Interzoo concluded May 15 with organizer WZF – Pet Industry Services reporting around 2,400 exhibitors from approximately 70 countries presenting products and services for dogs, cats, fish, small mammals, terrarium animals and other pets. Approximately 39,000 trade visitors from more than 130 countries attended.
"The record figures achieved at Interzoo 2026, both in terms of exhibitor and visitor numbers, demonstrate the outstanding importance of our trade fair as a platform for information and procurement, as well as a meeting place for the industry," said Norbert Holthenrich, president of ZZF – German Pet Trade & Industry Association, the honorary sponsor of Interzoo.
"In addition to the positive overall atmosphere at the fair, the attendance figures reflect the significance of the event," continued Holthenrich. "This strong interest in Interzoo 2026 is also a very clear sign of the high social relevance of pets. At a time when interpersonal contact is increasingly taking place virtually, pets offer direct encounters in the here and now of the physical world. They are members of the family who are often cared for in a similar way to children. I was therefore delighted to see numerous exhibitors whose products are designed to support the well-being and health of pets."
More than 87% of exhibitors came from outside Germany, and international visitors made up more than 70% of attendance.
"For many exhibitors and visitors, Interzoo week marks the most important date in the business calendar," said Gordon Bonnet, CEO of ZZF and WZF. "I am delighted that this year we have not only met the correspondingly high expectations, but in many cases even surpassed them. In face-to-face conversations in the exhibition halls and at the numerous supporting events, participants spoke very positively about the quality of the event and were optimistic about converting the contacts made into sustainable business relationships.
"During the trade fair and conference days from 11 to 15 May 2026, I was able to experience, as in previous years, the unique potential that lies in the personal encounters at our trade fair," added Bonnet. "Numerous exhibitors and visitors have indeed laid the foundations for their long-standing business relationships at Interzoo."
Health and sustainability
According to market research firm Euromonitor, the global pet market grew 3.1% to 189 billion euros (approximately $220 billion). Preventive healthcare solutions for pets represented a particularly active segment, a trend reflected across exhibitor offerings at the show.
For the first time, a dedicated Academy Session was held on the topic of healthcare. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about national markets in North and South America, Europe and Asia during five Country Sessions. Additional sessions addressed social media trends, and the new Interzoo Groomers' Day attracted around 200 participants.
On May 11, one day before the official start of the trade fair, the Interzoo Sustainability Conference drew approximately 140 sustainability experts and pet industry managers from 30 countries for presentations, workshops and discussions. The conference opened with a keynote address by Elliott Harris, former United Nations chief economist and assistant secretary-general for economic development. The same day, Petfood Forum Europe took place, focusing on manufacturing processes and ingredients for pet food.
dsm-firmenich received the Interzoo Sustainability Award 2026 for the development of functional algae-based ingredients used to enrich pet food with omega-3 fatty acids. The company was selected from 28 entrants.
Start-ups and innovation
A total of 59 young companies and start-ups exhibited across two shared stands. The Fresh Ideas Stage featured 37 companies presenting products and solutions. mousebouncer GmbH took first place in the Fresh Ideas Contest for an AI-controlled cat flap that uses facial recognition to prevent cats from bringing prey indoors. Kuro & Kai, a Spanish start-up producing cat litter made from olive pits, placed second. Frankfurt-based dog accessories company Lumiies received third prize.
Interzoo 2026 also introduced the Sourcing Stage, a platform focused on cross-border procurement.
A total of 312 journalists and bloggers from 30 countries covered the event.
"We are pleased to join the industry in celebrating a successful Interzoo week, which featured excellent discussions, promising business contacts, more than 110 conference sessions and numerous new formats where the pet industry could network, learn and do business," said Dr. Rowena Arzt, head of exhibitions at WZF GmbH.
"The substantial increase in the number of visitors, notably from Germany, is a positive indication of the industry's confidence in Interzoo. I would like to thank everyone who played such an active role in Interzoo. Interzoo is unique worldwide and is quite clearly a trade fair by industry for the industry."
Interzoo 2028 is scheduled for May 23–26, 2028.
