The opening day of PATS Sandown has been hailed as a huge success by exhibitors, who unveiled an amazing array of products in two busy halls at Sandown Park.

It’s the first time the event has taken place on a Sunday and Monday in February, and the change of dates has worked wonders for the pet industry.

Exhibitors were particularly pleased with the quality of enquiries and orders generated from the many visitors who flocked into the show, and an upbeat atmosphere echoed throughout both the Surrey and Esher Halls.

The Golden Paste Company was one of more than 40 companies exhibiting at PATS Sandown for the first time, and managing director Janine Kell said: “The interest we’ve had from the retail industry has been phenomenal. We’ve been run off our feet, which is so exciting. We decided to do a big push on the pet market this year and coming to PATS has been the perfect start for us.”

Two other newcomers to the Sandown exhibition – Aquamat Chiller and Gravitis Pet Supplies – were equally ecstatic about the show’s day one success.

Aquamat Chiller director Alison Roberts said: “We haven’t stopped since we arrived at the show and what’s more the interest has come from independent retailers, which is the market we were aiming at.”

And Maris Gravitis commented: “So far it has been a very good show. Lots of people have been to our stand and we already have some strong orders. I am very happy to be here and excited about how it can help us to grow.”

Another success story on a memorable opening day was Marriages, who picked up a New Product Award. Sam Marriage, managing director of Marriages Specialist Foods, said: “PATS is a really important launchpad for us and we try to come to every single show with at least one new product. It’s really good that PATS supports us in the industry with these awards as it helps to keep innovation in the market.”

“PATS is the key show to come to for new business and to talk to our existing customers,” said Ryan Winwright, trade manager of Nutriment. “This is the first time it’s been on a Sunday and I think it’s really paid off. There are a lot more independents and pet boutiques that we haven’t really had access to until now. It’s been a great show and it’s only the first day.”

Inspired Pet Nutrition were the first company to book a stand with PATS in 2009 under the Wagg brand and have been attending ever since. Trade sales director Ben Anderson said: ‘”Wow, this year’s show has been brilliant so far. Moving the show to a Sunday has certainly brought out the independent retailers and added a new dimension to an already successful event.”

The show is also attracting lots of international interest. Belgian exhibitors Coucour brought their new Himalyan cheese dog snack to the UK market, and sales manager Jorge Aguilera said: “Congratulations to PATS. Your show is fantastic – we were just at a Paris show a month ago and in comparison the organisation here is so smooth. We’ve had a very enjoyable day.”

The first day of the show also got the thumbs-up from visiting retailers.

Laura Palmer, of Mutleys Pet Supplies, Swaffham, Norfolk, has been attending PATS exhibitions for nine years and she felt this year’s show had been the busiest. “There are lots of new exhibitors and a great variety of products being launched on to the market. As a retailer you must be here,” commented Laura.

And Susan Lynn, who is setting up a boutique pet shop in Hampshire, said: “This is an excellent show. We’re here sourcing unique items we might want to stock and there’s a great variety of specialist products, which is just what we were looking for.”

Garden centre buyers were also impressed with the first day of the show, with Planters of Tamworth’s Josh Winter saying: “It has been a fantastic day and well worth the trip down from the Midlands. I’m really impressed with all the new products being showcased.”

Grooming demonstrations and workshops returned to PATS Sandown after a two-year absence and created quite a buzz in the Esher Hall. Dog groomer Francis Worth of K9 Nanny, Epsom, commented: “This is my first visit to the show and I’m very impressed with the organisation and quality of the exhibitors. I’d give this exhibition a 5-star rating.”

Pictured: Marriages - taking small animal nutrition to a new dimension.

See Pet Trade Xtra Photo tour of PATS SANDOWN 2019 below...