​Probiotic brand Duolac makes foray into pet market

[Courtesy of Duolac]

SEOUL -- Targeting South Korea's growing pet market, the lactic acid bacteria brand of Cell Biotech, a Seoul-based probiotic company, made a foray into the pet nutrition market by releasing a pet lactic acid bacteria product. The chewable supplement product can help animals improve internal microbial conditions as the majority of immune cells live in their intestines.  
 
Data released by South Korea's agriculture ministry showed that about one out of four South Koreans raised a pet as of 2022. When the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020, many remote-working single households spent more time at home with their pets. The pet industry valued at 1.9 trillion won (.4 billion) in 2015 is projected to reach six trillion won in 2027. Cell Biotech said inquiries for pet lactic acid bacteria have significantly increased as the number of pet owners has reached 15 million.
 
Duolac, the brand of Cell Biotech, released the lactic acid bacteria product called "Duo Pet Lactic Acid Bacteria by Duolac" on May 11. The new product was created by combining probiotics, live microorganisms intended to have health benefits, and Duolac's own strain with anti-obesity effects. The company also verified that the product survives at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Duolac said pets' body temperatures are about 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. 
 
"Managing pets' intestinal microbial health conditions is crucial because more than 70 percent of their immune cells exist in their intestines, just like humans," an unnamed Dulac official was quoted as saying.
 
Thanks to the growing number of pet owners, the pet veterinary market is also gaining momentum in South Korea. According to the Korea Animal Health Products Association, the domestic animal drug market in 2021 reached 1.3 trillion won, up 10 percent from a year ago. In April 2023, Ildong Foodis, a South Korean health supplement company specializing in baby formula products, released an animal nutritional supplement brand caked "Foodis Pet." The brand consists of four different products designed to improve animals' intestines, immunity, joints, and eyes.
 
Various domestic pet-related companies have launched a one-stop pet care store where pet owners can enjoy different facilities with their pets including a pet beauty salon, a pet academy, and a pet hotel. Domestic mobile carrier LG Uplus is offering Dog Behavior Type Indicator (DBTI), a canine personality test that classifies dogs' characters into 16 different types. After taking the test with 60 questions, dog owners can receive advice and educational programs from professional dog trainers.