Petfood Forum Europe returned to Interzoo in Nuremberg, Germany, on 6 May 2024, welcoming the largest number of attendees in the regional conference’s history. Nearly 300 pet food professionals were in attendance from 33 countries including Belgium, Denmark, France, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States and others.
“In collaboration with our partners at Interzoo, Petfood Forum Europe is now positioned as a critical hub for the European and global pet food industry to share on new ideas, conduct important business deals and make connections,” said Steve Akins, executive vice president, global petfood and events with WATT Global Media. “The shared expertise among speakers and participants will undoubtedly fuel innovation, research and product development that will shape the future of pet food.”
Program highlights
David Molenberghs, co-founder and chief innovation officer, Smoofl, opened the morning sessions with his presentation on the importance of pivoting when developing pet food and treats. He shared the principles and applications of a creative design approach that transcends traditional product development.
Petfood Forum Europe 2024 also covered research on novel proteins such as insects and microbials, as well as other popular ingredients like probiotics, postbiotics, yeast and yeast derivatives. Other sessions addressed mineral bioavailability in vegan and vegetarian dog food, climate change’s impact on the European pet food supply chain, a new thermal pet food process using extrusion and its effects on resistant starch and gut health in dogs.
Additionally, the one-day conference provided an opportunity for pet food professionals from around the world to network, exchange ideas and do business with leading industry suppliers.
Petfood Forum Europe 2024 was co-located with Interzoo, which took place 7-10 May. Interzoo is the world’s largest trade fair for the international pet industry hosting 37,000 trade visitors from 140 countries.
Where the global pet food industry does business
Make plans to attend Petfood Forum 2025 on 28-30 April to be part of the next edition of the global pet food industry’s most valuable and unique conference and exhibition.
