39,000 visitors at the record-breaking Interzoo

The largest and most international Interzoo in history has come to an end: around 39,000 trade visitors from over 130 countries came to the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre to find out about the industry’s innovations and trending topics across a record 150,000 square metres of exhibition space spread across 15 halls. The organiser, Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH (WZF), reported around 2,400 exhibitors from 70 countries, who presented the latest products and services for dogs, cats, fish, small mammals, terrarium animals and other pets.

‘The record figures achieved at Interzoo 2026, both in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers, demonstrate the outstanding importance of our trade fair as an information and procurement platform, as well as a meeting place for the industry,‘ said Norbert Holthenrich, President of the ZZF – Central Association of the Pet Industry, the conceptual and technical sponsor of Interzoo. He added that, alongside the positive overall atmosphere at the fair, the attendance figures reflect the event’s significance. ‘For me, the strong interest in Interzoo 2026 is also a clear sign of the high social relevance of pets.‘

Over 87 per cent of Interzoo exhibitors came from abroad this year, whilst the proportion of international trade visitors was over 70 per cent. ‘For many exhibitors and visitors, Interzoo week marks the most important date in the business calendar, ‘ comments Gordon Bonnet, CEO of ZZF and WZF. ‘During the trade fair and conference days from 11 to 15 May, I was able to experience – as in previous years – the unique potential that lies in the personal encounters at our trade fair.‘

According to the market research institute Euromonitor, the global pet market achieved growth of 3.1 per cent and a turnover of €189 bn. Preventive healthcare solutions for pets are a particularly dynamic segment. This market development was clearly reflected at Interzoo 2026.

In addition, visitors had the opportunity to learn about national markets in North and South America, Europe and Asia during five Country Sessions. A short conference was also dedicated to the topic of social media, providing participants with valuable insights into the latest trends in this field. The new Interzoo Groomers’ Day for the international community of dog groomers was very well received, attracting around 200 participants.

Another key theme at Interzoo 2026 was sustainable development in the pet industry. On 11 May 2026, one day before the official start of the trade fair, the Interzoo Sustainability Conference offered participants from 30 countries a varied programme of lectures, workshops and discussions. 59 young companies and start-ups at two joint stands also made Interzoo a hub of ideas for the pet industry.

Interzoo 2028 will take place from 23 to 26 May 2028.

You can read a detailed report on Interzoo in PET worldwide 3/2026, which is published on 21 July.