Record number of exhibitors highlights

Interzoo 2026 (12–15 May in Nuremberg) is breaking all records and cementing its status as the undisputed world’s leading trade fair for the pet industry. ‘The tally currently stands at 2,253 exhibitors – that’s over 100 more than the final figure for 2024 – and the number continues to grow daily,’ explained Dr Rowena Arzt, head of trade fairs at the German Interzoo organiser WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH), which organises Interzoo on behalf of the ZZF – German Pet Trade and Industry Association (Zentralverband der Heimtierbranche) in an interview at the beginning of March. Most of the exhibitors and many of their products can already be viewed at www.interzoo.com.

Interzoo 2026 will once again break space records in Nuremberg from 12 to 15 May, as the exhibition space will also be larger than ever before. From 12 halls in 2022 to 14 in 2024, the event has now expanded to 15 of the 16 halls at the exhibition centre. ‘This means we will be filling almost the entire Nuremberg Exhibition Centre,’ emphasised Gordon Bonnet, managing director of WZF and ZZF.

Its strong international focus remains a hallmark: with around 85 per cent of exhibitors coming from 68 countries and 75 per cent of trade visitors from over 140 nations, Interzoo remains the industry’s most global platform. ‘Businesses in third countries benefit in particular,’ emphasised Arzt: ‘The Indian company is striking a deal with the US company here in Nuremberg at Interzoo. German retailers buy from German manufacturers, but of course also from manufacturers from 68 other countries.’ This global reach also sets Interzoo apart from other major trade fairs. Bonnet believes that this event truly succeeds in bringing everyone together. ‘Interzoo has built up this reputation over the years.’

‘We’re really making our mark in this area,’ says Bonnet with delight. ‘This also reflects our vision for Interzoo: namely, that every edition aims to set entirely new trends in tune with the times – whether in functional food, gadgets with technical features, or other innovations.’ As a result, 2026 will also feature the most extensive supporting programme ever.

On 11 May, the day before Interzoo begins, trade visitors can already find out about trends, production, ingredients and recipes for dog and cat food at the Petfood Forum Europe, as the event returns to Europe. For the third time, Watt Global Media is organising this special event on-site as part of Interzoo. The participation fee includes a multi-day ticket for the trade fair.

On the same day, the Interzoo Sustainability Conference will also take place for the first time. Interzoo has been collaborating with the Antwerp Management School (AMS) since 2018 and had published the Interzoo Sustainability Report. ‘A survey to determine the status quo of the pet industry with regard to sustainability,’ explained Arzt. The results were presented at the Sustainability Session. ‘In 2024, we found that we had over 175 people attending this session and that the demand is so great that we are turning it into a separate format and dedicating a whole day to it, supported by the AMS and the Pet Sustainability Coalition, among others.’

One of the presentations will focus on pet owners’ perspectives on sustainability; the keynote speaker will be Elliott Harris, former Chief Economist and Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development at the United Nations. Harris has played a key role in shaping the UN’s sustainability agenda and, in his presentation, will provide a compelling account of how politics and business can work together to build a sustainable future.

A particular highlight of the conference will be the pitch presentations by the finalists for the first Interzoo Sustainability Award. The candidates, nominated from more than 25 applicants, will present their strategic initiative or business case for sustainable development in the pet industry to the audience, who will vote for the winner alongside the jury. The award – along with three other prizes – will be presented during the Interzoo opening ceremony on the evening of 11 May.

For the first time, professional dog groomers, brands and distributors from all over the world will have a shared space to network, learn from one another and exchange ideas at Interzoo Groomer’s Day on 14 May. It will be hosted by Kitty Dekeersgieter, founder of Groomania in Belgium, and will feature grooming demonstrations by Sandra Mularska and Roberto García Maroto, networking opportunities, and talks on cat care, dental care, health issues, ergonomics and sustainability in a specially designed space.

Product showcases, Academy Sessions on country markets, social media and animal health, the Sourcing Stage focusing on international supply chains, more than 15 country pavilions, the Start-up Area and the Fresh Ideas Stage round off the programme.

‘The app is once again an important tool for preparation,’ recommended Arzt. Furthermore, for the first time, trade fair and conference tickets include a public transport ticket.

‘Especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty, such as those we are currently experiencing, trade and industry need to consider, how can I forge new business relationships and further strengthen trust in existing ones’,’ says Bonnet. ‘That is why Interzoo is so much more than just a trade fair for placing orders – the best way to build trust is through genuine, face-to-face interaction.’

Incidentally, behind all these records lies not only a partner team at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre but also a core team of just five people led by Rowena Arzt, supplemented by the entire office staff of 22 employees – ‘throwing everything they’ve got into Interzoo’, as Bonnet emphasises. The team simply thrives on the fact that all staff members are always involved in the pet industry.