Petfood Forum Europe 2024, in its second collaboration with Interzoo since 2022, is set to offer a profound insight into current and emergent issues within the pet food industry.
This one-day event, scheduled for May 6, 2024, at the Nuremberg Messe, will feature key presentations on innovative trends, including design thinking in pet food, the use of probiotics and postbiotics, and alternative proteins such as insects and microbials.
The forum will also address the industry’s impact on climate change and showcase the latest processing technologies.
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Highlights of the conference include:
- Opening Session:Â David Molenberghs of Smoofl will discuss new pet snack and food innovation approaches, focusing on crafting connections and delight.
- Key Topics:Â Sessions will cover a range of subjects, from the role of probiotics and postbiotics in pet nutrition to the sustainability and acceptance of microbial and insect proteins. Discussions will also explore the use of yeast derivatives to enhance pet health and new thermal energy extrusion technologies that promise to revolutionize pet food manufacturing.
In addition to gaining invaluable insights from industry experts, attendees will have the opportunity to explore exhibits from leading suppliers and network with professionals from across the globe. Following the forum, participants are encouraged to attend Interzoo, which will run from May 7 to 10, to further engage with the global pet industry community.
| Time | Session | Speaker & Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-9:00 | Registration and check-in | – |
| 9:00-9:45 | Welcome and opening session: Design thinking in pet snack and food innovation: Crafting connection and delight | David Molenberghs, Smoofl |
| 9:45-10:15 | Pet probiotics: Understanding pet parents’ beliefs, motivations, purchase journeys and needs | Lidiia Alaverdova, DVM, Novonesis |
| 10:15-10:45 | Postbiotics yeast vs. bacteria for pet food: What is the difference? | Francesca Susca, DVM, Ph.D., Lallemand Animal Nutrition |
| 10:45-11:15 | Coffee break | – |
| 11:15-11:45 | Can yeast and yeast derivatives help reduce pathogenic pressure in companion animals? | Aleks Szopinska, Ph.D., Livalta/AB Agri |
| 11:45-12:15 | In vitro mineral accessibility in commercial vegetarian and vegan dry dog foods | Mingyang Jeremy Zhu, Wageningen University and Research |
| 12:15-12:45 | Microbial protein: Consumer perceptions, pet acceptance of novel protein | Ally Motta, MicroHarvest |
| 12:45-14:00 | Lunch | – |
| 14:00-14:30 | How to act on climate change impact on the European pet food supply chain | Zsoka Ardai, Mars |
| 14:30-15:00 | The future of the insect protein industry: Lessons learned from mature animal productions | Chloe Champion, Agronutris |
| 15:00-15:30 | Coffee break | – |
| 15:30-16:00 | Breakthrough thermal energy extrusion technology for pet food | Ed de Souza, Wenger Manufacturing |
| 16:00-16:30 | Mild extrusion process yields higher resistant starch that improves gut health of dogs | Isabella Corsato Alvarenga, Ph.D., Colorado State University |
| 16:30-18:00 | Reception | – |