The pet trade has given PATS Sandown a massive thumbs-up with exhibitors and visitors agreeing it had been one of the best ever in the show’s nine-year history.

A total of 1,917 retailers and buyers visited the show, representing an increase of 3% on the number who attended PATS Sandown 2016.

The successful show closed with visitors and exhibitors agreeing it had been a huge success, with the event delivering an unrivalled platform for the launch of hundreds of exciting new pet product innovations.

The New Product Showcase was a busy area throughout the event, and retailers admitted they were spoiled for choice as they decided on which items to stock in their stores for the year ahead.

Exhibitors agreed the quality of visitors to their stands was exceptional this year, and felt there was a greater degree of confidence being shown.

Natures Menu’s Peter Roy said his company had experienced a brilliant show, selling over 150 freezers for their raw food products. “We’ve been flat out for the whole two days,” he admitted.

Toby Massey, co-founder of award-winning Beco Pets, said: "This year was another highly successful PATS for us, our best yet, eclipsing last year's sales, especially from the independent pet food specialist market. We took double the numbers of orders from independents, which we can only be put down to strong positive moves in the market.”

SnuggleSafe were attending their first PATS Sandown and were ecstatic to win a New Product Award with their ‘I’ll Eat My Hat’ product for small animals. Chris Kavallares said: “The response from visitors has been fantastic,” while his wife Nicky commented: “This is the best and friendliest show I’ve ever attended.”

Ken MacKinnon, of K9 Dogwash, was in agreement, saying: “This has got to be one of the best shows I’ve experienced, and I’m very happy with the response.”

Beaphar were celebrating their 75^th anniversary and the occasion drew lots of visitors to their stand. “We’ve had a great show and we’re so pleased to have marked our birthday at PATS Sandown,” said Vicky Le Fanu.

Steve Lodge, of Hertford Shelving, said: “The show has fulfilled all my expectations. It’s the perfect place to meet new and old customers, and there is always a buzz about the place.”

And Suzanne Rothman, of Pet Munchies, reported good business on her stand with an impressive amount of orders taken. “The quality of people we’ve met has been excellent.”

The mood amongst visitors was summed up by Gemma Moore, a pet buyer at Longacres Garden Centre, who said: “PATS Sandown is a must-visit event for our team. It’s an opportunity to see all the new launches under one roof and talk to important people in the industry.”

Kent Harvey, managing director of Natural Pet Remedies, said: “This is the first time I’ve visited the show and I’m impressed with the diversity of all the products. There is so much to see.”

Richard Perfitt, of Harleston and Bungay Pet Stores, has been in the pet industry for 20 years and he sees PATS as a great place for networking. “If you have an interest in the pet trade, then you have to come to PATS.”

Organiser Annie Foord said: “We love running this show for the pet industry so it is fantastic to hear that exhibitors and visitors have experienced a brilliant show.”

Date for the diary
PATS Telford takes place on September 24-25, 2017.