Let’s go!

It doesn’t exactly inspire optimism: after Covid, the war in Ukraine, ongoing crises with soaring energy costs, and now tariff shenanigans plus murky conflicts with skyrocketing oil prices – LinkedIn is teeming with doomsday posts.

But then I take a look at our news: Pet care shines as growth driver, Arken Zoo expands, Icelandirect acquires Soma Labs, Pet Design District opens during Milan Design Week, Global Pet Expo set to draw 20,000 visitors, 34th store for Pet Centar in Serbia, Highest profitability in 10 years for Symrise, Norwegian pet trade association turns 70, Monic Group acquires Marltons Pet Care, Jollyes opens 120th store, Maxi Zoo Poland receives award, Agrolimen acquires Ollie, accessories market to reach $12,775 million by 2034, Bioiberica recognized for innovation or Purina Petcare remains a growth driver – and these are just a few of the more optimistic reports.

What’s more: Interzoo is buzzing! The world’s leading trade fair for the pet industry is already ­making its presence felt, with a record 2,253 exhibitors booked in and, for the first time, all 15 halls fully occupied. Visitors will once again flock to Nuremberg from all corners of the globe, ensuring good business – and a great atmosphere.  

Of course, there are always less encouraging reports in between. And the current, truly bizarre state of global affairs is, to put it mildly, not helpful. But the pet industry can still shape and develop its own future, thereby actively countering adverse circumstances.

After all, forecasts continue to predict positive growth for the sector: Grand View Research projects revenue to rise to $236 billion by 2030 (from just under $151 billion in 2021), Allied Market Research to $269 billion (from $138 billion in 2020) and TechSci Research to $241 billion (from $172 billion in 2024).

It doesn’t look that bad, and the ongoing humanisation and premiumisation of pets, as well as food and accessories for our beloved companions, also promises further revenue growth. Let’s be honest: this isn’t depressing – it’s a call to action: let’s kick off a new spring with fresh ideas!

Oh, and one more thing: we have a few more happy winners! Congratulations to Stroetmann Tiernahrung, JR Farm and 1one1! These three companies have come out on top with their ‘Primox Monoprotein’, ‘Primox Cat Food’, ‘Igel Schmaus’ and ‘Origami Hundebox’, and are the winners of the pet/PET worldwide Product of the Year 2025/2026 awards.

With all this in mind, I wish you a good start to…