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EU Adopts Landmark Rules for Dogs and Cats
 
Market Information

3+ MIN

EU Adopts Landmark Rules for Dogs and Cats  

The European Parliament has adopted the first EU-wide regulation specifically addressing the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, according to a press statement by the EPO. The vote, which took place on 28th April 2026, confirms the political agreement reached in November 2025 and represents what the European Pet Organisation (EPO) has described as a decisive step toward stronger animal welfare, better consumer protection, and a more transparent and traceable pet market across the European Union.
  The EPO, which serves as the voice of the pet sector at European level, has welcomed the adoption as a major advocacy success following sustained engagement throughout the legislative process. By working closely with the European Commission and the European Parliament, the organisation says it played a key role in shaping the final framework. Crucially, the regulation clearly recognises pet stores as legitimate and regulated actors within the companion animal supply chain and delivers harmonised and proportionate rules across the EU. The EPO also ensured the final text avoids unnecessary burdens on responsible and professional operators, keeping the scope firmly focused on dogs and cats and preventing the introduction of an EU-wide positive list for all pets.
  Although the immediate threat of a positive list has been averted, its continued presence in the adopted text underlines the need for ongoing engagement from the trade through EPO.
  'This is a major achievement for both animal welfare and the pet sector in Europe,' said Svein A. Fosså, President of EPO. 'It clearly shows that high welfare standards and a responsible, professional pet sector do go hand in hand. The final text delivers a balanced and workable framework that provides clarity, predictability and fair conditions for operators across the EU, while recognising the essential role of regulated operators, including pet stores.'   Recognised responsible operators
The newly adopted regulation establishes harmonised EU-wide rules covering breeding establishments, shelters, and selling establishments, including pet stores, which are now formally recognised as regulated and responsible operators within the companion animal supply chain. For the first time, the EU introduces a comprehensive framework that includes EU-wide animal welfare standards for housing, care, and handling, alongside strict breeding rules ‒ among them limits on reproduction and bans on close inbreeding and harmful genetic practices. Mandatory identification and registration of dogs and cats before being placed on the market will be required, supported by enhanced traceability through interoperable national databases and clear, harmonised obligations for all operators regardless of size or legal status.   Better welfare rules across the EU
The regulation also strengthens welfare conditions across the EU by introducing requirements on housing, outdoor access, socialisation, and veterinary oversight, while prohibiting harmful practices such as confinement in unsuitable display conditions or inappropriate breeding methods.
  Looking ahead, the EPO has stressed that effective implementation will depend on consistent and proportionate application across member states. The organisation says it looks forward to continuing to work with EU institutions and national authorities on the development of implementing and delegated acts, to ensure the rules are clear, workable, and enforceable in practice ‒ and properly aligned with on-the-ground realities. Source: PET Worldwide

 Global Trade Fairs: Connecting and Innovating in Pet Food in 2026
 
Market Information

4+ MIN

 Global Trade Fairs: Connecting and Innovating in Pet Food in 2026  

2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for AFB, as we'll be participating in six international trade shows, connecting with pet food industry professionals and demonstrating our commitment to innovation. From Kansas City to Nuremberg, and across Latin America and Thailand, our teams will be offering unique opportunities to learn, network, and drive the industry forward.   Pet Food Forum: Focus on Innovation
Our 2026 trade show session kicks off at the Pet Food Forum in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, from April 27-29. As regular attendees, we know how valuable this event is for sparking new interest in pet food flavor enhancers and strengthening relationships within the industry. Find us in Hall #1301 , ready to share ideas and connect with other professionals. Ana Rita Monforte, PhD , Flavor and Data Science Manager, will be taking the stage to present ' Leveraging AI to Predict Pet Food Palatability .' A session you won't want to miss! Don't miss her talk. Tuesday at 3:10 in Hall 2504. And stop by our booth to continue the conversation with our R&D team.   Interzoo: Global trends and sensory perspectives
Next, we're heading to Interzoo in Nuremberg, Germany, from May 12-15. Visit us in Hall 6-321 for stand activities and exclusive presentations , including our daily "Smell & Learn" sessions and talks on global pet food market trends . Don't miss the "Carefully Crafted Sensory Insights and Customer Loyalty" presentation on the Innovative Ideas Stage in Hall 3. These sessions are designed to encourage discussion, promote learning, and highlight the latest developments in the world of flavorings. Our international team looks forward to meeting you and sharing new perspectives!   AFB presentation at four more key events
While Petfood Forum and Interzoo are the most important trade shows on our calendar, AFB's presence extends to four other international trade shows this year. At each one, we showcase our research, product innovations, and market leadership through customized presentations and interactive experiences at our booths.
  From May 12th to 14th, Fenagra will be held in Distrito Anhembi, São Paulo, Brazil. Will you be there? Don't forget to stop by our booth C11 ! Meet the AFB Brazil team! Discover the flavorings available in the region, including Animal-Free and Non-GMO options, for customized solutions that customers need, as well as the new, improved-performing liquid and dry products we've just developed. Contact your sales representative or our AFB Brazil office at brasil@afbinternational.com to schedule a meeting.
  Attending industry events like Fenagra is essential to stay abreast of the latest trends in pet nutrition and connect with partners driving innovation in palatability. At AFB International, we help pet food brands improve taste and aroma to increase acceptance, ensuring pets not only eat, but love their food. We invite you to visit us at Fenagra to discover how our flavor enhancement solutions can boost your products and differentiate your brand in a competitive market. We look forward to seeing you there! Guilherme Marra, Sales Manager, AFB Latin America.
  The Pet Forum will take place from July 15th to 17th in Guadalajara, Mexico . The date has been changed from June to July, so be sure to update your plans to attend! We'll be there at booth C2 . We're ready to answer all your questions about the taste of pet food and show you how AFB makes delicious-tasting pet food in Mexico! Contact Jeanette Cano, Sales Manager , to connect before the show.
  The 10th Latin American Pet Food Industry Congress (CIPAL) will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from September 23-24. In 2024, we enjoyed this pet food manufacturing trade show and considered it an excellent event for networking and introducing Argentina to the local AFB team. Visit us at support P1.
  Our Thailand Air Base team is hard at work planning for Southeast Asia PetFair in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 28-30. We look forward to meeting, connecting, and networking with our customers and industry professionals who share our passion for excellence in pet food. Don't wait until October to learn more about flavor enhancers in pet food; contact us. Ratchada Saebey, Commercial Manager . Today at the Thailand Air Base!   Why are these programs important?
Attending these global events is more than just showing up: it's about building relationships, discovering new ideas, and leading the conversation on pet food palatability. Trade shows are where innovation meets collaboration, and AFB is proud to be at the forefront. Our experts are ready to answer your questions, analyze trends, and help you uncover new opportunities for your business through our customized solutions. Source: AFB International

Japan Joins the Pet Boom
 
Market Information

2+ MIN

Japan Joins the Pet Boom  

The Japanese economy has experienced moderate growth over the past decade. In the last ten years, the country's GDP has barely increased by 4.3%, with several years of stagnation and even some periods of decline. However, some economic sectors have managed to expand strongly. Among them, the pet food and product market stands out. Japan has joined the global pet boom, and the sector has grown by nearly 30% in the last decade.   Pets are driving this sector to grow eight times faster than the national average. This dynamism is explained by the increase in households choosing to bring a pet into their homes, fueled by the aging population and the search for companionship in large cities. Food and veterinary service companies have successfully adapted their offerings to this growing demand.   Dogs continue to lead the ranking, but not for long
According to data from the latest Rakuten Insight report, dogs remained the most popular pet in Japan in 2025. Present in 11% of households, dogs are the most common pet in Japanese homes, but cats have seen a significant increase in popularity. Felines are present in 10% of the country's homes, far ahead of fish (4.5%), turtles (1.6%), and birds (1.5%). This near parity between dogs and cats reflects an unstoppable trend in recent years.   Nearly nine million felines in Japan
The rise in popularity of cats in the Asian country has led to the feline population in Japan growing to nine million in recent years. While this figure decreased slightly in 2025, it shows an upward trend in cat adoption. Japan contrasts sharply with neighboring countries like China and Vietnam, where cats are still very uncommon as pets due to lingering cultural traditions and prejudices.   The Japanese spend more money on small dogs
In the dog world, the Japanese tend to favor small breeds over large ones. In fact, spending on small dogs is considerably higher than on other pets in the country, as they require specific accessories, clothing, carriers, and more frequent care.     Source: IM VETERINARIA

Pet Fair Asia 2026 Visitor Registration is Now Open
Market Information

4+ MIN

Pet Fair Asia 2026 Visitor Registration is Now Open

Returning to Shanghai from 19 to 23 August 2026, the show will set new benchmarks with a record-breaking 320,000 sqm of exhibition space. To date, 92% of this space has already been sold, and more than 2,600 exhibitors are expected to participate, reinforcing the event's position as Asia's leading platform for the pet industry.
  International buyers and industry professionals can now secure free entry by registering online at https://reg.petfairasia.com/en/user/register before 31 July 2026. After this deadline, a ticket fee of RMB 200 / USD 30 per person will apply.
  Last year, Pet Fair Asia welcomed over 130,000 trade visitors from more than 90 countries. During the final two consumer days, the attendance surged to a record 390,000 visitors. With its continuously expanding global reach, Pet Fair Asia has become an unmissable event for the international pet industry, offering unparalleled business and networking opportunities in China and broader Asia Pacific's stable and growing pet markets.   VIP B2B DAY: A STRATEGIC STEP TOWARDS A STRONGER BUSINESS FOCUS
As previously announced, this year Pet Fair Asia is introducing the VIP B2B DAY as a strategic initiative to strengthen the show's business focus - a move that is especially important for a large-scale exhibition with massive foot traffic. The first day will be invitation-only, creating a targeted, high-value networking environment with minimal distractions. This day will bring together selected local importers, wholesalers, distributors, VIP buyers, leading media partners, influencers and industry opinion leaders, fostering high-quality interactions and meaningful business exchange. International visitors, meanwhile will enjoy full access across all three trade days, with the flexibility to explore the exhibition at their own pace.   A ROBUST INTERNATIONAL LINEUP OF EXHIBITORS
Leading Chinese and global brands continue to place trust in the event and will return again this year. Confirmed exhibitors that cover everything related to the world of pets include Acana, ADM, Arm and Hammer, Boehringer Ingelheim, DoggyMan, Elanco, EzyDog, Farmina, Gambol, Gimborn, Hagen, Hunter, Instinct, Kong, Iv San Bernard, K9 Natural & Feline Natural, Mars, Pidan, PETKIT, Purina, Royal Canin, Stella & Chewy's, and Ziwi, among many others. 
  Notably, Global Premier Hall (N5), dedicated to international exhibitors only, will feature premium international brands, bringing together the most innovative offerings from around the world in a single, high-visibility space designed to maximize exposure and attract domestic buyers. 

Further enhancing its global character, a record number of international pavilions, including those from New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Poland, Australia, Canada, Thailand, and the Taiwan region, will be located within this hall, enriching the show with a diverse array of global brands and new product launches.  
  'Canada's pet food and pet products industry is globally recognized for its premium quality, rigorous safety standards, and science-driven innovation, supported by a strong regulatory framework and high-quality agricultural inputs.' -  said Tracy Diehl, Consul General at Canada's Consulate in Shanghai, which, together with Pets Canada, will organize this year the Canadian pavilion at Pet Fair Asia for the first time. 'The Canada Pavilion at Pet Fair Asia brings together a selected group of leading Canadian companies showcasing nutritious pet food, functional ingredients, and innovative solutions designed to support animal health and well-being. As a leading industry platform in Asia, Pet Fair Asia offers an effective setting to showcase Canada's commitment to reliability, sustainability and product excellence with key buyers and partners. We are looking forward to providing Chinese and international visitors an opportunity to connect directly with trusted Canadian suppliers and discover products that meet the evolving demands of today's China market.' – concluded Diehl.    CO-LOCATED EVENTS TO NOT MISS OUT
Two long-established co-located events will once again run alongside Pet Fair Asia. PET FAIR SUPPLY - dedicated to the pet industry supply chain - will take place during the three B2B days (19–21 August 2026). The event continues its strong expansion, and will cover a record 10 halls (W6–W11, N6–N9), spanning over 70,000sqm and hosting more than 900 exhibitors.  PET FAIR ASIA VETERINARY, on the other hand, will occupy two halls (N3 & N4) across 35,000 sqm, providing a complete overview of the latest innovations and developments in pet medicine and animal health.
  Given the scale of the event, the organizers have also curated several other dedicated halls to help visitors navigate the show more easily and focus on key areas of interest. 
  Cat's Wonderland (Hall W2)
As cats outpace dogs in China, in both spendings and population (reaching over 70 million), this dedicated destination brings together premium, design-led, and smart cat products from both local and global brands as well as emerging designer labels. Carefully curated for discerning cat owners who prioritize quality, aesthetics, and comfort, the hall will spotlight a wide range of innovative cat-centric solutions. 
  Human–Pet Ideal Home (Hall E1)
This hall is designed for the new generation of pet owners seeking high-quality human–pet co-living solutions. It focuses on holistic lifestyle integration, covering home furnishings, smart home appliances, outdoor living, travel solutions, and more. Exhibitors in this hall include leading lifestyle and technology brands such as BYD, Haier, Hisense, Ronshen, Toshiba, among others.
  For more information about the show visit: www.petfairasia.com  Source: Pet Fais Asia Media Contact
Ms. Aida Cuko 
Tel: +86 21 6195 6042 
Email: aida.cuko@globusevents.com 

Interzoo 2026 to Bring Global Pet Industry Together with Innovation, Sustainability and New Business Opportunities
Market Information

2+ MIN

Interzoo 2026 to Bring Global Pet Industry Together with Innovation, Sustainability and New Business Opportunities

With more than 2,350 exhibitors from 64 countries already confirmed, Interzoo 2026 is set to once again become the central meeting point for the global pet industry. The event will showcase a wide range of products and services, covering segments such as pet food, aquaria, terraria, accessories for dogs and cats, small animals, birds, and garden animals, as well as packaging, shop fittings and pet food technology.

Beyond the exhibition floor, Interzoo will offer a comprehensive supporting programme designed to address key industry trends, challenges and opportunities.

One of the main highlights will be the Petfood Forum Europe, taking place on May 11, where industry experts will share insights on emerging trends, including alternative protein sources and supply chain solutions. The same day will also feature the first Interzoo Sustainability Conference, focusing on current and future developments in sustainability within the pet industry, including regulatory frameworks, environmental impact and collaborative innovation.   A platform for innovation, knowledge exchange and new ideas
Innovation will play a central role throughout the event. The Fresh Ideas Stage will host start-ups and founders presenting new concepts and products, culminating in the Fresh Ideas Contest on May 15. In parallel, the Product Showcase will highlight the latest innovations from exhibitors, with dedicated areas focused on sustainability and animal health, reflecting the growing importance of these topics across the industry.
  The event will also introduce the first Interzoo Groomers' Day on May 14, aimed at grooming professionals seeking to explore new techniques, trends and products in pet care.   Global networking and international sourcing opportunities
 
Interzoo 2026 will further strengthen its role as a global business hub through initiatives such as the Country Pavilions and the Sourcing Stage. More than 16 country pavilions will provide direct access to international manufacturers and brands, while the Sourcing Stage will address key challenges related to cross-border supply chains, including sourcing strategies, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.

In addition, the Start-up Area and Young Innovators section will feature over 50 emerging companies presenting new business models and solutions, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with the next generation of industry players.
  As the global pet industry continues to evolve toward greater innovation, sustainability and market sophistication, Interzoo 2026 reinforces its role as a key platform where trends are defined, partnerships are built and new business opportunities emerge. With its international scope and comprehensive programme, the event is expected to once again shape the future of the pet industry.
For more info, visit https://www.interzoo.com/en  Source: All Pet Food