FEDIAF Annual Congress 2026
“Future-Ready Pet Food: Policy, Innovation and Consumers for the Next Decade.”
10th June 2026 – 14:00-17:30 – Cardo Hotel, Brussels (Belgium)
Bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, and stakeholders from across the pet food value chain, this year’s Congress will explore the overarching theme: “Future-Ready Pet Food: Policy, Innovation and Consumers for the Next Decade.”
At a time when the European pet food sector is navigating rapid technological progress, evolving consumer expectations, and an increasingly complex regulatory environment, the Congress will provide a platform for forward-looking discussion on how to ensure the sector remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with EU policy developments.
Programme
14:00 – 14:15
Opening & Welcome
The FEDIAF Presidency will open the conference with a strategic address speaking on behalf of an industry that feeds hundreds of millions of pets across Europe and plays a significant role in the continent’s agricultural, manufacturing, and innovation landscape. The address will give voice to concerns shared across the sector: regulatory frameworks struggling to keep pace with scientific progress, lengthy approval pathways for safe and innovative ingredients, and a global competitive environment in which Europe must move faster and more decisively.
SPEAKER
FEDIAF President
14:15-15:15
SESSION 1 The Future of Pet Food: Innovation and Regulation, Moving Forward Together?
As the pet food industry accelerates toward a new generation of ingredients, formulations, and production methods, this session asks a critical question: can innovation and regulation move forward together? Senior voices from EU institutions, industry associations, and pioneering manufacturers explore feed additives, novel ingredients, and whether the EU’s approval pathways are fit for the decade ahead.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Claire Bury – Deputy Director General, DG SANTE, European Commission
PANEL DISCUSSION
Claire Bury – Deputy Director General, DG SANTE, European Commission
David John – Regulatory Director, FEFANA
Matthew Elliott – Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Mars Petcare
Owen Ensor – CEO, Meatly
Format: Keynote address → Panel discussion → Interactive Q&A
15:15 – 15:30
Sponsor Impact Presentation
15:30 – 16:00
Networking Coffee Break
16:00 – 17:15
SESSION 2 The European Consumer of 2030 and beyond
Who will be buying pet food in 2030 and what will they expect? As Gen Z and Gen Alpha emerge as the dominant consumer cohort, their relationship with pets, brands, and purchasing decisions is redefining the rules of engagement. This session examines the premium vs. value tension, the accelerating influence of digital platforms, AI-driven personalisation, and new standards of brand transparency — and asks what it will take for companies to genuinely future-proof their consumer relationships.
SPEAKERS
Herman Konings – Trend Analyst & Consumer Psychologist
Liseth Galvis-Corfe – Consultant, Euromonitor
Maud Hua-Bulteau – Consumer Insights Lead , Nestlé Purina
Format: Presentations → Interactive Q&A
17:10 – 17:25
Closing Remarks: 2030 and Beyond
Final synthesis and official close of the event.
Meet the speakers
Registration
FEDIAF members have received a dedicated registration link through internal communication channels to confirm their participation.
Non-FEDIAF members and other stakeholders are also welcome to attend and can register using the following link: Registration: FEDIAF Annual Congress 2026 – Fill out form.
Deadline for Registrations: 29 May 2026
Please note that registration does not guarantee participation, as places are limited. Confirmed participants will be notified approximately one week before the event.