Considered the leading exhibition for the global pet supplies industry, the biennial trade show is sponsored by the Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe e.V. (Langen, Germany), the trade organization that publishes ZZA magazine.

”Leading exhibitions like Interzoo are marketplaces for ideas, product innovations and trends,” said Hans-Jochen Bungener, chairman of the Interzoo exhibition committee. “The opportunities for personal and successful dialog are unrivaled at Interzoo, as it is the meeting place for the Who’s Who of the international pet supplies industry.”

He added, “At the last Interzoo in 2004, 59 percent of the experts came to Nurnberg to source information on new products, 39 percent wanted to obtain an overview of the market, 38 percent visited Interzoo to make new business contacts and 38 percent, to cultivate existing contacts. Other reasons for visiting the exhibition are to get new ideas, exchange views, observe the competition or prepare for investment and purchases.”

Spanning eight exhibit halls, this year’s show will emphasize products for dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. However, it also will incorporate equestrian goods, boutique items and a segment for “animals and plants in the home.”

”We think there are good long-term opportunities for linking the themes of creative garden design and pets, as many garden owners love animals and many pet owners have a garden,” said Klaus Oechsner, president of ZZF.

The Pet Food Technology exhibition, which debuted in 2004, will return this year, featuring raw materials and equipment for pet food manufacturers. In addition, WZF GmbH and the International Research Association of Feed Technology will co-sponsor a pet food technology symposium on May 11.

For more information, visit www.interzoo.com. [April 2006 PET AGE]