Purely Norwegian

Largely unknown beyond its borders, ZooExpo is Norway’s only purely national trade fair for the specialist pet sector – and that focus is entirely deliberate. ‘Our guiding principle is rather to be the best – and indeed the only – purely Norwegian trade fair for the specialist pet sector, and in that regard, we believe we succeed very well,’ explains Svein A. Fosså, Chairman of the Board and Secretary General of the Norwegian Pet Trade Association (NZB), which organises the event.

The 2026 edition, the 18th since the fair’s debut in 1990, took place on 21 and 22 March at the X Meeting Point near Oslo, and at the same time marked NZB’s 70th anniversary. A professional seminar programme, ‘Seminar Friday’, served as a lead-in on 20 March.

The concept is intentionally focused: exhibitors are primarily those who already have the logistics in place to supply Norwegian pet retailers, while visitors are almost exclusively Norwegian specialist traders. According to Fosså, a majority of the country’s pet shops – with the exception of some centrally managed chains. Current cost levels and broader economic challenges led to slightly lower attendance than in previous years, with an estimated 150 specialist retailers present. The fair also welcomes a small number of international visitors, typically producers and distributors looking to understand the ­Norwegian market better.

Both exhibitors and visitors reported a high level of satisfaction, with ZooExpo valued as professional platform and important social meeting point alike. This was reflected in the evening banquet, fully booked with 280 participants. While maintaining the fair’s national character, NZB encourages Norwegian companies seeking wider exposure to attend larger international events such as Interzoo and Zoomark.

Fosså draws a positive conclusion: ‘What stands out most is that more of the industry now see the value of meeting in one place – suppliers and retailers alike. There is also a clearer understanding of how important it is to support a knowledgeable and professional specialist trade, especially at a time when we see increasing channel blurring and competition from less specialised actors.’ The next ­ZooExpo is scheduled for 2028.