A complete success - the Future Pet Food Conference 2024

Trends such as humanization and sustainability are driving the growth and simultaneously transforming the pet food industry. To address these market developments and the associated production challenges, strategic partners Handtmann and MULTIVAC invited guests to the Customer and Technology Center at Handtmann's headquarters from November 5 to 6, 2024. The Future Pet Food Conference focused on the processing and packaging of pet food, considering the megatrends of humanization and sustainability, with a focus on the European pet food market.

Harald Suchanka, CEO of Handtmann F&P, welcomed the approximately 220 participants who had traveled from across Europe and other parts of the world: “We invite you to dive into the world of pet food with us. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and platform to gain valuable insights from renowned speakers from both academia and industry, exchange ideas with experts, and experience cutting-edge solutions firsthand. The conference is a place for new ideas and their successful implementation. Based on the latest facts, we want to take a look into the future. But the most important and valuable aspect is: let's share our knowledge, discuss with each other, and learn from one another.” Christian Traumann, President of the MULTIVAC Group, emphasized the event's ambitions: “Bringing stakeholders to the table, thinking outside the box, and collaboratively developing solutions for future challenges has always been part of the philosophy of MULTIVAC and Handtmann.”

The conference program began with discussions on successful growth strategies, market analyses, consumer surveys, and trends, exploring what the future of pet feeding might look like and how the European pet food market will develop. Further presentations delved into how the megatrend of humanization is influencing the pet food industry and the role of alternative proteins and other functional ingredients. Topics such as upcycling from by-products and future protein supply for both humans and pets were also discussed. Participants extensively addressed the processing and packaging of pet food with a focus on sustainability. Issues like greenwashing, new packaging concepts, legislation in the EU and abroad, and sustainable formulations were key topics. The potential of technology from the processed cheese industry to revolutionize wet food production highlighted the event's innovative spirit.

What set the Future Pet Food Conference apart from other pet industry events were live demonstrations of best-practice solutions in pet food manufacturing, aimed at bridging the gap between theory and practice. Integrated into the conference program, six stations showcased solutions for the production, processing, and packaging of sterilized wet food (such as chunks in gravy or pâté), raw pet food and snack products. Topics such as digitalization, automation, and innovative product and process ideas were also presented. The business event was rounded off by machine, packaging, and ingredient specialists who showcased their latest products and services in the exhibition area.

Both participating guests and speakers, as well as exhibitors, gave highly positive feedback on the Future Pet Food Conference as a new industry format. The hosts, Handtmann and MULTIVAC, expressed their gratitude for the active participation and strong innovative spirit contributed by all involved.