Enthusiasm is well-founded

Around 2,400 exhibitors from some 70 countries presented their latest products and services in Nuremberg from 12 to 15 May – spread across 15 halls covering around 150,000 m², which is equivalent to around 21 football pitches or 21 supermarkets including their car parks. The organiser, German Interzoo organiser WZF (Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft Zoologischer Fachbetriebe GmbH), recorded 39,000 trade visitors from over 130 countries. Over 87 per cent of exhibitors and more than 70 per cent of trade visitors travelled from abroad.

At the opening on 11 May, the WZF presented the Interzoo Awards. The Personality Award went to Norbert Holthenrich, President of the German Pet Trade and Industry Association ZZF. Gordon Bonnet, Managing Director of both the ZZF and the WZF, recalled how consistently Holthenrich had driven forward the internationalisation of the event: ‘When Norbert Holthenrich attended his first Interzoo in 2012, the trade fair featured 1,539 exhibitors from 53 countries.’

The Long Distance Award was won by Zealandia Ltd. from Auckland, New Zealand – 18,300 kilometres away. The Sustainability Award went to DSM-Firmenich for an algae-based omega-3 oil as an alternative to marine raw materials.

The programme was rounded off by the first-ever Interzoo Sustainability Conference, 16 national pavilions, the Petfood Forum Europe, the first-ever Groomers’ Day for the grooming sector, the Sourcing and Fresh Ideas Stages, and Academy Sessions – including, for the first time, a dedicated session on healthcare.

In terms of content, the focus was on prevention. Vitamins, probiotics, postbiotics and superfoods are being added to pet food as toppings, drops or powders; functional snacks are designed to support the immune system, joints and gut flora. Interquell, for example, launched its Happy Dog Dental Snacks and made its Vet range – previously sold exclusively through vets – available to retailers. ‘In view of rising veterinary costs, pet owners are investing more consciously in prevention,’ confirmed Thorsten Stoyke, Head of Marketing & E-Commerce at IQ petfood.

At the same time, alternative protein sources came into focus – ranging from sashimi-grade fish and insects to single-protein formulas designed to combat allergies. Sustainability was no longer a niche topic either: cat litter made from wood, coconut fibre or cassava, and upcycled toys were a common sight.

‘The enthusiasm is well-founded,’ said Bert Fuhrmann, sales manager at Marsapet: ‘It really was a fantastic trade fair.’ However, he added that he hadn’t seen major innovations at every turn – but that the fruitful discussions had been more important. ‘Perhaps, in the end, that is actually the most important innovation a trade fair can offer: getting back into conversation with one another.’

Dirk Leesmann von Finnern highlighted the efficiency gains offered by the trade fair as a networking platform: instead of a three-week trip to Asia, one can meet all suppliers in one place over four days.

Catural is transforming cat litter from a necessary evil into a home accessory: David Strittmatter is launching his own lifestyle brand, complete with a refillable ‘Signature Box’ in a 40 x 24 cm cardboard format – the product is designed to be displayed prominently in the room, not hidden away in a crumpled state. The Nutriment Company has pioneered a new category with its ‘Fresh Wall’: gently steamed, minimally processed food that bridges the gap between raw feeding and ready meals.

Eheim has put its faith in the next generation – the AquaFamily starter kit, complete with a digital guide, makes getting started with an aquarium ‘child’s play’ thanks to an app. At Mera, a complete brand relaunch has been announced: the new marketing director, Timo Brautlacht, is repositioning the long-established company as a lifestyle brand aimed at young, urban target groups.

With every detail carefully thought through, Tavo Pets showcased crash-tested, Isofix-compatible transport solutions and new rucksacks. Clever features such as puncture-proof tyres, magnetic buckles, one-button locking mechanisms and coloured locking indicators underline the brand’s premium credentials.

Bewital’s managing director, Jürgen Wigger, presented Belcando dry food, the coating on which transforms into a flavourful sauce with just a few drops of warm water. Thule showcased dog transport crates for bicycles and cars, as well as crash-tested dog harnesses. Animonda highlighted how the brand is evolving as a partner and a home for modern pet families ‘with heart, emotion and reason’, emphasised head of marketing Simon Hoecker. At Hunter, vet Julia Vietmeier presented the ErgoMove Pro dog harness, developed using treadmill analysis.

Catwalk Integral showcased modular cat stairs featuring a simple plug-and-click assembly system and the option for future expansion, designed to provide indoor cats with safe access to the outdoors even from higher floors, whilst also serving as a climbing and play obstacle course that can be integrated into indoor spaces.

Under the Blagdon brand, Sera showcased freestanding tall tanks ranging from 190 to 800 litres – presented as impulse-buy items in cardboard boxes. Spokesperson Oliver Helker also highlighted the Interpet Edge Glow: a 15-litre nano-aquarium whose edges glow in all the colours of the rainbow.

The retail sector was also represented at the event. Matt Simister, the new CEO of Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo, praised the ‘wide range of new product ideas and innovations, which highlight just how dynamic and fast-paced our industry continues to be’.

The dates for the next Interzoo have already been set: 23 to 26 May 2028.

This is the long version of the article from the print edition of PET worldwide 3/2026.