AQUA 2013 attracted two the biggest names in the industry for the first time. One was the Rolf C Hagen (UK), the British arm of the Canadian multinational booked the biggest stand at this year’s show. The other was Interpet who were supporting a dedicated trade show for the aquatics industry for the first time since 2008.

Explaining the reason to attend AQUA 2013, Paul Trott, Rolf C Hagen (UK)’s marketing manager, said: “Following the growing success of the show in recent years, we made the decision to support this important industry event in 2013; and we have done so in style! We have brought our latest aquatic, reptile and pond ranges and in true Hagen style we are exhibiting them on the largest stand at the show."

For Interpet’s commercial manager Jason Booker AQUA has become the prestige show for the aquatics industry. He added: “Interpet prides itself on market-leading aquatic innovation within its brands and AQUA is the perfect event to showcase this.”

The growing presence of international exhibitors highlights the importance of AQUA 2013 as a showcase for them meet UK buyers. Aquadip, the Dutch supplier of live and frozen fish foods and aquatic plants, continue to support the show as they have done since its inception in 2010. As their commercial director Joey Abrahams explained: “AQUA has been a great show for Aquadip . Previously we had exhibited at other shows in the UK but for us they were attracting the wrong audience as they were focusing too much on cats and dogs. We had been desperate for a quality aquatic trade show within the UK and AQUA has got all the categories we needed.

“We are exhibiting at AQUA 2013 because we currently serve many retail stores across the UK. A large number of those we supply receive their orders through a courier network, so we do not see them very often. The show is an ideal  opportunity to introduce to them newly-launched products and provide them with just that little extra information they need.”

Two American companies making their debut at AQUA 2013 are Brightwell Aquatics and OmegSeaLLC. The former are manufacturers of scientifically-formulated inorganic and organic supplements, as well as filtration media and synthetic sea salt, for use in aquaria by recreational and professional aquarists, while the latter are specialists in fish nutrition and care.

Chris Brightwell, the president of Brightwell Aquatics, said:  “The goal of attending AQUA 2013 is to establish contact with a greater number of retailers than those who are already aware of our product line, as well as speak to attendees about the company philosophy and the unparalleled quality of the products in our line, and how these aspects may be the crux of forming a mutually-beneficial business relationship between us and their retail operation.

“I am British by heritage and the UK market is particularly important to me.”

Certikin International are using AQUA 2013 to promote its own range of aquatics products and those of Heissner as they have recently signed an agreement to be the exclusive supplier of Heissner’s brand of pond, koi and decorative products to the UK aquatics market.

While the overseas companies made their mark at AQUA 2013, the cream of UK producers and suppliers have showed their continuing support for the event. Among them are ALF, Beaver Plants, Bermuda,Gordon Low,  NT Labs, Neil Hardy and  Peter Golding and FishScience make their debut with a range of high quality fish foods which are clearly labelled and focus on natural ingredients.

As well as researching products visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in an exciting seminar programme and they will also enjoy a free lunch, tea and coffee on both days.  They will also be able to sit back and relax at the Indian buffet dinner during the evening of October 9. Full details of how to book a place can be found online at www.aquatelford.co.uk.

Show organiser Annie Dyke said: “We are delighted that some many international companies are coming to AQUA 2013. It is proof that the show has established itself as the major showcase for the industry in the UK in such a short space of time. It is obviously meeting the needs of both the manufacturers and suppliers and the retail trade.

Speaking in his role as chairman of OATA Impact Exhibitions who run the show, Dr David Pool said: “I am very pleased to say we have the majority of the key companies in the UK aquatic trade exhibiting. The Aqua shows were set up by the aquatic trade for the aquatic trade. Once again we have made improvements to the exhibition based on feedback we received from both exhibitors and visitors.