The Technical Congress and Annual Meetings 2019 of the Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA) were held in Mexico City from 29^th October to 31^st October, hosted by AMASCOTA.

The GAPFA Technical Congress participants were presented with an overview of pet food regulations in Mexico made by Dr Teresa Cervantes from SENASICA, including highlights about pet food penetration campaign in Mexico presented by Mrs Zerene Kahan Oblatt & Mr. Nicolás Torino (Amascota – CONAFAB). In addition, the participants welcomed Mr Dewey Warner from Euromonitor, who provided insights about the new generation of pet owners transforming the industry. Finally, a speaker from SSAFE, Mr Quincy Lissaur, provided an overview of the organisation, the current projects & initiatives and explored possibilities for collaboration. 

GAPFA member associations presented their country/regional reports about their current and future activities and emerging issues. 

GAPFA achievements in 2019 include: 
•    enhanced cooperation with OIE on key issues such as OIE Chapter review and cooperation on the World Rabies Day; 
•    publication of GAPFA policy statement in support of cross-border trade; 
•    creation of new GAPFA website including development of the following new content:
     o    a catalogue of benefits of pet ownership
     o    stories from GAPFA members regarding community engagement work
•    publication of article ‘About GAPFA’ in PETS International.

The following GAPFA Officers were re-elected by the GAPFA General Assembly to serve another term until the next elections in 2020: Dave Corley (Nestlé Purina PetCare) as GAPFA President, Robert Kaczmarek (FEDIAF (Mars Petcare)) as GAPFA Vice-President for Member Associations, and Carlos Gonzalez (Hill’s Pet Nutrition) as GAPFA Vice-President for Member Companies.