dsm-firmenich at Fi Europe 2024: Shaping the future of pet nutrition

dsm-firmenich was proud to be part of history by showcasing our pet food expertise at this year’s Fi Europe in Frankfurt. For the first time, the renowned food innovation event included a dedicated pet food area – a testament to the growing recognition of pets as beloved family members. Let's take a closer look at the key highlights from this event.

Petfood News

Driving innovation and earning recognition

Central to our product showcase at Fi Europe was Veramaris® Pets, a sustainable, EPA and DHA omega-3 oil that safeguards pet health while preserving marine ecosystems. This ingredient has no impact on marine ecosystems and contains 60% EPA and DHA – making it the most potent source of EPA and DHA omega-3s available for cats and dogs.

We were honored that Veramaris® Pets was shortlisted for the inaugural Petfood Innovation category of the Fi Europe Innovation Awards. Although we didn’t win the top prize, being recognized among the best highlights our leadership in advancing sustainable and nutritious pet food.

Spotlight on pet food trends

Alongside the latest developments in food ingredients for humans, Fi Europe offered a deep dive into the trends shaping the pet food industry. Simply by having the two sectors side-by-side highlighted the growing impact of humanization, whereby pet products increasingly mirror human food preferences.

Sustainability takes center stage

As sustainability becomes non-negotiable, pet food makers are exploring novel solutions, including upcycled ingredients and alternative proteins like insect meal, seaweed and algae. Manufacturers are helping to drive this movement, using upcycled ingredients to minimize waste while providing sustainable and nutritious options for pets. One standout innovation for alternative protein at the show was a textured mealworm solution - a sustainable and nutrient-dense alternative to traditional meat - alongside our own Veramaris® Pets ingredient, which enables pet food producers to access consistent, reliable and scalable omega-3s without impacting global fish stocks.

The rise of human-grade pet food

The boundary between human and pet nutrition is blurring as pet owners demand premium-quality ingredients akin to those in their own diets. There is a new consideration on the horizon for manufacturers – we know that pets can’t enjoy all of the same foods we do, but would their food be good enough for us to eat? This trend emphasizes transparency, rigorous quality standards and an enhanced focus on improving pets’ overall well-being. It also highlights a significant transformation in how pet food is perceived and produced.

Gut health gains prominence

Much like in human wellness, gut health is a growing priority in pet nutrition. Products designed to enhance digestion and support a balanced microbiome are rapidly gaining traction. A notable innovation that was showcased at the event was a new soluble prebiotic fiber, which bolsters digestive health and overall vitality for pets.

A forward-looking perspective for pet health

Fi Europe 2024 demonstrated that the pet food sector is thriving, fueled by innovation and a shared vision for sustainability. dsm-firmenich remains committed to leading this transformation by delivering science-backed, sustainable solutions that cater to the needs of pets and their families.

Learn more about omega-3s in pet nutrition or explore our full range of pet food ingredients.