Pet İzmir 2026 opens: Pet food exports grow 33-fold in 11 years

WISE NEWS PRESS / IZMIR, TURKIYE

The 9th International İzmir Pet Products, Materials, and Accessories Suppliers Exhibition (PET İZMİR 2026), Turkey's largest event in the pet industry, officially opened its doors at fuarizmir in Gaziemir with a grand ceremony attended by industry leaders and international representatives. Bringing together sector professionals from five continents, the fair highlights the meteoric rise of the Turkish pet food sector, which has seen its export volume grow 33-fold over the past 11 years, surpassing $150 million.

The opening ceremony was attended by Muhammet Öztürk, Chairman of the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters' Association; Selami Özpoyraz, Chairman of the İzmir Chamber of Commerce (İZTO) Council; Meltem Akın, Chairperson of PETBİR (Cat and Dog Food Manufacturers Association); Aykut Karslı, General Manager of Tema Fair Organization; and numerous industry professionals and pet lovers. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until January 11, providing a strategic platform for global networking and trade.

Record Growth in Pet Food Exports

Muhammet Öztürk, Chairman of the Aegean Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Products Exporters' Association, delivered an inspiring speech at the opening, emphasizing that the association is closely monitoring the industry's significant leap in international trade. Öztürk shared that the global pet food market reached a staggering volume of approximately $28 billion by the end of 2025, and Turkey has secured a vital position within this growth.

"The pet food sector in our country has gained incredible momentum," Öztürk stated. "Our export volume, which stood at a mere $4.5 million in 2014, has increased 33-fold to reach $150 million in 2025. As of the end of last year, we successfully exported cat and dog food to 112 different countries. We are working with all our strength not only to increase these numbers but also to penetrate new markets."

The Strategic Power of the Aegean Region

A significant portion of this success is centered in the Aegean region. According to Öztürk, out of the $150 million in total exports achieved in 2025, $93 million was generated by companies based in the Aegean area. The number of firms entering the sector continues to grow daily, further solidifying the region's dominance.

To support this development, the association has launched a clustering project (URGE) supported by the Ministry of Trade, bringing together 14 leading companies. "Under this project, we offer 75% state-supported training, consultancy, sectoral trade delegations, and fair participation opportunities to increase the international competitiveness of our firms," Öztürk added. The association is hosting visitors and participants throughout the fair at stand B-162 to demonstrate this ongoing support.

İzmir: A Global Hub for Pet Products

Aykut Karslı, General Manager of Tema Fair Organization, emphasized that PET İzmir 2026 showcases the industry's strength to the entire world. He pointed out that 80% of dry pet food production in Turkey is carried out in the Aegean region, which provides a massive logistical and production advantage for the city of İzmir.

"We have been announcing the strength of İzmir and the Aegean region to industry representatives worldwide through Pet İzmir for years," Karslı said. "The number of factories and companies is increasing every day, and we will continue to provide this platform to further boost our global presence."

A Bridge to Innovative Visions

Meltem Akın, Chairperson of PETBİR, expressed pride in participating in such a prestigious event. She described the fair not just as a place to display products, but as a platform to announce the industry's R&D power, innovative vision, and sectoral unity to the world.

"This fair will act as a bridge that carries our association and our sector much further through the collaborations established and the experiences shared here," Akın noted. The event serves as a vital meeting point for five continents, facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas and the formation of new business partnerships.

Pet İzmir 2026 serves as a testament to Turkey's rapidly evolving manufacturing capabilities and its ability to meet international standards in the pet care sector. As the fair continues through January 11, it is expected to set new records in visitor numbers and trade agreements, further pushing the Turkish pet food industry toward its multi-million dollar export goals for the coming decade.

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