EPO “Meet and Greet” at Interzoo, in the Interzoo Daily, Issue 4
Published on
27/11/18
Latest news
EPO President to Speak at CIPIC 2026 in Guangzhou, China
The European Pet Organization (EPO) will participate in the 2nd CIPS International Pet Industry Convention (CIPIC), taking place on 11 November 2026 in Guangzhou, China, ahead of the 30th China International Pet Show (CIPS 2026). EPO will be represented by its President, Svein A. Fosså, who has been invited to contribute as a speaker to this year's convention, held under the theme “Renewal 2026 – Toward Shared Growth.” As part of the programme, Svein will deliver a presentation entitled “The Changing Regulatory Environment in Europe: Implications for the Global Pet Sector.” His contribution will focus on the evolving European regulatory landscape affecting the pet sector and the implications of EU policy developments for the international pet industry. European legislation increasingly addresses issues of direct relevance to the pet sector, including animal welfare, responsible pet keeping, animal sourcing and trade. These developments have implications extending beyond the EU market, making international dialogue and cooperation particularly important. EPO's participation will provide an opportunity to share the European pet sector's perspective on these developments and highlight the importance of science-based, proportionate and practical regulatory approaches that safeguard animal welfare while supporting responsible pet keeping, sustainable trade and the future of the sector. Beyond his contribution to CIPIC, Svein A. Fosså will also participate in activities during CIPS 2026, taking place from 12 to 15 November in Guangzhou, including further speaking engagements and his role as a member of the international jury for the CIPS Innovation Award. Through its participation in CIPIC and CIPS 2026, EPO aims to strengthen its engagement with international stakeholders, promote exchanges on regulatory developments and reinforce cooperation across the global pet sector. Presentation details Event: 2nd CIPS International Pet Industry Convention (CIPIC) Date: 11 November 2026 Time: 15:55–16:25 Speaker: Svein A. Fosså, President of EPO Presentation: The Changing Regulatory Environment in Europe: Implications for the Global Pet Sector Venue: Conference Hall 8, Area B, China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China
22/10/26
EPO at the International Pet Conference 2026: Responsible Animal Sourcing & the Future of the Pet Industry
EPO was pleased to participate in the International Pet Conference 2026, held in Copenhagen on 13–14 October, bringing together leading representatives from across the international pet industry to exchange views on the sector's challenges, opportunities and future. EPO was represented by its President, Svein A. Fosså, and Secretary General, Nathalie Gamain, who contributed to the conference programme on 13 October through a dedicated session entitled “Responsible Animal Sourcing: Securing the Future of the Pet Industry”. Addressing an audience of approximately 160 industry representatives, including manufacturers, distributors and retailers, Svein A. Fosså highlighted a fundamental message: the future of the pet industry depends on the animals themselves. His presentation emphasised the importance of ensuring a sustainable supply of responsibly sourced animals and preserving the diversity of species that people can responsibly keep as pets. These considerations are essential not only for animal welfare but also for the long-term sustainability of the entire pet sector. The presentation was followed by a moderated discussion involving both the EPO President and Secretary General, providing an opportunity to highlight EPO's role in representing the interests of the European pet sector at EU level, particularly in the context of evolving European legislation and policy discussions affecting pet keeping and the trade in pet animals. The session also underlined the importance of responsible, science-based and proportionate approaches to animal welfare, sourcing and pet keeping, while ensuring that the sector remains actively involved in shaping its own future. Beyond its contribution to the conference programme, EPO's participation provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with industry representatives, exchange perspectives on shared challenges and further strengthen cooperation across the international pet community. EPO warmly thanks the International Pet Conference organisers, PETworldwide and Dähne Verlag, for the invitation and the excellent organisation of this year's event. EPO remains committed to ensuring that the European pet sector has a strong and informed voice in discussions shaping its future, recognising that responsibly sourced animals and responsible pet keeping are at the very heart of a sustainable pet industry. Credit photo: Thomas Goetz
16/10/26
EPO Board Meets to Review Priorities and Activities for the Months Ahead
On September 17th, 2026, EPO held its latest Board meeting online, bringing together all EPO Board members to review the organisation’s ongoing activities and discuss priorities for the months ahead. The meeting provided an important opportunity to take stock of EPO’s work and exchange on current developments affecting the European pet sector. Discussions also focused on EPO’s upcoming activities, membership and partnerships, as well as the organisation’s continued engagement on key EU policy and regulatory files. Regular exchanges within the Board form an important part of EPO’s governance, helping to ensure strategic alignment and close coordination as the organisation continues to strengthen the representation of the pet sector at European level. The meeting brought together EPO’s full Board: Svein A. Fosså (NZB) – President Gerrit Hofstra (Dibevo) – Vice-President Andreas Popper (WKO) – Vice-President Frédéric Amblard (PRODAF) – Vice-President Volker Ennenbach (ZZF) – Treasurer The current Board composition reflects the appointments and renewals agreed at EPO’s 2026 AGM, when Svein A. Fosså and Gerrit Hofstra were reappointed and Volker Ennenbach was elected Treasurer.
17/09/26
EPO to Participate in CIPS 2026 in Guangzhou
The European Pet Organization (EPO) is pleased to announce its participation in the 30th edition of the China International Pet Show (CIPS), which will take place in Guangzhou, China, from 12 to 15 November 2026. As one of the major international meeting points for the global pet industry, CIPS brings together professionals, companies and stakeholders from across the world and provides an important platform for international dialogue, networking and exchange on the developments shaping the future of the pet sector. EPO will be represented at CIPS 2026 by its President, Svein A. Fosså, who has been invited to contribute to several parts of the event programme, as speaker to both the International Pet Industry Convention (CIPIC) and CIPS 2026, while also joining as member the international jury of the CIPS Innovation Award – Small & Exotic Pets Category At a time when the pet sector is increasingly interconnected globally, EPO considers international exchanges of this kind particularly important. They provide opportunities to share expertise, better understand developments across different markets and build stronger links between sector organisations and stakeholders. EPO looks forward to participating in CIPS 2026 and to engaging with colleagues and partners from around the world in Guangzhou this November.
14/09/26