PetFood PRO 1/2026

International Magazine March 2026 ISSN 2628-5851 

Technology & Marketing 

1/26 

Ingredients: Mediterranean Diet, Yeast Extract, Heart Health, Omega-3, Five Ingredient Trends 

Processing: Creating Quality Kibbles, Flexible Production, Heat Exchangers in Pet Food 

Packaging: Ergonomic Handling, PPWR Success with new Bagging Equipment 

Marketing: Interzoo 2026, Conference: Future of Petfood, Showcase China, Guinea Pigs

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EDITORIAL 

A Pet Partnership 

Having a pet is more than a quality of life. 

You have a friend, someone to care for, 

someone to talk to and to share some of 

your most personal thoughts. It is unlikely 

that they will pass on your secrets. This is 

part of the reason why more single people 

have dogs, cats and even fish than ever 

they used to. This is also shown in pet food 

purchasing. 

A new study among Germans has 

underlined this, whilst going a step further 

to show that some limits are necessary, 

in both food consumption and life itself. 

The study in German from the heristo AG 

“Generation Barometer Pet Food“ was 

carried out by Prof. Dr. Jürgen Zentek 

and surveyed 1000 German pet owners. 

The results were clear in respect of the 

partnership between pets and pet parents. 

Whilst all generations (86%) do talk to their 

pets regularly, mostly the younger ones 

have a clear emotional relationship. For 

older pet owners, this is more functional 

and companionable. As Prof. Zentek 

says, “This is reflected in buying patterns. 

Many decisions are not only rational, but 

also made according to a value-based and 

emotional background.“ 

Plant alternatives for pets are, surprisingly, 

more often rejected than accepted. This 

could be due to a deficit in information 

on the latest developments in plant based 

diets. On the other hand, high quality food 

is prefered, but only with a certificate of 

origin and proof of positive animal welfare. 

Even so, the price needs to be in the right 

relation to the product. A third of those 

polled claimed not to pay through the 

roof for sustainable products. In fact as a 

priority for purchase, health of the animal 

featured higher than environmental 

benefits. 

Executive Board member Christian 

Schröder from heristo AG concludes: 

“Our role as petfood manufacturer is 

more challenging than ever before. The 

expectations of pet owners are very much 

value driven – consumers want high-value 

and healthy products, which fit their own 

life-style and still reflect the emotional 

bond with their pets. At the same time, the 

study shows a price-consciousness, need 

for transparency and a certain scepticism to 

new technologies. Our role is to invest more 

in these areas and create added-value for 

pet and parent.“ 

Ian D. Healey, Editor-in-Chief, with Natz 

Whilst this study concentrates on 

Germany, the lessons can be found 

everywhere. Germans may consider plant 

alternatives, new protein sources and 

meat from the test tube, but at the end, 

tradition is perhaps the most central factor 

in decision-making. 

Sincerely 

Photo: Alex Schunder 

If you like it subscribe! 

Issue 1 2026 

3

CONTENTS 

Issue 1 March 2026 

Spring is on its way. Pets and other animals are bright spots as the world wakes 

up from its winter sleep and start to breathe new life into all of us. This photo is an 

example of curiousity, freshness and nature. It is a sign of what is ahead, expectation 

and a readiness to discover. 

Cover photo: Dr. Harnisch Publications / PetFood PRO / Adobe Stock #259444305 

Ingredients 

6 Five ingredients to look out for in Petfood 

10 The Mediterranean Diet as Inspiration for 

Functional Pet Nutrition 

12 Heart Health in Dogs 

16 Yeast Extract Coating improves Dog Kibble Palatability 

17 Algal Omega-3s: A Sustainable Boost for Health and 

Wellbeing 

Processing 

18 World-class Kibble through improved Heat Transfer 

Solutions 

19 Flexible Production Solutions for Petfood at Interzoo 2026 

20 Choosing Heat Exchangers for Petfood Ingredients 

22 Polish Petfood Processed at 1200 Cans per Minute 

24 Smart Petfood Production: Setting New Standards from 

R&D Scale-Up to Total Cost of Ownership 

The Mediterranean Diet is widely regarded as one of the most 

balanced and health-promoting dietary patterns worldwide. 

Rooted in the traditional food culture of Southern Europe, it is 

associated with longevity, reduced inflammation and overall 

metabolic health. Its emphasis on natural ingredients, gentle 

processing and longterm well-being is increasingly influencing 

modern pet nutrition concepts. The full story is on page 10. 

Many pet owners are no longer content with an off-the-shelf, 

dry-rendered kibble that’s lacking in flavor and nutritional value. 

Pet owners are now demanding the same standards for their 

companions’ food as they are for their own, which means higher 

fresh meat inclusion. This is only possible when using ingredients 

from trusted farms and fisheries and the best processing 

equipment available. More details can be found on page 18. 

4 

Technology & Marketing

Departments 

3 Editorial 

42 Upcoming Events / Impressum 

Events / Marketing 

5-7 May 2026, Fira Barcelona 

5-7 May 2026, Fira Barcelona 

More to 

32 Petfood Sector in China looks with Optimism to the Future 

34 Interzoo 2026: Sustainability Conference & Groomers’ Day 

36 Building the Perfect Home for Guinea Pigs 

40 Zoomark Gears up for 2027 

Packaging 

26 Heavy Loads, Smart Solutions 

Ergonomic Handling in Petfood Logistics 

30 PPWR Success with new Bagging Equipment 

The ongoing boom in pet food is creating new challenges for 

logistics operations. Ever-expanding product ranges, frequent 

changeovers and heavy, bulky packaging units must be moved 

safely and efficiently along the entire value chain. Modern 

lifting and handling systems combine high throughput with 

ergonomic working conditions and turn occupational health 

and safety into a measurable productivity factor. See page 26. 


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5

INGREDIENTS 

Five Ingredients 

to look out for in Petfood 

There is a tendency of petfood trends to follow human foods trends and as seen at the Food ingredients 

Europe in December, it is worth considering developments in human food while we speak about petfood. 

Alex Wesker looks at this topic as an independent nutritionist. Product formulations and claims form part of 

her consultancy service. Alex has selected five ingredients based on demands from the pet food market. 

Photos/Charts: Alex Wesker 

Photo: 

Informa Markets 

Many pet owners see their pet as a family 

member or even their ‘baby’. Food choice 

is emotional and affected by many buzz 

words. We want a product with bells and 

whistles, and all this for a good price. 

Really what consumers are looking for is 

‘value for money.’ 

Most pet food ’volume’ sits in the economy 

and mid-priced segments, whereas retail 

value is top heavy. The higher retail price 

provides financial room for bioactive 

compounds in that segment, and those 

I consider for claims. In that market 

segment we see consumers respond to 

the financial squeeze by moving within 

the segment to a lower-priced alternative, 

or by combining their current premium 

food with products from lower priced 

segments. Product choice is defined by 

purpose and that purpose differs between 

dog and cat owners. 

Dog owners look to feed for function, 

whereas cat owners are more interested 

in treating, bonding, feeding something 

palatable. Owners look out for health 

claims and we see overlap in those claims 

between dogs and cats. With dog owners 

on the lookout for functionality they place 

greater importance on these claims than 

cat owners. 

Brands look to make claims economically, 

so I have been looking at ingredients that 

allow multiple claims or are likely to allow 

that in the near future. 

DHA algae 

In the US, the words ‘microalgae’ and 

‘Schizochytrium’ are increasingly used 

in new product launches. Over the past 

five years these words have increasingly 

featured on new product launches by 

70% year on year. They contain DHA 

which allows for many health claims 

including joint health, skin&coat quality, 

6 


INGREDIENTS 

cognitive performance, and vision. For 

puppies DHA is frequently added because 

it is a nutritional requirement for their 

development, while for adults and seniors 

it is added for maintenance. 

DHA is usually added by including fish 

oil, but fish oil contains DHA in the first 

place, because they eat algae and other 

fish. By using algae we go straight to the 

source and do not have to catch fish or 

disturb their ecosystem. Although we 

have already seen market growth, I expect 

that to continue because we already use 

fish oil, we’re aware of the health benefits, 

and it is a more efficient choice. Also, 

the healthy fatty acids DHA and EPA are 

coming down in fish oil, but levels are 

stable in algae. A study found that DHA 

and EPA halved between 2005 and 2010 in 

farmed Scottish salmon. This knowledge 

will aid acceptance in the human food 

market where algae oil is mostly sold as 

supplements in capsules or gummies. 

There are differences between sources, 

so you want to select what you formulate 

for. This applies particularly for feeds with 

a particular nutritional purpose such as 

osteoarthritis, because cat food needs a 

minimum DHA content and dog food a 

minimum EPA content. 

Postbiotics 

They have also been on the rise, and I 

expect they will also continue to do so. 

Recently, in 2021, they were defined as 

inanimate microorganisms with a health 

benefit for the host, and need to adhere to 

multiple conditions. The fact that they are 

inanimate makes them stable, consistent 

and easy to formulate into a variety of 

pet and human food products. Benefits 

go beyond gut health and studies show 

benefits for skin, wellbeing and the 

immune system also. At this show there 

is a company promoting postbiotics for 

dental health and they’ve done a study 

demonstrating reduced plaque formation 

and biofilm growth in dogs. The body of 

research in both human and pet food is 

rapidly expanding and health benefits 

continue to be discovered. 

Eggshell membrane 

This is the thin layer we find on the inside 

of the shell of a bird’s egg. It naturally 

contains a variety of components 

consumers are already looking for and 

familiar with: glucosamine, chondroitin, 

hyaluronic acid, collagen and also 

elastin and keratin. Regarding claims 

I am particularly excited about joint 

health. Research about the efficacy of 

these ‘individual‘ components can be 

contradicting, but then these come in 

different forms, from different sources 

and in varying ratios. Eggshell membrane 

consistently contains the same forms, the 

same source and the same ratio, so studies 

can build on each other and are showing 

promising results. As an additional benefit 

it also has buzzwords like natural and 

upcycling which consumers are looking 

for. 

Blood plasma 

Blood is a by-product from slaughter 

and when filtered and centrifuged we 

obtain plasma. It is already used for 

its processing qualities: in dry food for 

reducing fines, but particularly in wet pet 

food, it is renowned for its water holding 

capacity (WHC) to help form chunks in 

gravy. It is often apologetically hidden in 

the labelling declaration under ‘animal byproducts’, 

because blood plasma sounds 

unattractive to many people in Europe. 

However, there are health benefits 

associated with blood plasma too. Studies 

have shown an impact on immune 

function and gut health. Current work is 

being done on joint health and weight 

management. 

Declaration may not be as offputting as 

we think, because organ meat has gained 

popularity in the pet food space too. I saw 

an example of a treats earlier this year 

containing duck blood, and treats lend 

themselves well for testing consumer 

acceptance. Claims can already be made 

and we know more might emerge. On 

top of that, plasma has a protein level 

over 70% and is highly digestible and 

palatable. I would be keen to put this in 

cat treats because of its palatability and 

how much cat owners value that. 

Again looking at the US, in the past 

five years we have seen an increased 

occurrence of polyphenols, psyllium husk 


7

INGREDIENTS 

the plant to use, standardize the product, 

consider antinutritional factors and 

ensure quality assurance so we do not 

accidentally receive a material that looks 

the same but is not safe for use. 


and milk thistle on new product launches: 

a 50% increase year on year. Botanicals by 

nature have multiple components, and 

health benefits are claimed but not always 

proven. So, I choose to select from all the 

ingredients here at FiE the botanicals, look 

at the amount of research that is being 

done on these botanicals and see if one 

would stand out. And it did. Before I get to 

it, a quick side step to human food. 

Milk vetch 

In July of this year green kiwi became the 

*first fresh fruit* to receive an authorised 

health claim in the EU. It may feature 

more in newspapers, magazines and 

social media. That potential increase in 

media attention aided my decision to 

put botanicals as a category as the fifth 

ingredient with this one highlight. Which 

is: Milk vetch, for multiple reasons. Studies 

show a variety of health benefits in other 

species. In relation to pets Google Scholar 

shows a similar number of hits in recent 

years for milk vetch as for ginger, ginkgo 

biloba and ginseng, and about half the 

number compared to green tea – and 

green tea is commonly used in pet food. 

More research is needed in dogs and cats 

for these health claims, and an upcoming 

health claim that will come across from 

human food is ‘inflammaging’. I think this 

herb will be able to perform on that front 

as well due to the work done on oxidative 

status. The challenges are typical for 

botanicals, we need to know the part of 

For more information 

please sent a mail to 

alex@aseno-partners.com 

The Author: 

Alexandra Wesker 

(Msc, RNutr) is an 

independent Pet 

Nutritionist and 

Formulator in the 

EU and UK. 

This article is based on a presentation 

at the Food Ingredients Europe event in 

Paris, December 2025, Informa Markets 

PLC, and is reproduced with permission. 

8 


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INGREDIENTS 

The Mediterranean Diet 

as Inspiration for 

Functional Pet Nutrition 

The Mediterranean Diet is widely regarded as one of the most balanced and health-promoting dietary patterns 

worldwide. Rooted in the traditional food culture of Southern Europe, it is associated with longevity, reduced 

inflammation and overall metabolic health. Its emphasis on natural ingredients, gentle processing and longterm 

wellbeing is increasingly influencing modern pet nutrition concepts. 

At the center of this dietary model lies a familiar agricultural raw material: the olive. 

Beyond Olive Oil: Unlocking the 

Full Potential of the Olive 

Extra virgin olive oil is often highlighted 

as the primary health contributor within 

the Mediterranean Diet. While it provides 

valuable fatty acids and minor bioactives, 

it represents only a fraction of the olive’s 

nutritional potential. 

During olive oil production, the majority 

of the fruit’s polyphenols and triterpenes 

remain in the olive pulp rather than 

transferring into the oil. As a result, olive 

fruit by-products contain significantly 

higher concentrations of biologically 

active compounds than olive oil itself. 

Among these, hydroxytyrosol is the 

most extensive researched. Unique to 

olives, hydroxytyrosol is considered one 

of the most potent naturally occurring 

antioxidants. It is accompanied by 

maslinic acid, a triterpene associated 

with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory 

properties. Together, these compounds 

form a highly functional bioactive 

complex with relevance for both human 

and animal nutrition. 

Photo: Adobe Stock #212643420 

Scientific Validation of 

Hydroxytyrosol 

The physiological effects of hydroxytyrosol 

are well established in human nutrition 

science. The European Food Safety 

Authority (EFSA) has evaluated and 

authorized health claims related to olive 

polyphenols, including protection against 

oxidative stress, antioxidant activity at the 

cellular level, protection of body cells and 

LDL from oxidative damage, and support 

of normal lipid metabolism. 

These effects are achieved at a daily intake 

of just 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its 

derivatives, highlighting the compound’s 

high biological efficacy. 

Upcycling Olive By-Products: 

From Residue to Functional 

Ingredient 

Building on this scientific foundation, 

a Danish ingredient producer has 

developed an upcycling approach that 

transforms fresh olive fruit residues from 

extra virgin olive oil production into a 

standardized, natural and multifunctional 

ingredient for pet food applications. 

Using a gentle, solvent-free process, the 

natural bioactive profile of the olive fruit 

is preserved in a dried, easy-to-handle 

ingredient. Compared to olive oil, this 

ingredient delivers substantially higher 

concentrations of polyphenols while 

supporting circular economy principles 

through waste reduction and improved 

resource efficiency. 

Functional Benefits in Pet 

Nutrition 

Thanks to its elevated polyphenol content, 

the olive-derived ingredient offers several 

functional advantages in pet nutrition. 

Hydroxytyrosol has been shown to positively 

influence the gut microbiota 

by supporting beneficial bacterial 

populations. This may contribute to 

improved digestion, better stool quality 

and reduced fecal odour. Its antioxidant 

and anti-inflammatory properties further 

support the animal’s natural defense 

mechanisms and resilience against 

environmental stressors. 

Additional benefits include support for 

skin and coat condition, modulation of 

inflammatory responses associated with 

allergies, and potential contributions to 

healthy weight management. Importantly, 

hydroxytyrosol can cross the 

blood–brain barrier, making it particularly 

relevant for cognitive support and healthy 

ageing concept in pets. 

Mode of Action: Key Health 

Effects of Hydroxytyrosol 

Hydroxytyrosol neutralizes free radicals 

and helps protect cells from oxidative 

damage, which is linked to the 

development of chronic diseases. Its 

role in lipid metabolism also supports 

cardiovascular function and long-term 

vitality. 

10 


INGREDIENTS 

Photo: Adobe Stock #237255740 

By inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines 

and enzymes, hydroxytyrosol helps 

regulate immune responses and may 

alleviate inflammatory conditions such 

as joint issues or inflammatory bowel 

disorders. 

Due to its high bioavailability and 

ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, 

hydroxytyrosol supports neuronal protection 

and may contribute to reduced 

age-related cognitive decline in pets. 

Clean Label and Market 

Relevance 

From a market perspective, olivebased 

bioactive ingredients align 

closely with current pet food trends. 

These include natural, recognizable raw 

materials, clean-label positioning, gentle 

processing without chemical solvents, 

and sustainable, cost-efficient ingredient 

sourcing. 

Application and Formulation 

Considerations 

Inclusion levels of approximately 0.1-0.3% 

of a standardized olive-derived bioactive 

ingredient in pet food and treats can 

support intestinal health, skin and coat 

quality, and overall wellbeing. 

In addition, strong natural antioxidant 

activity offers a viable alternative to 

synthetic and other antioxidants commonly 

used in pet food production for shelf-life 

extension, while supporting clean-label 

formulation strategies. 

Why not share the Mediterranean 

Diet with your pet? 

Sometimes, better nutrition is not about 

adding more, but about using what 

nature already provides! 

The Autor: 

Karen Laustsen 

Product Development 

Director 

Olextra ApS Denmark 



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11

INGREDIENTS 

Heart Health in Dogs 

Dr. Jyotika Sangale, Dr. D J Kalita Technical & Regulatory Zenex Animal Health India Pvt Ltd 

ultimately causes abnormal heartbeat 

(arrhythmia). DCM most commonly affect 

the left sided chambers, particularly 

left ventricle but it can also affect right 

sided chambers or both the chamber 

simultaneously. DCM is more common 

in large breed as well as aged dogs and 

rarely affect smaller breeds of dog. 

Dog DCM comes in two primary forms. 

The first results in weakening of the heart 

muscles which causes blood back up 

into the chambers and then the heart 

chamber enlarge and dilate. The second 

type results in irregular heartbeats. 

It is observed that near about 80 % of 

heart diseases in dog is due to mitral valve 

insufficiency. The breeds more prone to 

these conditions include cocker spaniel, 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, 

miniature schnauzer, miniature poodle, 

fox terrier, toy poodle, Pomeranian and 

dachshund. It is most commonly seen in 

male than female dog. 

The other causes of CHF in dogs 

include defects in the walls of the heart, 

congenital defects, accumulation of fluid 

in the sac around the heart, Heartworm 

infestation, arrhythmias, increased blood 

pressure, endocarditis, tumor etc. 

Heart disease is a common and serious 

health issue in dogs, particularly as they 

age. It can affect the heart's structure 

or function, leading to reduced quality 

of life and potentially life-threatening 

complications. Cardiac diseases in dog are 

complex, devastating and considered as 

a silent killer. According to the American 

Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 

one in ten dogs suffer from heart disease. 

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a 

common clinical syndrome that results 

from a variety of disease processes in dogs. 

CHF is a condition in which fluid builds up 

(congests) in the lungs and other tissues 

due to the heart’s reduced ability to pump 

blood efficiently throughout the body. 

The most common causes of CHF include: 

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) 

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease 

causes heart muscle (myocardium) 

to become weakened results into the 

decrease ability of heart to pump blood 

through the vascular system which 

Degenerative Mitral Valve 

Disease (DMVD) 

The mitral valve, which resembles a oneway 

flap, permits blood to move from the 

heart's upper left chamber (left atrium) to 

its lower left chamber (left ventricle). The 

function of the mitral valve is to prevent 

the (reverse) flow of blood from the left 

lower chamber to the upper chamber. 

Degenerative mitral valve disease is 

also known as Myxomatous mitral valve 

disease (MMVD), mitral insufficiency, 

(and endocardiosis) is the most common 

cardiac condition occurs when the valve 

undergoes a degenerative change, 

thickening and becoming floppier and 

it is associated with a heart murmur. It 

is mostly, but not exclusively, a disease 

of smaller breed dogs and is seen in 

middle-aged or geriatric dogs. The cause 

of DMVD is still unknown, but in some 

breeds genetic or inherited factors are 

suspected to be a cause of the condition. 

The American College of Veterinary 

Internal Medicine (ACVIM) consensus 

statement describes 4 stages of heart 

disease and failure. The ACVIM consensus 

statement for DMVD outlines a staging 

system for preclinical (stage B) and clinical 

(stages C and D) disease- 

Symptoms of cardiac diseases 

• Coughing (often nocturnal) 

• Fatigue or exercise intolerance 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Fainting or collapsing 

• Loss of appetite or weight loss 

• Swelling in abdominal area 

Diagnosis: 

Various diagnostic tools for the 

diagnosis of heart disease include 

clinical examination and auscultation, 

radiography, electrocardiography, echocardiography 

and cardiac biomarkers 

(Nakayama et al., 2001). Auscultation is 

most helpful part of cardiac examination 

to detect abnormal rhythms and cardiac 

sound. The clinical signs of heart disease 

depend on the type of disease and 

severity and initially it is asymptomatic. 

As heart disease progresses to congestive 

heart failure, which occurs when the heart 

is unable to meet the circulatory demand, 

a dog may develop more obvious 

symptoms such as fatigue, reduced 

willingness to walk or exercise, difficulty 

breathing, loss of appetite, weight loss, a 

distended abdomen, trouble sleeping or 

coughing (MacPete, 2018). 

12 


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INGREDIENTS 

Treatment & Management of 

cardiac Disease: 

Early detection and proper treatment— 

ranging from medication to lifestyle 

adjustments—can greatly enhance a dog’s 

comfort and longevity. Managing heart 

disease in dogs requires a comprehensive 

approach that may include medications, 

dietary changes, and, in certain cases, 

surgical intervention. Medications are 

used to support heart function, minimize 

fluid retention, and regulate heart rhythm. 

Dietary adjustments—such as reducing 

sodium levels and providing sufficient 

protein are also essential components 

of effective heart disease management. 

The standard treatment of CHF in dogs 

consisting of a combination of the 

diuretic furosemide, an angiotensinconverting 

enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (ACEI), 

and Pimobendan. 

• Pimobendan: 

Pimobendan, is one of the most commonly 

used drugs for congestive heart failure, 

has been shown to improve the quality 

of life and survival times in dogs with 

the disease. Pimobendan is a positive 

inotrope and increases contractility 

through a mechanism different from that 

of traditional inotropes such as digoxin, 

the advantage of which is increased 

contractility without significant increases 

in myocardial oxygen demand. It relaxes 

vascular smooth muscle and elicits modest 

arterial vasodilation; this dual “inodilating” 

action is unique. Pimobendan is labelled 

for use in dogs to manage congestive 

heart failure (CHF) resulting from dilated 

cardiomyopathy (DCM) or degenerative 

mitral valve disease (DMVD). 

Research data with preclinical DCM show 

that Pimobendan use was associated with 

• Reduced left ventricular size in systole 

and diastole 

• Delayed average time to onset of CHF 

or sudden death 

• Longer overall survival times 

Pimobendan added to heart failure 

therapy (with benazepril) improves clinical 

status, delays onset of refractory signs of 

heart failure, and increases survival times. 

Pimobendan delays the onset of CHF, 

in part through reduction in heart size, 

and increases survival times. Its use is 

recommended for dogs that have a 

confirmed diagnosis of preclinical DMVD 

Normal (closed valve) 

Normal blood flow (open valve) 

Abnormal blood flow (leaky valve) 

The mitral valve may begin to wear out and 

leak over time because of the high pressure 

created when the left ventricle contracts 

and pumps blood out to the body. 

and radiographic and echocardiographic 

heart size measurements. 

Study reveals that treatment with 

Pimobendan is effective for dogs 

with stage B2 (Preclinical Dilated 

Cardiomyopathy or Degenerative Mitral 

Valve Disease) or stages C and D (clinical 

DMVD) with or without pulmonary 

hypertension, characterized by elevated 

left atrial pressures. In dogs with 

concurrent pulmonary hypertension 

secondary to DMVD, the positive effects 

are probably multifactorial. The effects 

may be secondary to reduced left atrial 

pressure, increased right heart systolic 

function associated with increased 

inotropy, and reduced pulmonary vascular 

resistance associated with vasodilation. 

Mechanisms of Action 

Increased Cardiac Contractility: 

The positive inotropic effects of 

Pimobendan are mediated through 

a combination of 1) increased cyclic 

adenosine monophosphate mediated by 

phosphodiesterase III (PDEIII) inhibition, 

and 2) sensitization of the cardiac 

contractile apparatus to intracellular 

calcium. Calcium sensitization results 

in a positive inotropic effect without 

increasing myocardial oxygen demand. 

Vasodilation: Balanced vasodilatory 

effects are mediated predominately 

through PDEIII inhibition in arterial 

and venous vascular smooth muscle. 

Additional endothelial-mediated 

vasodilation mechanisms may also 

contribute to this action and may be 

linked to the medication’s beneficial 

effect in the treatment of pulmonary 

hypertension. 

Anticoagulation and Other Properties: 

In platelets, PDEIII inhibition mediates 

antithrombotic properties, leading 

to reduced platelet aggregation. This 

effect has been investigated in other 

pyridazinone - based compounds as well 

as Pimobendan. In a study of healthy dogs, 

Pimobendan mildly inhibited platelet 

aggregation but at a concentration well 

above a clinically relevant dose. In mice in 

heart failure, Pimobendan reduced some 

of the adverse cytokine concentrations. 

• Benazepril: 

A mainstay in the treatment of congestive 

heart failure (CHF) in dogs is the use 

of angiotensin-converting enzyme 

(ACE) inhibitors, such as benazepril. 

These drugs act by inhibiting the 

renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system 

(RAAS), a neurohormonal pathway that 

is activated in response to reduced 

renal blood flow and aims to maintain 

intravascular volume and perfusion 

during periods of diminished cardiac 

output. In dogs with CHF, Benazepril has 

been shown to enhance quality of life and 

extend survival. They help lower blood 

pressure, improve cardiac output, and 

decrease regurgitant blood flow resulting 

from valvular insufficiency (Oyama, 

2009). By suppressing RAAS activity, 

benazepril reduces cardiovascular strain 

and promotes better heart function. 

Additionally, benazepril has been found 

to be well tolerated for long-term use 

in dogs with CHF, with minimal adverse 

effects reported. 

• Combination of Pimobendan 

and Benazepril: 

To enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve 

treatment compliance, and simplify 

administration, a fixed-dose combination 

of benazepril and Pimobendan has been 

developed. Pimobendan is an inotropic 

agent that strengthens heart muscle 

14 


INGREDIENTS 

contractions and dilates blood vessels, 

thereby reducing cardiac workload. 

Benazepril, a prodrug converted to its 

active form benazeprilat in the body, 

acts as an ACE (angiotensin-converting 

enzyme) inhibitor. By decreasing the 

production of angiotensin II—a potent 

vasoconstrictor—benazepril promotes 

vasodilation, lowers blood pressure, and 

eases the heart’s workload. While both 

drugs are individually approved for use 

in dogs, their combined use leverages 

their complementary mechanisms: 

benazepril reduces angiotensin II and 

aldosterone levels, while Pimobendan 

exerts dual effects—vasodilation via 

phosphodiesterase III inhibition and 

enhanced cardiac contractility through 

calcium sensitization. Clinical data indicate 

that the safety profile of the combination 

at recommended doses is comparable to 

that of each drug administered separately. 

• Formulation and Dosing 

The combination product of Pimobendan 

and Benazepril should only be used in 

dogs which require both active substances 

to be administered concomitantly at this 

fixed dose. The recommended dose range 

is 0.25–0.5 mg Pimobendan per kg bw 

and 0.5–1 mg benazepril hydrochloride 

per kg bw divided into two daily doses. It 

should be administered orally, twice daily 

12 hours apart (morning and evening) 

and approximately 1 hour before feeding. 

Conclusion 

Heart conditions like mitral valve disease, 

dilated cardiomyopathy or CHF in dogs are 

not uncommon and can greatly impact 

their quality of life. However, with the 

use of medications such as Pimobendan 

plus benazepril, these conditions can 

be effectively managed and allow pet 

to live a comfortable life. Pimobendan 

enhances heart muscle contraction and 

dilates blood vessels, while Benazepril 

reduces blood pressure and the workload 

on the heart. One of the great things 

about Pimobendan plus benazepril is 

that it has a high safety profile and can be 

used for long-term management of heart 

conditions. However, it is essential to note 

that these medications should only be 

used under the guidance of a veterinarian. 



www.creature-companions.in 

A version of this article was first 

published in the magazine Creature 

Companion, September 2025, L.B. 

Associates (Pvt) Ltd, Noida, India and is 

reproduced with permission. 

We realize your ideas 

FREY Dosing Station 

Servo-controlled dosing and portioning 

system for dosing into thermoformers, cans 

or trays 

Available with up to 8 -lane distribution 

Particularly gentle product treatment enabled 

by our advanced rotary piston system 

Highest energy efficiency due to the FREY 

Top Line drive 

Heinrich Frey 

Maschinenbau GmbH 

89542 Herbrechtingen 

Phone: +49 7324 1720 

info@frey-online.com 

www.frey-online.com 


15

INGREDIENTS 

Yeast Extract Coating Improves 

Dog Kibble Palatability 

New choice-feeding study shows higher dog preference for kibbles coated with OHLY-GO ® Meaty 

Both overall and first-bite preference showed consistent improvement. 

Photo: Ohly 

intake. They also need to adapt for 

different species, breeds, and life stages, 

all while maintaining shelf stability, costeffectiveness, 

and regulatory compliance. 

Role of yeast in enhancing 

aroma, umami, and flavour 

perception naturally 

Yeast extracts, such as Ohly-GO® KTD 

and Ohly-GO® Meaty, help to enhance 

pet food palatability by delivering meaty 

and roasted notes that appeal more to 

carnivorous animals than grain-based 

flavours. 

A pet's feeding behavior can directly 

influence the quantity and variety of 

nutrients they consume, which has a 

large impact on overall health and wellbeing. 

Recent research* has found that 

over half (57%) of pet owners believe that 

they could be feeding their pet a more 

nutritious and balanced diet. 

With this in mind, Ohly, who are experts 

in improving pet food palatability, 

conducted a feeding study to compare 

the acceptance and preference of kibbles 

coated with 0,5% OHLY-GO® Meaty 

against an uncoated reference. 

How feeding behaviour affects 

nutrient intake and overall 

animal health 

Pets are highly sensitive to taste, aroma, 

texture, and mouthfeel - these factors can 

determine what foods they prefer and how 

much they eat. As a result, inconsistent 

or selective feeding can lead to nutrient 

deficiencies, obesity, or digestive issues, 

among other health conditions. 

Choice feeding observation 

in dogs – what the findings 

revealed 

In the study, which assessed canine 

feeding behaviour, meat-free kibbles 

coated with 0.5% OHLY-GO® Meaty were 

compared with uncoated meat-free 

kibbles. 

Dogs demonstrated a higher total consumption 

of the coated kibbles (58% 

vs. 49%) and ate the coated kibbles first 

52% of the time, reflecting both greater 

preference and intake. 

The findings suggest that OHLY-GO® 

Meaty enhances palatability and supports 

stronger acceptance amongst dogs. The 

acceptance level was slightly higher for 

kibble coated with OHLY-GO® Meaty (52% 

vs. 48%). Similar uplift was observed in 

overall preference (50% vs. 44%) and firstbite 

preference (52% vs. 46%). 

The challenge for manufacturers: 

delivering balanced, nutritious 

food that pets enjoy 

Palatability is essential in pet food; even 

a nutritionally ‘perfect’ diet can fail if it 

doesn't appeal to a pet's preferences, 

which are influenced by taste, aroma, 

texture, and even visual factors. 

For manufacturers, the challenge lies in 

balancing complex nutritional requirements 

with these sensory components 

to help ensure acceptance and consistent 

The presence of glutamic acid and 

nucleotides in yeast extracts helps 

to develop savoury, roasted, umami 

flavours, which mimic the meaty taste 

that dogs and cats enjoy. The complex 

taste of yeast extract is highly effective 

at masking unwanted flavours, making it 

a great tool for disguising the bitter taste 

of medications and a key ingredient for 

improving the overall palatability of pet 

supplements. 

Dr. Dina Krüger, Innovation and 

Health Expert at Ohly, says: 

“Throughout the two studies we conducted 

across cats and dogs, kibbles coated with 

OHLY-GO® products consistently outperformed 

reference products in preference, 

first-bite selection, and voluntary intake. 

These findings highlight the benefits of 

using natural yeast-based ingredients to 

enhance palatability, support consistent 

nutrient intake, and improve overall diet 

adherence in companion animals.” 


Source: *https://uk.frontline.com/pet-advice/pet-parent-behaviours 


www.ohly.com/en/animalhealth/palatability/ 

16 


INGREDIENTS 

Algal Omega-3s: A Sustainable 

Boost for Health and Wellbeing 

Pet insurance data reveals a consistent 

pattern: the same health conditions 

appear year after year as the most 

common claims. 1 From skin allergies 

and ear infections to joint problems and 

anxiety, these recurring issues highlight 

both the challenges pets and their owners 

face, and the opportunities for proactive 

nutrition to make a meaningful difference. 

While illness may seem inevitable, emerging 

science suggests that targeted 

nutritional intervention – particularly 

through omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA 

– can play a significant role in supporting 

pet health. 2 For pet food manufacturers, 

this presents a compelling opportunity. 

Formulating with clinically supported 

omega-3s not only delivers measurable 

health benefits but also addresses the 

specific concerns that most frequently 

drive veterinary visits. 

When inflammation drives the 

veterinary visit 

A closer examination of insurance data 

reveals something striking: most claims 

share a common denominator – inflammation. 

From the persistent scratching 

of allergic dermatitis to the joint stiffness 

of arthritis, inflammation underlies the 

discomfort that prompts millions of 

veterinary visits annually. 3,4 

This connection transforms omega-3 fatty 

acids from simple nutrients into strategic 

interventions. Research demonstrates 

that EPA and DHA supplementation 

significantly improved the Omega-3 

Index in dogs while reducing overall 

pain scores. 5 Quality of life scores 

also improved, indicating that these 

nutrients can help tackle the underlying 

inflammatory cascade through their antiinflammatory 

properties. 6 

Meeting the needs of older pets 

As advances in veterinary medicine help 

pets to live longer, age-related joint 

deterioration has become a defining 

health challenge. The dramatic 49% 

increase in osteoarthritis claims reflects 

this demographic shift. 2 Clinical studies 

show omega-3s can help reduce the 

severity of arthritis symptoms in pets by 

inhibiting the production of inflammatory 

compounds linked to joint pain and 

swelling. 6 

Skin health, immune support 

For skin health, a systematic review 

found EPA and DHA supplementation 

provided therapeutic benefits in canine 

allergic dermatitis, helping to manage 

several inflammatory skin disorders 

through immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory 

effects. 7 

For immune regulation on the other hand, 

research shows that increased circulating 

levels of EPA and DHA result in decreased 

expression of inflammatory markers. 7 This 

systemic immune support may help pets 

better withstand typical health challenges 

– from recurring ear infections to stressrelated 

conditions. 

Cognitive wellness and 

emotional balance 

Beyond physical health, DHA's concentrated 

presence in neural tissue positions 

it as a key player in brain function and 

cognitive development. Studies show 

that DHA may improve cognitive function 

in older dogs, while also supporting 

proper brain and eye development in 

puppies. 7 For pets experiencing anxiety, 

cognitive support through optimal brain 

nutrition offers a foundational approach 

to behavioral wellness. 

A new paradigm: proactive 

nu trition for sustainable pet 

health 

The persistence of specific pet health 

issues highlights an opportunity to 

transform pet healthcare from reactive 

treatment to proactive wellness. This 

shift toward preventive health also aligns 

with another key trend: sustainability. Pet 

parents tend to be more eco-conscious 

than non-pet owners 8 and 70% say they 

are actively seeking ways to reduce their 

environmental footprint. 8 This gives manufacturers 

the chance to innovate with 

algal omega-3s – solutions that support 

pet wellbeing and planetary health. 

Photo: dsm-firmenich Veramaris Pets 

Unlike traditional fish-derived omega-3s, 

algal sources go directly to the original 

producers – marine microalgae – delivering 

superior nutritional density while protecting 

ocean ecosystems. dsm-firmenich's algal 

omega-3 solutions exemplify this approach: 

DHAgold delivers clinically-proven cognitive 

bene-fits, while Veramaris® Pets 

provides 60% EPA and DHA content. Plus, 

Veramaris® Pets now contains 30% more 

EPA than before, empowering formulators 

to enhance EPA delivery and build a 

stronger, more sustainable omega-3 value 

proposition for their products. 

Together, proactive health management 

and ecological responsibility represent 

the future of pet nutrition. By combining 

clinical efficacy with sustainability, algal 

omega-3s offer manufacturers a powerful 

way to deliver measurable health benefits 

while supporting the values of modern 

pet families. 


References: 

The references are available on request 

The Author: 

George B. Josef is Global Director of 

Business Development - Nutritional Lipids & 

Alternative Proteins at dsm-firmenich 


www.dsm-firmenich.com/ 

en/businesses/taste-texturehealth/markets-products/pets/ 

omega-3-solutions.html 


17

PROCESSING 

World-class Kibble through 

improved Heat Transfer Solutions 

Global leader in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling solutions, Alfa Laval, has partnered with GA 

Petfoods to facilitate the production of the world’s finest pet food. 

plate flash evaporator, allowing moisture 

content to be reduced drastically – from 

90% to 50% - before entering the extruder 

for final processing, offering a major 

increase in efficiency. 

Meanwhile, the separated oil is fed into 

an Alfa Laval high-speed separator for 

purification, enhancing the quality even 

further into a human-grade product 

that can be used for coating the finished 

kibble, offering maximum palatability. 

Dan Tasker, Account Manager for Alfa 

Laval’s Food & Water Division, concluded: 

“GA Petfoods can be seen as the benchmark 

for the entire pet food manufacturing 

industry. They lead the way in fresh meat 

inclusion and nutritional value, which is 

why so many private-label brands turn to 

them.” 

Based in Lancashire, UK, the family-owned 

pet food manufacturer supplies privatelabel 

pet food to hundreds of partners 

across the world, cultivating its recipes 

to offer industry-high levels of fresh meat 

and fish content within its products. 

Originally partnering with Alfa Laval over 

a decade ago, the ongoing collaboration 

sees GA Petfoods harness Alfa Laval’s 

separation and thermal transfer technologies 

to tap into cutting-edge 

production techniques, allowing both 

process efficiency and fresh meat content 

to be maximized. 

Scott Morley, Head of Design at GA 

Petfoods, said: “What we’re doing at GA 

Petfoods is driven by increasingly conscious 

pet owners across the world. Many are no 

longer content with an off-the-shelf, dryrendered 

kibble that’s lacking in flavor 

and nutritional value. Pet owners are now 

demanding the same standards for their 

companions’ food as they are for their own, 

which means higher fresh meat inclusion.” 

“This is something that we have been 

pushing the boundaries of for many years, 

and Alfa Laval’s kit has been central to taking 

this as far as we possibly can to extract every 

drop of value from our feedstocks.” 

Using locally sourced ingredients from 

trusted farms and fisheries, GA Petfoods 

cooks ingredients such as Aberdeen 

Angus beef and Scottish salmon at exactly 

82°C, retaining their characteristic flavors 

and preserving protein content. 

After cooking, an Alfa Laval OilPlus 

decanter allows the oil to be separated 

from the meat slurry for maximum control 

over both flavors and nutritional content. 

The slurry is then fed into an AlfaFlash 

“This long and happy partnership existed 

long before I joined the company, but is one 

that I have already seen expand and grow 

in my time at Alfa Laval. It is our pleasure to 

support GA Petfoods in the production of the 

world’s finest pet food, and I hope that other 

manufacturers look at this collaboration 

with a view to emulating its success.” 



www.alfalaval.com 

www.ga-petfoodpartners.co.uk 

18 



Flexible Production Solutions for 

Petfood at Interzoo 2026 

At Interzoo in Nuremberg, Handtmann will present modular production systems for manufacturing a wide 

variety of petfoods at Hall 5, Booth 207. 

The portfolio includes solutions ranging 

from product preparation with Handtmann 

Inotec technology, through 

processing, all the way to packaging 

interfaces for trays, cans, cups, or 

thermoformed packaging. These systems 

are suitable for both formed and portioned 

products, such as wet food, snacks and 

treats, raw food, dry food, chunks, as 

well as trending products featuring 

insect protein or alternative ingredients. 

Concept ideas on display include pet food 

sachets in alginate casing and snacks in 

customized shapes. In addition to modular 

series solutions, Handtmann also offers 

upstream and downstream interfaces, 

project planning, and tailored solutions 

for individual customer needs. 

Photo: Handtmann 

In product preparation, Handtmann will 

showcase the I175-T fine cutting and 

emulsifying technology for mediumsized 

and industrial operations. The oneto 

five-stage cutting system ensures 

reliable processing of a wide range of 

products and viscosities. For the direct 

production of pet snacks and treats on 

grids, Handtmann will present the FS 

510 forming system in combination with 

the VF 800 vacuum filler. This allows for 

flexible shaping of sticks, cubes, bars, 

pellets, or custom shapes like paws and 

hearts from animal-based, plant-based, or 

insect protein raw materials. Production 

can run on up to 24 lanes simultaneously. 

In the dosing segment, Handtmann 

will unveil a new automation system, 

featuring the DS 560 P dosing system 

and the ZB 391 feeding and positioning 

solution for a wide range of containers. 

This solution is ideal for pasty, chunky, 

and liquid products with inclusions. For 

the production of a variety of sausage 

products, the booth will also feature a 

vacuum filling machine paired with a 

clipping machine. 



www.handtmann.com 

PET FOOD DRYING 

EFFICIENT, EXHAUST-FREE & ENERGY-SAVING THANKS TO HEAT PUMP TECHNOLOGY 

• Low-temperature drying in the range from 20 °C to 75 °C 

• Closed-loop air circulation – for emission-free, stable and weather-independent processes 

• Energy and cost savings through perfectly coordinated air treatment and airflow management 

⚡⚡UP TO 75% ENERGY SAVINGS · RELIABLE PROCESS CONTROL 

· TURNKEY SOLUTIONS · GOVERNMENT-FUNDED 

www.harter-gmbh.de 


19


Choosing Heat Exchangers for 

Petfood Ingredients 

Global pet ownership continues to rise, and as a result, the global pet food market is poised for significant 

growth over the next decade 1 . This also means an increase in demand for ingredients and co-products from 

meat and fish processing which are a key source of edible protein and nutrients in many pet food products. 

Therefore, maintaining the quality of these ingredients through careful temperature control and handling is 

vital to maximise value and minimise waste. 

The HRS R Series uses a rotary scraping action, making it ideal for cooling by-products such as poultry viscera 

A recent industry analysis1 predicts that 

the worldwide pet food market will grow 

from US$132.4 billion now to US$247.7 

billion by 2035. Conventional pet food 

products will continue to account for the 

bulk of this (70%), with dog food being 

the largest market (60%). Major growth 

markets include the United Kingdom, 

the United States, Germany and Japan. 

Continuing recent trends, kibble and dry 

food currently account for almost half the 

market and ‘Animal-derived ingredients, 

particularly chicken and fish proteins, 

are set to capture 22.7% of the source 

segment in 2025.’ Growth in premium and 

natural products is also predicted to be 

particularly strong. 

However, producing high quality pet 

food which appeals to pets and their 

owners, and which meets the necessary 

standards presents manufacturers with 

specific challenges. Thermal processing 

is a key part of pet food manufacturing, 

with processes including heating 

(pre-conditioning), cooking, drying, 

pasteurising and cooling. However, the 

thick, viscous nature of many of the meatbased 

products presents challenges for 

handling, heating and cooling. Different 

types of food obviously require different 

types of processing; not only in terms of 

wet or dry, but also solid pâtés compared 

to meat chunks in jelly or gravy. 

Technical challenges of meat 

and co-products 

There is little difference between the 

processes and equipment used in 

pet food manufacture and other food 

and drink sectors. Meat and poultry 

processing operations have always 

produced a range of co-products and 

leftover materials, and new technologies 

mean that there are additional options 

to utilize a diverse range of ingredients, 

including poultry trimmings, bone, blood 

and blood plasma, fats and oils, gelatine, 

mechanically deboned meat (MDM) and 

other edible protein components. 

To maximise the usefulness and value 

of such materials, it is important that 

processing equipment produces high 

quality products at low cost, with little 

waste and minimal energy consumption. 

Something which is equally true for 

primary products such as meat slurry and 

mechanically deboned meat derivatives. 

Heat exchangers are frequently used for 

a range of purposes, including heating, 

cooling, pasteurisation, sterilisation and 

even evaporation. Meat and meat-derived 

materials have a high fouling potential 

(which limits heat transfer) but also need 

delicate handling to preserve their quality. 

Their highly viscous nature also means 

that a phenomenon can occur where 

two distinct areas of temperature appear 

in the product. For example, if cooling 

using a double tube heat exchanger 

(with the product in the inner tube and 

the service fluid on the outside), then – if 

the product does not thoroughly mix as 

it passes through – a ‘cylinder’ of warmer 

product may travel down the centre of 

the tube while the product nearest the 

outside of the tube becomes increasing 

cold. Where product needs to be held at a 

low temperature (for example below 4 °C) 

and a low temperature cooling medium is 

utilized, this can result in product at the 

tube wall freezing, while the material in 

the centre is not cooled sufficiently. The 

same phenomenon can also occur in 

reverse when heating a chilled product. 

20 



Scraped surface heat 

exchangers 

To overcome this, an annular space heat 

exchanger (such as the HRS AS 3 Series) 

where the service fluid passes down the 

centre and around the product at the 

same time, may be considered instead of 

a double tube heat exchanger (like the 

HRS DTA Series). However, the AS Series 

is not suitable for products containing 

particles or pieces. This means that 

scraped surface heat exchangers are often 

the most suitable option when handling 

meat products. 

It is important to choose a heat exchanger 

that combines gentle handling of the 

product with thorough mixing (to prevent 

the phenomenon described above). 

Heat exchangers for meat and meat coproducts 

also need to be robust enough 

to withstand heavy duty use, which is 

why HRS Heat Exchangers developed 

the RHD Series of rotary scraped surface 

heat exchangers with an adapted internal 

scraper configuration and heavy-duty 

gearbox to withstand the higher torque 

required to keep such products moving, 

particularly at very low temperatures. 

The HRS Unicus Series is particularly useful for handling viscous food products where 

texture and consistency are important attributes 

The high velocity scrapers of the RHD 

Series and R Series help increase heat 

transfer, resulting in a heat exchanger 

Website 

Together we cut your product to perfection 

info@fam.be 

eMail 


21


with a smaller surface area, lower working 

pressures, smaller footprint, and lower 

capex compared with other designs. The 

scraper bar and helical screw within the 

tube of the R Series can also be configured 

(depending on installation type) to run in 

reverse, effectively emptying the heat 

exchanger tubes of product without 

damaging it or changing its characteristics, 

helping to minimise product losses from 

cleaning-in-place (CIP), product change 

overs, etc. 

In other situations, and for other meat 

products, a reciprocating scraped surface 

heat exchanger, such as the HRS Unicus 

Series, may be more suitable. The Unicus 

Series is ideal for a wide range of difficult 

meat products and meat waste streams 

and is available with a wide range of 

scraper types, providing even more choice 

for applications from cooling to sterilizing 

and everything in between. 

The HRS Unicus Series is particularly 

useful for handling viscous food products 

where texture and consistency are 

important attributes. For example, some 

meat mixtures may shear or break apart 

when subjected to too much pressure and 

speed, making them unusable. The Unicus 

means that effective heat transfer can be 

carried out at low pressure overcoming 

such problems, making it ideal for cooling 

pet food ingredients such as chicken 

viscera, MDM, and blood. 

In other situations, and for other meat 

products, a reciprocating scraped surface 

heat exchanger, such as the HRS Unicus 

Series, may be more suitable. The Unicus 

Series is ideal for a wide range of difficult 

meat products and meat waste streams 

and is available with a wide range of 

scraper types, providing even more choice 

for applications from cooling to sterilizing 

and everything in between. 

The HRS Unicus Series is particularly 

useful for handling viscous food products 

where texture and consistency are 

important attributes. For example, some 

meat mixtures may shear or break apart 

when subjected to too much pressure and 

speed, making them unusable. The Unicus 

means that effective heat transfer can be 

carried out at low pressure overcoming 

such problems, making it ideal for cooling 

pet food ingredients such as chicken 

viscera, MDM, and blood. 

Reference: hrs-op-215003-c-pf-uk 


The Author: 

Matt Hale, Global Key Account Director, 

HRS Heat Exchangers 


www.hrs-heatexchangers.com 

Polish Petfood Processed at 

1200 Cans per Minute 

The demand for pet food is rising. Manufacturers must expand their capacity and automate production. At 

a Polish pet food manufacturer, KUKA robots help place pet food cans on conveyor belts before and after 

sterilization. This allows 1,200 cans per minute to pass through the production system. 

Innovation in focus 

The Italian company Clevertech is one 

of the leading providers in the field of 

end-of-line packaging. Its robot-based 

solutions are widely used in the pet food 

industry. This industry is developing 

particularly dynamically. That’s why more 

than 80% of Clevertech systems rely 

on KUKA robots. “The ‘humanization’ of 

pet food – for example through yoghurt, 

smoothies or vegetable mixes – poses new 

requirements for packaging,” explains Luca 

Carollo, Business Developer at Clevertech. 

“Precise, gentle and fast processes are 

needed – robotics is indispensable here.” 

“Every empty space in a layer 

means wasted energy” 

In addition to product geometry, the 

customer also faced challenges in 

optimizing energy efficiency. To achieve 

this, it must be ensured that the cans 

KUKA robots coordinate Pet Food 

Production at Clevertech. 

22 



are as-sembled into layers which are 

complete and stable. When the layers 

are complete and stable, heat transfer 

becomes more uniform and efficient, as 

more mass (the cans) absorbs the energy 

and less energy is lost. After sterilization, 

the challenge shifted: the now wet and 

thermally stressed cans must be unloaded 

without introducing moisture into the 

system. 

Automation supports the 

dynamics of the pet food 

industry 

“In the pet food market, we are seeing a shift 

toward more compact packaging formats – 

similar to what we once saw in the beverage 

sector,” explains Luca Carollo. The current 

solution processes up to 1,200 cans per 

minute – with room for even higher 

speeds. The core element is a patented 

gripping system that combines vacuum 

technology with mechanical thrust. The 

Hybrid Sweep-off Technology enables 

seamless movement of the layers and 

precise control during compression. 

KUKA Group 

The KUKA Group is an international 

automation group with sales of around 

EUR 3.7 billion and around 15,000 

employees. As one of the world's leading 

suppliers of intelligent, resource-efficient 

automation solutions, KUKA offers 

industrial robots, autonomous mobile 

robots (AMR) including controllers, 

software, and cloud-based digital 

services, as well as fully connected 

production systems for various industries 

and markets such as automotive with a 

focus on e-mobility & battery, electronics, 

metal & plastic, consumer goods, food, 

e-commerce, retail, and healthcare. The 

KUKA Group is active in more than 50 

countries with over 100 locations. The 

largest sites are in Germany, USA, China, 

and Hungary, with headquarters in 

Augsburg. The KUKA Group includes the 

plant engineering division KUKA Systems, 

the robotics division KUKA Robotics, 

Swisslog (intralogistics automation), 

Swisslog Healthcare and the digital 

division KUKA Digital with the software 

specialists Visual Components and Device 

Insight. 

By preserving the intermediate layers - 

stabilizing layers between product stacks - 

material waste and replacement costs are 

reduced. “And every warped intermediate 

layer means replacement costs. This system 

helps the customer remain efficient and 

sustainable,” adds Luca Carollo. With over 

98% operational efficiency and a scalable 

design, the solution is not only fast – it 

is built for long-term performance and 

replicability across multiple sites. 

PERFECT FOR 

PETFOOD 

The cutters, grinders and mixer grinders 

from K+G Wetter: 

Efficient technology for the production of petfood. 

More hygiene, more shelf life, more quality. 

Ready for what’s next: From 

pouches to mobile palletizing 

cells 

The versatility of the solution from 

Clevertech and KUKA is already evident 

in further applications: In Romania, a 

similar robot-supported setup is used for 

handling pet food pouches – the product 

characteristics there require particularly 

sensitive processes. “The principle remains 

the same: KUKA for loading, KUKA for 

unloading – one robot handles the product, 

the other handle consumables as interlayer 

and pallet,” explains Luca Carollo. “We are 

presenting this new solution at international 

trade shows,” Carollo adds. 

M A D E I N 

G E R M A NY 



www.kuka.com 

www.kgwetter.de 


23




Smart Pet Food Production: 

Setting New Standards from R&D Scale-Up 

to Total Cost of Ownership 

The Future of Pet Food Conference from the Pet food Competence Network 

Innovations in Dry and Wet Formulations, Packaging and Engineering 

May 11, Nuremberg, Germany – One day before Interzoo 

When people and companies work 

together, something special arises. This 

is the case with the European Pet food 

Competence Network, made up of 11 

different companies covering different 

aspects of the pet food industry, including 

ingredients, processing and packaging. 

This year the companies are pooling 

resources and experience to offer a unique 

conference for all attendees of Interzoo 

this May in Nuremberg, Germany. As with 

many partnerships, “the whole is greater 

than the sum of its parts.“ 

Who is the PCN exactly? 

Eleven like-minded companies, with 

decades of combined experience 

have joined together to give petfood 

manufacturers a simple and streamlined 

access to the very latest industry has to 

offer, in terms of raw materials, formulation, 

processing, filling, transporting, sterilizing, 

loading, packaging and palletizing… all of 

which can be tailored, developed, scaled 

and installed to match your precise needs 

– through a single point of contact! 

Each company brings its own specific 

expertise and extensive industry R&D 

experience and merges them into a 

complete, tightly integrated production 

solution, which can be trialled, scaled and 

fully connected to match the industry’s 

precise requirements, to deliver quality 

processes, products and packaging every 

single time. 

Many of these companies already work 

together across the globe, not just in pet 

food, but also in other equally demanding 

industries. Mutual understanding, trust, 

technological integration and Industry 

4.0 data architectures are already in place, 

proven in action and ready for to be 

leveraged. 

What will the conference cover? 

The leading network Pet food Competence 

Network is pleased to invite you to join 

this complimentary event. Join industry 

experts for an exclusive afternoon 

focused on smart pet food production, 

from R&D scale-up to total cost of 

ownership. Discover practical insights 

on prototyping, innovative processing 

technologies, plant engineering, and 

cost-efficient production for wet and dry 

pet food. The session concludes with a live 

Q&A and networking aperitif. 

Individual members will focus on their 

particular expertise to present a complete 

insight on the manufacturing process: 

Andritz, CAMA, CEPI, Clevertech, JBT 

Marel, JRS, Karl Schnell, Miavit, PFM, Reich, 

and Waldner. 

Location 

Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nuremberg, 

Eilgutstr. 15 next to the Central Train 

Station 

Date: Monday, May 11 from 1:45 pm to 6 

pm CEST 

Who is invited to attend? 

The Conference is free of charge and open 

to the first 300 applications. 

What the Petfood Competence 

Network can do for you? 

To gain a foothold in this market or to take 

your existing products or plant to the next 

level or to exploit new technologies and 

discover greater economies, you need 

full-spectrum supply and support at every 

single stage – from raw ingredients in, 

to pallets out this is where the Pet food 

Competence Network becomes your 

most powerful ally. 

This magazine has already featured 

individual portraits of several members 

in previous issues. However the Network 

continues to evolve. Two new companies 

have recently joined PCN. Here is a brief 

description of what they bring to the 

network. All members are exhibiting at 

Interzoo, May 12-15. 

CEPI: At the service of pet food: 

technology and innovation for 

forty years 

CEPI designs, manufactures and commissions 

bulk-handling systems for the 

storage, transport and dosing of raw 

materials, as well as fully integrated 

automation and technologies to com plete 

all production processes. A family-run 

company with an international outlook, 

CEPI is based in Italy and operates globally, 

with offices in Malaysia to coordinate 

operations in the Asian market and a 

network of local partners spanning the five 

continents. Since 1985, they have worked 

with the most important companies 

from all sectors of food manufacturing. 

CEPI’s mission goes beyond assembling 

food machinery: they build turn-key 

installations that manage the production 

line from storage to dosing, all the while 

developing specialized solutions to 

match diverse and ever-changing needs 

across the planet. From technological 

diversification to personalized innovation, 

from bulk-handling equipment to data, 

24 



This diagram shows an example of the Engineering and Consulting capabilities of Clevertech, founding member of the Petfood Competence 

Network. Support from the entire network is available for greenfield or brownfield projects. Clevertech has the experience to define and 

create complete lines to achieve the best efficiency, by proposing potentially different scenarios according to customer contraints. 

Through these engineering tasks, Clevertech can deliver preliminary 3D layouts and complete simulations showing the workflow of 

the complete systems and getting a general project overview to guarantee the maximum efficiency and OEE results of the lines with the 

best integration in the factory. A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) is delivered to the customer for a proper 

assessment of different scenarios to validate the best solution and design. 

Image: Clevertech 

CEPI provides systems that can be 

managed in total independence once 

commissioning is done. 

Photo: CEPI 

CEPI can design customized solutions for 

any ingredient requiring special treatment 

as well as installations for all types of pet 

food. From kibble to dry food, canned 

food, moist, semi-moist, lyophilized food, 

premix, and others. Hygienic and safe 

macro and micro storing and automated 

metering of lyophilized products, cereals, 

meat and vegetable flour, vitamins, 

mineral salts, proteins, fibers, and others, 

according to the motto is: if your process 

needs it, we can do it. If we cannot do it 

yet, we will develop it, just for you. CEPI 

believes in building lasting relationships 

for lasting projects, through an ongoing 

conversation about all its aspects: from 

process and product analysis with hygiene 

and safety management and food 

technology support, to engineering and 

control, manufacture, commissioning, 

and service. All these stages are managed 

internally with continuity through all 

operations. 

Designing the systems, the company 

takes a long-term view to create the 

most flexible solution for each food 

manufacturer. They are turn-key and 

easily adaptable to any future change 

or expansion, making them extremely 

durable and fit for the circular economy. 

CEPI’s process is optimized, sustainable 

and preserves the integrity of your 

beloved pet’s food. 

PFM: More than 60 years of 

flexible packaging technology 

Founded in 1964, PFM is an international 

industrial group that is a benchmark 

in the design and manufacture of 

flexible packaging for the food and 

non-food industries: for petfood this 

means fresh and dry products, as well as 

other industries, always ensuring high 

standards of quality, safety and reliability. 

This wide versatility allows the Group to 

offer customized packaging solutions, 

suitable for every type of product and 

production process. 

P.F.M. S.P.A. is the parent company of the 

PFM Group and represents its operational 

and strategic hub. The headquarters 

in Torrebelvicino (Vicenza), Italy, is the 

technological and production heart of 

Photo: PFM 

the company, where advanced packaging 

solutions are designed, built and 

marketed, including flowpack and form 

fill & seal packaging machines, as well as 

a wide range of automatic packaging and 

feeding systems. The product portfolio 

includes around 40 different models of 

packaging machines, as well as numerous 

customisable accessories, designed to 

meet specific customer requirements in 

terms of format, product, performance 

and automation. 

The PFM Group’s leadership is the result 

of substantial investment in research 

and development, continuous and 

constructive dialogue with end users in 

its areas of expertise, and its ability to 

internationalise and conquer new markets. 

With an extensive sales network covering 

70 countries worldwide, a dedicated 

team of Area Managers PFM coordinates 

an active sales network that guarantees 

customers fast, efficient and personalized 

service. Over the years, the Group has 

built an integrated and technologically 

advanced industrial ecosystem capable of 

responding to the needs of increasingly 

diverse and competitive markets. The 

PFM companies design and manufacture 

packaging machines, complete lines, 

multi-head weighers, high-precision 

dosing systems and tailor-made solutions 

in-house, ensuring high quality standards, 

innovation and reliability. 



www.petfoodcompetencenet.com/ 

events 


25

PACKAGING 

Heavy Loads, Smart Solutions 

Ergonomic Handling in Petfood Logistics 

The ongoing boom in the pet care market is creating new challenges for logistics operations in production, 

warehousing, and outbound shipping. Ever-expanding product ranges, frequent changeovers, and heavy, 

bulky packaging units must be moved safely and efficiently along the entire value chain. Particularly the 

manual interfaces between machinery, conveyor systems, and shipping areas are becoming bottlenecks. Here, 

warehouse operators are still required to handle heavy goods manually, often under significant time pressure. 

Modern lifting and handling systems offer substantial optimization potential. They combine high throughput 

with ergonomic working conditions and turn occupational health & safety into a measurable productivity factor. 

The pet food market has been growing 

steadily for years and demonstrates 

remarkable resilience even in economically 

volatile periods. However, the 

increasing “humanization” of pets is 

driving not only higher sales volumes 

but, above all, a significant expansion 

in product variety. For manufacturers 

and logistics managers, this marks a 

shift away from largely standardized 

packaging concepts. Today, a wide range 

of packaging formats coexist: 20–25 kg 

bags of dry food, cartons containing 

sensitive wet food pouches, can trays, film 

packaging, or plastic buckets. 

This diversity has a direct impact 

on intralogistics operations. Where 

homogeneous packaging units with 

clearly defined gripping points once 

prevailed, highly flexible processes with 

high adaptability are now required. 

The physical strain in intralogistics is 

often underestimated. While modern 

production facilities and logistics centers 

are highly structured and IT-driven, 

goods handling at transfer points is still 

frequently performed manually. A simple 

calculation illustrates the scale: if an 

employee picks 400 units per shift, each 

weighing 20 kg, a total of eight metric 

tons is moved — not once, but repeatedly. 

Example: 

Production-Adjacent Intralogistics – 

Heavy Loads, High Cycle Times 

Ergonomic challenges in productionadjacent 

intralogistics arise primarily 

when removing bagged products from 

packaging machines, transferring them 

onto conveyors, manually adjusting layers, 

or palletizing at the end of the line. These 

tasks are often highly paced and can only 

be partially automated due to varying bag 

formats, weights, and material properties. 

Repeated lifting, turning, and positioning 

of heavy loads places a significant 

strain on employees and, without 

technical support, can eventually lead 

to fatigue, reduced performance, and 

an increased risk of musculoskeletal 

disorders. Since these process steps are 

also critical to overall throughput, any 

decline in performance or sicknessrelated 

absenteeism directly affects line 

availability. Ergonomically designed 

workstations at these critical transfer 

points are therefore not just a matter of 

occupational safety but a key factor in 

employee retention and reliable delivery 

performance. 

Economic Efficiency and ROI 

For operations managers, investing 

in handling technology ultimately represents 

an economic decision. Its return 

on investment is based on three key 

factors: First, labor-related costs decrease, 

as heavy loads can be safely handled by 

a single employee. Second, absenteeism 

due to illness is reduced, particularly 

musculoskeletal disorders such as back 

problems, which are among the most 

common causes of long-term absence 

in logistics. “A vacuum lifter often pays for 

itself simply by preventing one or two longterm 

absences per year,” reports Fabian 

Wenninghoff, Key Account Manager at 

Timmer GmbH, a premium manufacturer 

of vacuum lifting technology based in 

Neuenkirchen, Germany. Third, assisted 

processes ensure consistent cycle times 

throughout the entire shift, independent 

of worker fatigue. 

Speed and Ergonomics in Harmony: In high-frequency pet food logistics, Timmer’s 

quickLIFT enables fast pick-and-place handling. Equipped with the FormHand gripper, the 

system securely handles even unstable bags, noticeably reducing strain on the user. 

Non-Standard Package Formats 

as a Challenge for Processes 

and Ergonomics 

Planning modern logistics processes 

often relies on idealized assumptions: 

standardized cartons, predictable loads, 

and defined gripping points. Reality 

in the pet food industry is different: 

irregularly shaped, sometimes unstable 

packages dominate material flow and 

pose significant challenges, particularly 

for manual and semi-automated handling 

operations. 

Photos: Timmer GmbH 

26 


Hall 7A - 515 

GET TO MARKET 

SMARTER AND GET 

TO MARKET FASTER! 

Download our brochure 

Email: info@petfoodcompetencenet.com 

WWW.PETFOODCOMPETENCENET.COM

PACKAGING 

The lightLIFT enables precise, two-handed 

handling of heavy and bulky loads such as 

barrels, combining maximum control with 

ergonomic working conditions. 

For example, bags of dry food can be 

cumbersome, as the contents shift 

during handling. The center of gravity 

moves, requiring continuous adjustment 

of lifting and positioning movements. 

This not only increases physical strain 

but also slows down process speed. In 

addition, there is a high demand for 

product protection: packaging serves as 

the product’s business card. Damaged 

films or deformed packages directly affect 

perceived quality. 

Intuitive Technology for High 

Cycle Rates 

To meet these challenges, vacuum tube 

lifters have established themselves as a 

bridging technology between manual 

work and full automation. A crucial factor 

is their individual adaptation to specific 

processes. “Only systems that are perfectly 

matched to the packages, weights, and cycle 

rates are actually used in daily operations,” 

says Wenninghoff. 

For high-speed pick-and-place processes, 

the quickLIFT is particularly suitable. Its 

one-handed operation enables fast, fluid 

movements. With lifting capacities of up 

to 65 kilograms, a single operator can 

handle tasks that previously required 

two people. Special grippers, such as 

the foam-structured multi-suction cup, 

ensure a secure hold even on coarsely 

textured cartons. “With a 90° swivel head 

and a 360° rotating plate, the quickLIFT can 

be individually adapted to its point of use,” 

adds Wenninghoff. 

Available gripping solutions for the 

quickLIFT include the keg suction cup for 

barrels, the sack suction cup for bagged 

goods, the bellows suction cup, the small 

package traverse, the hook adapter for 

cans or buckets with handles, and the 

box gripper for Euro crates or small load 

carriers. “An even distribution of holding 

force allows particularly gentle product 

handling, keeping packaging, contents, 

and sensitive surfaces intact,” explains 

Wenninghoff. Even unstable bags or 

coarse surfaces can be lifted, placed, and 

rotated precisely without deforming or 

damaging the material. 

Special Solutions for Complex 

Packages 

Where particularly precise positioning is 

required, such as when palletizing heavy 

bagged goods, two-handed systems 

like the lightLIFT are used. Optional 

extensions, such as a 360° rotating plate 

or a remote control for the vacuum pump, 

provide maximum adaptability. Users can 

International Magazine March 2024 ISSN 2628-5851 


1/24 

Come and see for yourself: 

www.harnisch.com 

Ingredients: Insect Proteins, Plant Extracts for Pets, Digestive Health, Science in Pet Food 

Processing: Heat Pump Drying, Texture Analysis, Rotary Mixing, Butchery Perfection 

Packaging: High Technology Packaging, Food Safety, Flexible and Recyclable Films 

Marketing: Global Trends in Pet Care, Anuga FoodTec - Pet Food Zone, Interzoo 

Perfectly positioned. 

The international specialist magazines from Dr. Harnisch Publications 

You can now explore our newly designed website, with a 

clear focus on responsive design and easily usable applications. 

Alongside the free-to-use digital magazine editions, you will 

fi nd bonus news coverage, events, subscription and 

general information on all our magazines. Take a look at 

www.harnisch.com for all relevant content. 

Our publications include: 

28 

- Technology & Marketing - 


PACKAGING 

rely on established suction cups for various 

applications, including the keg suction 

cup, sack suction cup, or round suction 

cup. “Our quick-change system also allows 

tool-free replacement of grippers within 

seconds,” adds Wenninghoff. This makes 

the lifting system a versatile multitool. 

Integration into Existing 

Packaging Lines 

Tube lifters are usually integrated 

modularly at strategic points along the 

packaging line, for example at the end of 

bagging stations or when repacking trays 

into shipping cartons. Swivel arms with 

action radii of up to 270 degrees allow 

seamless integration into existing layouts 

without obstructing aisles for industrial 

trucks. “The low weight of the aluminum 

crane arms minimizes inertia and supports 

precise, fatigue-free operation,” reports 

Wenninghoff. 

At ENO telecom GmbH in Nordhorn, Germany, a vacuum tube lifter supports employees in 

outbound logistics by enabling fast, ergonomic handling of packages weighing up to 32 kg. 

Application Example: 

Outbound Logistics 

A project at electronics wholesaler ENO 

telecom GmbH in Nordhorn, Germany, 

serves as an example of how an 

ergonomically optimized outbound area 

Global Pet Food Market 

• Market Growth: The global pet food 

market is expected to exceed USD 

170 billion by 2030, driven by the 

megatrend of “pet humanization” 

(Source: Fortune Business Insights). 

The vacuum tube lifter allows goods to be picked directly from the conveyor and 

repositioned with minimal physical effort, even at high cycle rates. 

• Handling Load: In modern distribution 

centers, order pickers often move 

a cumulative load of 5,000 to 8,000 

kg during an 8-hour shift. Without 

mechanical assistance, this represents a 

significant physical strain. 

• Ergonomic Impact: According to 

international studies, musculoskeletal 

disorders (MSDs) are the leading 

cause of work-related incapacity in 

logistics worldwide, generating costs 

amounting to billions across industries 

due to lost productivity. 

• Operational Efficiency: The use of 

vacuum tube lifters such as quickLIFT 

or lightLIFT stabilizes individual pick 

rates by reducing physical fatigue as a 

limiting factor. 

can be designed. ENO’s shipping area— 

particularly challenged during peak 

order periods by high cycle rates and 

repeated lifting of packages weighing up 

to 32 kilograms—was equipped with a 

vacuum tube lifter. The lifting aid allows 

goods to be picked directly from the 

conveyor and repositioned with minimal 

effort. By integrating the tube lifter, the 

workstation at the outbound area has 

become significantly more attractive, and 

ENO has recorded fewer absenteeismrelated 

disruptions. Applied to pet food 

handling, this setup serves as a blueprint: 

a thoughtfully integrated tube lifter 

stabilizes outbound operations, reduces 

physical strain, and ensures a consistent, 

efficient material flow, even when orders 

accumulate toward the end of the day. 

Efficient, Ergonomic, Future- 

Proof 

Logistics for pet food will continue to 

grow in both volume and complexity. 

The increasing variety of products can 

only be managed economically when 

human operators and technology work 

in perfect harmony. Ergonomic lifting 

systems demonstrate that productivity 

and occupational safety are not mutually 

exclusive. By relieving employees and 

stabilizing high cycle rates, these systems 

create processes that are efficient, re silient, 

and sustainable over the long term. 



www.timmer.de 


29

PACKAGING 

PPWR Success with new 

Bagging Equipment 

The Slimbagger is an innovative solution for modern, efficient filling operations. Designed by Cetec in 

Perigueux, France, it combines efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility to respond to the evolving demands of 

the packaging industry. The first Slimbagger has been commissioned by the German Mera Pet Food, who are 

well-known for producing premium pet food for dogs and cats in over 50 countries worldwide. 

• Handling: Bags are secured by side 

clamps during filling to prevent spillage. 

• Filling Process: Employs vibrations 

during filling in MONO-DUO mode to 

increase the filling level in the bags. 

• Air Evacuation and Sealing: Mechanical 

air removal is performed, followed by 

airtight sealing using heated welding 

jaws to ensure product freshness. 

• Transport: After sealing, full bags 

are efficiently transferred to the next 

production line. 

Main Purpose 

The Slimbagger is designed to enhance 

the efficiency of pouch filling operations 

through innovative features that cater 

to modern packaging needs. Its key 

purposes include: 

• Fast Filling: Operates in MONO-DUO 

mode, allowing alternative filling of 

bags. 

• Logistics: Optimization by reducing 

bags and carton sizes to streamline 

logistics. 

• Maximized Filling Volume with a 

15% increase compared to standard 

solutions. 

• Modern Packaging Compliance: Uses 

mono-material bags and incorporates 

innovative features such as zipper, slider 

and others. 

Packaging Features and 

Capacities 

The Slimbagger is designed with advanced 

capa bilities to meet a range of 

packaging needs: 

• Weights: Handle bags from 1.5 to 7 kg or 

4 to 20 kg. 

• Materials: Compatible with PE/PE or 

PET/PE materials, including side gussets, 

flat-bottom, and stand-up pouch 

designs. 

Functionality 

The Slimbagger is equipped with a series 

of efficient processes to ensure highquality 

bag handling and filling: 

• Loading: Automatically retrieves and 

opens bags from a magazine, preparing 

them for filling. 

Photos: CETEC 

30 


PACKAGING 

• Speed: Capable of filling up to 26 bags per minute for 

1,5 kg bag and 16 bags per minute for 7 kg bags. 

Advantages 

The Slimbagger offers several advantages that make it 

an asset in packaging operations: 

• Efficiency: The DUO mode enables higher production 

speeds, improving overall productivity. 

• Sustainability: By reducing material usage and 

optimizing logistics, the Slimbagger aligns with 

sustainable practices. 

• Flexibility: Versatile enough to adapt to a variety of 

bags formats and closures, the Slimbagger can meet 

various packaging requirements. 

SlimBagger 

Reduce 

Plastic 

Now 

In conclusion Régis Labrue, President of Cetec went on to 

say: “We have built on our knowledge and experience from 

packaging other dry products to create the Slimbagger 

as an innovative solution for modern, efficient filling 

operations. The challenge was to reduce the amount of 

packaging, despite the needs in headspace and bag sealing 

strength and still keep a high speed.“ 

Standard bagging 

SlimBagger 

bagging 

10 to 20% less 

- Plastic 

- Cost 

- Taxes 

“All Cetec machines are purpose built from our original 

parts. We design for each customer’s indivdual needs and 

specific applications.“ 


About CETEC 

The French company CETEC Industries was founded 55 

years ago in Périgueux, south western France and has 

become a specialist in weighing, bagging and palletizing 

machinery for pet food and other products, with clients 

all over the world. Régis Labrue has been CEO since 

2009 and is rightly proud of the company's reputation 

and team of specialists. CETEC will be exhibiting at 

Interzoo, Nuremberg, Hall 4a, Booth 508 and interpack in 

Düsseldorf, Hall 11, Booth E10 

About Mera – The Petfood Family 

MERA is a family-owned company from the Lower Rhine area in Germany. 

All of their activities are designed to secure and further strengthen their 

continued existence, for generations to come. That’s why, as a familyowned 

company in its third generation, Mera puts their heart and soul 

into creating high-quality nutritional concepts that are completely 

tailored to your pet’s needs. The variety of valuable ingredients, the 

highest quality controls as well as the careful local production are deeply 

rooted in the company's culture. They place responsibility, honesty and 

reliability at the center of what they do. Mindfulness when dealing with 

each other is the secret behind any long-standing friendship. Mera will 

be exhibiting at Interzoo, Nuremberg, Hall 1, Booth 330 


31

MARKETING 

Petfood Sector in China 

looks with Optimism to the Future 

Huaxing Pet Food Co., Ltd., one of China's largest pet food 

factories in Nanhe District, Xingtai City (Photo by Li Danqiu) 

In China the petfood sector is healthy, 

forward-looking and optimistic, despite 

the recent challenges to the national 

economy, caused by trade wars and the 

reduction of exports, and the demand for 

petfood in the country remains strong. 

In accordance with the recent 2026 Pet 

Industry White Paper (which was released 

on January, 5), prepared by the local Paidu 

Big Data Platform together with the Pet 

Industry Branch of the Chinese Animal 

Husbandry Association, in 2025 the 

domestic pet products’ market amounted 

to 312,6 billion yuan, which is 4% higher, 

compared to 2024. Of these, the bulk of 

the sector accounts for petfood. 

According to analysts, the achieved 

growth was mainly due to the increase 

in the number of pet owners in China, as 

well as their intention to pay more for the 

quality of life of their pets. That stimulates 

a more active demand and sales of quality 

and expensive products and leads to the 

overall growth of the premium segment 

of the market. 

Historically, the Chinese pet food sector 

has always been within the sphere of 

interests of global majors, most of which 

have significantly strengthened their 

positions here in recent years. 

One of these strong global players is Mars 

Petcare, which holds a large share in the 

Chinese market. 

As Julia Wang, an official spokeswoman 

of Mars Petcare in an exclusive interview 

told Petfood PRO, Mars Petcare has been 

a pioneer in the Chinese petfood market 

since the early 1990s, while in recent years 

its portfolio of brands such as Royal Canin, 

Pedigree, Whiskas, Nutro, Sheba, Orijen, 

and Acana in the Chinese market has 

further expanded. 

As she has also added in 2025, Mars 

Petcare has made remarkable strides 

in product innovation in the China by 

launching at least three new products 

tailored to Chinese consumers, including 

the Royal Canin‘s Corgi Adult/Puppy Food. 

At the same time as part of the Nutro line 

the company has recently introduced the 

Vitality Series Cat Dry food, and launched 

the Perfect Portion Bubble Tray – a breakthrough 

in nutrient encapsulation. 

In general, the company puts big hopes 

on its further growth in the local market 

in years to come as well as general good 

prospects for development. 

"The Chinese pet food market is experiencing 

robust growth, with a 10.9% 

compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 

over the past four years, reaching $7 billion 

in 2023. Euromonitor forecasts continued 

momentum with a 4.5% CAGR through 

2029, projecting a $9.6 billion market size. 

This growth is fueled by rising pet ownership 

– China now has the world’s second-largest 

pet population exceeding 110 million, 

with cats surpassing dogs since 2022 – 

and increasing premiumization driven by 

younger, health-conscious pet owners", 

Julia Wang said. 

As she also added, Mars Petcare is confident 

in the further expansion of China’s 

32 


MARKETING 

pet market during the next several years, 

that will be underpinned by a growing 

number of puppies and kittens and 

heightened demand for pet health and 

nutrition. 

In the short-term, the company also 

plans to pay more attention for the 

development of its nutritional solutions 

in the Chinese market. As Wang has also 

added currently the company is offering 

more than 350 specialized nutritional 

solutions tailored to the needs of Chinese 

pets. There is a possibility that this range 

will be expanded. 

“Nutro delivers advanced care through 

expertly crafted recipes that support pet 

health, while Sheba elevates the feeding 

experience with premium delicacies for 

cats. United by innovation and a deep 

understanding of local preferences, our 

brands work together to enrich the lives of 

pets and pet owners – driven by our shared 

purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS", she 

added. 

At the same time the Chinese pet food 

sector has always been among the priority 

markets for another major global player – 

Nestlé Purina PetCare. 

This has been recently confirmed by 

Francois Gergaud, Business Executive 

Officer for Nestlé Purina PetCare China in 

an exclusive interview. 

"We anticipate strong growth in the 

Chinese petfood category over the next 

years where we expect pet populations to 

increase and it’s a market where there is 

still a relatively low calorific coverage of 

commercial food. Calorific penetration and 

medicalization will be the strongest driver 

of growth to the category. Humanization 

is driving premiumization and pet owners 

are wanting the best for their pets, whether 

elevated food experiences or science driven 

health solutions. Purina is well-positioned 

to help drive growth in the category with a 

leading portfolio of nutritious brands across 

different sub-categories and price points", 

he said. 

According to growing local suppliers and 

analysts, the more active introduction of 

innovations in manufacturing processes 

will be considered as one of the recipes 

of success in the highly competitive 

Chinese petfood market in years to come. 

An example is the ever growing demand 

of local customers for cold-rolled food 

– the petfood, which is made with lowtemperature 

processing technology. In 

recent years the demand for traditionally 

extruded petfood, which is affected by 

high-temperature processing in the 

Chinese market has clearly declined, while 

most of analysts expect the same trend 

will be observed in the coming years. 

The ever developing segment attracts 

leading local producers, which expand 

the portfolio of their products by the 

beginning of more active use of some 

innovative manufacturing methods. 

That allows them to better compete with 

global majors. For example, the local pet 

food manufacturer Guochong in recent 

years has expanded the range of its coldrolled 

petfood. According to head of the 

company Yi Lianbing, these products 

enjoy a high demand among local 

customers, which leads to higher sales, 

while the company’s revenue already 

exceeded 100 million yuan. 

In general, domestic brands have 

made serious progress in recent years, 

which was mainly due to their active 

participation in petfood fairs and events 

within the country. According to Xinhua 

news agency, domestic brands occupied 

five of the top ten spots in online 

petfood sales (Myfoodie, Lans, NetEase 

Yanxuan, Freshland, and Weishi) in the 

country. In addition, 6 local companies, 

including Guabao Pet and Zhongchong, 

have successfully gone public, greatly 

improving their brand competitiveness 

and market recognition. 

Local producers actively use domestic and 

international industry fairs to showcase 

their latest innovations. For example, 

Chinese companies like Homerun, Petkit 

and Cat-Link recently highlighted their 

latest smart gadgets, including litter 

boxes, food and water dispensers and air 

purifiers, at the Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai. 

Regarding the future prospects of the 

market, analysts of the Chinese Jia Shi 

Consulting research agency expect the 

industry will continue to grow within the 

next 5 years with the growth rates up to 

12% annually. They expect the demand for 

healthier and more functional products 

will continue to grow, that will make this 

category the main driver for growth of the 

entire market in years to come. 

The growth of the industry will also be 

supported by the growth of the pet 

population in the country as it is expected 

to increase in years to come. Although the 

growth rate may be lower than in the past, 

the number of dogs and cats in China still 

has growth potential, especially in thirdand 

fourth-tier cities, where their number 

is still generally low. 


The Author 

Eugene Gerden is a freelance writer 

specializing in pet food and animal feed. 

For more information on the Petfood 

industry in China, please visit the China 

International Pet Show (CIPS 2026) in 

Guangzhou, from 12 - 15 November 2026 

Workers process pet snacks for export in a pet food company workshop in Dachang Town, 

West Coast New Area, Qingdao, Shandong Province. (PhotoCNSPHOTO) 

In general, both brands control a major 

share of the Chinese market, putting a 

serious pressure on domestic producers. 

The biggest of such pressure is put on 

companies of small and medium size, 

many of which are unable to compete 

with global majors these days. 


33

MARKETING 

Supporting Programme at 

Interzoo 2026: 

Sustainability Conference and 

International Groomers’ Day 

On 11 May 2026, a full-day Interzoo Sustainability Conference will make its debut. 

The new Interzoo Sustainability Award will be presented at this pet industry conference on the day before the 

world-leading fair. Another premiere in the Interzoo supporting programme (12–15 May 2026) is the Interzoo 

Groomers’ Day on 14 May. 

Photos: Interzoo 

Interzoo Sustainability 

Conference 

The premiere of the Interzoo Sustainability 

Conference (www.interzoo-sustainability. 

com) is being organized in collaboration 

with the Antwerp Management School 

(AMS), the long-standing sustainability 

partner of Interzoo. The one-day 

programme offers CSR and sustainability 

managers and experts from the pet 

industry a unique international platform 

where they can learn about trends and 

developments in sustainability, discuss 

novel approaches, and network with 

one another. Renowned researchers, 

industry pioneers, and UN representatives 

will explain key trends and advances in 

sustainability, drawing on recent studies 

and best practice examples. 

The conference will open with a keynote by 

Elliott Harris, Global Economics Expert and 

former United Nations Chief Economist 

and Assistant Secretary-General for Economic 

Development. Elliott Harris, has 

been closely involved in the design of 

the global Sustainable Development 

Agenda, will deliver an impactful address 

on cooperation between policymakers 

and the business community with a view 

to a sustainable future. The subsequent 

multifaceted agenda provides a comprehensive 

overview of sustainability in 

the pet industry, covering topics such as 

stewardship, ethical sourcing, production, 

sales, social respon sibility, and circular 

economy models. The conference is 

supported by the Pet Sustainability 

Coalition (PSC) and many other partners. 

Interzoo Sustainability Study 

2026 

An important part of the conference is 

a workshop on the latest results of the 

2026 Interzoo Sustainability Study, which 

the AMS has been producing for the pet 

industry since 2018. 

This study explores the factors that 

influence sustainability in the pet industry, 

shows what progress has been made, and 

highlights the areas where even more 

can be done for sustainability through 

collaboration between various players. 

The insights from what is meanwhile 

the fifth edition of the study will be 

presented in an interactive format to 

encourage thematic networking among 

the conference delegates. 

34 


MARKETING 

Information about the organizer 

WZF GmbH – Pet Industry Services is 

the owner and organizer of the world’s 

largest international trade fair for the pet 

industry Interzoo in Nuremberg. WZF is a 

hundred percent subsidiary of the ZZF – 

German Pet Trade & Industry Association 

the founder and honorary sponsor of 

Interzoo. With around 2,150 exhibitors and 

37,000 trade visitors from 140 countries, 

Interzoo is the undisputed world’s leading 

international fair for pet supplies. Since 

1988, WZF has engaged NürnbergMesse 

GmbH to operate the trade fair. Since the 

summer of 2020, Interzoo Academy has 

been offering specialist presentations 

on topics of interest to the pet supplies 

sector. With its business fields trade 

fairs and events, media work and public 

relations, education and the issuing 

agency for identification markings 

for protected species WZF makes an 

important contribution to the economic 

and communicative development of the 

pet industry. 

Interzoo Sustainability Award 

The pitch presentations of the finalists 

in the first Interzoo Sustainability Award 

are set to be a special highlight. In 

the afternoon of the conference, the 

nominated candidates will present their 

strategic initiatives or business cases for 

sustainable developments in the pet 

industry to the audience, who will then 

join forces with the jury to vote for the 

winner. The award will be handed over at 

the official Interzoo opening ceremony 

on the evening of 11 May. The call for 

applications with terms and conditions 

of participation is published on www. 

interzoo-sustainability.com. 

Commenting on the novelties, Dr Rowena 

Arzt, Head of Exhibitions at Interzoo 

organizer WZF, says: “I am absolutely 

delighted about this important milestone 

for Interzoo. With the new conference 

and Interzoo Sustainability Award, we 

are devoting even more attention to 

sustainability within the framework of the 

eventful week at Interzoo. Based on the 

significant interest in the topic at Interzoo 

2024, we are now dedicating an exclusive 

day to sustainability. At the world-leading 

fair itself, we are putting the spotlight on 

sustainable products and innovations with 

our new Sustainability Product Showcase 

and Fresh Ideas Stage. By doing so, we aim 

to inspire and support the pet industry to 

continue to work on sustainable solutions 

and business cases.” 

Interzoo Groomers’ Day 

Another new event in the supporting 

programme for Interzoo 2026 is the 

Interzoo Groomers’ Day (www.interzoogroomers.com), 

which takes place on 14 

May 2026. This international gathering for 

pet groomers and pet care professionals 

offers a dedicated programme covering 

grooming techniques, trends and 

products as well as a specially designed 

networking platform. A separate area 

has been developed for this purpose 

and combines product presentations, 

catering, networking and demonstrations 

in one place for four-legged friends and 

their humans. 

“We are already looking forward to practical 

live demonstrations, presentations, and 

interviews by and with renowned industry 

experts like Kitty Dekeersgieter or Sandra 

Mularska,” says Karin Witthohn, member 

of the board of ZZF – Zentralverband der 

Heimtierbranche e.V. (German Pet Trade 

and Industry Association), Interzoo’s 

honorary sponsor. Kitty Dekeersgieter, 

founder and organizer of Groomania, 

adds: “The Interzoo Groomers’ Day marks a 

major milestone for the global pet grooming 

community. For the first time, professional 

pet groomers, brands and distributors 

from all over the world will enjoy a shared 

space to connect, learn from one another, 

and exchange ideas. As a result, Interzoo 

offers the unique opportunity to put the 

spotlight on training and innovations 

in pet grooming – in an environment 

that values sustainability, ergonomics, 

and animal welfare. I am convinced that 

creating a dedicated area where grooming 

professionals can discover innovations, 

recharge their batteries, and add to their 

knowledge in a pleasant atmosphere will 

make the experience more meaningful and 

inspiring for everyone involved.” 

Jennifer Welzel, Deputy Chair of the ZZF 

Membership Group Pet grooming salons, 

explains: “The Interzoo Groomers’ Day is 

the exclusive gathering in Germany for 

professional pet groomers who practice 

their trade with passion and a commitment 

to exacting standards. The unique colocation 

with world´s leading fair Interzoo 

results in a completely new space for 

professional development, knowledgesharing, 

inspiration, and innovation – 

an incredibly special kind of experience 

offering so much more than the usual kind 

of industry gathering.” 



on Interzoo and its diverse 

supporting programme, 

go to 

www.interzoo.com/en 

www.interzoo-sustainability.com 

www.interzoo-groomers.com 

www.petsustainability.org 


35

MARKETING 

Building the Perfect Home for 

Guinea Pigs 

By Simran Sharma 

built from grids or lightweight fencing, 

which allow guinea pigs the freedom to 

move in a large area while still remaining 

secure. Regardless of the type chosen, 

what matters most is that the structure is 

safe, solid, and easy to clean. 

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are 

gentle, affectionate, and highly social 

pets that thrive in environments designed 

to meet their unique needs. Building a 

suitable home for them is not simply about 

providing shelter but about creating a 

space where they can feel safe, comfortable, 

and enriched. Unlike some smaller rodents, 

guinea pigs require larger enclosures, 

careful consideration of materials, and 

thoughtful placement within the home. 

When their living environment is designed 

with their natural behavior in mind, 

guinea pigs live healthier, happier lives, 

rewarding their caretakers with endearing 

companion ship. 

The size of the enclosure is the first and 

most important aspect of creating a 

guinea pig home. Pet shops often sell 

cages marketed for guinea pigs that are far 

too small, leading to cramped conditions, 

stress, and health problems. Guinea pigs 

are active animals that require space 

to run, explore, and interact with one 

another. The general rule is that bigger is 

always better, and a home should provide 

generous square footage depending on 

the number of guinea pigs being housed. 

Two guinea pigs need at least a modest 

but comfortable space, while three or 

four require significantly more room. 

In practice, this means that large, open 

enclosures built with adaptable materials 

are far better than the traditional small 

cages often available commercially. 

When deciding on the type of housing, 

owners have several choices, each with 

its own advantages. C&C cages, made 

from wire storage grids and lined with 

a coroplast base, are one of the most 

popular options because they are 

spacious, customizable, and relatively 

inexpensive. These cages offer excellent 

ventilation and can easily be expanded to 

accommodate additional guinea pigs in 

the future. Wooden hutches are another 

option and can be placed indoors or 

outdoors, though they must be carefully 

managed to prevent issues with odor, 

cleaning, and weather exposure. Some 

owners prefer simple indoor playpens 

The floor of a guinea pig home deserves 

special attention. Wire-bottomed cages 

are harmful because they put pressure on 

delicate feet and cause sores, so a solid 

floor is essential. This solid base should 

then be lined with appropriate bedding 

that keeps the enclosure clean and 

comfortable. Fleece liners have become 

a favorite among many guinea pig 

owners, as they wick away moisture, are 

soft underfoot, and can be washed and 

reused. Others prefer disposable paperbased 

bedding, which is absorbent and 

convenient. Aspen shavings can also be 

used as a safe wood-based option, though 

pine and cedar are harmful because of 

the oils they release. Whichever bedding 

is chosen, it should provide a thick, 

absorbent layer that allows guinea pigs 

to move comfortably while reducing odor 

and moisture build-up. 

A guinea pig’s home is not complete 

without the accessories that make it 

both functional and enriching. These 

animals are prey creatures by nature and 

therefore need places to hide and feel 

secure. Tunnels, wooden houses, igloos, 

and even cardboard boxes make excellent 

hideouts. Heavy ceramic food dishes 

prevent tipping, while water bottles or 

36 


MARKETING 

sturdy bowls ensure a constant supply 

of fresh water. Because hay makes up 

the majority of their diet, hay racks or 

feeders are important for keeping it 

accessible and clean. In addition, toys 

and chew items such as wooden blocks 

or cardboard tubes help satisfy their 

natural chewing instincts and keep their 

continuously growing teeth in check. 

Providing multiple hideouts, feeding 

stations, and enrichment pieces reduces 

competition and stress, particularly when 

housing several guinea pigs together. 

Location within the home also plays a 

critical role in building the right environment. 

Guinea pigs are sensitive to 

temperature extremes and should 

be housed indoors where conditions 

are stable. They thrive at moderate 

temperatures, generally between 18 and 

24 degrees Celsius, and they should never 

be exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, or 

excessive humidity. Placing their enclosure 

in a room where family members spend 

time helps them feel part of the household, 

as they are social animals that enjoy the 

presence of people. However, they should 

not be kept in spaces that are overly noisy 

or chaotic, as this can cause stress. Striking 

the right balance ensures they feel both 

safe and engaged. 

Cleaning and maintenance are ongoing 

responsibilities that cannot be overlooked. 

A clean environment directly translates to 

healthy guinea pigs. Daily spot cleaning 

is necessary to remove soiled bedding, 

uneaten food, and waste, while weekly 

deep cleaning ensures that the entire 

enclosure remains fresh. Bedding should 

be replaced regularly, food and water 

containers washed thoroughly, and fleece 

liners laundered with mild, fragrancefree 

detergents. Establishing a consistent 

cleaning routine prevents odors and 

protects guinea pigs from respiratory 

or skin issues that often arise in poorly 

maintained habitats. 

Beyond the physical setup, building a 

home for guinea pigs is about enrichment 

and daily stimulation. These animals 

enjoy exploring new layouts and thrive 

when provided with toys, tunnels, and 

rearranged cage features that spark 

curiosity. Regular floor time outside the 

enclosure in a guinea pig-proofed area 

gives them the opportunity to exercise 

and interact more freely. Such playtime 

strengthens the bond between owner and 

pet while also supporting their physical 

health. Rotating toys and occasionally 

changing the placement of hideouts and 

feeding areas keeps the environment 

engaging and prevents boredom. 

In the end, constructing a home for guinea 

pigs goes far beyond building a simple 

cage. It is about creating a thoughtfully 

designed habitat that provides safety, 

comfort, and stimulation. By focusing on 

space, bedding, accessories, enrichment, 

and location, owners can ensure their 

guinea pigs live in conditions that reflect 

their natural instincts and needs. A wellplanned 

home allows guinea pigs to 

express their playful and affectionate 

personalities fully, rewarding their caretakers 

with endless joy. With the right 

environment, guinea pigs flourish, proving 

that when we invest effort into their wellbeing, 

the result is a harmonious and 

enriching relationship that lasts for years. 



www.creature-companions.in 

A version of this article was first 

published in the magazine Creature 

Companion, September 2025, L.B. 

Associates (Pvt) Ltd, Noida, India and is 

reproduced with permission. 

38 


MARKETING 

T Mai Aum 

LARGEST EXHIBITION ON AQUARIUMS 

16th 

India International 

Pet Trade Fair 

Gateway to the Indian Pet Industry 

Concurrent Show 

7th 

The Magic of Aquarium 

LARGEST EXHIBITION ON AQUARIUMS 

STALL 

BOOKING 

NOW 

29 th and 30 th 

August, 2026 

Hall No. 6, Bharat Mandapam, 

(Pragati Maidan), New Delhi 

9.00 AM to 

6.00 PM 


+91-82877 68466 | info@iiptf.in www.iiptf.in 

39

EVENTS 

Already Looking Ahead: 

Zoomark Gears up for 2027 

Zoomark is already preparing its next edition while keeping the pet industry engaged throughout 2026 with 

new events and international projects. 

Photos: Interzoo 

As the global pet industry continues to 

evolve, Zoomark is already preparing its 

next major edition. The trade show, which 

has become one of the leading meeting 

points for the international pet food and 

pet care market, will return to BolognaFiere 

from Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 May 2027, 

once again bringing together the global 

pet industry and distribution sector, from 

manufacturers to distributors, buyers 

and professionals from the whole supply 

chain. 

The journey toward the 22nd edition will 

be stopping next May at Interzoo 2026, 

where Zoomark will exhibit at Stand 124 

–Hall 1 and the organizers will unveil the 

very first details of the upcoming show. 

A new edition building on 

success 

Following the strong results of the 

previous edition, Zoomark 2027 will 

retain all formats and initiatives that 

proved particularly successful, while also 

introducing new themes and features 

designed to further strengthen the event’s 

role as a global business platform for the 

pet industry, with a continued focus on 

pet wellbeing at every stage of their lives. 

“Over the years, Zoomark has evolved far 

beyond the traditional concept of a trade 

fair, becoming a hub where innovation, 

market insights and international networking 

converge” explains Pascale 

Sonvico, Show Office and Sales Manager 

of Zoomark. “The upcoming edition aims 

Pascale Sonvico 

to continue this trajectory, combining 

continuity with fresh ideas and initiatives 

designed to create new opportunities for 

both exhibitors and visitors. 

Our strategy is strongly driven by the 

analysis of the key trends shaping the 

pet market, with the aim of anticipating 

industry developments and opening new 

avenues for growth for professionals across 

the sector.” 

Zoomark Days: keeping the 

industry connected 

While the 22nd exhibition is still more 

than a year away, Zoomark is ensuring 

that the industry conversation continues 

also throughout 2026 thanks to a new 

initiative: Zoomark Days. 

This programme of meetings and 

professional events has been designed 

to maintain an active dialogue with the 

sector during the year leading up to the 

show. Through a structured calendar of 

conferences, workshops and networking 

opportunities, Zoomark Days will provide 

40 


EVENTS 

professionals with insights into the most 

relevant trends shaping the pet market. 

The programme will feature two 

complementary tracks: Industry Insights, 

full-day conferences dedicated to 

manufacturers, brands and industry 

professionals, and Retail Labs, full-day 

seminars focusing on specialised retailers 

and operators working directly in the 

marketplace. 

The first Industry Insights event will 

take place in Milan on 15 April 2026, in 

collaboration with Ecommerce School, 

and will explore one of the most critical 

topics for the sector’s future: e-commerce 

and omnichannel strategies in the pet 

market. As consumer behaviour evolves 

and the integration between physical 

and digital retail becomes increasingly 

important, companies are being 

challenged to rethink their distribution 

models and customer engagement 

strategies. 

Alongside these industry-focused events, 

Retail Labs will bring Zoomark directly 

to professionals across Italy through 

a roadshow dedicated to pet shops, 

groomers, garden centres and retail 

operators. The first stops are planned 

in Milan in July and Rome in September 

2026, followed by additional events in 

Southern Italy later in the year. 

Expanding the international 

reach 

Another key pillar of Zoomark’s growth 

strategy is its increasingly global 

outlook. Over the past years, the event 

has expanded its international presence 

through partnerships and collaborations 

with major organisations and trade fairs 

worldwide. 

One of the most significant developments 

in this international expansion is the 

recent launch of PetBridge powered by 

Zoomark, a new B2B exhibition created to 

connect India’s rapidly growing pet care 

market with the global industry. 

The first edition will take place in Mumbai 

on 25–26 November 2026 at the Bombay 

Exhibition Center, bringing together 

international expertise and local market 

insight in a single professional platform. 

Developed in collaboration with Inspira 

Bridge Events, the event reflects Zoomark’s 

ambition to support companies exploring 

new opportunities in one of the world’s 

fastest-growing pet markets. 

India’s pet economy, valued at around 

USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and expected 

to exceed USD 7 billion by 2030, is 

undergoing a transformation driven by 

premiumisation, innovation and a rapidly 

expanding community of pet owners. In 

this context, PetBridge aims to act as a 

gateway between the country’s dynamic 

domestic ecosystem and the international 

pet industry. 

Looking toward the future 

With preparations for Zoomark 2027 

already underway, the event continues 

to position itself as a key platform 

where companies can connect, discover 

innovation, and anticipate future market 

trends. 

Through year-round initiatives, expanding 

international partnerships and new global 

projects such as PetBridge, Zoomark 

is reinforcing its ambition to create a 

true international ecosystem for the pet 

industry. 



www.zoomark.it 


41

LAST PAGE 

Upcoming Events 

April 17-19, 2026 

InterPet Hanoi 

Hanoi, Vietnam 

www.interpetfest.com 

May 7-13, 2026 

Interpack 

Düsseldorf, Germany 

www.interpack.com 

May 12-15, 2026 

Interzoo 

Nuremberg, Germany 

www.interzoo.com 

June 2-4, 2026 

VICTAM International 

Utrecht, The Netherlands 

www.victaminternational.com 

July 12-15, 2026 

IFT FIRST 

Chicago, Illinois, USA 

www.iftevent.org 

August 28-30, 2026 

India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) 

Delhi, India 

www.iiptf.in 

November 12-15, 2026 

China International Pet Show 

Guangzhou, China 

en.cipscom.com 

November 17-19, 2026 

FI Europe 2026 

Frankfurt a.M., Germany 

www.figlobal.com/europe/en/home.html 

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