The 21st edition of Zoomark, held May 5-7 at BolognaFiere in Bologna, Italy, closed with record participation and a renewed emphasis on innovation, sustainability and global reach. With 1,268 exhibitors from 56 countries — a 23% increase over 2023 — and nearly 31,000 visitors, 64% of them from outside Italy, the international pet food and care trade show further solidified its role as a strategic hub for the European and global pet markets.
Expanded layout and exhibitor engagement
To accommodate the growth, organizers added three exhibition halls, bringing total show space to 90,000 square meters — a 32% increase. The fair featured 43 startups and strong representation from the U.S., Asia and the Middle East, in addition to European markets. Rebooking began immediately after the event, with many exhibitors confirming participation in the next edition, scheduled for May 10-12, 2027.
New thematic paths highlight innovation
Zoomark introduced three thematic visitor paths to help attendees navigate the show:
- Greenmark, developed with the Pet Sustainability Coalition, highlighted eco-friendly innovations.
- Italian Style showcased domestic excellence in product design, quality and creativity.
- Tech for Future focused on technological innovation and market-forward products.
These paths enhanced visitor experience while helping brands communicate their positioning more clearly.
Special areas spotlight product development
Six dedicated areas offered a deeper look at emerging trends and new product development:
- Factory targeted supply chain professionals and production leaders.
- Atelier showcased artisanal and luxury pet products.
- Pawfect! centered on grooming, with live demos, seminars, and even dog massage sessions.
- Pet Vision, the fair’s trend and innovation hub, featured 500 new products, highlighting themes like sustainability, value, mental enrichment and health.
- Aqua Project focused on aquatics and terrariums, developed in collaboration with AIPA.
- Next 5.0 presented pet-tech solutions from startups, ranging from IoT-connected feeding systems to interactive enrichment tools.
Pet food innovation on display
Exhibitors showcased a broad range of pet food innovations, from gently cooked meals and functional diets to snacks made with alternative ingredients and single-protein sources. Many of these offerings reflect growing consumer demand for transparency, health benefits and sustainability.
More than 80 sessions, including panels, seminars and roundtables, provided professional development and insight into market trends. Key topics included innovation, export strategies, sustainability and category growth.
Organizers are already planning the next edition for May 2027. In the meantime, Zoomark's international efforts and evolving format aim to keep it a top destination for pet food and care professionals worldwide.
Adapted from a press release.
