Country Session Europe

The pet industry in Europe has many facets.
In this short conference, you will learn more about the specifics of the region as a whole and individual European submarkets.

Javier Munoz, Research Analyst at Euromonitor International, will provide an overview of trends and developments in the European pet supplies industry, with a deep dive into Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Svein A. Fosså President of EPO, the European Pet Organization – the voice of the pet sector at EU level-, will then present its activities within the EU arena, at the heart of the EU decision making process , with a particular focus on the legal framework and its challenges for pet industry companies in the EU as well as those aiming to expand their business into the EU market.

In the concluding presentation by Mr Claus Hölzer, Schenker, you will gain an insight into the special import and export conditions for Europe. All presentations will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with the other participants.

The session will be moderated by Antje Schreiber, Head of Communications ZZF/WZF . All presentations will be followed by an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with the other participants. 

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS 

Javier Muñoz is a Senior Research Analyst in the Düsseldorf office of Euromonitor International. In his current role, Javier analyses the latest trends and developments affecting the food and nutrition industry in the DACH region with a focus on Germany. Javier holds an Associate Degree in International Business and a BA in Sociology.

Svein A. Fosså, born 1959 in Norway, is a biologist who has been working for the pet sector throughout his professional life. Since 1992 he has been working full time as consultant and lobbyist for national and international pet trade associations, with particular focus on ethical issues related to pet breeding, keeping and trade.
He is concerned about the changing attitudes in global society to nature, animals, and sustainable use of natural resources, and the impacts this could have on the way humans live – and on pet keeping.
He lectures regularly in many countries, and has authored and co-authored well over 600 articles, reports, and books related to pet- and aquarium trade and hobbies.
Svein A. Fosså is currently President of the European Pet Organization (EPO), Vice President of Ornamental Fish International (OFI), Secretary General & Chairman of the Board of the Norwegian Pet Trade Association (NZB), President of the Scandinavian Pet Trade Union (SPTU), Editor-in-Chief of the pet trade magazine PetScandinavia, and co-organizer of the Norwegian ZooExpo trade shows.

Claus Hölzer, Head of International Trade Fairs and Exhibitions at Schenker Deutschland GmbH in Düsseldorf since February 2024, has a remarkable career behind him. He previously served as Branch Manager for Trade Fairs, Events and Special Logistics from February 2019 to January 2024. His journey began at DB Schenker in Düsseldorf, where he trained as a forwarding agent between September 1985 and September 1988. His outstanding skills and strategic way of thinking have repeatedly set him apart over the years. Between 2008 and 2015, he worked as a product manager for international trade fairs in Central Europe and subsequently managed major events as Head of Fairs & Exhibitions in Düsseldorf, Germany.