A record number of UK suppliers of pet care products are exhibiting their latest innovations in the British pavilion at Zoomark 2013, which is being held in Bologna, Italy, from May 9-12.

The British group is being organised by the PetQuip association for the fourth time at the biennial Zoomark trade fair and all of the eligible companies in the 15-strong group are receiving £1,400 UK government grants to help them offset the cost of stand space and construction.

Commenting on the increase in exhibitors since the last event, the director general of Pet Quip, Amanda Sizer Barrett (left) said: “Many of this year’s exhibitors have been encouraged by the positive sales successes of British exhibitors at previous Zoomark fairs and at other overseas trade fairs for the pet sector that have been attended by PetQuip-organised groups.

"Growth in export sales has proved to be the lifeblood for many of the association’s members in recent years and Italy has vibrant pet sector that offers considerable potential for UK exporters.”

The exhibitors in the British Pavilion are:

Animology (Hall 22, British pavilion – B21) is showing its award-winning dog shampoos and sprays, and is planning to unveil its next product programme at Zoomark. The shampoo and spray items in the range give excellent cleaning results and are used by professional groomers, champion show dog owners and pet owners. The products are sold in more than 30 countries and are trusted by millions of pet owners around the world to provide the very best for their pets.

Barking Heads & Meowing Heads (Hall 22, British pavilion – C24) is a range of premium nutritious diets that include a meat or fish content in excess of 50 per cent making them suitable for both cats and dogs. The Barking Heads range has been developed to provide the very best in nutrition, using only natural ingredients that exclude the use of synthetic chemicals, preservatives or colourings. The range is being extended at Zoomark to include new products for larger breeds.

Crate Ideas & Designs Ltd (Hall 22, British pavilion – B25) is adding three new brands to its range of dog crate covers, crate bumpers, and crate beds. The items are designed for front or side opening crates and produced from 100 per cent cotton designer fabrics, fully lined with cream poly/cotton fabric. The beds and bumpers have soft non-allergic hollow-fibre fillings and the zipped bed covers are easily removed and machine washable. The products are available as individual items or in sets. Also on show is a range of dog beds and accessories made from crypton fabric, dog bowls, elevated feeding dishes, treat jars and pet dining tables.

Fisherman’s Daughter (Hall 22, British pavilion – B23) is a completely new brand of dog feeds and treats that is making its debut at Zoomark. All of the products use Padina Pavonica, which is a form of algae grown on the sea-bed. It has been used for many years in human nutreceutical and cosmetics and for veterinary purposes to help to regenerate cells, build bones and joints and renew skin. The range includes salmon and potato complete dry food for dogs, salmon cookies and Scottish salmon oil. There are also fish skin dog treats that are made from 100 per cent fish.

Get Off (Hall 22, British pavilion – C28) is a range of cat and dog repellents produced by Spotless Punch Limited. The range conforms to EC Biocides Directive 98/8/EU. Get Off animal repellents offer a highly effective means of deterring even the most persistent cats and dogs. Also on show is the Get Off Scatter Crystals that are a ‘jelly-like’ substance for use on lawns and flowerbeds; the Get Off Spray that prevents indoor or outdoor territorial marking; and Wash & Get Off Spray’s unique 2-in-1 formulation that cleans, neutralises and deters repeat soiling.

Hing Designs (Hall 22, British pavilion – C20) offers the design-conscious pet owner a range of stylish feeding devices for cats and dogs. The range consists of The Bone Bowl (small and large sizes available) and The Fish Bowl, both of which are available in seven colours to complement any decor. Features include non-slip rubber feet, a wipe clean body and dishwasher safe removable stainless steel bowls. The Dome Bowl, a patent protected non-tip feeding device for small mammals, is being shown for the first time at Zoomark.

James & Steel Ltd (Hall 22, British pavilion – B31) is adding to its range of pet accessories with the introduction of a new 100 per cent natural, eco-friendly clumping cat litter, called GreenCat. Made from corn husks, GreenCat is dust free, odour eliminating and can be flushed away for easy cleaning. Also new at Zoomark is Medi Pet, a complete range of cat and dog grooming products and flea repellents. Other new products include household cleaning products, dog and cat toys, wild bird feeders and a new bright range of toys for indoor birds.

Lily’s Kitchen (Hall 22, British pavilion – B29) is exhibiting its range of natural and organic foods for dogs and cats, and is launching ‘Breakfast Crunch’, a baked complete food for dogs. All of the recipes are made using the best quality ingredients without resorting to meat meal, animal derivatives, fillers or flavourings. The main ingredients comprise fresh meat, fruit, vegetables and a blend of botanical herbs. Lily’s Kitchen is also showing a range of innovative products including grain-free and meat meal-free dry recipes for dogs and cats.

Litter Kwitter (Hall 22, British pavilion – B27) is launching PET DINER™, a new range of automated pet feeders that enable a pet to be fed when the owner is not present. The feeders are programmable with up to four meals per day over 28 days. The PET DINER’s digital timing mechanisms make sure pets dine at the allotted time. Also on show is the Litter Kwitter, a device to help people train their cats to use a human toilet. The product comprises a special white base plate (like an oversized toilet seat) plus 3 colour-coded training discs.

Loc8tor (Hall 22, British pavilion – B19) is showing its range of pet locating and tracking devices that focus principally on cats, dogs, tortoises and horses. Being launched and demonstrated for the first time at Zoomark will be a new Loc8tor Bluetooth Tag. This tiny 5 gram tag can be paired with a smartphone and be used to find a pet in the immediate vicinity. It will also indicate when the pet is in close proximity and inform the owner if the pet is outside and requires letting in. Also on show is the Loc8tor GPS that enables a lost dog to be tracked online and a credit card sized cat locating device.

Long Paws (Hall 22, British pavilion – C26) is showing its pet water bottle, packable dog rain coats, collars and leashes. The design of the stainless steel pet water bottle ensures that it releases water when licked by a dog. The bottle is leak proof and is perfect for carrying a dog’s water when the owner is out walking. The company’s MacPAWS range of packable dog raincoats that fold into a pouch which attaches to a leash is also being shown. The raincoat is available in a large selection of sizes, and designs include a Union Jack inspired Jack Splat range.

Pet Rebellion (Hall 22, British pavilion – B17A) is showing its practical pet rugs and absorbent food mats. The pet rugs act as a barrier to prevent muddy paw prints spreading throughout the home. They have a non-slip gripping backing, which works efficiently on all types of floors, including tiles and wood. The mats are available in four sizes and runner lengths and are machine washable. Also in the range are rugs that have been designed to fit into the boot of a car. A range of absorbent food mats is also on show, and these are available in three sizes, small dog/cat, medium dog and giant size.

Pet Quip (Hall 22, Stand C32) is the UK-based International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers. The association is organising the British group of exhibitors for the fourth time at Zoomark and has a British pet care industry information stand in the British pavilion, which is in a prime location within the show. The PetQuip team assists and promotes the development of international trade in the pet equipment sector.

ROK Straps Europe (Hall 22, British pavilion – C30) is displaying its new ROK stretch dog leads and accessories. The leads are made from a solid natural rubber core and tight nylon outer braid. Unlike recoil leads, they allow the handler to be in control at all times, making them ideal for training. The leads are also chew-resistant and are available in seven colours and in four different sizes. Several new additions to the range, including matching collars and couplers, will be launched at Zoomark.

Symply Pet Foods Limited (Hall 22, British pavilion – B17) is introducing a new Canagan Grain-Free range of dog and cat feeds. As trends in dog and cat foods move towards a more natural diet, the Canagan brand has become particularly popular in the UK. Dogs obtain the majority of their nutritional needs from meat sources, with the remainder coming from fruits and vegetables, and Canagan matches this ratio perfectly, therefore providing a well balanced diet.

The TastyBone Company Ltd (Hall 22, British pavilion – C18) is introducing two new additions to its range of nylon, rubber and edible chews at Zoomark. Due to popular demand, an additional four flavours have been added to the Gourmet Edible range. A new ‘Nylon Dental Bone’ is also being launched, which is a uniquely shaped bone that has been formulated with massage rings to help reduce plaque and tartar. Completing the display will be a selection of play toys.

Further information is available from Emma Lewis or Theresa Swann at PetQuip (the International Trade Association of Pet Equipment Suppliers), The White House, High Street, Brasted, Kent, TN16 1JE, UK. Telephone:  01959 565995, email: info@petquip.com or visit www.petquip.com

Below: A selection of products the British exhibitors will be showing...