Interzoo Trade Fair Begins, Offering Programming and Presentations for the International Pet Industry

The 39th Interzoo is taking place in Nuremberg from May 12 to 15. WZF GmbH, the organizer of the global B2B trade fair for the pet industry, has registered around 2,400 exhibitors from some 70 countries, making it the largest and most international event in its history.

As well as an extensive display of the latest solutions and trends in the pet supplies sector, trade visitors can look forward to a wide-ranging supporting program, which kicked off on May 11 with two conferences. Moreover, visitors from approximately 140 countries can enjoy numerous opportunities for discussions with the industry’s decision-makers and innovators.

Interzoo 2026 offers a unique range of product and brand presentations with inspiration and innovations from established manufacturers, newcomers and startups from all around the globe. With around 2,400 exhibitors in 15 halls on a total display area of 150,000 square meters, two new all-day events, several mini-conferences, and the programmes on the  Fresh Ideas Stage in Hall 3 and new Sourcing Stage in Hall 12, the leading international fair provides a complete overview of the latest developments and key trends in the global pet supplies industry, which earned over €189 billion last year.

One of Interzoo’s unique features is its strong international reach. With an international exhibitor contingent of 87%, Interzoo showcases the offerings of the pet supplies market across all five continents. After Germany, the countries sending the largest numbers of exhibitors are China, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, the USA, Poland and the UK. In addition, 16 countries will have their own national pavilions this year, including first-timers Thailand, Turkey and Spain. This year’s event is expecting visitors from 140 countries. These exhibitor and visitor numbers underline the strong appeal of Interzoo as a leading international fair.

Another special characteristic of Interzoo is its unique blend of participants, which guarantees the unrivalled quality of the event. There are strict rules about who can visit the trade fair. Access is restricted to trade visitors and media representatives with appropriate credentials and accreditations,  ensuring that participants are offered a trade fair experience of the highest professional standard. Thanks to its strong international contingent and exclusive visitor profile, Interzoo is the only B2B trade fair for the pet supplies sector that has been certified as a “UFI approved international event” by the UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

“Interzoo is both a tool and an enabler,” said Gordon Bonnet, CEO of both WZF – Pet Industry Services and ZZF – German Pet Trade and Industry Association. “It is a place that brings people, markets and ideas together. And it is the product of a sector that operates with great responsibility, innovative strength, and genuine passion.”

Over almost an entire week in Nuremberg, exhibitors and trade visitors can delve deeply into current and future trends, experience innovations in multi-sensory exhibits, and discuss new developments with manufacturers and potential buyers.

“Many companies showcase their new products for the first time at Interzoo. For us as organisers, this is always an incredibly special honour and proof that Interzoo is a driving force and the most important platform worldwide for contacting international decision-makers, buyers and key players in the pet industry,” said Dr. Rowena Arzt, Director Exhibitions at Interzoo organiser WZF.

Current data on pet ownership shows the vital role that animals play in the lives of many people. In many European countries, pet numbers increased last year. Overall, around 200 million dogs and cats, and some 80 million small animals, reptiles and birds are kept as pets, not to mention all the fish held in aquariums.

In Germany too, cats and dogs are the frontrunners: around one in four households in Germany has a cat (15.7 million), while dogs (10 million) come second in the popularity stakes, according to a survey by ZZF – German Pet Trade and Industry Association and IVH (Industry Association of Pet Care Producers). In addition, the pet population includes 4.4 million small animals and 3.3 million ornamental birds. Fish live in aquariums in 1.6 million households and in the garden ponds of 900,000 households. Moreover, home farming animals like chickens or quail are kept as pets in 600,000 households, while 500,000 households keep reptiles and amphibians.

The popularity of cats and dogs is also reflected in the core segments at the trade fair: 1,734 exhibitors are showcasing products for dogs, more than 1,400 exhibitors at Interzoo 2026 offer products for cats, and 299 exhibitors present products for small animals and rodents. Visitors can discover innovations from the aquarium segment at the stands of 245 exhibitors, while 106 exhibitors will be displaying new products for terrariums. There are 201 exhibitors with items for ornamental birds, and 139 companies offering products for animals in the garden and in home farming scenarios.

According to Norbert Holthenrich, President of the ZZF – German Pet Trade and Industry Association, the honorary sponsor of Interzoo, one product trend in particular stands out: “For many people, pets are part of the family and important companions. Accordingly, there is growing interest in preventive health solutions designed to support the well-being of pets and extend their life expectancy.”

Functional pet nutrition and supplements are designed to support digestion, joints, or even mental health. Other manufacturers are focusing on skin, fur and dental care, as well as AI-assisted health monitoring and fitness trackers.

Alongside innovations in the field of pet health, there are also many sustainable innovations to discover at Interzoo. Whereas for dogs, many exhibitors offer food and snacks based on sustainable alternative protein sources like insects, the focus for cats is more on accessories and necessities. For example, numerous exhibitors offer sustainable cat litter made from innovative raw materials like coconut husks or olive pits.

(Photo courtesy Interzoo)