An on-site survey carried out by the PetQuip association at the close of the Zoomark international pet product trade exhibition held in Bologna confirmed that the British group of exhibitors had made major inroads into many important export markets.
The survey highlighted that the UK suppliers had welcomed buyers from 53 countries to their stands during the four days of the show In addition to the numerous positive enquiries received, firm orders had been cemented before the exhibition closed. For example, Hugo Kamishi secured orders from Italy and Greece, Howler & Scratch attracted orders from Malta and Austria and Armitage took new distributor orders from Greece and Iran.
The high number of overseas buyers visiting the British pet industry stand, organised and manned by PetQuip, echoed the experiences of the UK suppliers.
PetQuip’s director general, Amanda Sizer Barrett said; “A total of 62 buyers from all continents held discussions with the federation’s team and the leads resulting from these discussions will be passed on to the relevant British suppliers.
"The buyers came from 20 European countries as well as from as far away as Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Dubai and China. We expect far more new UK exports to be secured from this event to follow, since these initial reports of successes achieved by the UK contingent were gathered prior to leaving the show, so represent only a small selection of the UK exhibitors.
"We expect to hear many more positive stories and that the actual export orders received will grow as firms follow up on the numerous enquiries received.
"Zoomark has become a firm fixture on the PetQuip international event calendar, and this year we organised a record total of pet product suppliers within the group, all keen to expand their international sales territories.”
Gordon Thomas of the UK pet product trade exhibition PATS is a frequent exhibitor at Zoomark within the British pavilion.
He confirmed he had received a good number of new enquiries from overseas buyers requesting information on visiting PATS Telford in September; among the international buyers already signed up to visit the show in the UK this year and meet UK potential suppliers are retailers and distributors from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark and Spain.
The British group at Zoomark 2017 in pictures:
Emma Greenlees of TastyBone with the company’s new peanut butter range and toy trio. Emma was pleased to have seen buyers from Poland and China early on the first day.
Martin Hodson and Rachel Pearce of ChickenGuard with their automatic chicken coop door openers. The company was following up on its export successes achieved as part of the PetQuip-organised group at Global Pet Expo in Florida.
Vitalin showcased its new British-made Super Premium Cat Food range which includes Kitten, Adult Cat with British Chicken and Adult Cat Scottish Salmon. Pictured on the stand is Sean Cox.
Paul Conquest, managing director of Eden Holistic Pet Foods, introduced the company’s Cuisine range of pet food with natural ingredients and no grain. Eden also supplies nutritional supplements which aid a dog’s digestion, joints, skin and coat.
From left to right: Lizzie Mosley, Lizzie Masters and Naomi Bryan, part of the Hug Rug Phoenox Textiles team. The company was displaying its Howler & Scratch machine washable, anti -bacterial, eco friendly recycled mats for the pet industry. The products are designed and made in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Richard Fry, managing director of Micro-ID, exhibiting the Mishiko smart pet collar, a GPS and activity tracker in one. Users of the animal identification scanners always know where their pet is by monitoring their progress on a smart phone App.
Tyler Freedman from Loc8tor Ltd launched the company’s Tabcat Safe and Found at Zoomark. The radio frequency cat tracking device proved to be popular in the Italian market.
Kevin Barton, managing director of ALF Ltd, which markets the Hugo Kamishi range for aquariums. New products available at the show included freeze dried snails and the food sticks range of Cichlid, Veggie, Shrimp and Carnivore.
Ben Mankertz, commercial manager for Fold Hill Foods, manufacturer of the Laughing Dog range of treats and mixer meals, was showcasing the company’s Christmas offers at Zoomark. Fold Hill’s decorative gift offers have proved to be very popular in the past and new offers are available upon request.
PetQuip provided the opportunity for the UK exhibitors and other guests to participate in some relaxed networking during a reception on the British pavilion at Zoomark.
Companies wishing to learn more about the comprehensive range of services offered by PetQuip to UK suppliers of petcare products should contact the association on +44 (0) 44 1959 565995, email: info@petquip.com or visit the PetQuip website on www.petquip.com
