Interzoo 2026 opens with record exhibitors, awards ceremony

The 39th Interzoo opened May 12 in Nuremberg, Germany, running through May 15, with organizer WZF – Pet Industry Services reporting around 2,400 exhibitors from approximately 70 countries, which they said is the largest and most international event in the fair's history.

Spread across 15 halls and 150,000 square meters, the fair draws visitors from around 140 countries. International exhibitors account for 87% of participants, with the largest contingents after Germany coming from China, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, the USA, Poland and the UK. Sixteen countries have their own national pavilions this year, including first-timers Thailand, Turkey and Spain.

"Interzoo is both a tool and an enabler," said Gordon Bonnet, CEO of WZF – Pet Industry Services and ZZF – German Pet Trade and Industry Association. "It is a place that brings people, markets and ideas together. And it is the product of a sector that operates with great responsibility, innovative strength, and genuine passion."

Pet food and health trends

Pet food professionals will find particular relevance in the fair's health and nutrition programming. Functional pet nutrition and supplements supporting digestion, joints and mental health are prominent exhibit categories, alongside AI-assisted health monitoring and skin, fur and dental care products.

"For many people, pets are part of the family and important companions," said Norbert Holthenrich, president of ZZF – German Pet Trade and Industry Association, the honorary sponsor of Interzoo. "Accordingly, there is growing interest in preventive health solutions designed to support the well-being of pets and extend their life expectancy."

Sustainable protein is another major thread, with numerous exhibitors showcasing dog food and snacks based on alternative protein sources such as insects.

According to Euromonitor, the global pet market reached more than €189 billion (US$211 billion) in sales last year, up 3.1%, with North America accounting for more than €84.6 billion (US$94.5 billion) and Europe around €52.4 billion (US$58.6 billion).

Supporting program

The week's programming began May 11 with two conferences: the inaugural Interzoo Sustainability Conference and Petfood Forum Europe, which focuses on manufacturing processes and ingredients in pet food. 

Additional programming includes International Groomers' Day on May 14, a new Sourcing Stage in Hall 12 covering supply chain and procurement topics, and the Fresh Ideas Stage in Hall 3 featuring daily product innovation presentations. Six Interzoo Academy sessions address pet supplies markets in Europe, Asia, Canada and Brazil, as well as healthcare and social media topics.

The winners and laudators of the Interzoo Awards. Boxler | WZFInterzoo Awards

At the opening ceremony May 11, WZF presented the second annual Interzoo Awards, recognizing achievement in sustainability, innovation and commitment.

Holthenrich received the Interzoo Personality Award. In his remarks, Bonnet noted that when Holthenrich participated in his first Interzoo in 2012, the fair had 1,539 exhibitors from 53 countries.

The Interzoo Long Distance Award went to Zealandia Ltd., a sustainable pet food manufacturer for dogs and cats headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, 18,300 kilometers from Nuremberg.

"This honor exemplifies the highly international nature of the world's leading trade fair and its role as a global meeting place for exhibitors, decision-makers and innovators from all over the world," said Peter Ottmann, CEO of the Nürnberg Messe Group.

The Interzoo Sustainability Award went to dsm-firmenich, selected by a combination of attendee vote at the Sustainability Conference and a panel of judges. The company's algae-based omega-3 oil offers an alternative to marine-sourced raw materials in pet food. Other finalists included i Tail Corporation and ADM. Elliott Harris, former United Nations chief economist and assistant secretary-general for economic development, presented the award.

"This sector has realized that change is a shared responsibility," Harris said, adding that the shift toward sustainability benefits the industry: "Markets become more resilient when companies strike a balance between profitability and responsibility."

The inaugural Interzoo Pioneer Award went to redoggo, a Cologne-based startup that manufactures dog toys from upcycled automotive materials including airbags and seatbelts. The company is less than two years old.

"Many companies showcase their new products for the first time at Interzoo," said Dr. Rowena Arzt, director of exhibitions at WZF. "For us as organizers, this is always an incredibly special honor and proof that Interzoo is a driving force and the most important platform worldwide for contacting international decision-makers, buyers and key players in the pet industry."