- 15 minOpeningBusiness insights
Opening & Innovation Interview
Silvia Dabankah (ZZF/WZF) interviews Daniel Gundelach (Meety) on the development of the pet industry, with a special focus on startups. The conversation explores opportunities, challenges, and growth potential, as well as the platforms the Startup Area and the Fresh Ideas Stage provide for young companies to showcase their innovations and gain visibility among a professional audience.
- 30 minPetfoodScience insights
DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Making appealing claims come true with functional proteins
Explore the trends shaping digestive health in pet food, discover why, in formulation, a more targeted approach often delivers better results, and uncover how functional proteins build the foundation for stronger digestive health and meaningful claims that matter to pet owners.
- 30 minPetfood
Taste of Iceland
We want to invite you on a journey to Iceland and introduce you to the culinary heritage from the Viking era. For centuries, Icelanders have valued the pure delicacies nature provides, from air-dried fish to nutrient-rich fish oils. At the heart of our brand is an uncompromising respect for our nature. Powered by Iceland’s renewable geothermal energy and committed to using exceptional raw materials, we create high-quality products. Our range includes delicious treats, premium fish oils, and nourishing wet food—rooted in a “back to basics” philosophy, just as nature intended. Our products are clean, pure, and Icelandic. We are proud to introduce our newest product—a true standout that brings together the very best of what Iceland has to offer. Derived from the country’s most powerful natural elements, it delivers a complete, concentrated source of nutrition. A new gold standard — the star of the show.
- 30 minBusiness insights
Trixie Ventures: Scaling Together
Scaling Together represents our belief that real growth comes through collaboration and partnerships. We are TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, the European market leader for pet supplies, and we want to offer you a behind-the-scenes look at how we operate. We provide exciting insights into the world of innovation: What does innovation mean to us? What challenges do we face as a European market leader, and how do we try to overcome them? We also show why fresh ideas from start-ups open up new perspectives for us and enrich our own thinking. Another focus of the presentation is our start-up program, Trixie Ventures. With Trixie Ventures, we try to build a bridge between an established company and the start-up world – a space where ideas can grow and innovations can be implemented together. We demonstrate what scaling together means to us, how we support start-ups, and what opportunities arise for both sides. The presentation concludes with insights from past collaborations and shows how fresh ideas and experience work together to create an added value. Scaling together is therefore our guiding principle to explore new paths, learning from each other, and shaping the future together.
- 30 min
NATUREAL
UPCYCLED NATURAL PRODUCTS INTO ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION FOR PET CARE APPLICATIONS
- 30 minPetfood
Expanding Regenerative Agriculture Benefits Within the Pet Food Value Chain
This session explores how regenerative agriculture can boost sustainability across the pet food value chain. lt will feature the announcement of a new pet food partnership as a case study, while highlighting broader program benefits such as improved soil health, carbon reduction, biodiversity gains, farmer incentives, and brand collaboration to advance environmental and economic resilience.
- 30 minManufacturingPetfood
Airgenex®pet: Closed-Loop Heat Pump Condensation Drying for Petfood of all Kinds
Since 1991, HARTER has been pioneering closed-loop heat pump condensation drying. Discover the Airgenex®pet technology, its engineering background, and exclusive insights into energy-efficient lowtemperature processes that ensure superior food quality and sustainable production
- 30 minPetfoodScience insights
From palatability to loyalty: In-home gently cooked sensory insights and customer retention
As the gently cooked category continues to gain momentum, this study explores customer perception and retention of dog food recipes. It considers the role palatants play in shaping perceived palatability and mealtime experience.
- 30 minPetfood
Protein ingredients, without compromise
Protein ingredients from natural fermentation are gaining momentum in pet food, from complete food to treats. What is behind this shift, and what do scientific insights reveal about palatability, digestibility, and formulation fit? This presentation explores the performance of these ingredients and the value they create for pets, pet parents, and manufacturers.
- 30 minPetfood
Beyond the Buzz: The Reality of Alternative Proteins in Pet Food
This presention shares the journey we have taken since founding BugBell, exploring the opportunities and challenges of bringing alternative proteins into pet food. It highlights market realities, consumer acceptance, innovation, and what it takes to turn interest into adoption.
- 30 minManufacturingPetfood
Safer by Design: Identifying Critical Control Points in a Baked Pet Food Line and Leveraging Technologies for Effective HACCP Implementation
This presentation will identify key Critical Control Points (CCPs) in a baked pet food manufacturing line and demonstrate how hygienic equipment design, process automation, and thermal profiling support effective HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) implementation.
- 30 minPet healthPetfood
18 innovations across 8 pet categories at Versele - A story of brands and products
Versele (formerly Versele-Laga) produces and markets nutrition and care products for all pets, and supports the goal that every pet parent has: provide the very best and enjoy the bond with their pets, carefree. This talk will illustrate how Versele translates that mission into innovations. At the heart of this story lies the launch of a new brand architecture, designed to better reflect the value we bring to the diversity of pet parent needs, species-specific expertise, and functional product solutions. We will offer insights into the tactical choices behind the brand design, and how these choices guide innovation across categories such as birds, small mammals, horses, and more. The session further highlights Versele structured approach to innovation and gives practical examples: combining consumer insights, nutritional science, technological capabilities, and cross-functional collaboration. From early idea generation to launch-ready solutions, innovation is treated at Versele as a disciplined yet creative process.
- 30 min
NATUREAL
UPCYCLED NATURAL PRODUCTS INTO ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION FOR PET CARE APPLICATIONS
- 30 minBusiness insights
Trixie Ventures: Scaling Together
Scaling Together represents our belief that real growth comes through collaboration and partnerships. We are TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, the European market leader for pet supplies, and we want to offer you a behind-the-scenes look at how we operate. We provide exciting insights into the world of innovation: What does innovation mean to us? What challenges do we face as a European market leader, and how do we try to overcome them? We also show why fresh ideas from start-ups open up new perspectives for us and enrich our own thinking. Another focus of the presentation is our start-up program, Trixie Ventures. With Trixie Ventures, we try to build a bridge between an established company and the start-up world – a space where ideas can grow and innovations can be implemented together. We demonstrate what scaling together means to us, how we support start-ups, and what opportunities arise for both sides. The presentation concludes with insights from past collaborations and shows how fresh ideas and experience work together to create an added value. Scaling together is therefore our guiding principle to explore new paths, learning from each other, and shaping the future together.
- 30 minPet suppliesScience insights
TBA
From the lab to shelves globally: How a Social Enterprise pushes the boundaries of science - and why distributors are eager to expand into highly performative Clean Cosmetics products. Spoiler: Upscale pet boutiques prove why physical retail may be here to stay, after all
- 30 minLunch Break
- 30 minPet healthPet supplies
Redefine Pet Odor Control into Indoor Air Health for Pet Families
Tony Zhang is the founder of PETFAMILY. His relationship with pets began at the age of seven and shaped a core belief: if pets give humans unconditional love, we have a responsibility to provide them with clean, healthy air. For Tony, odor is more than a nuisance—it is a health issue. The main culprit is ammonia, a gas that can irritate the respiratory system of both pets and people, as recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Most products on the market simply mask smells or absorb them temporarily; they do not continuously break down ammonia at its source, largely because it is technically challenging. Tony chose to tackle this problem head-on. He invested heavily in research and built a world-class materials science team, including postdoctoral researchers from Sorbonne University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as an environmental materials expert from the Engineering Academy of Japan. After years of development, PETFAMILY created a Page 3 of 5 proprietary material that decomposes ammonia instead of covering it up. Independent testing shows up to 82% ammonia removal, with no added fragrance and longlasting performance. Today, PETFAMILY partners with leading companies across North and South America and Japan, redefining odor control as indoor air health for pet families, while advancing sustainability and helping to reduce microplastic pollution.
- 30 minPet health
European perspectives for global innovation: setting new safety standards in pet care with Sepifriend™
As the pet care market grows, the need for safe and effective topical and supplement formulas becomes increasingly critical. This session will provide insights into selecting and formulating with ingredients that align with current European market trends with safety validated through novel methodology.
- 30 minPetfoodScience insights
Plasma and Pet Health: New Research on Canine Microbiome and Mobility
Explore the science behind plasma in adult dog nutrition and its impact on gut health and mobility. This session connects peer reviewed research with practical formulation strategies, helping pet food teams translate evidence into differentiated, next generation products.
- 30 minPetfood
The Power of Postbiotics: Novel Approach for Enhancing Pet Health
Postbiotics are novel pet food ingredients that confer microbiome benefits without the stability challenges associated with probiotics.
- 30 minBusiness insights
Amazon as a Growth Engine in the Pet Industry – Market Analysis, Trends and Operational Best Practices
- 30 minPet suppliesScience insights
From Veterinary Science to Product Innovation. Introducing VetCheck at HUNTER
From Veterinary Science to Product Innovation. Introducing VetCheck at HUNTER In this session, Dr. med. vet. Julia Vietmeier, veterinarian and product developer at HUNTER International, presents the VetCheck label and the scientific approach behind its development. The talk explores how veterinary expertise, biomechanical analysis using the CanidGait treadmill system, and structured testing protocols translate into evidence led product innovation. Using the ARVIKA collar and the ErgoMove Pro harness as case studies, the presentation demonstrates how anatomical knowledge, gait analysis, and measurable data guide ergonomic design, pressure distribution, and freedom of movement in modern pet equipment.
- 30 minPet healthPetfood
Beyond Diet Food – The Next Chapter in Fighting Pet Obesity
Pet obesity affects 60% of dogs and cats, yet 96% of weight loss programmes fail. Why? Because we keep asking owners to take food away. A veterinarian shares the research, the failures, and the development of the first preload supplement designed to work with the biology of hunger, not against it.
- 30 minPet healthPetfood
Feed Like It Matters: Fresh Feeding with Pala
Pala is a Nordic pet food brand specialising in air-dried raw nutrition for dogs. We produce complete meals, treats and natural chews using high-quality meats, organs and vegetables. Our recipes are naturally rich in protein and packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids to support overall health and wellbeing. Using a gentle air-drying process, we preserve the nutritional integrity of our ingredients while creating a convenient, shelf-stable alternative to raw feeding. The result is highly digestible, nutrient-dense food that stays true to a dog’s natural diet. All Pala complete recipes not only meet but exceed the standards set by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), without relying on synthetic additives or unnecessary fillers. We believe dogs deserve real food - not heavily processed formulas. That’s what sets Pala apart. In a market dominated by mass-produced, additive-heavy pet food, we focus on simplicity, transparency and quality. Every ingredient serves a purpose, and every recipe is designed to nourish dogs as nature intended.
- 30 minPet healthPetfood
Complete pelleted diets for birds
Avian nutrition through modern petfood science
- 30 minSmart Technology
ZeroMOUSE in the house - AI prey blocking cat flap solutions
ZeroMOUSE develops smart technology to stop cats bringing prey home. Its AI-powered cat flap detects prey like mice or birds and blocks entry until dropped - protecting wildlife while letting cats roam freely.
- 30 minPet supplies
Manuly - the Self-inflating dog mat
How do everyday problems become pet innovations? Manuly co-founder Clemens Ruhle shares the story about a portable, self-inflating dog mat, gives insights into product development, user-driven design and their opportunities in the growing pet market.
- 30 minPet health
Circular Trends 2026
Can you make Cat Litter from Olive Pits? Yes. Kuro & Kai is redefining health and sustainability through natural and circular products. Because caring for your pet and caring for the planet are one and the same.
- 30 minPet health
Ayurveda for Animals
As the global pet population surpasses one billion and the pet care market reaches $273 billion, a silent crisis is unfolding: chronic diseases in pets are surging at unprecedented rates. The traditional reactive model of veterinary care - treating symptoms with chemical-heavy products, antibiotics, and steroids, is leaving pet parents searching for safer, long-term solutions. In this keynote, Fur Ball Story introduces a paradigm shift: Ayurveda for Animals. Drawing from 5,000 years of ancient Indian medical science, including the world's first veterinary texts, Nakul Samhita & Shalihotra Samhita, this presentation reveals how the "original operating system" of health can transform the modern pet wellness industry. We will explore how 10 blockbuster modern pharmaceutical compounds (including Reserpine, Curcumin, and Piperine) are directly derived from ancient Ayurvedic texts, proving that this is not alternative medicine. The natural wellness segment is the fastest-growing category in pet care. Fur Ball Story, backed by FMCG giant Emami Ltd. and trusted by over 3,000 veterinarians, is pioneering this new global category.
- 30 min
NATUREAL
UPCYCLED NATURAL PRODUCTS INTO ANTIMICROBIALPROTECTION FOR PET CARE APPLICATIONS
- 30 minLunch Break
- 30 minPetfood
Pulse Proteins: The Future of Pet Nutrition
Intact Regenerative produces sustainable, high-performance plant proteins for pet food. With pea and fava bean proteins (55% and 60%), we offer highly digestible solutions for dogs and cats. Our regenerative approach supports soil health and biodiversity with a low carbon footprint of 0.63 kg CO2e!
- 30 minSmart Technology
WORLD's 1st Smart Blrd Brooder
PETOUVA Smart Blrd Brooder PPT Outllne lndustry Problem Poor temperature control causes high death rates of young blrds In professlonal farms. lt troubles breeders and endangers the healthy growth of young blrds. Tradltlonal Brooder Weaknesses Tradltlonal brooders have serious flaws: unstable temperature & humldlty, bad ventilatlon, difficult cleanlng, high energy consumption and poor safety. Product launch To solve these problems PETOLIVA partners wlth Sheggell to launch the world's flrst smart bird brooder. CoreValue The flrst-generatlon PETOLIVA smart blrd brooder effectlvely solves key pain polnts In blrd breedlng. New User Scene lt allows blrd lovers to afford professlonal equlpment and ralse young blrds to adults easlly. Extra Value The brooder ls portable, detachable and sultable for multiple scenarios. Product Speclflcatlons Overvlew of the product's maln speclflcations.
- 30 minPet healthPetfood
Redefining Cat Nutrition with Fresh Dairy
CAMISI introduces fresh, lactose-reduced cat milk made from real farm dairy instead of powder. The talk explores the limitations of conventional cat milk.
- 30 minBusiness insightsPet supplies
BOGGL® – Rethinking Dog Enrichment. How My Dog Turned Me into an Inventor
The story behind BOGGL®, insights into two years of development, experiences from trade fairs and veterinary congresses focusing on health and practical applications, as well as the product presentation and the introduction of a new innovation.
- 30 minPet supplies
Design as a driver
- 30 minPet health
TBA
- 30 minPet health
Mingliang – Top dog of an 11-dog pack
A brief picture of Mingliang’s life in the city with his 11 magnificent creatures and his understanding of dog breeds protection and a balanced human and pet life in an urban environment.
- 30 minPet healthPetfood
BioGut TCM Crickets: Precision Herbal Gut-Loading for Functional Pet Health
Crickets function as natural bio-actors, gut-loaded with premium Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs to become advanced functional feeders across the pet food spectrum. They efficiently concentrate bioavailable TCM compounds, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, providing a highly effective whole-food delivery system. This innovative solution delivers holistic preventive support for companion animals, promoting stronger immunity and vitality, optimal digestion, joint health, and mental equilibrium with improved emotional resilience via the gut-brain axis and TCM’s Shen-nourishing principles. The concept is grounded in established research on gut-loading for nutrient enhancement in feeder insects, TCM’s influence on the gut microbiome and immune function, and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) principles. BioGut TCM Crickets represent a sophisticated fusion of ancient Eastern herbal wisdom and contemporary gut-loading technology, transforming sustainable insect protein into a smarter, cleaner form of daily nutritional support for modern pet diets. Feed the BioGut TCM cricket. Nourish body and mind. Suitable for a wide range of pets, including dogs, cats, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and other insectivorous species. (Always consult a TCVM-trained veterinarian prior to use.)
- 30 minBusiness insights
Trixie Ventures: Scaling Together
Scaling Together represents our belief that real growth comes through collaboration and partnerships. We are TRIXIE Heimtierbedarf GmbH & Co. KG, the European market leader for pet supplies, and we want to offer you a behind-the-scenes look at how we operate. We provide exciting insights into the world of innovation: What does innovation mean to us? What challenges do we face as a European market leader, and how do we try to overcome them? We also show why fresh ideas from start-ups open up new perspectives for us and enrich our own thinking. Another focus of the presentation is our start-up program, Trixie Ventures. With Trixie Ventures, we try to build a bridge between an established company and the start-up world – a space where ideas can grow and innovations can be implemented together. We demonstrate what scaling together means to us, how we support start-ups, and what opportunities arise for both sides. The presentation concludes with insights from past collaborations and shows how fresh ideas and experience work together to create an added value. Scaling together is therefore our guiding principle to explore new paths, learning from each other, and shaping the future together.
- 90 minHighlightStart-up Contest
Fresh Ideas Contest
- 30 minScience insights
The Innovation Gap in the Feline Market
Why are feline behaviourists still sending cat guardians to IKEA instead of pet stores? Why do some of the most essential feline needs still require improvisation at home? What if the next breakthrough in feline innovation is not a new colour, material or feature, but an entirely different starting point? Cats experience products through biology, not marketing. Through safety, predictability, choice and nervous system regulation. Yet many opportunities rooted in feline behaviour and stress physiology remain largely unexplored within the pet industry. In this Fresh Ideas session, Anneleen Bru invites you to question assumptions, rethink standards and look beyond product variations. What categories are still missing? Which design principles have not yet been translated into meaningful market solutions? And what becomes possible when innovation begins with feline biology? Fresh ideas do not always start with trends. For cats, they should start with sciencebased insight and true alignment. The next wave of feline innovation may not be louder. It may simply be smarter and more empathetic.