How long have you been exhibiting at Interzoo, and what does the event mean to you?
We made our debut at Interzoo back in 1988. My father founded HUNTER in 1980, and from the very beginning it was clear to him that Interzoo would be the ideal platform for a young company to establish international contacts and convince retailers of a new brand.
That importance has not changed to this day—quite the opposite. Interzoo remains one of the most important global meeting points for our industry. The personal exchange with long-standing partners, as well as discussions with new specialist and wholesale partners from around the world, are of central importance to us and a key driver of our continued development.
What are you most looking forward to at Interzoo this year?
This year, I am particularly looking forward to Interzoo because, for us, it is far more than just a trade fair. It is where innovation, partnership, and our passion for high-quality pet products come together.
It is always inspiring to see how the industry continues to evolve internationally and how intensively we engage in dialogue with customers and partners. This direct exchange provides us with valuable insights and fresh impulses.
On a personal level, one of the highlights for me is that I will be experiencing Interzoo for the first time together with my Co-CEO, Jan Oßenbrink. This new leadership constellation brings fresh perspectives and reflects our commitment to shaping the future of our company collaboratively and sustainably.
Of course, I am also very much looking forward to presenting our new products, receiving immediate feedback, and experiencing firsthand the market’s response.
What highlights can visitors look forward to at your stand this year? Is there anything in particular they should be excited about?
A key highlight at our booth will be the presentation of our new harness innovation, with which we are setting new standards across the entire category in terms of functionality, animal welfare, and health.
After around two years of development, carried out in close collaboration with veterinary and scientific experts, we have created a product that, from our perspective, is clearly best in class. It combines maximum freedom of movement for the dog with minimal impact on gait—representing a genuine step forward in the evolution of modern harnesses.
A particular highlight will be the live treadmill analysis at our booth. Here, we will not only provide exclusive insights into our development process, but also share groundbreaking findings with the potential to shape the category in a lasting way. Anyone who wants to experience what true innovation in this field looks like should not miss it.
Do you own a pet?
Yes, our Vizsla, Iken, has been part of my family for over nine years and accompanies me to the office almost every day. She is an integral part of my daily life.
And she is certainly not the only one: at our headquarters, up to 31 dogs are present on different days. This clearly reflects the importance pets have within our company—they are not only a source of inspiration for our products but also a defining element of our corporate culture.
Dear Mrs Trautwein, we thank you for the interview and look forward to your participation at Interzoo 2026 and your booth in hall 1, booth number 1-322.
