The latest award winners in the pet industry

A new wave of industry awards is highlighting leading performers across the global pet sector, spanning retail, export strength and product innovation. GlobalPETS takes a look at the latest developments.

Retail

Maxi Zoo France has been named “Favorite Brand of the French 2026” in the pet retail category by the global strategy consulting firm EY-Parthenon. The annual study surveys 12,000 French consumers, generating over 70,000 opinions across 213 brands in 19 sectors.

According to the organization, of the 19 sectors evaluated, only 2 had new winners compared to 2024: pet shops were one of them, as Maxi Zoo surpassed Zooplus.

Export

Turkish pet food manufacturer Lider Pet Food secured first place in the cat and dog food category at the “Stars of Export Awards” for the second consecutive year. The celebration is organized by the Aegean Exporters’ Association, covering grain, legume, oilseed and processed products. Established in 1940, it represents 1,198 member firms.

Pet food producer and retailer KIKA Group received the “Lithuanian Export Prize 2025” from the Association of Lithuanian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (ALCCIC), recognizing companies that expand export markets and strengthen their international presence.

Innovation and sustainability

CeramiFlow, a ceramic battery-operated water fountain by Illinois-based pet retailer PawsPik, was named a global honoree at the 2026 Global Innovation Awards (GIA) for Excellence in Product Design, in the pet products category. The awards are hosted by the International Housewares Association (IHA).

Meanwhile, pet care startup PetPax secured the $25,000 (€23,000) grand prize at the annual pitch competition of the 2026 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize. The Boston-headquartered company develops supplement solutions designed to support pet health and nutrition.

The company had already received the same amount of funding, along with mentorship from Purina and Active Capital, as part of the Pet Care Innovation Prize program after it was selected from more than 200 global applicants.

French insect producer Innovafeed was named a laureate of the Impact40 index for the third consecutive year. The recognition is part of the Impact 40/120 index by Impact France and French business newspaper Les Echos, which highlights 120 of the most promising impact- driven startups in France, including 40 future unicorns.

The index spans companies developing solutions across sectors such as agriculture and food, healthcare, and energy and mobility.