Inspiring, connecting and positive

The Dibevo Trade Fair 2025 in Gorinchem, Netherlands, in September in was a full success: 4,000 visitors, creative stands, lively encounters and compliment makers everywhere who brought the theme ‘Make me smile’ to life. It was a special edition; after ten years, the trade fair returned to a completely renovated Evenementenhal Gorinchem. The atmosphere was more professional than ever. Companies presented themselves with extensive, creative stands; sometimes true works of art.

This once again confirms the trade fair’s value as a meeting place for the pet industry. The many conversations, deals and new connections made it clear that the fair is alive and kicking. Almost 90% of visitors rated the trade fair with 4 to 5 stars.

‘It was fantastic to see so many smaller newcomers among the established names,’ said Dibevo chairman Gijs van den Assum in a press release. ‘This gives the industry new impetus. You can also see that the bar is being raised every year. This was evident in both the larger and smaller stands at the trade fair.’

The fair was brimming with positivity. There was a wall of compliments where visitors could leave a thank you note, and compliment makers in bright red outfits walked around all day. Their mission: to surprise visitors and exhibitors with a sincere compliment. And it worked like a charm: everywhere on the exhibition floor, you could see people visibly perk up. It fit perfectly with the exhibition theme ‘Make me smile.’

During the trade fair, several hundred visitors voted for the ‘best product’ in the round Blikvangers pavilion. Each day of the fair, a Samsung The Frame television was up for grabs; two lucky voters have since been delighted with their prize. This year’s votes showed a nice spread: almost every product received appreciation from the public. Because this did not result in a clear top 10, the professional jury decided to take another careful look at all the products. After extensive consultation, they came to the following result.

The winner of the Best of Show Award 2025 is the Belgian company Laroy. The company won the award with its Garden Bites Junior and Senior: vegetarian dental snacks specially designed for puppies and older dogs.  

In addition to the winner, the jury also selected two runners-up. Pawzler by Warmako: an interactive puzzle that can be rearranged and expanded with other sets. A clever form of…