Europe is still one of the strongest regions in the world for pet food. In 2017, the European pet food sector delivered €20.5 billion (US$23.5 billion) in turnover, an increase of €1 billion (US$1.14 billion) on the previous year, according to FEDIAF. Petfood Forum Europe 2019 will highlight this strength and growth.
Petfood Forum Europe was held June 13, 2019 in Cologne, Germany, during Victam International 2019. The program featured pet food experts presenting novel nutritional concepts and ingredients, plus a focus on brand loyalty, direct-to-consumer sales, social media and more.
Topics for Petfood Forum Europe included why pet food brand loyalty is dead and how to revive it; using a direct-to-consumer model to increase pet food sales, as well as to collect unique, inexpensive consumer and pet data for scientific study; sustainability of pet food packaging and omega-3 fatty acid ingredients; microencapsulated ingredients for better process control, plant-based ingredients to limit development of pets’ age-related disorders and fish proteins for pet health benefits; how to build a pet food brand and tribe of loyal customers using social media; and a look back at the effects of a sweeping EU pet food labeling regulation since it was enacted 10 years ago.
The conference also included several networking opportunities with pet food professionals from throughout Europe, as well as small exhibits from leading industry suppliers.
Petfood Forum Europe 2019 was co-located with VICTAM International 2019 at the Koelnmesse in Cologne. VICTAM International took place June 12-14, 2019.
