Professional Pest Control Facing Gray Market Pressures in Latin America

Professional Pest Control Facing Gray Market Pressures in Latin America

The professional pest management market in Latin America faces several challenges due to significant inflationary pressures and a sizeable gray market. Despite this, early findings from our research in Argentina and Brazil indicate that these markets are poised for robust growth over the next five years. What are the main drivers behind this increase?

Argentina

Argentina continues to experience significant inflation, which has affected its economy more profoundly than any other Latin American nation. The market also faces various challenges related to the gray market, which is estimated to contribute 15% to 20% of its total sales. The central region of Argentina, home to major economic centers such as Buenos Aires, accounts for the largest share of sales, representing 50% to 55% of the total market.

As pest control concerns increase, Argentinian authorities are alerting citizens about the serious health risks that these pests pose for humans, as they can transmit diseases, contaminate food and water, and cause allergies and asthma. According to Kline’s upcoming report, insecticides dominate the market, accounting for over 65% of total sales, and rodenticides hold a 25% market share, while termiticides represent 10% of the market.

Among the leading suppliers in the market, BASF holds a significant market share, followed closely by Syngenta with a diverse range of brands, along with a notable market presence of Envu.

The professional pest control market in Argentina exhibits significant growth potential with future expansion driven by rising temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions, which is likely to favor the need for higher mosquito control. Urban growth is anticipated to boost the prevalence of cockroach infestations in food storage areas and the presence of scorpions among construction materials. Additionally, there is a growing trend toward biological control, which involves employing natural enemies or predators to manage pest populations without causing harm to the environment or human health.

Brazil

The Brazil professional pest management market is still below pre-COVID-19 levels, which is characterized by a significant gray market and estimated at approximately 30% of its total sales. Southeastern Brazil, the heart of the national economy, is concentrated with about half of the market’s sales.

According to Kline’s upcoming report, insecticides account for about 72% of sales in Brazil, followed by rodenticides with 20% and termiticides with 8%. In the insecticides category, cockroaches are the largest pest to be treated, followed by mosquitoes and ants.

Envu is the leading supplier in Brazil, followed by Syngenta, and distantly followed by Rogama. Other leading suppliers of termiticides in Brazil include BASF, Syngenta, and Dexter Latina.

The Brazil professional pest control market is estimated to show a large growth potential, driven by the obligation to treat mosquitoes and scorpions. Moreover, the treatment of rodents and termites is expected to increase over the next five years.

For more insights on these markets, please refer to our Professional Pest Management Markets for Pesticides: Brazil and Argentina study, which will provide a complete overview of the most prevalent treated pests alongside sales by brand and supplier, active ingredient volumes, as well as key trends and regulations. The report will be published in Q4 2023, followed by additional markets, such as France and Spain in Q1 2024, as well as a Global Overview in Q2 2024.