“When people and pets bond, life becomes richer”

Over 130 participants from across the globe enjoyed a significant and inspiring International Pet Conference in Bologna. The conference took place under the banner of “The new normal in the pet sector. Perspectives, trends and challenges for the future.” Speakers at the event included top-ranking representatives of the sector such as Hubert Wieser (Nestlé Purina Petcare), Caitlyn Dudas (The Pet Sustainability Coalition), Rolf Hagen Jr. (Hagen Group), Dušan Plaček (Plaček Group) and Heiko Bücker (Fressnapf).

Hubert Wieser in particular summarised in his well-received presentation what was important for everyone in the pet supplies sector, especially against the background of war, crises and inflation: “When people and pets bond, life becomes richer.”

The humanitarian endeavours prompted by the close bond between people and pets were highlighted strikingly by Polina Kosharna, CEO of the Ukrainian Suziria Group, in her talk. At the start of the war in Ukraine, the group’s partner companies Vafo, Aqua-El and United Petfood took in a large number of family members of Suziria employees and gave them a safe refuge.

Other presentations offered comprehensive insights into the importance of sustainability in the pet supplies industry and current action to promote this, as well as outlining market figures from Southeast Europe and Africa. Another focal point was the relatively short step separating the statement “I care about the globe” from the statement that “I care for my pet”.