Europe continues to hold its position as the world’s second-largest pet care market, accounting for 30% of global pet care retail value sales. Global sales are projected to reach US$224.5 billion in 2026, according to insights shared by Sahiba Puri, research manager at Euromonitor International and opening speaker at Petfood Forum Europe on May 11.
While Western Europe remains a mature and significant market, Puri highlighted stronger growth potential in Eastern Europe, which is forecast to grow at a 3.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2026 and 2031.
“Petfood Forum Europe’s program reflected the ongoing strength of the European market and the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, ingredient innovation, processing technologies and evolving consumer expectations,” said Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. “By bringing together scientific research, market trends and practical business strategies, the conference helps professionals prepare for what’s next.”
The agenda highlighted emerging technologies, nutrition research and business strategies driving change across the pet food industry. Experts discussed sustainable ingredient solutions, advances in enzyme applications, emerging subscription business models, cultivated meat research and the growing use of artificial intelligence in supplier auditing. Additional sessions explored how freeze-drying optimization and novel ingredients are helping companies improve product quality, efficiency and consumer appeal.
Pet food professionals from 33 countries — including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States — attended the event, creating opportunities for international networking and collaboration. The event concluded with a joint reception with participants from the Interzoo Sustainability Conference.
Petfood Forum Europe 2026 was co-located with Interzoo, held May 12–15 in Nuremberg, Germany. Interzoo is the world’s largest marketing platform for the international pet supply industry, bringing together manufacturers, wholesalers and service providers from 68 countries.
For more information, visit PetfoodForumEvents.com/Europe.
