How has the pet market in the USA developed over the past year?
According to the latest figures from the APPA, total sales in the world's largest pet market, the USA, grew by 3.4 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023 up to 152 billion US dollars. Analysts expect a further increase in sales to around 157 billion US dollars in 2025. With an increase of 2.1 per cent to 65 billion US dollars, the “Pet Food and Treats” segment continues to account for the largest share of sales. The “Supplies, Medication & Lives” segment increased by 4.3 per cent to 33.3 billion US dollars and the share of “Veterinarian Services and Products” rose by 3.9 per cent to 39.8 billion US dollars. In terms of sales channels, the increase in e-commerce continues to the disadvantage of other sales channels. Currently, 59 per cent of the sales revenue are generated in stores and 41 per cent online.
Which trends are currently dominating in the USA?
Humanisation and premiumisation are strong trends in the USA, being also clearly reflected in the products shown by the exhibitors at Global Pet Expo and in their booth designs. For example, there were sophisticatedly designed dog cookies, stylish beds and cuddly caves for dogs and cats as well as extravagant clothing for dogs in many shapes and colors. A large part of the trade fair was dedicated to the trend “Natural”, and for the first time, the Pet Sustainability Coalition organized its own trade fair pavilion with around 40 exhibitors and a stage for numerous speeches and presentations during the show.
What were the main topics at the two-day Pet Summit held in the run-up to the Global Pet Expo?
At the Pet Summit, there were different event tracks dedicated to the topics of sustainability, industry trends, marketing and artificial intelligence. For example, one session highlighted the communication behavior of pet parents for whom sustainability is particularly important. According to a study, pet companies can reach this target group primarily via video content and channels that prefer to show videos.
How much interest did the attendees show in the Interzoo stand and the upcoming Interzoo 2026?
Many trade fair guests visited our Interzoo stand. During the three exhibition days we had various in-depth discussions with attendees, including actual and potential future Interzoo exhibitors and visitors. Our American sales partner Kallman Worldwide was also on site with a team supporting our US customers. Based on the feedback from visitors to our booth it became clear: everyone is already looking forward to the next Interzoo and can hardly wait; and many exhibitors have already started planning their trade fair presence at Interzoo 2026!