Interview with Itziar González, co-owner of TUMASCOTA

With over 25 years of experience in the sector and thirteen centers open to the public, Tumascota has established itself as a leading retailer of specialized products and services for companion animals. With a multidisciplinary team comprised of biologists, veterinarians, assistants, chemists, and health and consulting experts, the company stands out for its commitment to innovation, professionalism, and customer service.

Two decades of experience at Iberzoo Propet.

Q-How many years have you been attending Iberzoo Propet as a professional visitor? How do you assess the evolution of the event during this time?

A- I've been attending Iberzoo Propet for around twenty years, practically since its inception, and I can say that the evolution has been very positive. The event has gone from being a promising meeting point to establishing itself as a key event in the sector's calendar. Today, it's a must-attend event for any professional who wants to stay connected with what's happening in the market. The fair has not only grown in size but also in the quality of exhibitors, content, and parallel activities, which reflects the significant maturity the sector has undergone over this time.

Q- What motivates you to visit Iberzoo Propet each year? Are you primarily looking to network, discover new products or services, or strengthen relationships with suppliers?

A- Motivation is, in reality, a combination of everything you mentioned. Iberzoo Propet is a place where you can take the pulse of the sector: see how it's beating, where it's headed, and the shared concerns of professionals and suppliers. The atmosphere is very meaningful, and I personally value the opportunity to maintain close, direct contact with suppliers with whom I normally only speak by email or phone. That face-to-face conversation always brings a different perspective. Furthermore, learning about new developments in both products and services is essential for us, because innovation not only helps us differentiate ourselves, but also improves what we offer our customers

A window to innovation.

Q- For a chain like Tumascota, how important is it to visit trade shows like Iberzoo Propet to find innovative products and services to supply its stores?

A- It's very important. The trade show offers us a unique opportunity to see new products from suppliers we already work with in one place and, at the same time, discover new ones that could become strategic partners. The presence of brands at the trade show conveys a wealth of information: how they present themselves, what solutions they emphasize, what trends they embrace... This insight allows us to anticipate changes and adapt before the market demands them.

Professional days that mark a before and after.

Q- In addition to the trade show, are you interested in the professional events and parallel activities held at Iberzoo Propet?

A- Increasingly so. We are experiencing a key moment with the entry into force of the Animal Welfare Law, which represents a true turning point for all of us in the sector. This forces us to rethink processes and commit to greater professionalization. The roundtables, analyses, and presentations by leading figures in the world of retail and marketing provide immense value. They are spaces where you not only receive information, but also reflect and share concerns with colleagues. In the end, all of this translates into a real improvement in how we work on a daily basis.

News and trends in a highly dynamic sector.

Q- In a market as dynamic as petcare, do you consider Iberzoo Propet an essential event to stay up-to-date on the latest developments?

A- Yes, although it's true that now, with digitalization, information flows much more quickly throughout the year. Suppliers and, sometimes, their sales teams already share many new developments with us on a continuous basis. However, the fair remains a privileged showcase. There you can see not only the products already available, but also prototypes or innovations that mark our direction. Touching, testing, and directly discussing a new product is different from simply reading a technical sheet.

Inspiration for your business strategy.

Q- How does your visit to the trade show influence the assortment, service, or trend strategy you later incorporate into Tumascota?

A- The trade show is that break from routine and allows you to calmly observe. Seeing trends, analyzing new assortments, or learning about innovative services forces you to reflect and, often, rethink things. This doesn't always translate into immediate changes, but it does translate into strategic adjustments that we then implement in our stores. That's what it's all about: evolving as the sector evolves.

The value of contacts.

Q- What do you value most when it comes to networking at the fair?

A- I value everything: the new suppliers who can bring fresh ideas, the established manufacturers who guarantee solidity, the international distributors who open new doors, and also the exchange with other colleagues. There's no single aspect that stands out above the rest, because the richness of the fair lies precisely in this diversity of interlocutors.

A local fair with added value.

Q- What other international trade shows do you visit besides Iberzoo Propet? What differences do you find between them and the Madrid event?

A- We usually attend Nuremberg, which is a world-class event. Obviously, its scale is unmatched, and it's held every two years. However, Iberzoo Propet has something that makes it special: it's more accessible, more personal in its approach and dynamics, and it offers professional workshops that provide added value that's highly focused on the national situation. This combination means that, although they are very different trade shows, both are essential for us.

Future expectations.

Q- Looking to the future, what are your expectations for Iberzoo Propet?

A- I think the path it's taking is the right one. The evolution of professional events has been very significant: they're more crowded each year, and interest continues to grow. That speaks for itself. The combination of highly relevant suppliers with sessions that address the most current topics in the sector makes Iberzoo Propet an essential event. What I'd like is for it to continue strengthening this dual aspect: the commercial aspect, which is essential, and the training aspect, which provides us with more tools to improve our companies each year.