Transitions and mergers reshape pet trade associations

Major trade associations representing the pet industry in Brazil and the US recently announced corporate changes. GlobalPETS takes a look. 

Pet Food Institute

Pet Food Institute (PFI) President and CEO Dana Brooks has announced her resignation after serving 7 years in the role. Brooks will remain in the post while PFI searches for her successor.

“I am fortunate to continue my work through April 2026 in guiding PFI and advancing the interests of our members to help cats and dogs live long and healthy lives, even as we plan for the transition to new leadership,” she says.

Prior to joining PFI, Brooks held senior leadership roles in several organizations within the pet and agriculture sectors, including Land O’Lakes, Elanco Animal Health, the National Milk Producers Federation and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The institute has established a board search committee and will work in partnership with an executive search firm to guide the process. For over 60 years, the PFI has represented pet food makers across 34 states in the US.

American Feed Industry Association

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)’s President and CEO Constance Cullman has been unanimously elected by the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF) as chair for 2026–2027 in Rome, Italy. Cullman will succeed Ruud Tijssens, who served as chair from 2022 to 2025.

“It is a privilege to work alongside our members to advance sustainable, science-based solutions for the global feed and food,” says Cullman “Together, we will continue to strengthen IFIF’s voice and impact on behalf of our industry and the communities we serve.”

The IFIF represents the global feed industry, working with partners such as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to promote safe, sustainable and affordable animal nutrition. 

It also promotes science-based solutions, unified standards and innovation to support food security and sustainable livestock production worldwide.

Founded in 1909 as the American Feed Manufacturers Association, the AFIA is the world’s largest organization representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of the US animal food industry and its suppliers. 

Abinpet and IPB merger

In Brazil, Abinpet (the Brazilian Association of the Pet Products Industry) and IPB (Instituto Pet Brasil) announced their merger, creating a new entity under the name of Abempet (the Brazilian Association of Pet Companies).

While Abinpet represented the industry sector, IPB acted for the products and services sector. The new entity will encompass the entire chain, from manufacturing to commerce. 

In a statement, the new association says the decision comes at a crucial moment for the Brazilian market. 

“It was created with the purpose of being a catalyst for positive transformations, fostering dialogue, the exchange of experiences and the construction of a stronger and more competitive market on a national and international scale,” says José Edson Galvão de França, chairman of the Abempet board of directors.

“Our mission is to strengthen the sector with fairer taxation, support companies within the regulatory framework, stimulate business generation for our members and educate and raise consumer awareness about the value of our products,” he adds.