Interzoo 2024: A trade fair at the doorstep of the German pet industry

The German pet supplies market is growing steadily and represents an important economic sector and driver of innovation. With total sales of almost 6.5 billion euros according to the latest survey by the German Pet Trade & Industry Association (ZZF) and the German Pet Supplies Industry Association (IVH) from 2022, the high turnover level of previous years is continuing and is developing positively despite a generally tense economic situation.   

5.1 billion euros in sales were generated by German stationary specialist and food retailers. 4 billion euros were generated by the pet food product category, the largest sales item. The two product categories with the highest turnover, dog food and cat food, both recorded strong growth. The trend towards premium products continued last year: "In particularly high demand are articles that promote animal health, such as functional snacks and pet food taking into account the individual needs of animals, but also articles for dental care and activity toys," explains Norbert Holthenrich, President of the German Pet Trade & Industry Association (ZZF), the honorary sponsor of Interzoo. 

Of the more than 34 million pets in Germany, cats form the biggest group (15.2 million animals), followed by dogs (10.6 million) and small animals (4.9 million). The populations maintain a high level which shows how crisis-proof the love of German pet owners for their animal companions is.   

 
<< Further market data on the German pet market can be found on the ZZF website (English version at the bottom of the page)>> 

 
Current market data on developments in 2023 will be presented at the Interzoo press conference on Tuesday, 7 May 2024.   

German exhibitors at Interzoo 2024 

With the world's leading trade fair on the doorstep, Interzoo is embraced as a platform for innovation and a perfect showcase by the German pet industry: in 2024, over 15 per cent of all exhibitors are from Germany, more than 300 companies in total. They cover all relevant product segments of the pet industry and are also represented in special areas such as the Product Showcase at the Entrance Mitte and the Fresh Ideas Stage in Hall 3. At the "Young Innovators" community stand, right next to the Fresh Ideas Stage, 25 start-ups from Germany will be presenting their innovative ideas and product developments.  In fact, numerous companies deliberately use Interzoo to present their innovations to the market for the first time.   

In Interzoo 2024's largest product segment according to exhibitor numbers, articles for dogs and cats, over 200 German manufacturers will be presenting new products, ideas and services. German companies and products "Made in Germany" are also strongly represented in the "small animals and rodents" and "aquaristics" segments. The German Pet Trade and Industry Association will also have its own stand at Interzoo in Hall 4 Stand 311 and will be happy to provide information about the German market. 

Likewise the German pet industry is accounts for a strong visitor interest in the world's most important trade fair for pet supplies: at the last event in 2022, more than a quarter of all Interzoo trade visitors at the Nuremberg exhibition centre where from Germany. "Trade visitors from Germany are particularly interested in animal welfare and environmentally friendly products, energy-saving technology, healthy pet food, modern and design-driven approaches to pet furniture and housing as well as solutions that facilitate and promote the coexistence of humans and animals," states Norbert Holthenrich. He defines customers in German pet shops as caucious pet owners who want to make well-informed purchases and care for their pets just as they care for themselves. 

No matter from which country, visitor tickets for Interzoo 2024 can be conveniently ordered at  the TicketShop. The digital shop also offers the opportunity to redeem vouchers and purchase parking tickets and camping pitches. 

We look forward to your visit to Interzoo 2024. 

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