PetFood PRO 2/2025

International Magazine May 2025 ISSN 2628-5851
Technology & Marketing 2/25
Ingredients: Proteins from Potatoes, Healthy Ingredients from Rice, Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Processing: Hammer Mill for High Efficiency, Partnership for Processing, Groundbreaking
Packaging: Sustainable Solutions for Pet and Planet, Pet Care Commitment
Marketing: Zoomark Bologna 2025, IFFA Frankfurt 2025, Calendar of Events

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Innovations for a better world.

EDITORIAL
Pets cannot live from food alone
IWith the Zoomark exhibition only days
away, it may be time to reflect on why
the show meets the requirements of the
pet industry. While food for our loved
ones is essential to their well-being, our
ersatz children also have other needs for
a satisfying life.
Zoomark happens every two years and
covers accessories and care products for
pets as well as food, bedding, toys and
hygiene products, such as cat litter, to
make life as easy as possible for parents
and fur babies. Grooming is also an
attractive topic to see live.
Exhibitors are manufacturers and suppliers
of these products, as well as technology
and machinery suppliers to create
them. Visitors include experts and buyers,
retailers, veterinarians and also breeders. I
was surprised on my first visit to Zoomark,
that many dogs came with their parents
to see things for themselves. This makes
perfect sense. Purrfect sense, as it were.
We have an elderly cat at home and the
obligatory cat neighbours, as well as
some dog visitors to the office. They are all
hungry and excited to be part of our lives.
It is fascinating to see how much they
play with toys, either cuddly animals or
balls, or simply tug-of-war on ropes. Our
cat particulary enjoys a small pillow with a
specific scent. They are love attention and
being in the centre of what is going on.
I struggle personally with the idea of
clothes, but I can understand protecting
feet against hot pavements or thin bodies
against wind and rain. I am also sure that
a smart leash brings compliments which
are positively received.
All these things can be found in Bologna,
and other surprises which might not be
expected – insurance, travel utensils, a
living environment, especially for fish and
aquatic creatures, including pumps and
energy-efficient systems. The six Special
Areas are poised to showcase innovation,
fashion, pet care, manufacturing, water
projects and market trends in general.
Whatever else is on show at Zoomark and
other events, the most important things
Ian D. Healey, Editor-in-Chief with Natz
we can give our pets are the same things
we give to our children: love, care and
especially time. They soak this up and
repay many times over. Come and see us
at Booth B39 / Hall 28 and let’s talk about
the hot topics and trends ahead.
Cheers,
If you like it subscribe!
Issue 2 2025
3

CONTENTS
Issue 2 - May 2025
The Zoomark is a bi-annual, international trade show that takes place in
Bologna, Italy in early May and is eagerly awaited by all petfood specialists.
Our exclusive story on page 6 gives some background to what is coming up
and a few suggestions on what to expect.
Cover photo: Dr. Harnisch Publications/PetFood PRO/Zoomark
Ingredients
10 A Premium Potato Protein Solution
14 An Ocean of Opportunities
16 Potential of Rice Protein for Cat Food
Processing
21 The Hammer Mill for High Economic Efficiency
24 Investing in the Future
28 Adapting to a Rapid-evolving Global Market
Better for the planet, producers and pets; it’s easy to understand
why the pet food market is shifting to favor algal-based omega-3s
over traditional fish-based sources. As algae-derived ingredients
become more accessible, there is a clear path forward for the
industry to unlock their full potential, delivering exceptional
nutrition for pets while supporting a more responsible and
resilient supply chain. More details can be found in the story
starting on page 14.
JBT is one of 12 like-minded companies who make up the
PetFood Competence Network, a grouping of ingredient
suppliers and machinery and equipment manufacturers which
has been developed to provide processors with a single point
of contact covering the entire production cycle. The alliance has
been created to bring together expertise from across the pet
food industry to encourage cooperation for the greater good of
the industry and clients. The full story on JBT is on page 28.
4
Technology & Marketing

Departments
3 Editorial
44 Upcoming Events
44 Impressum
Events/Marketing
6 What to Expect at Zoomark
32 Innovations at IFFA
41 Zoomark Welcomes The Incredible Dr. Pol
42 Mars Announces Appointments
43 Interzoo 2026 Open for Exhibitors
Packaging
36 Sonoco Commits to Sustainable Pet Care
38 For Pets and the Planet: Advancing Truly Sustainable
Petfood Packaging
Pet food packaging is expected to meet a wide range of demanding
criteria: it must preserve its contents’ freshness and flavor for
as long as possible, provide reliable protection during transport,
communicate brand identity effectively – all while complying
with legal and sustainability standards and remaining costefficient.
In the article on page 38, we see practical examples of
how sustainable packaging can be realized – from circular design
principles to cutting-edge retort pouches and other solutions.
Issue 2 2025
5

COVER STORY
What to Expect for Dog and
Cat Food at Zoomark
Pet industry keeps growing
The pet care market continues to grow
strong. According to Euromonitor, global
pet care sales increased by 5.9% to
USD197.6 billion from 2023 to 2024. The
largest markets include North America
and Europe, capturing more than 60%
of commercially manufactured pet food
worldwide.
Recent developments
In the area of pet food, premiumisation
and humanisation have been trends for
years. Despite financial restrictions, pet
owners seem to make household savings
in areas outside of the pet area.
Humanisation leads dog and cat food
trends to follow human food. With plantbased
diets on the rise, pet owners may
look for plant-based options for their
pets. At the other end of the spectrum,
some owners believe diets consisting
of mainly raw meat are the only suitable
option. Influencers, social media and
online resources play an important role in
driving decision making of pet owners for
their own diets, and that or their pets.
One of the focus points for pet owners
and pet food manufacturers alike is on
functional ingredients. Ingredients need
to be in the recipe for a reason, otherwise
they are easily classed as ‘fillers’ under
online scrutiny. Pet food brands aiming
to be in favor of similar online opinion
may look to make meat protein the first
element in the ingredient listing, due to
the perceived health benefit for pets over,
for example, cereals forming the main
component.
Another point of differentiation between
pet food brands is product type. Dry,
extruded kibble and wet food continue
to represent the majority of commercially
produced complete pet food volumes.
Variations to complete food formats
include cold-pressed, frozen/fresh and
gentle processed. In contrast, the area
of snacks and treats allows more playful
variation in formats as biscuits, training
treats, liquid snacks, drops, or pillows.
What is Zoomark?
Zoomark is a bi-annual, international trade
show that takes place in Bologna, Italy
in early May. This year is set to break its
own records, estimating 1500 exhibitors
including brands of pet food, accessories
and care products, alongside suppliers
Alexandra Wesker (Msc, RNutr) is an
independent Pet Nutritionist and Formulator
in the EU and UK. She uses her technical
knowledge and industry insight to support
petfood manufacturers and suppliers on a
consultancy basis.
of raw materials, machinery, packaging
and services that make it all possible.
This attracts close to 28,000 visitors. The
Zoomark website reports about 90%
of buyers comprise retail, distribution,
trade, manufacturing and groomers. The
remainder includes mass retailers, garden
centers and veterinarians. With more than
a third of all attendees being Italian, there
is a strong focus on the Italian market.
What does Zoomark offer?
While reports of other recent events
showed disappointment in the lack of
innovation, Zoomark is promising the latest
inventions and future developments.
These are to be showcased in the ‘Pet
Vision’ area, organised by four trends:
‘Value for money’, ‘Green transition’, ‘Brain
& Health’, and ‘Mini Mania’. Also, young
start-ups and newcomers can feed their
creative ambitions with tech, industry
trends and investment in the ‘NEXT 5.0’
area in hall 16. The themed ‘Factory’ area
provides everything required for making
pet food: machinery, packaging, raw
materials and services. Aside from trade
stands and meeting areas there are also
lectures and seminars. Three days will not
be enough to see all 10 halls, so here are
the main things to look out for.
6
Photos: Gabriele Fahlbusch
What to look out for at
Zoomark?
Squeezed household budgets cause pet
owners to look sideways to alternative
Technology & Marketing

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COVER STORY
brands that may still be premium, but at
a gentler price point. It will be interesting
to see how different brands approach this
when it comes to functional ingredients,
as value for money can be enhanced both
by using cheaper ingredient providing
similar value, or by using ingredients at
similar or even higher cost providing
relatively more value. Similarly, a biggerbang-for-buck
can be attained by the
end-consumer by buying similar quality
products for a lower price, or by choosing
a higher cost product providing relatively
more value.
Raw materials
Functional ingredients bring a benefit
to the animal, and claims must be substantiated
before they can be used
for marketing purposes. A common
approach is to use a specialist ingredient
for a specific functional claim. There are,
however, ingredients that have multiple
functionalities. These multifunctional
ingredients can allow for multiple claims,
for example: eggshell membrane for joint
and skin support, part-hydrolysed yeast
for immunity and palatability, or citrus
fiber for stool consistency and lowering
energy content suitable for obese pets.
The number of studies on health impact of
insect protein is rising, perhaps leading to
some launches with few other ingredients
but still an array of claims. Irrespective
of the number of claims that are made,
the rule book stipulates that the claim
must be verifiable before the product is
brought on the market.
There may be a jack-of-all-trades
ingredient that meets all functional
claims a brand is looking to make. This
means the warehouse needs to store
fewer materials, which means fewer
supply lines, lowering risk of supply chain
disruptions. Particularly if this material
can be sourced locally this offers security
alongside reduction of food miles.
Whether multifunctional ingredients will
indeed become of greater interest to
brands remains to be seen, but there are
advantages to considering this other than
solely making claims.
Raw material suppliers with ingredients
of which the claims have been substantiated
in the target animal would
have a head start over those with
research in agricultural animals or
humans. This research & development
requires its return in market demand to
warrant investment. Equally, suppliers
need to be able to scale supply if
demand increases, while mitigating
risk of adulteration. A multifunctional
ingredient with low inclusion and high
value will be unattractive if the minimum
order quantity is high, placing another
requirement on the supplier. Established
suppliers into pet food will be familiar
with these demands, while this will be
something to look out for with new
suppliers.
Finished products
Humanisation leads to owners having
dietary considerations for their pet
outside of, for example, cost or ease of
feeding. Their own ethical values can
draw them to polarised choices of plantbased
versus high-meat diets. Emotional
bonding can drive the choice of product
formats from prioritised ease of feeding to
food preparation at home.
Premiumisation
Premiumisation has been a key word
in describing pet food trends for years.
Protein sources are generally costly
ingredients used at high inclusions.
Brands targeting consumers looking for
high protein contents, specifically from
meat, therefore must contend with the
accompanying costs. It will be interesting
to assess whether protein content of
premium brands will come down a little.
Plant-based alternatives and meat
replacer textured protein address the
ideals for another part of the market.
These ingredients come at a higher
cost, but perhaps we can witness some
product development in this space for a
niche market segment.
Given the focus on functionality, perhaps
more launches will make claims on
nutrient density. Smaller portions will
need to be fed with a higher energy
content, most easily achieved by adding
more fat. More focus may be placed on
the specific fatty acid composition with a
specific link to brain health, which fits in
one of the four trends at Zoomark’s ‘Pet
Vision’ area.
Gut health and natural ingredients
remain of great importance for the
end consumers. Anything pro-, preand
postbiotics have gained public
acceptance and the number of product
launches is expected to be higher than
previous years.
Product formats
Product cost may still increase when
product value increases significantly in
humanisation and emotional bonding.
This may include balanced home-cook
meals, or ready meals and take-away
equivalents. Main innovations in this
space are to be expected in the Next 5.0
startup area. Startups and investors will
deliberate whether the access to this niche
market is worth the risks associated with
producing such a product. The eye will be
on who the jury nominates and declares
the winner of the startup challenge.
Established brands may be looking at
more combinations of existing products.
Perhaps combine a super-premium
meal with a mid-premium supplement,
establishing a higher engagement in meal
preparation for a lower price. The same
could be achieved by feeding different
products for breakfast and dinner, or
Sunday brunch, creating a space for
owners to try out yoghurt sticks or other
bonding products.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.zoomark.it
www.linkedin.com/in/
alexandra-wesker/
8
Technology & Marketing

INGREDIENTS
A Premium Potato Protein
Solution for Pet Food
Although mainly known as a nutritious
food for human consumption, potatoes
have great potential as a beneficial plantbased
protein source for pets as well. With
the new ProtaSTAR® product, developed
and produced by IQI together with their
partner Avebe, the popular vegetable
is further processed into a versatile and
sustainable protein solution. This serves
as a cornerstone for balanced hybrid or
vegetarian pet food to keep cats and
dogs healthy.
To get the most out of the potato as a
natural source of protein, IQI’s partner
Avebe developed a patented process
with an additional step for purification
and refining. Because the anti-nutritional
factors are removed in this step,
ProtaSTAR® has an even higher protein
efficiency ratio (PER) than regular potato
protein. Research shows that ProtaSTAR®
matches reference protein sources, such
as beef, pork, chicken, pollock, and
salmon, in terms of digestibility and
protein quality, while outperforming
other concentrated plant protein
sources, such as soybean meal, pea, and
corn (see figure 2 and 3).
computerized TNO model (‘FIDO’), which
mimics the canine digestion tract, show
a calculated ileal nitrogen digestibility of
over 88%. This value exceeds the in vivo
ileal protein and nitrogen digestibility
of several protein sources, such as soy
protein isolate, soy concentrate, and
beef, as determined by FIDO. Part of the
product’s complete amino acid profile
are high contents of sulfur-containing
amino acids and aromatic amino acids,
which are known to enrich the coat color
of pets. ProtaSTAR® ’s extremely low ash
content of 0.8% on dm makes it suitable
for inclusion in a diet to avoid calcium
oxalate and struvite formation.
Complete amino acid profile
ProtaSTAR®’s complete amino acid profile
and its quality as a protein source can be
explained best by using the Digestible
Indispensable Amino Acid Score
(DIAAS), as defined by FAO for human
nutrition. The DIAAS of a ProtaSTAR®
protein was obtained by relating its
inclusion level of 5% without having a digestible significant indispensible effect amino on acids
(IAA) to the IAA requirements in pet
palatability and reference of the diet. food. Compared A DIAAS of to 100 standard
implies that the
protein (mixture) meets the pet food
potato protein, ProtaSTAR ® has significantly protein requirements. better As figures 2 and
Model-proven digestibility 3 show, a smaller portion of ProtaSTAR®
palatability
But science
(see
has
figure
revealed
1).
more. In vitro is needed to meet protein and AA
digestibility tests of ProtaSTAR® using a requirements per dm/100 gram dm pet
Figure 1: ProtaSTAR ® significant more palatable than
standard
Figure 1: ProtaSTAR®
potato
significant
protein.
more palatable than standard potato protein
Food
intake
ratio
100
80
60
40
20
0
67%
33%
ProtaSTAR potato protein
First
choice
100
80
60
40
20
0
73%
27%
ProtaSTAR potato protein
food in both cats and dogs, for growth
as well as maintenance. This means that
even at the minimum protein content,
ProtaSTAR® provides an abundance
of essential amino acids – enabling
manufacturers to create a cost-effective
diet using ProtaSTAR®.
Good palatability & safe
dosing
A key feature that distinguishes
ProtaSTAR® is its significantly lower
content of total glycoalkaloids (TGAs)
as compared to regular potato protein
– the typical difference being as much
as a factor of 10. Next to affecting the
nutritional value of the potato, TGAs are
typically bitter due to their roughly 40%
content of solanine.
The reduced presence of TGAs in
ProtaSTAR® therefore avoids the bitter
taste that typically comes with standard
potato protein products. The resulting
neutral taste and good palatability of
ProtaSTAR® (see text ‘Proven palatability’
below), is especially welcome in cat food.
For applications aimed at dogs, which are
known to become ill from elevated TGA
intake, ProtaSTAR®’s low TGA content
makes it safe to use in higher doses..
Proven palatability
A canine diet containing ProtaSTAR® has
good acceptability compared to diets
containing other protein sources. In a
trial performed in the USA, nearly 82% of
the dogs preferred a diet that contained
5% ProtaSTAR® over a diet containing
9.5% soybean meal and 2.5% poultry
meal. In another experiment, ProtaSTAR®
replaced part of the meat meal in a diet
with an inclusion level of 5% without
having a significant effect on palatability
and reference of the diet. Compared to
standard potato protein, ProtaSTAR®
has significantly better palatability (see
figure 1).
10
ProtaSTAR ® provides
Technology & Marketing

INGREDIENTS
manufacturer? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to
explore manufacturer? the possibilities Don’t hesitate that ProtaSTAR to contact ® us. can We offer are you. happy to
explore the possibilities that ProtaSTAR ® can offer you.
Figure 2: Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/100 g dm dog food
Figure 2: Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/1OO g dm dog food
Portion Portion needed needed g/1OO g/1OO g DM g DM
90
Figure 80 2: Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/1OO g dm dog food
70 90
60 80
50 70
40 60
30 50
20 40
10 30
200
10
0
Beef
Pork
Chicken Chicken breast breast
Pollock
Salmon
Chicken Chicken meal meal
Figure 3 Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/100 g dm cat food
Duck meal Duck meal
Lamb meal Lamb meal
White fish White meal fish meal
180
Figure 3: Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/100 g dm cat food
160 Figure 3: Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/1OO g dm cat food
Portion Portion needed needed g/1OO g/1OO g DM g DM
Salmon Salmon meal meal
Dogs growth Dogs maintenance ProtaSTAR ® growth ProtaSTAR ® maintenance
Dogs growth Dogs maintenance ProtaSTAR ® growth ProtaSTAR ® maintenance
Figure 3: Portion needed to meet protein and AA requirements g/1OO g dm cat food
140 180
120 160
100 140
120 80
100 60
40 80
20 60
400
20
0
Beef
Pork
Beef
Pork
Beef
Pork
Chicken Chicken breast breast
Pollock
Salmon
Pollock
Salmon
Pollock
Salmon
Chicken Chicken meal meal
Duck meal Duck meal
Lamb meal Lamb meal
White fish White meal fish meal
Salmon Salmon meal meal
Pea PC
Pea PC Pea PC
Soy BM
Pea PC
Soy BM
Corn GM Corn GM
Corn GM Corn GM
Soy PC
Soy BC
Soy PC
Soy BC
Soy BM
Soy PC
Soy BC
Soy BM
Soy PC
Soy BC
Cats growth Cats maintenance ProtaSTAR ® growth ProtaSTAR ® maintenance
PPC/CGM PPC/CGM
PPC/CGM PPC/CGM
SPC/CGM SPC/CGM
SPC/CGM SPC/CGM
SBC/CGM SBC/CGM
SBC/CGM SBC/CGM
SBM/CGM SBM/CGM
SBM/CGM SBM/CGM
Cats growth Cats maintenance ProtaSTAR ® growth ProtaSTAR ® maintenance
Photos: IQI
Issue 2 2025
11

INGREDIENTS
ProtaSTAR® provides
• Neutral taste with excellent palatability
• High protein content of 80% in the product
• High ileal digestibility of 88%
• Complete amino acid profile
• Low ash content of 0.8% on dm
• 10 times lower total glycoalkaloid content
• Plant-based protein source
Photo: IQI
tato
on
International Magazine March 2024 ISSN 2628-5851
Sustainable protein solution
Sustainability is not only central to how
business is done at IQI; it’s also at the heart
of the Avebe strategy – from agriculture
to processing and innovative solutions.
The company uses Life Cycle Assessments
(LCAs) to determine the environmental
performance of its products, develops
its own potato varieties aimed at higher
yields and disease resistance, and only
uses non-GMO potatoes, which are all
sourced locally from Dutch and German
farmer members. Since the potatoes are
shipped to and processed in its factories,
Avebe controls the whole supply
chain from the seed potatoes to the
production of materials for customers.
All of this results in a trusted plant-based
protein source with a much lower CO 2
footprint than various animal protein
sources and soy that is grown overseas.
ProtaSTAR® is not just a great solution for
pet food brands and manufacturers from
a nutritional perspective, but also from a
sustainability viewpoint.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.iqi-petfood.com
Technology & Marketing
1/24
tritious food for human
eat potential as a beneficial
Ingredients: Insect Proteins, Plant Extracts for Pets, Digestive Health, Science in Pet Food
Processing: Heat Pump Drying, Texture Analysis, Rotary Mixing, Butchery Perfection
Packaging: High Technology Packaging, Food Safety, Flexible and Recyclable Films
ets as well. With our new
Marketing: Global Trends in Pet Care, Anuga FoodTec - Pet Food Zone, Interzoo
Perfectly positioned.
d and produced by our partner
further processed into a
The international specialist magazines from Dr. Harnisch Publications
n solution. This serves as a
You can now explore our newly designed website, with a
or vegetarian pet food to
clear focus on responsive design and easily usable applications.
Alongside the free-to-use digital magazine editions, you will
Come and see for yourself:
www.harnisch.com
fi nd bonus news coverage, events, subscription and
general information on all our magazines. Take a look at
www.harnisch.com for all relevant content.
Our publications include:
12
- Technology & Marketing -
Technology & Marketing

MORE THAN PALATANTS.
SOLUTIONS.
AFB is more than just palatants. We provide custom solutions to
improve pet food palatability, meet attribute requirements, achieve
performance targets, and deliver technical objectives.
CLEAN
LABEL
SUSTAINABLE
INGREDIENTS
FUNCTIONAL
INGREDIENTS
SPECIALIZED
DIETS
Our experts will collaborate with you to find the best solutions for
your brand. We are your global partner!
Argentina | Australia | Brazil | China | Mexico | Netherlands | United States | Thailand | afbinternational.com
© 2025 AFB International

INGREDIENTS
An Ocean of Opportunities
Photos: dsm firmenich
Algal EPA and DHA omega-3
fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are well
established as essential nutrients for
pet health throughout their lives. Fifty
years of research and tens of thousands
of studies have demonstrated their
vital roles in a range of health areas that
pet parents prioritize when choosing
nutritional solutions for their companion
animals. This includes supporting brain
development in puppies and kittens and
cognition into a pet’s senior years, as well
as regulating immunity and inflammation,
and maintaining joint health and mobility.
However, as demand for EPA and DHA
ingredients in pet products is rising, the
supply of the traditional source—fish oil
and meal—is shrinking. Challenges like
overfishing, warmer oceans and more
frequent and intense El Niño events are
leading to greater fluctuation in fish stock
sizes. This in turn has seen fish oil supply
decline by more than a third, from 1.6
metric tonnes in 1986 to 1 million in 2023. 1
In response to this challenge, algae-derived
omega-3s are emerging as a sustainable
alternative, and even a superior solution in
the pet food sector.
In this article, George Josef, Global Business
Development Director for pet food at
dsm-firmenich, explores the reasons
behind these shifting tides, and why pet
food producers should ride the waves of
progress with algal omega-3s.
Fighting overfishing to
safeguard our seas
Traditional fish-based omega-3s are
heavily associated with overfished
oceans and unsustainable practices. In
fact, it is estimated that 930 billion fish
are removed from the oceans each year,
just to supply the pet food industry with
fish oil and meal. 2 And with as many as
one in three wild fish populations having
been overfished or harvested beyond
its limit, 3 there are simply not enough
fish to sustainably continue meeting
the nutritional needs of the global pet
population.
Enter marine algal oil. Algae is an
abundant and easily replenishable
source of omega-3s that can be cultivated
and harvested on land. Algal omega-
3s produced on land via fermentation
have no impact on marine ecosystems—
helping to reduce the strain on marine
ecosystems and preserve ocean
biodiversity.
Additionally, the right algal source can
also provide a far more potent source
of vital EPA and DHA omega-3s. dsmfirmenich’s
process excels at producing
EPA and DHA in high concentrations,
allowing Veramaris® Pets to deliver more
than double the potency of equivalent
fish oils. Therefore, replacing one ton
of traditional fish oil for one ton of
Veramaris® Pets saves 66 tons of wild
caught fish from being removed from
the ocean.
A sustainable supply for
standout solutions
Algal-based omega-3s are as good for
business as they are for biodiversity.
Climate change, warmer oceans, and
frequent El Niño events have caused fish
populations—and therefore supply and
price—of fish oil and meal to fluctuate
unpredictably. Alternatively, algae is
cultivated in controlled environments,
providing a consistent and reliable
source of omega-3s. By using algae
instead of fish-based omega-3 sources,
pet food producers can insulate
themselves against fish-based supply
chain disruption and volatile market
costs.
What’s more, swapping traditional fish oil
for algal alternatives can help products
standout on shelves. Pet parents are a
particularly eco-conscious group. In a
global survey by Euromonitor, nearly
70% of pet owners said that they are
concerned about climate change and
are trying to make a positive impact on
the environment through their everyday
actions. 4 Interestingly, the same survey
found that pet owners were more
concerned about sustainability than
non-pet owners. 3 As such, by helping to
unlock attractive on-pack claims such
as ‘sustainably sourced’, ‘non-GMO’ or
‘naturally-derived’, algal omega-3s can
help manufacturers develop products
that resonate with environmentallyminded
pet parents.
In fact, the claim ‘algal omega-3s’ could
be a draw to consumers in and of itself.
A study by INK research, examining the
impact of adding algae-derived omega-
3s to pet food brands, saw significant
improvements in brand perception—
with 73% of consumers indicating they
were more likely to buy a brand that uses
algal omega-3s. 5 In particular, people
viewed brands containing algal omega-
3s as more sustainable, innovative, and
scientifically credible. 4
Science-backed support
throughout pets’ lives
Pet parents are right about the scientific
credibility. EPA and DHA omega-3
fatty acids from marine algal oils have
been shown to address a host pet
health concerns. Take dsm-firmenich’s
DHAgold ingredient as an example.
This powder ingredient is made from
fermented algae carefully dried to
preserve its natural nutritional content
and has been scientifically proven to
support brain health in senior dogs. In
one study, a group of 8- to 11-year-old
dogs fed food containing DHAgold
for 6 months displayed significantly
improved memory and visual
performance. 6
Similarly, Veramaris® Pets exhibits superior
palatability compared to fish oils. 7 What’s
more, Veramaris® Pets contains 60% EPA
and DHA, the highest concentration
of these essential omega-3 fatty acids
available in the market for pets today. Both
Veramaris® and DHAgold highlight just
14
Technology & Marketing

INGREDIENTS
how efficacious algal-based omega-3s
can be in pet food applications—allowing
the creation of products that provide
exceptional health benefits, and that cats
and dogs will love.
Out of the blue (and into the
green)
Better for the planet, producers and pets;
it’s easy to understand why the pet food
market is shifting to favor algal-based
omega-3s over traditional fish-based
sources. As algae-derived ingredients
become more accessible, there is a clear
path forward for the industry to unlock
their full potential, delivering exceptional
nutrition for pets while supporting a more
responsible and resilient supply chain.
A whitepaper focussing on this topic is
available on request.
References:
Technology & Marketing
1
Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO) and International
Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO)
2
Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO). 2018.
3
FAO. “The state of world fisheries
and aquaculture 2022.” 2022. https://
openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/
bitstreams/9df19f53-b931-4d04-acd3-
58a71c6b1a5b/content/cc0461en.html
4
Euromonitor. “Sustainable Ingredients in Pet
Care”, 2022. https://www.euromonitor.com/
article/sustainable-ingredients-in-pet-care
5
INK Research. “Quantitative Consumer
Research UK, July 2020.”
6
Hadley, K. B., J. Bauer, and N. W. Milgram. "The
oil-rich alga Schizochytrium sp. as a dietary
source of docosahexaenoic acid improves
shape discrimination learning associated
with visual processing in a canine model of
senescence." Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and
Essential Fatty Acids 118 (2017): 10-18.
* 7 dsm-firmenich, "Giving cats and dogs
the EPA and DHA they need—sustainably,"
Whitepaper, 2024.
For more information
www.dsm-firmenich.com/en/
businesses/taste-texture-health/
markets-products/pets/omega-3-
solutions.html
Issue 2 2025
15

INGREDIENTS
Potential of Rice Protein for Cat
Food Development
While the use of vegetal proteins for
plant-based or hybrid diets is becoming
increasingly accepted by dog food
producers and buyers, their use in cat
food is not currently as popular. Here Dr
Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager
Animal Nutrition at BENEO, explores why
including vegetal proteins, and rice protein
in particular, offer attractive opportunities
for cat food producers.
Carnivore cat protein
requirements
Cats have higher protein and amino
acids requirements in their diet, in
comparison to dogs for example i , and
are obligate carnivores. This means
that they traditionally rely solely on
nutrients found in animal tissue to meet
their nutritional needs and have bodies
adapted to efficiently process them. With
specific dietary requirements that must
be met through animal-based sources’
consumption, cats unlike some other
animals, cannot thrive on a fully plantbased
diet without specific supplements.
1
Nonetheless, regardless of their
carnivorous status, several studies suggest
that vegetal proteins are quite digestible
for cats and can therefore have a role to
play in cat food production.
Consumer purchasing drivers
for cat food
Research shows that “high in protein” is
the top ingredient claim to impact the
likelihood of a consumer buying a pet
food product, with 7 in 10 cat owners
citing protein quality and content in
their cat’s food as (very) important to
them. ii Also, there is a growing tension
for some cat owners concerning the
environmental credentials of the pet food
they’re purchasing. Like the human plantbased
market, pet owners like to see more
plant-based choices in pet food. Notably,
more than half of pet owners consider
plant-based proteins to be better for the
environment. iii Including high-quality
vegetal proteins with nutritional benefits
into cat food formulations hence offers
manufacturers great potential to meet the
consumer demand.
Digestibility of plant protein
While there is concern in the cat food
space that plant proteins are not as well
tolerated or digestible as animal proteins,
recent scientific research suggests
interesting potential. iv A case in point
is a study by Golder et al 2020 v with 296
healthy short hair domestic cats, that
showed that the more plant protein that
was included in dry cat food, the higher
the protein digestibility amongst the cats
in that sample group. The research also
demonstrated that plant proteins are a
satisfactory source for meeting the amino
acid needs of pets, without compromising
protein digestibility.
The potential of rice protein
Among plant-based ingredients, rice is
perceived as the most appealing source by
cat owners, with 92% of them considering
it as natural and 89% as healthy. vi Including
rice protein in a cat’s food offers interesting
opportunities for manufacturers. It allows
for an increase of protein content in the
final product, while using a natural, clean
label and hypoallergenic ingredient, that
also offers good digestibility and has an
excellent essential amino acid profile.
In a recent study (Morris et al 2023 vii ), 24
healthy adult cats were given test diets
with increasing amounts of rice protein
concentrate (0%, 7%, 14% and 28%) in
exchange for hydrolysed chicken liver
and heart. All the diets had a similar level
of total protein. The results showed that
when the rice protein concentrate was
increased, then protein digestibility was
enhanced too. In addition, there was
excellent taste acceptance of the food and
an improvement of faeces characteristics,
such as firmness and form. The study
demonstrates that rice protein represents
an excellent complementary protein
source that is even suitable for cats with
food sensitivities.
Amino acid profile of rice
protein
Next to its digestibility, a protein’s
essential amino acid profile is a key factor
for pet food manufacturers to consider
when creating new formulations. These
organic compounds contribute to
numerous metabolic functions including
maintenance and immune responses
and as such, it is valuable that the protein
source used in the pet food has a wellbalanced
amino acid profile. Among plant
proteins, rice protein has the highest
essential amino acids (EAA) content.
Furthermore, rice protein is also a good
source of the EAA methionine/cysteine,
that are important for protein synthesis and
phenylalanine/tyrosine that are involved
in some major metabolic processes, as
well as supporting a pet’s normal growth.
Phenylalanine and tyrosine are aromatic
amino acids that play a role in the melanin
synthesis pathway and help maintain the
healthy-looking black fur colour in pets viii .
Pet food producers can achieve a complete
essential amino acids profile by combining
cereal proteins like rice protein (which
are low in the EAA lysine) with a legume
protein, such as BENEO’s faba bean protein
concentrate ix .
BENEO’s rice protein specialty
ingredient
For pet food producers thinking of adding
a plant-based protein option in their
ingredient portfolio, rice protein is a clean
label quality ingredient, included in the EU
Catalogue of Feed Materials. x BENEO’s rice
protein offers a guaranteed protein content
of a minimum 79% on product basis and
almost 90% on dry matter basis, making
it a highly concentrated source of protein.
When BENEO’s rice protein EAA profile
is compared against the requirements
of adult cats xi , it delivers a well-balanced
16
Technology & Marketing

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IFT FIRST?
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Science, and Technology – and it’s the premier
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INGREDIENTS
profile and what is required to promote
long-term health. According to a recent
internal digestibility trial in cecectomized
roosters - a recommended animal model
for pets - BENEO’s rice protein reaches
(ileal) digestibility scores close to 90%,
confirming its good digestibility and
overall high quality. Especially In adult
cats, it has shown DIAAS-like 2 scores
>100% compared to FEDIAF reference and
no limiting amino acid. In addition, this
hypoallergenic, clean label ingredient is
free from the most frequent food allergens
xii
, making it suitable for the most sensitive
cats, like seniors or kittens, as well as cats
with allergies. Thanks to exceptional
nutritional assets and its overall excellent
acceptance by pet owners, BENEO’s rice
protein can fulfil the most demanding and
specific requirements of (super) premium
or veterinary dry and wet cat food products.
BENEO’s rice protein is produced in a
state-of-the-art and food-certified rice
ingredient plant in Wijgmaal, Belgium,
from non-GMO raw material sources. It is
processed in alkaline conditions, and this
is important because alkaline production
is associated with a high digestibility of
proteins xiii . BENEO continuously strives for
more sustainable production processes at
its Wijgmaal site. Due to the installation
of a large-scale industrial heat pump, for
example, BENEO will be able to recover
energy from wastewater to reduce its CO 2
emissions. Also, thanks to having approved
suppliers in multiple countries and a
strategic raw material inventory, BENEO’s
rice protein supply security can be ensured.
With more pet food producers and buyers
interested in vegetal protein sources for
plant-based or hybrid diets, BENEO’s rice
protein is an attractive option also for cat
food development. Its provision of essential
amino acids, digestibility, hypoallergenicity
and clean label credentials make it an
interesting addition to any producer’s
recipe formulation toolbox.
References:
Technology & Marketing
1Examples for essential nutrients only found in
animal sources that need to be supplemented
in vegetarian diets for cats include taurine
(an amino acid) and arachidonic acid
(a fatty acid). (Source: FEDIAF, https://
europeanpetfood.org/pet-food-facts/factsheets/nutrition/vegetarian-diets/)
2 he Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score
(DIAAS) is a method for evaluating the quality
of dietary proteins. It measures the content
and digestibility of each indispensable amino
acid in a protein source, with a focus on
the limiting amino acid (the one present in
the smallest amount relative to the body’s
requirements).
i
FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Complete
and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and
Dogs, October 2021. Updated-Nutritional-
Guidelines.pdf (europeanpetfood.org)
ii
BENEO Consumer Research On Pet Care 2023.
FMCG Gurus conducted a quantitative online
survey in August 2023 with 2.500 pet owners
in the US, Brazil, UK, Germany, and China (250
cat and 250 dog owners per country). Here:
filtered by cat owners.
iii
BENEO Consumer Research On Pet Care
2023.
iv
Reilly LM, von Schaumburg PC, Hoke JM,
Davenport GM, Utterback PL, Parsons CM
and de Godoy MRC (2020). Use of precisionfed
cecectomized rooster assay and
digestible indispensable amino acid scores to
characterize plant- and yeast-concentrated
proteins for inclusion in canine and feline
diets. Translational animal science, 4(3),
txaa133. https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txaa133
v
Golder C, Weemhoff JL, Jewell DE. Cats Have
Increased Protein Digestibility as Compared
to Dogs and Improve Their Ability to Absorb
Protein as Dietary Protein Intake Shifts
from Animal to Plant Sources. Animals.
2020; 10(3):541. https://doi.org/10.3390/
ani10030541
vi
BENEO Consumer Research On Pet Care
2023. Filter: Cat Owners (N = 1250). Q. Please
state how strongly you associate rice with
the following attributes [natural, healthy]?
Percentage refers to the answers “Fits very
well”/”Fits slightly”
vii
Morris E, Perumalla S, Stiers C and Gross
K (2023) Rice protein concentrate is a wellaccepted,
highly digestible protein source
for adult cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science
10:1168659. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1168659
ix
Commission Regulation (EU) No 68/2013
of 16 January 2013 on the Catalogue of feed
materials – Faba bean protein concentrate is
listed under entry 3.7.5: “Horse bean protein”
x
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1017 of 15
June 2017, Rice protein is included under entry
1.6.20
xi
FEDIAF Nutritional Guidelines for Complete
and Complementary Pet Food for Cats
and Dogs, 2021 https://europeanpetfood.
comingsoon.site/wp-content/
uploads/2022/03/Updated-Nutritional-
Guidelines.pdf
xii
Mueller RS, Olivry T and Prélaud P. Critically
appraised topic on adverse food reactions
of companion animals (2): common food
allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Vet Res
12, 9 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-
016-0633-8
xiii
Yang L, Chen J, Xu T, Qiu W, Zhang Y,
Zhang L, Xu F, Liu H (2011). Rice protein
extracted by different methods affects
cholesterol metabolism in rats due to its
lower digestibility. International Journal of
Molecular Sciences, 12(11), 7594-7608. doi:
10.3390/ijms12117594
For more information
www.beneo.com
18
Technology & Marketing

03. – 08. May 2025,
Frankfurt at the Main
Stand A06, hall 8.0
» VISIT US!
Seydelmann Universal Grinders
for fresh raw materials and deep-frozen blocks
Meet
me at
IFFA!
Universal Grinder AW 300 U
The advantages of Seydelmann Universal Grinders at a glance:
■ Flexibility with fluctuating prices of raw materials
■ Separate or simultaneous processing of fresh raw
materials and deep-frozen blocks down to -25 °C
■ Same cutting set for fresh raw materials and
deep-frozen blocks
■ Easy control with programmes for respective
raw materials to avoid operating errors
■ High throughput with best possible cutting pattern
■ Frequency-controlled and continuously variable drives:
No current peaks, low energy consumption
■ Robust and reliable construction
■ Hygienic design: polished surfaces, embedded covers,
CIP-cleaning, removable bearing
Maschinenfabrik Seydelmann KG
Tel. +49 (0)711 /49 00 90-0
info@seydelmann.com
www.seydelmann.com
Hoelderlinstrasse 9
70174 Stuttgart
Germany
Cutters
Mixers
Grinders
Emulsifiers
Production Lines
Second-Hand Machines

03. – 08. May 2025,
Frankfurt at the Main
Stand A06, hall 8.0
» VISIT US!
Visit us at IFFA 2025
Trade fair innovations:
■ The new generation of automatic grinders:
in sizes AG 160, AU 200 and AV 250
with higher hourly output, efficiency and
hygienic design
■ Konti-Kutter KK 144 C and KK 254 C:
New compact emulsifiers with integrated
vacuum in the cutting set
■ AE 130 M automatic mixing grinder:
Versatile use for mixing and subsequent grinding,
for grinding and subsequent grinding,
as a pure mixer or pure automatic grinder
■ Artisanal cutter K 60: The popular high
efficiency cutter has been further optimized
and has been given a new shape and many
other revised details
■ The Seydelmann FlexMix mixer: frying,
roasting, simmering, cooking, braising,
steaming, reducing, cooling and, of course,
mixing – all in one machine
■ New central control of production lines with
OEE line module for measuring overall system
effectiveness (availability, performance, quality)
■ Unidirectional cutting set: Special design ensures
that all cutting set parts can only be fitted
correctly
■ Visual cutting set recognition: codes on
all cutting set parts, the correct cutting set is
assigned to the respective recipe program by
scanning
■ Industrial cutter: Presentation of the latest
generation with hygienic design, automatic
controls and many innovative details.
■ ... and much more.
Stay tuned!
■ Trolley Tumbler: Unique, patented machine
for mixing in square standard trolleys
■ Lifting device for E2 crates:
On artisanal grinders
and cutters, can now
also be retrofitted
■ New control system:
Auto-Command 500 on
artisanal cutters and
universal grinders
Vacuum-Konti-Kutter KK 144 C AC-6
Automatic Mixing Grinder
AE 130 M
On display are:
50+ machines,
3 fully automated
production lines
Hungry?
Dine with us!
You can look forward to
delicious dishes
Contact us to
receive free day tickets
to visit the IFFA:
marketing@seydelmann.com
Maschinenfabrik Seydelmann KG
Tel. +49 (0)711 /49 00 90-0
info@seydelmann.com
www.seydelmann.com
Hoelderlinstrasse 9
70174 Stuttgart
Germany
Cutters
Mixers
Grinders
Emulsifiers
Production Lines
Second-Hand Machines

The Hammer Mill for High
Economic Efficiency
PROCESSING
Fine grinding is a key step in the production of pet food, especially in the premium
segment. The better the raw materials are ground, the higher the gelatinization,
and the better cats and dogs can digest and absorb the nutrients. At the same time,
for the manufacturer efficiency plays a central role, which is heavily determined by
energy consumption and throughput. In extensive tests together with a leading
pet food producer, Bühler has now been able to prove that the new Granulex 5
hammer mill has reached a new level in terms of quality, energy efficiency, and
productivity. For producers in the rapidly growing pet food market, this means
not only a better return on investment and higher margins but also significant
advantages in terms of the CO2e footprint of their products.
For decades, Bühler’s older generation
hammer mills provided excellent
service in many grinding applications
and were listed as standard by leading
manufacturers in the pet food industry.
Building on the extensive experience and
knowledge gained from all of its older
hammer mill models, Bühler embarked
on the development of the successor
model, the Granulex 5, and its associated
components, including those required for
fine grinding in pet food applications. The
advantages of all the previous systems
were to be combined in the new machine.
The new model was launched in 2022
and boasted many improvements: better
energy efficiency, higher throughput
performance, modular design, a wide
variety of options tailored to customer
needs, and reduced downtime due to
faster screen and hammer changes.
Energy savings for feed applications
(coarse grinding), have been found to be,
on average, 10%.
the comparability of the data collected.
Four different formulas were selected
that were then ground both on the
customer’s existing equipment and on
the Granulex 5 at Bühler’s Application
Center in Changzhou, China. At Bühler,
various configurations were tested in 56
test series, processing a total of 16 tonnes
of raw material. The number of trials
carried out and the amount of material
ground ensured that the findings were
not distorted by any random effects.The
results surprised specialists both on the
customer’s side and at Bühler.
Highest fine grinding quality
As a basis for all parameters, it was
crucial to be able to ensure the pet food
manufacturer’s very fine granulation
specifications and other requirements
(for throughput performances and
narrow particle size distribution) with
Benjamin Schrempf joined the Bühler AG in 2011
and has extensive practical experience in the
commissioning of grinding systems, particularly in
the pet food and aqua feed industries.
Since 2017, he has been calculating machines,
systems and complete plants in the pet food and
aqua feed sector as a process engineer and, thanks
to his expertise in fine grinding, has played a key
role in the development and standardization of
the new system. The results presented in the article
were determined during various customer trials at
the site in China and the complete system was then
further developed based on the results and various
customer requirements.
the Granulex 5. The ground material was
analyzed both by weight using a hand
sieve and by laser diffraction with the
“Horiba Partica” measurement apparatus
according to Fraunhofer.
Data relating to quality, energy consumption,
and throughput has now been
reviewed in detail for the various market
segments. This was driven in part by the
wishes of a leading global manufacturer
of pet food that was planning to switch
from the outgoing model to the Granulex
5 and wanted to ensure that the decision
could be made based on objective
measurements.
In a collaborative effort between the pet
food manufac turer and Bühler, a joint
test design was developed to ensure
Photos: Bühler Group
Issue 2 2025
21

PROCESSING
Photos: Bühler Group
Figure 1
Energy savings achieved with Granulex 5 and 0.80 mm
round hole screens compared to reference installation
Figure 2
Energy savings achieved with Granulex 5 and 1.00 mm
round hole screens compared to reference installation
Significant energy savings of 25% Significantly increased throughput
Significant to 40% energy for pet savings food applications
generally absorb less motor The significantly load during lower For energy many consumption manufacturers, achieved the CO2e
of In 25% a configuration to 40% for with pet a food 0.80-millimeter grinding (mm) round than formulas hole
during with a the high tests grain thus argument leads to a is very likely impressive to gain importance,
applications
sieve, combined with a precisely determined
content.
number of
increase in throughput, both which in the averages marketing about of products 25% to end
In a configuration with a 0.80-millimeter
hammers, not only were all quality parameters met, but
with 0.8 mm round hole consumers sieves and about as part 40% of sustainability with
(mm) round hole sieve, combined with a However, further optimizations
an average energy saving of 25% was also achieved,
1.0 mm round to the hole sieves reporting, (measured which is by increasingly the motor demanded
precisely determined number of hammers, entire fine grinding system
depending on the recipe used (see Figure 1).
current can of target the and main motor), by investors if the and equivalent regulators. model
not only were all quality parameters met, achieve higher throughput DFZX-230 performances is used.
but an average energy saving of 25% was for grain-free formulas in the future.
The second-best solution used 1 mm round hole sieves
Technical background for the
also achieved, depending on the recipe
improvements
with the same number of hammers. Here, an average However, it should be noted that not all formulas (e.g.,
used (see Figure 1).
Value creation
The energy savings and throughput
energy saving of 45% was achieved (see Figure 2), with those without grain content) can be regulated in the
Significantly less energy or greatly increases are the result of many innovative
the caveat that for one recipe, the D50 value achieved same way, depending on the load, because they generally
The second-best solution used 1 mm increased throughput combined with improvements to the machine, in
round
was
hole
slightly
sieves
above
with the
the
same
specified
number
target
a
value.
very narrow and very fine
absorb
particle
less
size
motor
conjunction
load during
with
grinding
Bühler’s
than
engineering
formulas
affects with a the high total grain content. expertise in designing the entire fine
of hammers. Here, an average energy distribution significantly
saving of 45% was achieved (see Figure cost of ownership (TCO) of the Granulex 5. grinding system.
2), with the caveat that for one recipe, the
D50 value achieved was slightly above the
specified target value.
However, further optimizations to the entire fine grinding
While the very fine grinding system results can have target a and achieve higher throughput performances
the final product for grain-free Machine formulas innovations
the future.
direct, positive impact on
quality, the increase in productivity by
Significantly increased throughput
an average of 25% also has a monetary
impact. Thus, a pet food manufacturer can
grind on average 25% more product with
the same energy expenditure and machine
footprint, thereby potentially foregoing a
The significantly lower energy consumption
achieved during the tests thus leads to
a very impressive increase in throughput,
which averages about 25% with 0.8 mm
round hole sieves and about 40% with 1.0
mm round hole sieves (measured by the
motor current of the main motor), if the
equivalent model DFZX-230 is used.
grinding line in larger facilities.
Significant energy savings of 25% to 40% for pet food
However, it should be noted that not
all formulas (e.g., those without grain
content) can be regulated in the same
way, depending on the load, because they
This significantly reduces the cost per
ground tonne, and in such a case, the
investment in the Granulex can amortize
in a few years. Moreover, the impact of
the energy savings per tonne on the CO2e
footprint should not be underestimated.
Here, savings amount to an average of 403
tonnes of CO2e (assuming a production
quantity of 96,000 tonnes per year).
Regrinding chamber:
Three U-profile-like indentations in the
grinding chamber ensure that the rapidly
rotating ground material is decelerated,
thus returning it to the area of the beaters
for further grinding. This approach leads to
more efficient grinding, so that the energy
introduced is used optimally.
Modular machine
configurations:
3
The Granulex 5 series is available in four
different sizes, with main motor sizes up
to 450 kW, and by optimizing the modular
elements such as individual hammer
patterns can be configured to meet the
22
Technology & Marketing

the result of many innovative improvements to the
machine, in conjunction with Bühler’s engineering expertise
in designing the entire fine grinding system.
PROCESSING
Figure 3
Regrinding Chambers of Granulex 5
(marked green)
Figure 4
Granulex 5
with 1, 2, 3 and 4 chambers
Figure 5
Hammer cages that allow hold up
to 7 hammers
granulation requirements with reduced
energy consumption.
4
User-friendliness:
Features such as large sliding doors and
a simple quick-release system for screens
enhance ease of use. Additionally, an
intelligent hammer changing process
with newly developed hammer cages
that hold up to seven hammers, allowing
them to be changed together instead of
individually. This reduces maintenance
effort and minimizes downtime.
Larger total screen area:
While the predecessor model was
equipped with a screen area of up to 2 m²,
due to changed geometry the equivalent
Granulex 5 model has a screen area of
2.4m². The larger screen area helps to
achieve higher throughput. Furthermore,
Bühler has expanded its hammer mill
portfolio with two additional sizes and
even larger main motors, so that with the
largest model, fine grinding capacities of
30 t/h can be realized.
Explosion protection:
Machines and systems must be safe in
pet food production. For this reason, the
new fine grinding systems have been
thoroughly scrutinized. The goal was to
evaluate the characteristics of various
pet food mixtures that are important for
protecting the system from explosion.
Based on the analysis of various raw
material mixtures, the optimal explosion
protection was developed. This increases
Granulex® 5
The hammer mill for high economic efficiency and low CO2e emissions
the safety for the plant and employees
while also meeting local regulatory
requirements.
Round hole screens:
In addition to the larger, absolute
screen area, round hole screens are now
exclusively used. These have a larger open
screen area than finely perforated screens
(commonly known as “Conidur”), which
were often used in the predecessor model.
This can, for example, double the open
screen area with consistent granulation
– an outcome that was not possible with
the predecessor model (DFZC) due to the
different machine setup required for very
fine grinding.
The larger open screen area causes the
ground material to heat up less during
grinding compared to a finely perforated
grinding screen. This can be critical,
especially in the fine grinding of animal
meals, due to the increased fat content.
Another major advantage of round hole
screens over finely perforated grinding
screens is the maintenance costs, which
can be significantly reduced since round
hole screens tend to be cheaper to
purchase.
Technology & Marketing
IFFA
May 3-8
Frankfurt
Hall 12.0 Booth C80
Figure 6
Screen area of one Chamber
(green marked)
Larger total screen area:
While the predecessor model was equipped with a
screen area of up to 2 m², due to changed geometry
Issue the equivalent 2 2025Granulex 5 model has a screen area of
2.4 m². The larger screen area helps to achieve higher
throughput. Furthermore, Bühler has expanded its
Figure 7
Round hole screens compared to perforated
screens (commonly known as “Conidur”)
Round hole screens:
In addition to the larger, absolute screen area, round
hole screens are now exclusively used. These have a
larger open screen area than finely perforated screens
(commonly known as “Conidur”), which were often used
in the predecessor model. This can, for example,
For more information
www.buehlergroup.com
23

PROCESSING
Groundbreaking Ceremony for
New Production Hall: VEMAG is
Investing in the Future
Photos: VEMAG
A significant milestone for VEMAG: The company is strategically advancing its growth with the groundbreaking of a new production hall.
The 4,600-square-meter building represents a substantial investment in the company's future and further solidifies VEMAG's ongoing
success.
The new hall will be utilized for the
manufacturing of double screws and
infeed scrolls for vacuum filling machines.
The double screws, which are central
elements of the vacuum filling machines,
gently transport flowable products using
the double-spindle principle. The entire
feeding system consists of only two parts,
the double screw and the double screw
housing. Thanks to a quick changeover,
which can also be performed by the
operators, production can be switched
to a new product in the shortest possible
time. The small number of parts simplifies
intermediate cleaning, significantly
reducing downtime. The influence of new
materials and improved geometries on
essential product features of the vacuum
filling machines is evident from the
hopper to the outlet:
• Optimal hygiene thanks to the firstin-first-out
principle
• Quick and easy maintenance
• Maximum weight accuracy of the
end products
• High output rates
• Low maintenance costs
The groundbreaking ceremony for the
new production hall was celebrated by the
management in the presence of the mayor
and representatives of the press. In his
speech, CEO Andreas Bruns emphasized
the importance of this investment: "The
groundbreaking ceremony for the new
hall confirms our commitment to putting
the customer at the center of everything
we do. By expanding our capacities, we
will be able to drive innovation even
faster in the future and take our already
outstanding values in the areas of weight
accuracy, gentle product handling and
the durability of our double screws to a
new level.”
"The entire production process will
take place in the new building: from
the storage of base materials to
innovative production solutions and
packaging," says Production Manager
Jonas Hohls. "This approach will
minimize distances and optimize
efficiency." The building is scheduled
for completion in 2026, just one year
after the groundbreaking ceremony.
Designed to be future-proof, it will set
the course for further strong growth in
the coming years.
24
Technology & Marketing

PROCESSING
The investment for the new hall amounts
to approximately 7.5 million euros.
In addition, further funds are being
invested in the purchase of state-of-theart
machinery and equipment. These
investments are an important part of
the company's ongoing efforts to make
production more efficient and thus to
further increase its competitiveness and
innovative strength.
The relocation of the double screw
and infeed scroll production from the
former hall will also create growth for the
remaining production areas. This supports
the long-term positive development
of VEMAG and creates new space to
produce more innovative machines and
attachments.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.vemag.com/pet-food
Groundbreaking ceremony: from left - Sven Köhler, Lutz Brockmann (Mayor Verden/Aller),
Andreas Bruns (CEO), Ralf Preuß, Christoph Thelen
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Issue 2 2025
25

PROCESSING
26
Technology & Marketing

New Management Team at
Handtmann Processing
PROCESSING
Continuation of the strategy requires organizational structure development
The Handtmann Filling and Portioning
Systems division, part of the diversified
Handtmann Group headquartered in
Biberach, Upper Swabia, Germany, is
advancing its ambitious positioning as
a values-based global market leader in
comprehensive production solutions.
In this context, the division has been
renamed from Handtmann Filling and
Portioning Systems to Handtmann
Processing. The new name reflects both
the current actions and the vision of
the division. With the motto "Leading
in Processing," the focus on sustainable
comprehensive solutions is emphasized,
while the slogan "Connecting Orange"
emphasizes global, collaborative, and
synergistic partnerships in the market.
As part of this initiative, the leadership
structure was reorganized effective
March 1st. The executive management,
comprised of CEO/CSO Harald Suchanka
and CTO/COO Dr. Mark Betzold, will
now be supported by a management
team with four Vice Presidents. Martin
Staudenrausch is responsible for Global
Technology, while Romina Müller, as Vice
President of Global Sales & Marketing,
oversees international market operations.
The team is completed by Stefan Rampf,
who handles Global Finance & Controlling,
and Ralf Jedrysiak, who is in charge of
Global Supply Chain Management. The
global production facilities will continue
to be led by Dr. Mark Betzold.
Harald Suchanka on the creation of the new
leadership level: "The strong organic and
inorganic division growth over the past
years has necessitated the establishment
of cross-location and cross-responsibility
roles within the executive management.
Our aim is to further develop and expand
the structures and processes both within
the individual organizational units and
holistically. We are striving for focused
global corporate governance in key
business areas." Dr. Mark Betzold adds,
"With the new management board, we
L to R: The new management board at Handtmann Processing: Harald Suchanka, Ralf
Jedrysiak, Romina Müller, Stefan Rampf, Dr. Mark Betzold, Martin Staudenrausch
are not only increasing efficiencies and
unlocking new potential but also create
structures for the necessary transparency
to make performance measurable. The
new controllable processes connect local
and global operations at our production
sites, generating positive synergies for the
market."
The newly formed management team
is committed to continuing the 70-year
success story of the business division and
leading it into a new era with modern
corporate culture and organization. The
division employs approximately 1,650
people worldwide, including about 700
at the headquarters in Biberach. The
company is present in over 100 countries
through numerous subsidiaries, as well
as sales and service partners, and is
globally connected through strategic
partnerships. Handtmann is among the
leading manufacturers of line solutions
for food processing, ranging from
product preparation to the interfaces
of downstream process steps, such as
thermal processes, packaging solutions,
etc., where there are clearly defined
interfaces with strategic partners. This
enables Handtmann to offer its customers
conceptual and comprehensive solutions.
The offering is complemented by in-house
developed, process-supporting digital
solutions. At the same time, the company
is investing in sustainable concepts for
food innovations.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.handtmann.de
Issue 2 2025
27

PROCESSING
JBT FTNON: Adapting to a
Rapidly-evolving Global Market
by Steven Maxwell, food journalist and communications specialist, based in Mexico
Joost Lotgerink Bruinenberg, global sales manager for JBT FTNON, gives his views on the current health of the pet food
industry and explains why the existence of the Pet Food Competence Network makes processors’ lives easier.
JBT FTNON, the company created
after JBT Corporation acquired Food
Technology Noord-Oost Nederland B.V.
– better known as FTNON – in 2018, has
a long history in delivering automated
solutions for the pet food processing
industry. With over 40 years’ experience
in designing processing machines for
a huge range of foods – human and
animal alike – the company is wellplaced
to respond to emerging trends
in the fast-moving global pet food
market, both as an individual company
and as part of the Pet Food Competence
Network.
So where are we as an industry at
the current time? The World Animal
Foundation (2023) estimates that when
it comes to domesticated animals
there are close to 373 million cats and
471 million dogs worldwide, with an
estimated 50% of households in Europe
recorded as owning a pet. Not to be
outdone, some 66% of households own
one or more pets, according to analyst
Statista, compared with 58% in 1988.
And with worldwide revenue in pet
food sales expected to reach US$158.42
billion this year (Statista) with an annual
growth rate of almost 5.8%, it becomes
clear that there is a huge opportunity to
be grasped for the companies with the
right solutions.
More growth to come
According to Joost Lotgerink
Bruinenberg, the Hengelo, Netherlandsbased
global sales manager for
JBT FTNON, the pet food industry
experienced a big jump in turnover
during the pandemic, especially in
the wet cat and dog food segment,
reflecting both the continuing growth
of the segment and perhaps owners’
wish to pamper their pets in difficult
circumstances.
“Companies are still investing, the
market is still developing and the
opportunities for export are still there,”
says Lotgerink Bruinenberg. “We expect
to see some flattening of the curve next
year and in 2027, but it’s still a healthy
industry to be in.”
But where is the real growth coming
at the present time? When it comes to
Europe, Lotgerink Bruinenberg believes
it is time to look away from traditional
Western European markets and
concentrate instead on the eastern half
of the continent.
“If we look at the opportunities in
Europe, we can see that the market is
Photos: JJBT FTNON
28
Technology & Marketing

PROCESSING
moving a little more towards Eastern
Europe,” he says. “It’s been Germany,
France, the UK in the past, but now it’s
moved to the eastern part.
“If we look at the US, they do things a
little bit differently, and I think there are
opportunities to make wet pet food in a
different way, although that’s still at an
investigation phase.”
According to data from Euromonitor
International, Latin America has
emerged as a dynamic market for the
pet food industry over recent years, with
the region’s spending on the category
as a whole exceeding the global average
by an estimated 22%.
Lotgerink Bruinenberg says sustainability
on production lines is another
big influencing factor for the pet food
industry, particularly when it comes to
cutting back on utility bills.
“If you look at gas consumption and
utility usage, gas is still a big thing
on cooking products and also in
sterilization, so maybe companies are
looking for alternatives,” he believes.
Luckily, there are reasons for optimism.
The pouch industry continues to grow
and there are other interesting trends
that have emerged in recent years, such
as an interest in alternative sources of
protein or meat-like products.
Lotgerink Bruinenberg anticipates that
the current positive climate in Latin
America will get better for the industry,
echoing Euromonitor’s forecast that the
region will be second only to Asia Pacific
in expenditure terms by 2028.
However, he believes further investment
is required by Latin American
pet food processors to keep pace
with developments, revealing that
investments in the region have been
relatively low over the past two years.
Meanwhile, Asia might be a giant for
the pet food industry, but analysts at
Statista say growth has slowed due
to economic fluctuations, echoing
Lotgerink Bruinenberg’s view that
while there is still further development
available, it is a little more difficult to
identify.
“If you look at Asia, there is potential
there, but it is harder to say where,” he
says. “Meanwhile, the pet food market in
Europe is still growing and I think there
is potential in Latin America.”
Rising raw material prices
Perhaps a factor that could impede this
growth is reality of rising prices across
the industry, and in particular the
cost of raw materials, which Lotgerink
Bruinenberg identifies as one of the
biggest challenges for the industry
as a whole. Inevitably, such cost rises
get passed on to shoppers, with some
analysts predicting that pet food prices
could reach a new high by 2029.
PERFECT FOR
PETFOOD
The cutters, grinders and mixer grinders
from K+G Wetter:
Efficient technology for the production of petfood.
More hygiene, more shelf life, more quality.
www.kgwetter.de
Joost Lotgerink Bruinenberg, global sales manager
for JBT FTNON, based in Hengelo, Netherlands
I F F A 2 0 2 5
H A L L 8 . 0 ,
B O O T H D 9 6
Issue 2 2025
29

PROCESSING
“Some companies are also looking at
alternative proteins, such as insects, or
at adding more vegetables to make their
products more healthier,” says Lotgerink
Bruinenberg. “Companies are looking
for products that look a little like pulled
pork or pulled chicken.”
In common with the tendency towards
‘meat substitute’ products in the human
food market, Lotgerink Bruinenberg
believes the trend is being driven by
increasing consumer worries about
the impact of meat production on the
environment as much as by conventional
product prices.
Wide range of solutions
JBT FTNON and JBT Corporation as a
whole offers a range of solutions for
processors, from steam tunnels though
to cutting, cooling, filling and closing,
and continuous sterilization.
The company’s complete pet food
solution starts with product hoppers
with pump systems before moving on
to extruders for the forming of strands
or ropes of meat paste. From there, the
meat paste ropes enter a steam tunnel
on a stainless steel or Teflon-coated
conveyor belt for efficient cooking,
and on exit move into a cutting unit for
the final stage of the process prior to
sterilization, filling, closing and packing.
According to Lotgerink Bruinenberg,
the recently-introduced, new version
of JBT’s extruder has been developed
to meet the demand for irregularsized
chunks, as well as ‘pulled pork’-
style meat alternatives. The company,
he adds, is currently looking at ways
of converting older, already-installed
versions of the extruder to meet these
emerging customer requirements.
Other recent innovations from JBT
FTNON, Lotgerink Bruinenberg continues,
have included adding doublesteam
injection in steam tunnels to
reduce gas usage. The company also
offers a greater variety in sizing tin
response to an increasing demand for
irregular-sized chunks.
Already removed from the FTNON side
of the business, Lotgerink Bruinenberg
says there is also growing demand
for High Pressure Processing (HPP)
pasteurization solutions from JBT
Avure for packaged pet food. The
system inactives dangerous pathogens,
while at the same time extending
shelf life, and preserving raw pet
food flavor, texture and nutrients.
It also, Lotgerink Bruinenberg adds,
provides a value source of safe food for
immunocompromised dogs and cats
who are unable to eat raw foods.
Expanding capabilities
Previously only active in providing
solutions to the wet pet food segment,
JBT has recently expanded its capabilities
to encompass dry pet food
processing following the January 2025
integration between the company and
Iceland-based Marel to form JBT Marel.
According to Lotgerink Bruinenberg, a
key highlight of the integration is the
addition of Wenger, a leader in extrusion
and drying technology, specializing
in dry pet food and treats. “Wenger
brings decades of expertise in extrusion
cooking, drying, and coating systems,
providing proven solutions that support
the production of premium kibble,
semi-moist treats, and specialty pet
food products,” he says.
The dry pet food segment, in Lotgerink
Bruinenberg’s opinion, is a major driver
of growth in the pet food industry, with
consumer demand increasing for high-
30
Technology & Marketing

PROCESSING
quality, nutritious, and specialized
formulations.
“Incorporating Wenger’s advanced
technologies into our offering means
we can now support processors across
the entire pet food spectrum, from raw
material handling to the final packaged
product covering whether it’s wet food,
dry, or hybrid solutions,” he adds.
Cross-industry cooperation
JBT is one of 12 like-minded companies
who make up the Pet Food Competence
Network, a grouping of raw material
specialists, and machinery and equipment
manufacturers which has been
developed to provide processors with
a single point of contact covering the
entire production cycle.
According to Lotgerink Bruinenberg,
the alliance has been created to bring
together expertise from across the pet
food industry to encourage cooperation
for the greater good of all members
companies.
“All of the companies are independent
– we’re not connected to each other,
but at every single stage of pet food
processing one of those companies is
involved,” he explains.
“If a company is starting from scratch
and they want to receive advice, they
can reach out to a single company or
they can reach out to the Pet Food
Competence Network. We can combine
our strengths and give the customer
a total solution from the beginning
through to packaging, distribution and
the logistics behind that.”
By combining knowhow and expertise
from across the industry, the Pet Food
Competence Network gives processors
the option of being able to speak to
professionals covering every area of
the production process, Lotgerink
Bruinenberg says. This cooperation, he
adds, often extends to trade exhibitions
where members of the network often
attend as a group, allowing companies
to visit all the member companies in
one go.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.jbtc.com
www.freshposition.com
www.petfoodcompetencenet.com
Safety and reliability are top priorities for pet owners when it comes to their
beloved animals. The increasing demand for premium quality, high flexibility
and limitless reliability is constantly presenting pet food producers with new
challenges!
Whether wet food in cups, cans, jars and thermoformed packaging or clipped
products, such as dog sausage and fresh pet food filled to the exact gram,
or snacks, such as filled and unfilled chews, treats, sticks or stripes:
VEMAG offers reliable solutions with flexible machine systems!
VEMAG: Boundless passion for YOUR solution!
vemag.com/pet-food · e-mail@vemag.de
Issue 2 2025
31

EVENTS
AI, Robotics, Sensor Technology
Raising Meat & Protein Processing
to New Heights at IFFA 2025
The meat and protein processing industry is facing major challenges. Pressure on prices, a wide range of products and
the ongoing shortage of skilled labor call for efficient working practices if the industry is to remain competitive globally.
Increasing automation and innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics represent potential solutions:
they can boost productivity and cut operating costs. Under the motto ‘Maximum Performance’, the world‘s leading trade fair
for the meat and protein processing industry, IFFA - Technology for Meat and Alternative Proteins, will show what is already
possible and demonstrate the course the industry needs to take in the future.
Automation is the name of the game in
many branches of industry: it not only
improves the performance of machines
and systems but also helps avoid
production interruptions and save energy
and materials. In the food industry, for
example, automatic product control
and traceability is virtually mandatory to
ensure a consistently high level of quality
and meet strict legal requirements. It is
also an ideal tool for tackling challenges
such as rising costs and the shortage of
skilled labor.
Process automation in the meat and
protein industry ranges from raw material
preparation with mixing and grinding, via
processing with portioning, filling and
moulding, as well as thermal processes
such as cooking and cooling, to automatic
packaging and intelligent logistics. In
many cases, however, the various process
stages and production lines are not
networked with each other, meaning that
data exchange is impossible and cannot
be used to optimise the various processes.
Fortunately, there is a remedy because
web-based process control systems such
as MES and ERP often consist of modular
software systems that can be retrofitted to
existing installations. Thus, the advantages
of a fully networked smart factory are
not just the preserve of new production
facilities.
The foundation of many automatic
processes is real-time data collection and
analysis. Modern sensors supply precise
information regarding temperature,
humidity, weight and pressure. For
example, temperature and humidity
sensors in cold stores are used to prevent
the temperature rising and thus avoid the
risk of contamination. Weight sensors
check the weight of each individual meat
Thanks to AI, robots can operate with greater autonomy and agility. Photo: Messe Frankfurt
product and ensure that the packaging
is in line with specifications. This not
only reduces the amount of material
used but also minimises waste and the
return rate. Another example is sensors
for monitoring the gas composition in
packaging, which ensures the desired
conditions are maintained at all times.
AI speeds up processing
In common with many other industries,
the introduction of artificial intelligence
(AI) is also transforming the meat and
protein industry and taking it to a new
level by enabling machines not only
to collect data from the various stages
of production but also to analyse and
deduce potential improvements from it. In
the event of disruptions in the production
process, AI can identify cause-and-effect
relationships and thus rectify problems
without stopping the production process
or prevent them occurring in the future.
This not only boosts efficiency but also
means higher levels of certainty for both
consumers and companies.
Industrial image recognition and processing
is also based on AI models that
have been trained for the application in
question. For example, it is used to sort
meat products in accordance with specific
criteria, such as size, shape and structure.
This reduces the employee‘s workload at
the same time as increasing precision.
Predictive maintenance is another area
of application. AI-aided systems monitor
machine status and predict downtimes so
that maintenance work is only carried out
when required. According to a McKinsey
study, predictive maintenance in the food
industry can reduce maintenance costs by
as much as 30 percent and increase plant
utilization by 20 percent.
Today, industrial robots are an established
feature in the food industry, especially in
32
Technology & Marketing

larger companies. Operating around the
clock, they can bring about considerable
gains in efficiency and productivity.
However, the dividing line between
conventional machines and those with
integrated robot technology is not clear
cut. It can be said, however, that industrial
robots are mainly used to perform
repetitive tasks, such as those typically
found in the meat processing industry,
for example cutting, portioning, packing,
wrapping, sorting, picking and placing.
AI, robotics and sensor technology boost
performance and accelerate the pace of
change The meat and protein processing
industry is on the cusp of radical change,
driven by the use of new technologies
such as AI, robotics and sensor technology.
These technologies are not only an opportunity
to automate processes and increase
efficiency but also to enhance product
quality and sustainability. Companies that
integrate these technologies at an early
stage are well prepared to ensure their
competitiveness on the global market.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.iffa.com
EVENTS
Trolley Mixer Novelty
The German soccer legend Sepp Herberger
once explained the quintessence of
the game with the words: “The round
thing must go into the square thing.” At
Seydelmann, the motto is now: It goes
round in the square.
The Trolley Mixer, presented for the first
time at IFFA 2025, enables products to be
mixed directly in industry-standard square
containers - the standard trolleys with 200l
or 300l capacity. Different mixing arms are
available for the machine, which either
gently standardize products, mix them in a
binding manner or knead them intensively.
These can be inserted without tools using
a quick-change system. A combination of
the movement of the rotating mixing arms
and the trolley itself makes it possible to
reach every angle in the angular trolley
and ensure that the entire mix is reliably
captured and mixed.
The use of a standard trolley as a mixing
container offers many advantages. There
is no need for time-consuming transfer.
Technology & Marketing
XXX
Downstream production machines, such
as fillers or portioners, can be loaded with
the same trolley using lifting and tipping
devices that are usually already in place. In
addition, standard trolleys are significantly
cheaper than the round mixing containers
of comparable machines and require
less storage space for the same internal
volume. The Trolley Mixer relies on the use
of existing equipment and thus contributes
to cost reduction in production.
For more information
www.seydelmann.com
IFFA
May 3-8
Frankfurt
Hall 8.0 Booth A06
PAD. 29 / STAND L39–L43
PROCESS
TECHNOLOGY
FOR PET FOOD
Explore inspiring concepts at Zoomark 2025! From premium
treats to innovative pet nutrition – our smart and connective
technologies for portioning, forming, dosing, and automation
set new standards. Visit us and shape the future of pet food!
Issue 2 2025
↗ HANDTMANN.COM/PETFOOD #WEAREHANDTMANN
33

EVENTS
Sophisticated Technology with
all-round Perfection
IFFA
May 3-8
Frankfurt
Hall 8.0 Booth D96
knife cover strip, the bowl scraper or the
large cleaning flaps in the vacuum bowl:
Hygienic Secure aves cleaning time every
day and ensures maximum hygiene safety.
From compact trade cutters to the
industrial vacuum cutter VCM 550,
the machines from K+G Wetter offer a
comprehensive overview of sophisticated
vacuum technology, efficient cooking
functions and many other clever cutter
features for all company sizes. K+G Wetter
also offers a wide range of grinders and
mixer grinders – from the small EW 114
mm electric grinder, to angle grinders and
mixer angle grinders with and without
loading, to the AW 280 industrial grinder.
The new WW 200 angle grinder will be at
IFFA as a flexible all-rounder for fresh and
frozen meat blocks.
Perfect hygiene is crucial in food
production. This makes it all the more
important that the machines used can be
cleaned quickly and easily – like the bowl
cutters of the Hygienic Secure series from
K+G Wetter. The new VCM 70 Hygienic
Secure shows that the sophisticated
features of these machines are not just for
large-scale industry: in a compact size, it
is equipped with everything needed to
quickly and perfectly clean the cutter after
use or before the next batch. Sloping and
hand-polished stainless-steel surfaces,
parts that can be removed without the
need for tools, such as the patented
Exit Conveyor for
Enhanced Efficiency
After the successful launch of the Yuran
Hytec 300 in 2024, FAM STUMABO will
release an additional version of this model
at the IFFA 2025 exhibition. The new
version builds on the success of the Yuran
Hytec 300, a versatile machine designed
to dice, strip-cut, and shred a wide variety
of meat, poultry, alternative protein and
petfood products. The Yuran Hytec 300
EC integrates an Exit Conveyor that brings
several advantages specifically for batch
processing.
“The innovative exit conveyor will help
capture the cut pieces effectively and
eliminate product loss or spillage,” explains
Thomas Bogaerts, Project Engineer
at FAM STUMABO. “The clearance between
the discharged cut product and
the integrated conveyor maintains
the quality required for even the most
sensitive applications. It will further
provide a more controlled discharge
due to a seamless transition and even
distribution of the cut product.”
Technology & Marketing
Flexible from vegan to pet food
Even with vegetarian and vegan food, the
machines from K+G Wetter have a decisive
effect on consistency and flavor. Vacuum
cutters demonstrate their strengths here:
the cooling effect of the vacuum protects
the vegetable proteins from denaturing
and, due to stronger soaking, longer
protein chains are formed.
When it comes to pet food, grinders are
in demand: processing raw materials
that contain bones and are frozen to -21
degrees presents a major challenge for
the machines used. The industrial grinders
from K+G Wetter perform these tasks day
after day for many hours. An investment
that pays off and reliably produces pet
food of the best quality.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.kgwetter.de
IFFA
May 3-8
Frankfurt
Hall 8.0 Booth D30
For more information
www.fam-stumabo.com
34
Technology & Marketing

EVENTS
Handtmann Showcases Technology
and Pet Food Innovations at IFFA
Handtmann will be exhibiting at IFFA 2025 in Hall 12.0, Stand C80, where they
will introduce the latest technologies spanning from product preparation
with mixing and grinding, to advanced processing technology for pumping,
conveying, portioning, twisting, forming, dosing, co-extruding, and separating,
all the way to product handling with weighing, feeding, and placing into
packaging solutions.
IFFA
May 3-8
Frankfurt
Hall 12.0 Booth C80
The exhibition will feature comprehensive
Handtmann Line Solutions
(HLS), tailored customer solutions from
Handtmann Customized Solutions
(HCS), as well as complementary
Handtmann Digital Solutions (HDS).
A highlight at the booth is a dosing
solution for precise and efficient
production processes, paired with the
Handtmann Dosing System DS 560 P. The
ZB 391 feed belt has been specifically
designed to automate and optimize
dosing processes with the Handtmann
Dosing System DS 560 P. It allows for the
reception and accurate positioning of
containers such as cans, cups, and jars
under the dosing system. This complete
solution enables medium-sized and
industrial operations in the sector of
pet food to efficiently process pasty and
chunky masses as well as liquid products
with inclusions. Typical applications
include pate, BARF, soups, and more
in cans. The solution is optimally
coordinated with defined interfaces,
centralized control, and a harmonized
safety concept. The short travel paths
allow for simultaneous filling of up to
eight containers, increasing production
output and reducing cycle times. Various
container shapes, sizes, and materials
are reliably handled—whether round,
square, or oval—providing the necessary
flexibility for changing production
requirements.
Technology & Marketing
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Discover our efficient solutions
03. - 08. May 2025
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Issue 2 2025
polyclip.com | Excellence in Clipping
35

PACKAGING
Sonoco Commits to Sustainable
Pet Care, Joins Pet Sustainability
Coalition
This strategic alliance underscores Sonoco's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, aligning
with PSC's mission to advance sustainability in the global pet industry.
Photo: Sonoco Europe
Sonoco Products Company is one of the
largest sustainable global packaging
companies, and has recently announced
its membership with the Pet Sustainability
Coalition (PSC), reinforcing its dedication
to sustainable packaging solutions within
the pet care industry. This strategic alliance
underscores Sonoco's commitment to
environmental stewardship and social
responsibility, aligning with PSC's mission
to advance sustainability in the global
pet industry. Sonoco's comprehensive
packaging solutions span flexible,
metal, thermoformed and rigid paper
container packaging, offering a versatile
range of products to cater to the diverse
requirements of the pet care industry.
As a new member of the PSC, Sonoco is
poised to collaborate with nearly 200
like-minded companies across the supply
chain to drive impactful sustainability
initiatives in the pet sector. The PSC,
founded in 2013, serves as a pivotal
platform for fostering collaborative
solutions to enhance social responsibility
and reduce environmental footprints
within the pet sector.
Sonoco’s entry into the PSC is a natural
progression of its commitment to
innovation in pet care packaging, backed
by in-house R&D and engineering
centers that ensure freshness, safety, and
convenience. With a focus on material
platforms for pet food and treat packaging,
Sonoco addresses both market needs
and the growing consumer demand for
sustainable packaging solutions.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sonoco to the
Pet Sustainability Coalition," expressed
Allison Reser, Director of Sustainability &
Innovation at PSC. "Packaging suppliers
play a critical role in the pet industry, and
we need companies like Sonoco to drive
innovation and sustainability in pet care
and food packaging. Partnerships and a
willingness to collaborate are invaluable
to create a future where the health of our
pets and the planet are in harmony.”
Sonoco's packaging offerings are tailored
to meet the diverse needs of the market
globally. In the United States, Sonoco
provides a comprehensive suite of
packaging solutions, including Flexible,
Metal, Thermoformed and Rigid Paper
Containers. Meanwhile, in Europe, the
focus today is on Metal and Rigid Paper
Containers, a testament to the company's
adaptability and customer-centric
approach.
Sonoco’s metal packaging offers twoand
three-piece steel can solutions and
are known for preserving the quality and
freshness of wet pet food, whilst its flexible
packaging options offer solutions that are
recyclable in the paper curbside stream
or through store drop-off programs and
incorporate recycled content.
Also, in North America and across
European markets Sonoco will continue
to focus on its rigid paper container
offerings, particularly the EnviroCan®,
which stands out as a specialty package
for premium dry pet food, treats, and
boutique pet products. The EnviroCan®
is a testament to Sonoco's innovation
in sustainable packaging, combining a
spiral-wound paperboard can structure
with a resealable lid to ensure product
freshness and durability during handling
and storage and ensure product integrity
from shelf to home.
Sonoco's membership with the PSC
goes beyond sustainable packaging,
reflecting a broader commitment to
investing in what's right for pets, people,
and communities. Through the Sonoco
Foundation, Sonoco is reinforcing its
motto, “Better Packaging, Better Life” by
partnering with the Darlington County
Humane Society and reshaping the
trajectory of animal welfare and education
in Hartsville, South Carolina. “At Sonoco,
our commitment to our pets extends
beyond innovation; it encompasses a
genuine passion for progress in animal
welfare. By providing sustainable packaging
solutions and empowering our
employees with the resources and
opportunities to give back, we strive
to create a meaningful impact on the
lives of pets and the communities we
serve.” Ernest Haynes, President, Sonoco
Metal Packaging Division. “Through this
new partnership with the PSC, Sonoco
reaffirms its promise to deliver not only
superior packaging solutions, but also
to contribute positively to the global
sustainability effort.”
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.sonocoeurope.com
36
Technology & Marketing

ARE YOU READY
TO BET THAT
OUR CARTONING
MACHINES RUN
FASTER THAN
YOUR PET?
Cama Group is a leading supplier of advanced secondary packaging systems in the pet food, continuously
investing in innovative solutions. www.camagroup.com
5-7 May 2025
Bologna - Italy
C02 - D07
27-30 May 2025
Milano - Italy
A17 - B18

PACKAGING
For Pets and the Planet:
Advancing Truly Sustainable
Pet Food Packaging
By Damien Maisonnial, Business Development Manager Pet Food, Mondi Consumer Flexibles
Pet food packaging is expected to meet a wide range of demanding criteria: it must preserve its contents’ freshness and
flavor for as long as possible, provide reliable protection during transport, communicate brand identity effectively – all
while complying with legal and sustainability standards and remaining cost-efficient. At Mondi, our MAP2030 sustainability
framework empowers teams across the business to develop circular packaging and paper solutions. In the following article,
Damien Maisonnial shares practical examples of how sustainable pet food packaging can be realised – from circular design
principles to cutting-edge retort stand-up pouches and other solutions developed at Mondi’s FlexStudios innovation hub.
Photos: Mondi
RetortPouch Recyclable
Changing expectations in the
pet food market
Around the world, pets are increasingly
regarded not just as animals, but as valued
members of the family. This cultural shift is
influencing every aspect of how we care
for pets– including what we feed them
and how that food is packaged.
Despite inflation and rising costs, many
pet owners are still willing to invest in
high-quality, nutritious foods for their
furry companions. And just like their
own diets, consumers are now applying
similar expectations to their pets’ food: it
must be healthy, responsibly sourced, and
sustainable across the entire supply chain.
Of course, sustainable sourcing and
production are only one part of the
equation. Transport, storage, packaging,
and shelf life are of equal importance when
it comes to ensuring that both wet and dry
pet food reaches consumers in optimal
condition. Selecting the right packaging
material is particularly challenging, as it
must strike a careful balance between
performance, appearance, sustainability,
and compliance with evolving legislation
– most notably the EU’s Packaging and
Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
“As Europe’s leading supplier of pet food
packaging, we’ve adopted a materialneutral
approach,” explains Damien
Maisonnial, Business Development
Manager Pet Food at Mondi Consumer
Flexibles. “Our extensive portfolio –
spanning paper-based, plastic, and
hybrid materials – combined with a
broad array of formats, allows us to meet
virtually every requirement, whether it’s
for dry food, wet food or treats.”
What pet food packaging
needs to deliver
Speaking of requirements: Pet food
packaging must deliver on numerous
fronts. For example, it often needs high
barrier properties, especially when
dealing with fatty or moist products
such as cat food or dog treats. Without
effective barriers, fats may leach through
the pack, or moisture and oxygen may
degrade the food’s quality and reduce
shelf life.
In the case of wet pet food, the
packaging must also withstand elevated
temperatures during sterilisation or
pasteurisation processes. Pasteurisation
typically involves exposure to temperatures
between 70°C and 100°C, while
sterilisation in autoclaves can exceed
120°C. These processes are essential to
ensure food safety and long shelf life,
but place significant demands on the
packaging material.
In addition to thermal resistance, the
packaging must also be mechanically
robust – capable of withstanding shocks,
compression and abrasion during transit,
storage, and everyday handling. Durability
is especially crucial in e-commerce
logistics, where protective shelving and
display conditions found in brick-andmortar
shops may be absent.
Visual presentation remains just as
important: printed information, branding,
and decoration must remain intact and
legible, even after repeated handling or
contact with other packs. Equally, the
packaging must offer excellent machine
runnability – a quality that can only be
optimised through close collaboration
between pet food producers and
packaging experts.
Mono-material innovation and
true circularity
From a sustainability perspective, one
of the most promising developments
in flexible plastic packaging is the
increasing viability of mono-material
structures. These materials are designed
for easier, more efficient recycling without
compromising performance.
“Thanks to significant advances in
materials science and converting
technology, we’re now able to achieve
excellent barrier properties with monomaterial
packaging,” says Maisonnial. “This
38
Technology & Marketing

PACKAGING
represents a major step forward, as it
enables true recyclability and helps keep
valuable materials in circulation.”
Recyclability in itself is not enough,
however. True circularity requires that
the material recovered from the recycling
process is of sufficiently high quality to
be used in the same type of packaging
again – not just downcycled into less
demanding applications. “Whenever
packaging is downcycled into lowervalue
products, the material’s potential is
effectively lost,” Maisonnial explains. “Our
goal is to enable closed-loop recycling,
where the material retains its value across
multiple lifecycles.”
Large formats, larger
challenges
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to
packaging. Multi-kilogram dry food packs
– while popular among cost-conscious
consumers for their value – introduce
a unique set of challenges. These large
formats need to be particularly durable
to handle rough treatment during
transportation, storage, and consumer
use. At the same time, they must remain
sustainable and resource-efficient.
In e-commerce especially, where
individual items are handled more
frequently and protective secondary
packaging is minimal or non-existent,
structural integrity becomes even more
critical. However, increasing material
usage to improve durability can conflict
with sustainability goals – especially if
extra materials are required.
That’s why intelligent packaging design
is so vital. It allows us to find a balance
between material efficiency and protective
performance, minimising environmental
impact without compromising
functionality.
FlexiBag Reinforced - mega pure green
One outstanding example is Mondi’s
collaboration with mera, a family-run pet
food company based in Germany.
For mera’s 10kg packs of vegan dry dog
food, Mondi developed the FlexiBag
Reinforced – a recyclable, high-strength
solution made from mono-PE. The bag
incorporates 35% chemically recycled
post-consumer content, certified under
ISCC Plus, and is fully compatible with
mera’s existing filling lines. This means the
transition to a more sustainable solution
An alliance of specialists
Four specialists.
A symphony of efficiency.
Smart end-of-line packaging machines and transport
systems, combined with professional project management
and clever planning – united in perfect harmony.
+49 (0) 9481 942 13 0 eol.group
Issue 2 2025
39

PACKAGING
“It’s vital that businesses in the pet food
sector act now to ensure their packaging
is ready to meet the new requirements,”
says Maisonnial. “At Mondi, we’re actively
supporting our partners to adapt –
providing tailored, regulation-compliant
solutions that are both practical and
sustainable.”
The power of retort pouches
Innovation in retort packaging has been
a game changer for the wet pet food
sector. Retort pouches offer an excellent
combination of long shelf life, product
protection, and convenience – and now,
thanks to advances in mono-material
technology, they can be recyclable too.
Mondi’s RetortPouch range has already
seen considerable uptake in the European
market.
Photo: Mondi
Group Com re loop FlexiBag Product in use
could be made with minimal disruption to
operations.
Preparing for the PPWR
The European Union’s PPWR, which
came into force on 11 February 2025, has
ushered in a new era of environmental
responsibility for the packaging industry.
The regulation introduces tighter rules for
all types of packaging, including pet food
formats, with key milestones over the
coming years:
• From 2026, new limits for per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will
apply to all packaging in direct contact
with food.
• From January 2030, only packaging
that is classed as recyclable will be allowed
on the EU market – formats that cannot be
recycled will be banned.
• By 2030, plastic packaging must
contain a certain amount of recycled
material. For contact-sensitive packaging
made from non-PET materials, this means
a minimum of 10% post-consumer
recycled content.
• Packaging design must also avoid
excess – weight and volume must be kept
to the absolute minimum required to
ensure functionality.
“Every year, approximately 280,000
tonnes of wet pet food are packaged in
our mono-material retort pouches across
Europe – enough to feed more than seven
million cats,” says Maisonnial.
Mondi’s vertically integrated value
chain plays a crucial role. With in-house
capabilities for everything from film production
and coating to pouch converting,
the company ensures quality, consistency,
and traceability throughout the process.
“Importantly, our re/cycle RetortPouch
is compatible with existing filling
equipment, enabling speeds of up to 400
pouches per minute,” Maisonnial adds.
“That means our customers don’t need to
invest in new machinery to benefit from
more sustainable packaging.”
These pouches also offer strong
protection against light, oxygen, and
moisture – key factors in maintaining
flavour and quality. Their optimised shape
reduces material use without sacrificing
functionality or shelf appeal. Additionally,
versions made with ISCC Plus-certified
chemically recycled content are already
available for customers looking to further
boost circularity.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.mondi.com
40
Technology & Marketing

Zoomark Welcomes the
Incredible Dr. Pol
MARKETING
A Landmark Collaboration for Pet & Animal Care!
A special guest at Zoomark
2025 on May 5 th and 6 th 2025
Zoomark is delighted to announce the
exclusive attendance of Dr. Jan Pol, the
world-renowned veterinarian and star of
National Geographic’s hit TV series The
Incredible Dr. Pol, in collaboration with
Belgian company, Mijten NV, a familyowned
animal nutrition specialist with
over 85 years of experience in developing
high-quality feed for pets and livestock.
As a leading international trade show
for pet food and pet care professionals,
Zoomark is committed to bringing
industry experts, innovators, and
passionate pet lovers together.
Dr. Pol’s presence at Zoomark 2025 in
BolognaFiere, Italy, on May 5 th and 6 th
2025, marks an exciting opportunity to
connect with one of the most trusted
voices in veterinary medicine worldwide.
This will also be a unique chance to
discover the brand-new Dr. Pol pet food
and chicken feed lines developed by Dr.
Pol and Mijten. Debuting for the first time
exclusively at Zoomark, these premium
dog and cat foods and chicken feeds are
manufactured in Europe for European
consumers.
"We are excited to collaborate with
Dr. Pol and Mijten, whose lifelong
commitment to animal welfare aligns
perfectly with our mission to promote
excellence in the pet care industry. We
are happy to help bring his expertise
and vision to the European market," says
Pascale Sonvico, Show Office and Sales
Manager of Zoomark.
Strengthening the Pet Care
Industry
Dr. Pol’s visit to ZOOMARK marks the
exciting expansion of his premium
pet food line into the European
market. In partnership with Mijten, a
leading Belgian manufacturer of highquality
animal nutrition, the Dr. Pol
brand is bringing its science-backed,
veterinarian-influenced nutrition to pets
and farm animals across Europe.
"I am excited to be at Zoomark 2025
to meet industry professionals, animal
lovers and partners who share my
passion for animal health and wellbeing.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in
the health and longevity of animals,
and I am thrilled to introduce our highquality,
affordable feed products to the
European market," says Dr. Pol.
Technology & Marketing
Photo: Zoomark
Meet & Greet with Dr. Pol
Zoomark attendees and international
press will have the chance to meet Dr.
Pol in person at the Mijten booth, Hall
19, Stand B47 – C48, during the following
times:
• Monday, May 5th, from 1:30 PM to
3:30 PM
• Tuesday, May 6th, from 10:00 AM to
12:00 PM
This is a unique occasion for fans, media,
and industry professionals to engage with
one of the most beloved vets in the world,
take exclusive pictures and learn more
about his mission to enhance animal care.
About Dr. Pol
With over 50 years in veterinary medicine,
Dr. Pol is more than just a television star
or product line. In fact, the brand story
goes back to 1954 when 12-year old Jan
Pol helped deliver a litter of piglets on
his family’s dairy farm in the Netherlands.
From that day on, Jan’s singular focus
and passion has been to care for animals.
After graduating from Utrecht University
as a veterinarian, Dr. Pol immigrated to
the United States with his wife, Diane.
After ten years of practice, he moved to
Weidman, Michigan and founded Pol
Veterinary Services. With a down-to-
earth, practical approach to veterinary
medicine, Dr. Pol grew his practice and
has devoted his life to caring for the
pets, livestock, and animals of farmers
and pet owners. Dr. Pol continues
his work today, caring for animals,
advocating for affordable pet care,
and bringing products to consumers
designed to support overall health
at affordable prices- because Dr. Pol’s
favorite animal is a healthy animal.
Watch The Incredible Dr. Pol in 180
countries around the world on National
Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu.
Issue 2 2025
41

MARKETING
Mars Announces Appointment of
Two Regional Presidents
Deri Watkins has been appointed to Regional President, Pet Nutrition Developed Asia Pacific
(APAC).
Paolo Rigamonti has been appointed to Regional President, Pet Nutrition Europe
Both commenced their roles on 1st March, to continue driving Mars Pet
Nutrition’s category leadership globally.
Mars, Incorporated announces the
appointments of two Regional Presidents
for its Pet Nutrition division. Following
five and a half years leading Pet Nutrition
Europe, Deri Watkins has been appointed
Regional President, Pet Nutrition
Developed Asia Pacific (APAC). Whilst the
previous General Manager of Pet Nutrition
UK, Ireland & Nordics, Paolo Rigamonti,
has been appointed Regional President,
Pet Nutrition Europe. Both commenced
their new roles on 1st March.
During his role as Regional President,
Pet Nutrition Europe, Watkins steered
the business through some of the most
challenging times in recent history. He
successfully navigated the impacts of the
COVID pandemic and the subsequent
Supply Chain shortages. In addition to
the many pets and pet parents served
during his time in the role, Deri played
an instrumental part in supporting the
business’ sustainability efforts, such
as driving partnerships to support the
regenerative agricultural transition across
the European pet food Supply Chain.
Speaking on his new role, Watkins said:
“I’ve really enjoyed my time leading Pet
Nutrition across the European region and
seeing what we’ve achieved as a business
for the pets and pet parents we serve. I feel
fortunate to have worked with so many
talented colleagues for over 20 years at
Mars, and I look forward to
meeting and working with
many more of our dedicated
Associates in my new role.”
Paolo Rigamonti has led
Pet Nutrition UK since 2022,
expanding to lead the UK,
Ireland and the Nordics cluster
in 2024. Passionate about driving
both performance and a people
and purpose-driven business, in his role,
Rigamonti championed rights for pet
owners, securing progress in providing
more pet-friendly tenancy options in the
UK through Pet Nutrition’s Better Cities for
Pets programme.
Speaking on his new role, Rigamonti said:
“I’m really excited to lead the truly diverse
European region in my new position,
working in close partnership with our
customers to meet the needs of pets and
pet parents. Deri has done an excellent
job of leading this region for the last five
and a half years, and I’m looking forward
to continuing this progress, accelerating
our goal to be the most pet parent centric
organisation in the world.”
Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet
Nutrition, said: "I’m thrilled to welcome
Deri and Paolo to their new roles. They
are exceptional leaders with a passion for
people, pets and pet parents. Their diverse
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.mars.com
Paolo Rigamonti,
Regional President,
Pet Nutrition Europe
Deri Watkins,Regional President,
Pet Nutrition Developed Asia Pacific (APAC)
experience across geographies will be
invaluable as they work alongside key
retailers and partners to continue growing
and leading the petcare category as we
accelerate our ambition to transform the
pet parent experience and deliver our
purpose: A Better World for Pets."
Mars believes pets make the world a
better place and is inspired to deliver on
its Petcare purpose: A BETTER WORLD
FOR PETS – a world where they’re healthy,
happy and welcome.
Photo: Mars
About Mars, Incorparated
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the
belief that the world we want tomorrow
starts with how we do business today.
As a $50bn+ family-owned business,
our diverse and expanding portfolio
of leading pet care products and
veterinary services support pets all
around the world and our quality
snacking and food products delight
millions of people every day. We
produce some of the world’s bestloved
brands including ROYAL CANIN®,
PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®,
EXTRA®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S
ORIGINAL. Our international networks
of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD,
BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA
span preventive, general, specialty,
and emergency veterinary care, and
our global veterinary diagnostics
business ANTECH® offers breakthrough
capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars
Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility,
Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom —
inspire our 150,000 Associates to act
every day to help create a better world
for people, pets and the planet.
42
Technology & Marketing

Interzoo 2026 – Exhibitor
Registration Already Started
by Stefanie Klinge-Engelhardt, WZF
MARKETING
The new Interzoo trade fair year begins: From 18 March, companies from the pet supplies industry have been able to
register quickly and easily for Interzoo 2026 (12 to 15 May 2026) using the online exhibitor portal. Companies planning their
presentation at the world’s leading fair for the pet supplies industry in good time can benefit from a choice of preferred stand
locations until 31 May 2025.
Photo: Interzoo
In 2024, international interest in Interzoo
was at an all-time high: 2,150 exhibitors
from 68 countries came to Nuremberg to
showcase their latest products, services
and innovations for pets. “The last event
didn’t just meet exhibitor expectations; it
surpassed them,” explains Gordon Bonnet.
The Managing Director of Interzoo
organiser WZF GmbH – Pet Industry
Services is convinced that in the coming
year too “companies from our industry
participating in the fair will benefit greatly
from this most important innovation and
networking platform for the international
pet supplies industry and make promising
business contacts.”
Dr Rowena Arzt, Exhibition Director
stresses: “Trade fairs continue to be the
most important B2B marketplaces, so
companies that network globally and
export widely will have the edge.
The countdown to Interzoo 2026 is
now beginning with the opening of the
registration portal for exhibitors. The 39th
round of the leading international fair will
again use almost all the available halls.
Exhibitors can book their stands quickly
and easily in the digital registration
portal on the Interzoo website. The
NürnbergMesse event team is available
to answer any questions about the
registration process and can help
companies achieve a successful trade fair
appearance.
“From 12 to 15 May 2026, the next
Interzoo will once again provide the
international pet supplies industry with an
exhibition that is unique worldwide and
offers a supporting programme tailored
to the latest issues affecting the sector,
innovative special display areas like the
Fresh Ideas Stage, and networking events,”
says Dr Rowena Arzt.
Technology & Marketing
For more information
www.interzoo.com
Issue 2 2025
43

LAST PAGE
Upcoming Events
May 3-8, 2025
IFFA Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany
www.iffa.messefrankfurt.com
August 23-24, 2025
IIPTF
Dehli, India
www.iiptf.in
May 5-7, 2025
Zoomark
Bologna, Italy
www.zoomark.it
July 7-11, 2025
10th Annual Extruded Pet Foods & Treats
College Station,Texas, USA
foodscience.tamu.edu
July 13-16, 2025
IFT first
Chicago, Illinois, USA
www.iftevent.org
September 5-7 2025
IIPE
Jakarta, Indonesia
www.iipe.merebo.com
September 16-18, 2025
Victam LatAm
São Paulo, Brasil
www.victamlatam.com/en-us/
September 23-25, 2025
Fachpack
Nuremberg, Germany
www.fachpack.de
International Magazine May 2025 ISSN 2628-5851
Technology & Marketing 2/25
Preview September 2025
Vegetables, Hydrocolloids, Meat alternatives
Extrusion, Quality Management, Sorting
Labelling, Logistics, Pouches
Fachpack Preview
… and lots more!
Ingredients: Plant-based Pet Food, Fatty Acids, Probiotics and Postbiotics, Microbial Protein
Processing: Innovative Heat Treatment, Minimizing Incorrect Measurement Results
Marketing: Fi Europe 2024, Zoomark 2025, Interzoo 2025, Green Lifestyle
Adobe # 1026070157
Impressum
ISSN 2628-5851
Technology & Marketing
Publishing Company:
Dr. Harnisch Publications
Eschenstraße 25
90441 Nuremberg, Germany
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-0
Fax: +49-(0)-911-2018-100
E-mail: food@harnisch.com
Internet: www.petfoodpro-mag.com
www.harnisch.com
Editor-in-Chief: Ian Healey
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-215
E-mail: ihealey@harnisch.com
Publisher: Benno Keller
International Communications:
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Editorial Team:
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Sabrina Maasberg, Tanya Culley
Digital: Britta Steinberg
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Graphic Designer: Sabine Krauss
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Technical Manager: Armin König
Technical Manager: Armin König
Advertising: Sabrina Maasberg
Advertising: Sabrina Maasberg
Tel: +49-(0)-911-2018-245
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E-mail: maasberg@harnisch.com
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Subscriptions: Marta Bletek-Gonzalez
Subscriptions: Marta Bletek-Gonzalez
Subscription Information:
Subscription Information:
Qualified Readers, executives in the food industry, are put on the
Qualified Readers, executives in the food industry, are put on the
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Annual subscription 2020 (4 issues) – € 44 (Domestic)/€ 52
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Printed by:
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Copyright © 2025
by Dr. Harnisch Verlag, Nuremberg, Germany
Adobe # 251085041
44
Technology & Marketing

Celebrating
15 Years of
GROWING
Pet Industry
T Mai Aum
LARGEST EXHIBITION ON AQUARIUMS
LAST PAGE
India International
Pet Trade Fair
23 rd and 24 th
August 2025
9.00 AM to
6.00 PM
Hall No. 6, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
YOUR
BOOK STALL
NOW
Concurrent Show
6th
The Magic of Aquarium
LARGEST EXHIBITION ON AQUARIUMS
Issue 2 2025
+91-82877 68466 | info@iiptf.in www.iiptf.in
3

Make Foods and Treats
that Pets Love to Eat
Pet food producers globally trust Wenger for extrusion cooking solutions – such as the new PetFLEX system -
to create nutritious, delicious products that healthy pets love.
Make traditional kibble, high fresh meat products, grain-free products, and limited ingredient diets all from one
machine. Find out more about PetFLEX at Wenger.com
PFX-3000