ZOOMARK 2027: the heart of innovation in global pet economy

The pet world is evolving, and Zoomark is always one step ahead. With exactly one year to go until Zoomark 2027, the latest news and developments concerning the 22nd edition of the international pet food and pet care trade fair were presented in Nuremberg. The event is scheduled to take place at BolognaFiere from 11th to 13th May 2027.

“At a time when supply chains are being reorganised on a global scale, Zoomark is strengthening its role as an international platform supporting the evolution of the pet industry by connecting innovation, business and market access. The growth of the exhibition confirms the value of a trade fair model that goes beyond bringing together supply and demand, acting instead as a relationship of infrastructure for the entire industry ecosystem. For BolognaFiere, Zoomark represents a strategic asset within the Group’s international growth path and a global hub capable of generating connections, fostering new business opportunities and supporting the competitiveness of a sector undergoing profound transformation.”

The remarks of Antonio Bruzzone, CEO of BolognaFiere, introduce the strategic framework and the main topics addressed during the press conference held in Nuremberg on Thursday 14th May 2026.

Chaired by Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, and Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager of Zoomark, and Pascale Sonvico, Show Office and Sales Manager of Zoomark, the conference featured two distinguished speakers: Giorgio Massoni, President of Assalco and Sahiba Puri, Global Manager Pet Care at Euromonitor International.

The presentation of the Assalco-Zoomark Report 2026 captured the attention of those present: the pet market (pet food + pet care) in Italy is worth €5.3 billion in 2025, up +2.5%. In the pet food segment, there has been a return to organic volume growth, following a two-year period of stability and caution driven by price increases.

On the performance of the pet food and pet care sector in Italy and the outlook for the coming months, Giorgio Massoni, President of Assalco, provided an overview: “The new omnichannel interpretation of our sector, coupled with positive market indicators, reaffirms the importance of pets in Italy. The survey conducted among pet owners confirms their widespread presence across all types of households, particularly among families with young children. Given that pets are so deeply woven into the social fabric, we believe it is essential to advocate for fiscal policies aimed at supporting owners in the purchase of pet food — everyday products that ensure the nutritional needs of companion animals are properly met — as well as veterinary services, which are essential to safeguarding pets’ health.”

The global success of the Zoomark brand has prompted BolognaFiere to look beyond Italy and Europe, focusing its strategic efforts on Eastern and non-European markets, particularly India, where Zoomark has officially launched PetBridge, a brand-new B2B trade fair designed to literally build a bridge between India’s rapidly expanding pet care sector and the global industry. The event will make its official debut in Mumbai on 25th and 26th November 2026 at the NESCO Center.

“India’s pet care sector  – has explained Sahiba Puri , Global Manager Pet Care at Euromonitor International who provided several highlights in her presentation India’s Pet Care Market – is entering its transformation era. It leads the world in large dog population expansion and rising pet cat ownership levels. Driven by stronger pet humanization levels and a thriving start-up landscape, Indian pet care is transitioning from basic care to a wellness-minded ecosystem.”

“Strengthened by our global vision,” said Luisa Bersanetti, “I am delighted to announce this important milestone for our Group. The partnership with PetBridge represents a valuable step in the internationalisation journey undertaken by Zoomark, which today even more concretely embodies a bridge between Europe and the rest of the world.”

In 2027, Zoomark is expected to welcome more than 1,500 exhibitors and 33,000 high-profile visitors from across the globe, further reinforcing the event’s strong growth trajectory, which has risen by 23% over recent editions.

Zoomark 2027 will further expand the presence of buyers from key established and emerging markets, thanks to several partnerships and the valuable support provided by Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) through its incoming buyer programme, thereby offering genuine growth opportunities for exhibiting companies.

Zoomark will also strengthen key partnerships with leading international trade fairs, including Petzoo Eurasia in Turkey and Saudi Pet&Vet Expo in Saudi Arabia, both serving as strategic gateways to the Middle Eastern market. Zoomark will coordinate the participation of Italian companies in the Italy Pavilion at Pet Fair South East Asia in Thailand and will be exhibiting in China at TOPS and Marca China within the Pet Pavilion, in addition to attending Global Pet Expo, SuperZoo, and Petzoo Africa.

The conference served primarily as a platform to preview the innovations slated for Zoomark 2027, highlighting its new strategic positioning as a creative nerve centre —one capable of capturing emerging trends and projecting them onto the global stage.

In this light, Zoomark 2027 is already poised for success, as demonstrated by the promising results of the registration campaign so far, with more than 50% of exhibition space already secured.

 “Zoomark 2027 is already fully engaged in preparations for its next milestone edition” – highlighted Pascale Sonvico, Show Office and Sales Manager – “Our event is a powerful benchmark for the global pet food and pet care market. It is the ideal venue where the industry forges vital connections, distribution embraces innovation, and the future of the sector is shaped.”

Despite there being a full year to go before the 22nd edition, Zoomark is already in full swing.

“We are firm believers that professional dialogue must be an ongoing process; it is with this in mind that we have launched Zoomark Days,” explained Pascale Sonvico. “This initiative comprises a series of day-long events scheduled at various locations across the length and breadth of Italy throughout 2026. Tailored to both the industry and the retail sector, these sessions are designed to foster networking, explore shifting market dynamics, and discuss strategic business opportunities.”

Even during the show’s off-year, Zoomark keeps its network closely connected while gathering pace for its return in 2027

Zoomark 2027 will see the return of its most successful formats, alongside hall events and thematic pathways developed through strategic collaborations—notably the ongoing partnership with the Pet Sustainability Coalition. The show’s dedicated special areas will be both retained and expanded: Factory, dedicated to the supply chain (suppliers of raw materials and semi-finished goods, machinery, packaging, and industry services); Next, focused on start-ups and innovation; Atelier, showcasing excellence in pet fashion, design, and beauty; Pawfect!, a live experience area designed for grooming professionals and pet wellness; Pet Vision, highlighting future trends; and Aqua Project, dedicated to the aquarium and terrarium industry.

There are also extraordinary new developments on the horizon. Among them, revealed for the first time, is the launch of a seventh special area.

“This new area is named Beyond,” explains Pascale Sonvico. “It will play host to companies operating within the bereavement and memorial care sector. Zoomark will be the first international trade fair in the industry to dedicate a specific thematic area and in-depth programme to this segment. It is a rapidly expanding field, driven by an increasingly profound need among pet parents for support when facing the loss of their pets and a desire to honour their memory in a meaningful way.”

The journey of innovation within the pet economy continues apace, building momentum towards the next edition of Zoomark, taking place from 11th to 13th May 2027.