Preparations for Zoomark 2027 begin as Italy’s pet market reaches US$6.1 B

Zoomark has revealed its vision for the 2027 edition of the international pet food and pet care trade fair, to be held at BolognaFiere in Italy from May 11-13, 2027, positioning it as a global platform that connects innovation, business, and market access in the rapidly evolving pet economy.

The plans were presented during a media event in Nuremberg, Germany, one year ahead of Zoomark 2027.

Speaking during the event, Antonio Bruzzone, CEO of BolognaFiere, said the exhibition is strengthening its role as an international platform supporting the evolution of the pet industry at a time when global supply chains are being reorganised.

“Zoomark is strengthening its role as an international platform supporting the evolution of the pet industry by connecting innovation, business and market access,” Bruzzone said.

Italy’s pet market returns to growth

The event also served as a platform to present findings from the 2026 Assalco-Zoomark Report, which highlighted continued growth in Italy’s pet industry.

According to the report, Italy’s pet food and pet care market reached €5.3 billion (US$6.1 billion) in 2025, representing a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year.

Dog and cat food accounted for €4.2 billion (US$4.8 billion) of total market value, while pet care products generated approximately €1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion).

The pet food segment recorded a return to organic growth, with volumes increasing by 1.3% after two years of relative stability caused by inflation-driven price increases. Market sales expanded from €3.4 billion (US$3.9 billion) in 2022 to €4.2 billion (US$4.8 billion) in 2025, underscoring the sector’s resilience.

Cats continued to drive the market, accounting for 56% of dog and cat food sales compared to 44% for dogs.

Wet cat food and cat treats were among the strongest-performing categories, reflecting growing consumer demand for premium and specialised nutrition.

The report further revealed that Italy is home to an estimated 53.6 million pets, including 25.3 million fish, 11 million cats and 9.1 million dogs.

More than half of Italian households own at least one pet, highlighting the increasingly important role companion animals play in Italian society.

Giorgio Massoni, President of Assalco, said that positive market indicators and the evolving omnichannel retail landscape continue to reinforce the significance of pets in Italian households.

“The new omnichannel interpretation of our sector, coupled with positive market indicators, reaffirms the importance of pets in Italy,” Massoni said.

He added that the widespread presence of pets across families underscores the need for fiscal policies that support owners in purchasing pet food and accessing veterinary services.

Zoomark expands global footprint with India launch

Another major announcement during the event was the launch of PetBridge India, a new B2B trade exhibition designed to connect India’s rapidly expanding pet care industry with global markets.

The inaugural event will take place in Mumbai on November 25-26, 2026, at the NESCO Centre.

Sahiba Puri, Global Manager Pet Care at Euromonitor International, said India’s pet care industry is entering a transformational phase driven by rising pet ownership, increasing pet humanisation and a thriving start-up ecosystem.

“India’s pet care sector is entering its transformation era,” Puri said. “Driven by stronger pet humanisation levels and a thriving start-up landscape, Indian pet care is transitioning from basic care to a wellness-minded ecosystem.”

Luisa Bersanetti, Exhibition Manager of Zoomark, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the event’s internationalisation strategy.

“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,” Bersanetti said.

Zoomark 2027 to introduce new ‘Beyond’ area

Building on its growing international footprint, Zoomark has also strengthened partnerships with major industry events, including Petzoo Eurasia in Turkey and Saudi Pet & Vet Expo in Saudi Arabia, while coordinating Italian participation at Pet Fair South East Asia in Thailand and expanding its presence in China through TOPS and Marca China.

Organisers expect Zoomark 2027 to attract more than 1,500 exhibitors and 33,000 visitors from around the world, continuing a growth trajectory that has seen attendance rise by 23% in recent editions.

More than 50% of exhibition space has already been reserved, reflecting strong industry confidence in the event.

Zoomark 2027 will also feature the return of its established special areas, including Factory, Next, Atelier, Pawfect!, Pet Vision, and Aqua Project, as well as the launch of a new thematic area, Beyond.

The Beyond section will focus on bereavement and memorial care services for pets, making Zoomark the first international trade fair in the pet industry to dedicate a specialised exhibition and conference programme to the growing segment.

According to organisers, the initiative reflects increasing demand from pet owners seeking meaningful ways to commemorate companion animals and access support following their loss.

As preparations continue, Zoomark says the 2027 edition will reinforce its role as a global meeting point for pet food, pet care, animal health, and industry innovation, bringing together stakeholders from established and emerging markets worldwide.

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