Europe maintains its role as the world's second-largest pet care market, representing 30 percent of the global retail value sales in pet care.
Worldwide sales are forecasted to hit $224.5 billion by 2026, as per information provided by Sahiba Puri, research manager at Euromonitor International and the initial speaker at Petfood Forum Europe.
Despite Western Europe being a developed and important market, Puri pointed out that Eastern Europe shows higher growth potential, expected to increase at a 3.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2026 to 2031.
Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, the editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry, states, “The program at Petfood Forum Europe showcased the persistent strength of the European market and the sector's increasing emphasis on sustainability, ingredient innovation, processing technologies, and changing consumer expectations."
The conference aids professionals in getting ready for the future by integrating scientific research, market trends, and practical business strategies.
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The agenda emphasized new technologies, nutritional studies, and business approaches that are transforming the pet food sector. Specialists explored eco-friendly ingredient options, improvements in enzyme usage, new subscription business frameworks, cultivated meat studies, and the increasing application of artificial intelligence in supplier evaluations.
Further sessions examined how optimizing freeze-drying and utilizing innovative ingredients are assisting companies in enhancing product quality, efficiency, and consumer attraction.
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Pet food experts from 33 nations such as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated in the event, facilitating chances for global networking and cooperation. The event ended with a combined reception featuring participants from the Interzoo Sustainability Conference.
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Petfood Forum Europe 2026 took place concurrently with Interzoo, which was held from May 12 to May 15 in Nuremberg, Germany. Interzoo is the biggest marketing platform globally for the international pet supply sector, uniting manufacturers, wholesalers, and service providers from 68 nations.