A 62-strong group of British pet care firms made up the largest ever contingent of exhibitors on the British pavilion at Interzoo 2016.

Commenting on the success of the show for the UK companies who launched numerous new and innovative products, PetQuip’s director general Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “The show organisers have announced that this year’s Interzoo was the largest in its history, with about 39,000 trade visitors from more than 90 countries. This represents a 5% increase on the previous year. 

"Once again, we found that many of the major international buyers were attracted to the UK stands. This was helped by the excellent location of the main British Pavilion, which was positioned near the entrance to the show. 

"The variety and quality of the British products proved popular with show visitors and, in addition to actual export orders received at the show, we are confident that the numerous leads received will be converted into actual sales.”

On the British pet industry information stand, organised and manned by PetQuip, the visiting buyers included many from the main European markets including several from Portugal and Spain, as well as some smaller markets such as Macedonia, Cyprus, Estonia, Lithuania and Slovakia. 

From further afield, distributors and retailers from markets such as Russia, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Kenya, Egypt, India and even the Seychelles were seen. 

There were also a number of buyers from the Middle East including several from Dubai, and also from markets such as Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan.  Several of the meetings that took place have already generated sales leads for PetQuip member companies as well as providing potential contacts for future ‘Meet the Buyers’ events to be held by PetQuip in the UK.

Details of some of the latest products to be launched and early reactions from the British exhibitors are as follows:

• Howler & Scratch made its Interzoo debut and received new orders from Malta, Germany and the UK, as well as 127 sales leads from all over the world.  Tracy Turczak, the international sales director for Howler & Scratch, a division of Phoenox Textiles said: “We’re thrilled with the response to our first visit here.  Phoenox Textiles has been manufacturing in the UK for 60 years and the new line of rugs for ‘soggy moggies and muddy puppies’, with its hard wearing, super absorbent soft pile that is washable at 30 degrees, has been an instant hit."

• Hing Designs exhibited itsnew display stands for both the Dome Bowl and Bone Bowl for the first time at Interzoo, and John Dixon, a director of Hing, Fressnapf confirmed its orders at the show.  “Being part of the British Pavilion attracted quality leads and we had a great show.  We met with leading pet retailers in the US and Europe and made some very good contacts in Eastern Europe,” said John.

• Benevo vegan pet foodwas featured in the local German press and this proved to be a draw for many of the German retailers. The company also received good enquiries from Spain and Croatia.

• Poo Guard exhibited at Interzoo for the first time, and Kevan Norton from the company was happy with the level of interest expressed by retailers worldwide in Poo Guard, which  kills viruses and bacteria left behind by dog poo. He stated that buyers from at least 20 different countries have been on the stand, illustrating how important this type of product is for the market.

• PetTime launched a new communication system for dogs that consists of a wireless hub comprising a camera, microphone and treat dispenser that enables the owner to see and speak with the pet when they are left at home alone. The tagline is ‘PetTime, anytime’.“We have had particularly good leads from Italy and Japan,” said Keith Wiggins.

• Oggie’s Oven unveiled TheTrikka, a two-in-one training clicker and treat dispenser that was hailed as an industry first by many who visited the stand.  Training clickers are a tried and tested method of training a dog.  A ‘click’ followed by an immediate treat after good behaviour means the dog associates the click with a reward.  The Trikka allows the handler to click and dispense a treat in one action.  The dual button system, red for a click, brown for a treat, allows both functions to be performed independently if needed.  The Trikka is supplied with 30g of chicken and sweet potato treats in a presentation box.

• Source Pet Health launched a new range of natural pet supplements that contain no artificial preservatives or flavourings.  The dosing is made simple by using a unique twist- off ampoule.  The product is suitable for both large and small dogs and helps joint mobility, the immune system and skin and coat.  Mike Dixon of Source Pet Health said:”The product has been a long time in planning and I feel very emotional about being able to launch these products; the whole project means a lot to me. The response has been tremendous."

• Pooch & Mutt also drew much attention from world buyers for its new 75% meat treats that are available in duck, chicken and salmon flavours.

• Barking Heads displayed brand new packaging for the Barking Heads and the AATU ranges, as well as a new range of treats. The range comprises new Bailey Bites with five titles including Love Hugs.  There are also handmade, oven baked and gluten free puppy treats, called Milkies.  The new AATU range includes five flavours of oven- baked single protein treats available in 150g handy pouches.

• Akela Wholeprey introduced complete wet foods for dogs.  Contained in handy tins, the products are grain-free, gluten-free, hypoallergenic and vet approved. Also new is Suffolk Duck, an 80/20 meat/vegetable product that has received a 5-star rating by the Which magazine.Akela also produces food for cats and ferrets.

• Symply, Canagan and Piccolo exhibited itspremium nutrition for cats and dogs, andcemented deals with several leading retailers across three continents.  Company owner Eddie Milbourne was understandably pleased with his four days at Interzoo and also complimented PetQuip on the organisation of the British Pavilion.  He said: “I wouldn’t know where to start when organising something like this.  Thank you for what you have done; we have had an excellent show."

“The potential for British exporters of pet products and accessories around the world is huge," Amanda Sizer Barrett confirms.

“More than 40 per cent of German households own a pet, which is why so many retailers flock to Interzoo and other such major trade events. 

"In addition, European households in general own more than 285 million pets with major markets being Russia, Italy and France. In fact, the overall European market grew by 1.6 per cent in 2015, with the global market for pet care rising to 92 billion euros in 2015. We will be pleased to help any UK pet product firm that wants to tap into this expanding export sector.”

The next major international petcare trade shows where PetQuip will be organising British pavilions of UK suppliers’ stands will be Global Pet Expo in Orlando from 22 to 24 March 2017 and then Zoomark in Bologna, Italy from 11 to 14 May 2017. 

Companies interested in learning more about the opportunities that these exhibitions offer to exporters, or the comprehensive range of export advice, market research, sales leads, international publicity for your products and practical export support available exclusively to member companies of PetQuip, should contact any of the PetQuip team on +44 (0) 1959 565995; e-mail: info@petquip.com  or visit  www.petquip.com