Ottawa, Canada – The Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA) is proud to announce that Fausto Fiorini has been named the inaugural recipient of the GAPFA Distinguished Service Award, presented during the GAPFA Technical Congress and 12th General Assembly in Ottawa, Canada.

The GAPFA Distinguished Service Award recognises individuals who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to advancing GAPFA’s mission and the global pet food sector through outstanding leadership, service and commitment.

Fausto Fiorini was selected as the inaugural recipient in recognition of his exceptional leadership as Co-Chair of the GAPFA Food Safety & Trade Facilitation Workstream from 2018 to 2026. During this time, he played a pivotal role in advancing GAPFA’s global food safety agenda and reinforcing its position as the global voice of the pet food industry. Fausto is the Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Lead for LATAM for Nestlé Purina PetCare and has held various leadership roles in the Brazilian Pet Food Association.

Throughout his eight years of leadership, Fausto was instrumental in advancing GAPFA’s engagement with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and championing science-based approaches to animal health, pet food safety and international trade. His expertise, strategic vision and collaborative approach helped build trusted relationships with international organisations and regulatory authorities, enhancing GAPFA’s influence on issues of global importance.

Among his many contributions, Fausto led the development of the GAPFA Safe Commodity Status Gap Analysis, a landmark initiative that has provided the foundation for evidence-based dialogue with WOAH and other international stakeholders on science-based approaches to facilitating the safe international trade of pet food. His work has helped advance science-based policies that support both animal health and global trade.

Presenting the award, Loretta Hunter, outgoing GAPFA President, highlighted Fausto’s longstanding commitment to the Alliance:

“Fausto’s leadership, expertise and unwavering commitment have made an extraordinary contribution to GAPFA and to the global pet food sector. Through his collaborative approach and dedication to science-based solutions, he has helped shape GAPFA’s engagement with international organisations and strengthened our voice on the global stage. It is a privilege to recognise his remarkable service and lasting legacy as the inaugural recipient of the GAPFA Distinguished Service Award.”

The award was presented during the GAPFA Technical Congress, held in Ottawa, Canada, on 23 June 2026, where more than 80 delegates from around the world gathered to discuss the scientific, technical and regulatory issues shaping the future of the global pet food sector.

About GAPFA

The Global Alliance of Pet Food Associations (GAPFA) is a non-profit organization established in Belgium in 2014, representing pet food manufacturers globally. GAPFA’s vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of pets globally through access to safe, nutritious and sustainable pet food. The Alliance works to promote adherence to food safety and nutritional standards enabling manufacturers to deliver wholesome, healthy and nutritious prepared pet foods; to promote the feeding of prepared pet food to support the health and wellbeing of pets; and to develop and disseminate educational resources which highlight and enhance the benefits of human pet interaction. For further information, please visit www.gapfa.org or contact the Secretariat at info@gapfa.org.