The PetQuip group of UK exhibitors at Global Pet Expo gave the giant trade show a massive thumbs up as they flew back across the Atlantic with new deals and relationships secured.

Eleven companies in total exhibited at the event as a result of a trip organised by PetQuip, and all agreed that it had been a successful operation.

Hilton Herbs have exhibited at Global Pet Expo four times in the past and described this year's event as the "best US show we have ever had." In their view this was the year they had made the breakthrough. They had made contacts with US retailers, some of which could ultimately become distributors in America. The company also saw potential customers from Taiwan, South Korea, Chile, Ireland and Germany.

Stephen Turner of Animology described the show as a triumph. With the stand being so busy on the first morning, the show had exceeded his expectations by around 1.15pm. Many of the contacts were new, but Animology also benefitted by having previously seen some companies when taking part in previously organised PetQuip groups at Interzoo and Zoomark. Stephen believed the continuity of being seen by key buyers at different international shows was part of their success and plans to be at Global Pet Expo again next year.

"Incredibly successful" was how Mike Dixon of Hing Designs described the show. He is now hopeful he has found a partner that will provide the distribution network they need in the US.

Carina Evans at Dog Rocks described the quality of leads as incredible while Jo Lapidge at Litter Kwitter was really pleased with the response to her products from potential customers from Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Mexico and Venezuela.

Profleece's Bob Forster and Conal Cunningham of Baggee Ltd were both impressed with the quality of the buyers at the show, and were confident their meetings would lead to overseas orders.



Conal said: "We came to America to introduce our product, the Doggee, to a new market and found ourselves talking immediately to some of the biggest players. We feel that we really made an impact and are very excited with some of the prospective deals currently now in discussion."

The four other companies in Petquip's UK contingent – Classic Pet products, Pet Rebellion, Byotrol and Scruffs – all reported securing decent leads and contacts.

Classic Pet Products found the show to be very useful for gaining market intelligence and gaining ways for the company to approach the US market with its specialist small animal drinking bottles.

"Global Pet Expo may not attract the same huge numbers of visitors as an Interzoo or the big consumer shows, but the visitors are all pre-qualified trade buyers, so the vast majority of conversations are with key retailers and distributors," said Charlie Parker, PetQuip's Commercial Manager.

"The show is also very international with attendees from across North, Central and South America and beyond."

PetQuip plans to take a British group to the next edition of Global Pet Expo, which will take place from 12-14 March 2014 in Orlando.

For more information on PetQuip visit www.petquip.com