FEDIAF elects Greg Van Praagh as new president

FEDIAF has named Greg Van Praagh as its new president, handing leadership of Europe’s main pet food industry federation to a figure with roots in both trade association advocacy and raw pet food manufacturing. The election took place at the association’s General Assembly in Brussels on June 10, 2026, with Van Praagh succeeding Rosa Carbonell, who had led FEDIAF since 2022. (europeanpetfood.org)

The move comes at a consequential time for the European pet food sector. In its announcement, FEDIAF described Carbonell’s tenure as a period of “significant regulatory and societal transformation,” during which the group deepened ties with European regulators and emphasized a science-based approach to policy. That matters because FEDIAF is not a niche trade body: it represents 16 national pet food associations across 19 European countries, plus five manufacturers operating in Europe, and says its work is aimed at ensuring safe, nutritious, and palatable pet food for Europe’s 306 million pets. (europeanpetfood.org)

Van Praagh brings a profile that blends manufacturing, association leadership, and policy engagement. FEDIAF said he co-founded Benyfit Natural, a commercial raw pet food brand now part of the Snellman family, and later served as managing director and then head of UK and Europe at the Real Pet Food Company. The federation also noted that he chaired the UK’s Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, now UK Pet Food, where he helped lead the group’s rebrand and modernization, and that he has served on the FEDIAF board since 2024. UK Pet Food materials also show him in a sustainability co-chair role, suggesting he has already been active on one of the sector’s more politically sensitive issues. (europeanpetfood.org)

In his first statement as president, Van Praagh said his focus will be on a regulatory environment that allows innovation to flourish while maintaining “the highest standards of safety and nutrition.” FEDIAF paired that message with a broader board refresh: Carbonell will stay on as vice-president, Christophe Carlier was confirmed as a board member, Dr. Katrin Langner joined the board, and Robin van den Bruinhorst was elected vice-president. That mix suggests continuity in Brussels-facing advocacy, even as the federation changes leadership. (europeanpetfood.org)

Direct outside reaction was limited in the immediate coverage reviewed, but the industry framing is consistent. FEDIAF emphasized Van Praagh’s experience in regulatory engagement, while Rosa Carbonell said he brings “deep industry knowledge” and a “proven track record of effective advocacy.” Separately, UK Pet Food documents position him as a voice on sustainability and standards, two areas that increasingly shape both industry operations and veterinary conversations with pet parents. (europeanpetfood.org)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this is less about a routine board change and more about who will help frame the industry’s regulatory posture in Europe. FEDIAF’s guidance and advocacy can influence debates around nutritional adequacy, ingredient sourcing, sustainability claims, and the oversight environment for conventional and raw products alike. Van Praagh’s ties to a raw pet food brand may draw particular attention from clinicians, given the longstanding veterinary concerns around pathogen risk, handling, and evidence standards in raw feeding discussions. At the same time, his public emphasis on safety, nutrition, and innovation signals that FEDIAF is likely to keep arguing for a science-based but commercially flexible policy framework. That could affect how manufacturers communicate with veterinarians and pet parents, especially as EU scrutiny of food systems, labeling, and sustainability continues to evolve. (europeanpetfood.org)

What to watch: The next marker will be whether FEDIAF under Van Praagh translates this leadership change into new public positions, guidance, or lobbying priorities on EU regulation, sustainability, and category innovation over the coming months. (europeanpetfood.org)