This January, we reunited for the VAFO Family Meet Up Vol. 2, our much-anticipated annual tradition of connecting with colleagues from across Europe. With over 100 attendees from 9 countries, we spent three incredible days sharing ideas, celebrating achievements, and looking ahead to an exciting future.
The vibe was everything you’d expect from the VAFO family: warm, lively, and packed with meaningful conversations. From strategy discussions and inspiring presentations—both internal and external—to coffee breaks filled with laughter, this gathering was all about strengthening the bonds that make our culture so special.
The conference opened with a warm welcome from Pavel Bouška, Chairman of the Board at VAFO Group, who delivered an inspiring and motivational speech to kick off 2025. Throughout the event, we were fortunate to hear from industry experts. Mika Sutinen (Former CEO of Musti Group) shared his thoughts on what successful leadership will require in the coming years, and Alfred Glander (Former CEO of Fressnapf) offered insights into the transformation of retail. Kantar brought us the latest trends and opportunities in the cat category, sparking new ideas for growth.
The event was also a chance to celebrate new members of the VAFO family. We welcomed Dagsmark, the Finnish brand that joined us in 2024, bringing a wet food factory into the group. We also celebrated the addition of PetCo, a company from Vienna that brings its own unique brands and energy to VAFO.
Stories, Innovation, and Connection
Adding a personal touch, Katharina from PetCo shared her journey with her YouTube project, Kathis Tierwelt (Kathy’s World), giving us a glimpse into how creativity and passion can connect with audiences in unique ways.
A major highlight of the event was the sneak peek at production novelties, presented by Karolína Čápová, Head of Product at VAFO Group, and Milan Jeřábek, Supply Chain Director at VAFO Group. The innovations sparked lively discussions and fuelled excitement about what’s ahead for the VAFO family.
We wrapped up these inspiring days with a collaborative workshop on the final day, which was a true testament to the creativity and teamwork that define us as a company. It brought out the best in everyone, sparking fresh ideas and leaving us all inspired for the future.
The VAFO Family Meet Up isn’t just a conference…. it’s a celebration of the connections we share, the passion we bring to our work, and the exciting opportunities ahead. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event so meaningful.
