09/09/2025
Training, Networking, and Trends: What Sets the 2nd Edition of CIPEU in Zaragoza
Following its very well-received first edition, what motivated you to organize the 2nd edition of CIPEU? What lessons or experiences from the 1st edition are the basis for this new event?
Pablo Porcel de Peralta: Two key points motivate us to create these meetings worldwide. First, continuous training: in the pet food industry, we believe we feed another member of our family. Therefore, manufacturers must always innovate their products to nourish and enhance pets' well-being. To do so, they need to educate and inform themselves about the latest trends—CIPEU's scientific-academic program aims at addressing this necessity.
On the other hand, the possibility of generating a meeting point for the pet food industry, where professionals can generate ideas, do business, and connect with colleagues. For All Pet Food, it is crucial to create experiences and generate interacting moments with people and players in the sector.
Why is it important to organize an event like CIPEU in this European region? How does Zaragoza represent a strategic center for the pet food industry? What manufacturers are you expecting, both regionally and internationally?
Gonzalo Passarino Iglesias: Globally, the European pet food industry is the largest sector, with a turnover of around €30 billion. In Spain, in fiscal year 2024, it grew by around 5%, exceeding €2 billion in revenue.
Within the manufacturing sector of compound food, Aragón is the 2nd most important at the national level, marked by its innovation and modernization.
Furthermore, Zaragoza is located at the center of Spain's major development hubs. Within a radius of 350 kilometers, it accounts for 60% of the Spanish population and 80% of the national GDP, and at a similar distance, it connects with the south of France.
The country also has excellent aerial communication channels, highway systems, and railroads, including the AVE high-speed train, coupled with services including hotels, food, and activities for all people.
For this reason, hosting CIPEU in Zaragoza is worthwhile for a strategic sector with growing significance for the region.
At CIPEU, we will have a high-level academic program with renowned professionals of the industry, along with an exhibition hall representing the sector. For any professional in the chain as well as those in the production process, this is the key meeting for informed decision-making.
Moreover, the second edition evolved addressing the needs of foreign participants—all the talks will be translated for them to have a great experience.
From your point of view, how does the alliance between two strong organizations from different regions strengthen the event's reach? How was it co-organized?
Gonzalo: The success of CIPEU lies in the collaboration of two organizations, both strong in their areas, which join to create a benchmark event for the pet food industry.
The co-organization process is dynamic but demanding, allowing us to learn and grow hand in hand.
At Feria de Zaragoza, we have over 90 years of deep expertise in organizing national and international fairs or events, mainly in the agricultural sector—including animal nutrition, such as FIGAN (International Animal Production Show), or human nutrition, such as QUALIMEN (International Food Market Fair).
All Pet Food has been establishing important connections between suppliers, manufacturers, and professionals in the pet food industry for more than 10 years. With a strong presence in Latin America, the USA, and Europe, it became a key model in the sector.
By combining the knowledge of Feria de Zaragoza in organizing events and nutrition with All Pet Food's experience in the pet food sector, we have the benchmark event for the industry in terms of processes, ingredients, nutrition, equipment, laboratory, and packaging. CIPEU is the ideal place to build and strengthen connections with the industry throughout Europe.
Are you looking for or have you already secured new partnerships with other institutions to promote the event?
Gonzalo: We have had big support from the government of Aragón, the Provincial Council, and the City Council of Zaragoza, as well as the ANFAAC (Spanish National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers), which brings together 90% of the Spanish business sector.
This year, we are also supported by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zaragoza, the ICOVZ (Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de Zaragoza), and the IACA (Asociación Portuguesa de Industrias de Alimentos Compuestos para Animales).
We are also accompanied by professionals who represent important institutions, such as the European Society of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ESVCN) or the Veterinary Faculty of the Complutense University of Madrid.
The key to succeeding is to address the needs in the sector, from exhibitors to attendees. Partnering with the main associations at the national and European level is proof of that: the CEOE, the banking industry, and universities specializing in pet food.
Which topics did Domingo Ruíz Cano, President of the Scientific Committee, propose in this edition?
Pablo: Dr. Domingo Ruíz Cano is a reference in the industry. He works on studying and developing new innovative products. This year, his proposal focuses on trends and the evolution of raw materials—having increasingly demanding consumers, these are two mandatory views to consider when producing.
Topics that directly influence the improvement of food manufacturing processes will also be covered. As an industry, we must continue enhancing food safety and sustainability. Another issue to mention is nutraceuticals that link nutrition with health.
The program is designed to add value and visibility while discussing current and future industry trends.
What are your expectations for this meeting? Do you think it will have impact on the sector?
Gonzalo: CIPEU positions itself as the model meeting point for the animal nutrition industry in 2025, presenting a scientific program with training and an exhibition hall with more than 50 brands.
The event is for meeting and establishing key contacts in the industry, as well as learning and sharing experiences with pet food professionals.
Expectations are high, with the certainty that we will exceed the number of attendees and that the experience will have a highly positive impact on visitors, exhibitors, and sponsors.
Besides the mentioned program, CIPEU offers the opportunity to launch new products and services to the market, provide turnkey solutions, and show products with proven value and quality. It is the place to generate business, connect, and be updated.
How is the dynamic, and what does this kind of event offer to participants?
Pablo: The event will take place on October 1 and 2 at Palacio de Zaragoza. We will have an auditorium for 400 attendees and a commercial hall, where more than 50 suppliers will show their latest innovations to enhance food manufacturing. We can organize these meetings thanks to the suppliers and our partners. I invite you to visit their booths and learn about their new technologies.
This year, we will continue improving our services. Besides our excellent academic program, we will offer coffee break and lunch services—included in the general ticket both days—for the industry to enjoy the event without having to leave the Palacio.
What message do you want to share with potential companies or participants?
Pablo: We invite the entire pet food sector in the Iberian Peninsula to join us on October 1-2 at CIPEU. It is a tailored space that we improve edition by edition to add value for the future of the industry. CIPEU 2025 is not to be missed!
Open registration, 40% OFF with early bird: Register here
Know more about the conference program: CIPEU 2025 PROGRAM
By Pablo Porcel de Peralta and Gonzalo Passarino Iglesias
Source: All Pet Food
