Review of Interzoo 2024: highlights and insights
From May 7 to 10, 2024, Interzoo, the world’s largest trade fair for the international pet industry, took place in Nuremberg. As always, the event offered a unique platform for manufacturers, retailers, and service providers from around the world to present the latest trends and products in the pet market. Of course, Manuela Kölbel and Christian Köhler were on-site to nurture the MBB network, make valuable contacts, learn about current developments in the industry first-hand, and track trends.
Strategic partnerships: The key to success in the pet industry
A central, though not new, insight from this year’s fair was the importance of long-term strategic partnerships. At MBB, we know that building and maintaining strong networks is essential and worth the effort. Our networks are built on trust and reliability, values developed over the years, along with a very high service orientation. Long-term partnerships create sustainable win-win-win situations where all parties benefit in the long run. The intensive discussions and warmth with which we were greeted at our partners’ booths and in the halls were a beautiful proof that the investment always pays off.
The Value of Clean Raw Materials and Better Control
Another important topic at Interzoo 2024 was the discussion about the quality and control of raw materials. The current reevaluation of various raw materials by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) – including carrageenan, xanthan gum, locust bean gum (LBG), and guar gum – highlights the importance of strict quality control. Our market and product analyses, especially for potential new customers, have shown a significant increase in deviations from standards recently. Specifications that barely meet current standards, raw materials that deviate significantly from the declaration, or, even more extreme, contain additional substances not listed in the specification or allowed in the EU, are simply unacceptable in our view.
We are pleased to note that our customers, especially manufacturers of dog and cat food, are open to our support and welcome our help in building better knowledge. Without a deeper understanding of individual hydrocolloids and their synergies, it is often difficult, if not impossible, for pet food manufacturers to recognize changes in their raw materials. We continue to work on raising awareness and knowledge of the importance of clean raw materials and transparent supply chains, which are essential for product quality and safety.
Challenges in Handling Raw Materials, Markets, and Functionalities
During the fair, it became clear how little time many companies have to deal intensively with important raw materials:
- Carrageenan
- Cassia gum
- Xanthan gum
- Locust bean gum (LBG)
- Guar gum
Therefore, MBB GmbH is now offering workshops on this topic. These training sessions aim to help the pet food industry develop a deeper understanding of our raw materials and learn how to use them optimally. If you are interested in a workshop, please contact Christian Köhler via LinkedIn.
Overcoming growing pains: Successful expansion in the pet food industry
Another exciting aspect of Interzoo 2024 was the observation that many growing and established companies face similar challenges. Growing pains, often associated with acquiring factories in various European countries and dealing with different cultures and working methods, are a common and recurring theme. At MBB GmbH, we have already assisted several companies in this process and are happy to be their reliable contact for sourcing. In many cases, we are the constant component during the transition from individual factory procurement to group procurement, providing security and the necessary freedom for the many other challenges in this transformation process. True to our mission: “Keep your head clear – For Your Core Business.”
Interzoo 2024 Conclusion: Shaping the future of the pet food industry
Interzoo 2024 once again demonstrated the importance of long-term partnerships, clean raw materials, and well-founded knowledge. If you want to learn more about our products and services or are interested in one of our workshops, do not hesitate to contact us or book an appointment directly. Let’s shape the future of the pet food industry together!
