity and innovation, including a new production facility in Querétaro, Mexico, and a strategic investment in precision fermentation company Bond Pet Foods. (symrise.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the update is another sign that the pet nutrition market is moving into a more price-sensitive phase after several years of inflation-driven increases. Symrise’s positive volume growth suggests manufacturers are still moving product, but ingredient suppliers may have less pricing power, which could affect formulation choices, sourcing strategies, and the pace of premium product launches. The company’s continued investment in biotechnology and regional manufacturing also points to where the category may be headed next: more focus on supply resilience, sustainable proteins, and localized production. (symrise.com)

What to watch: Watch whether pricing pressure eases in the second half of 2026, and whether Symrise’s biotech and manufacturing investments translate into new commercial ingredients or partnerships. (symrise.com)